The ‘Potential Encounter Form’ is designed to provide creators with a structured and detailed framework to develop engaging encounters within narratives or games.
Following the established trend from the Story/Game form, this template plans to include external resources for each field to assist creators in crafting detailed, immersive, and coherent scenarios. With future intentions to compile and offer internal resources within the H-CAT site, this approach aims to support creators by centralizing tools and information, enhancing the creation process, and enriching the overall storytelling or gameplay experience.
1. Introduction and Treatment Draft
• Brief overview of the encounter’s role within the larger narrative or game.
• Initial setup or scenario leading into the encounter.
2. Character Introduction
Main Characters:
• Name
• Class/Role
• Character Biography
• Personal Quest
• Stats (if applicable for TTRPGs or games with stat-based mechanics)
Side Characters (NPCs):
• Name
• Class/Role
• Relationship to Main Characters (ally, enemy, neutral)
• Brief Background
3. Setting/Environment
• Description of the location or environment where the encounter takes place.
• Notable features of the environment and how it affects characters and gameplay.
• Historical or thematic significance of the setting.
4. Encounter Objectives
• Quest Name
• Quest Difficulty
• Objective: The goal the characters aim to achieve during the encounter.
• Description: A detailed account of what the encounter involves.
5. Challenges and Dynamics
• The main challenges or obstacles the characters will face during the encounter.
• Pacing and flow of the encounter, including potential twists or surprises.
6. Rewards and Consequences
• Detailed outcomes based on player actions and decisions.
• Rewards (e.g., loot, experience points, allies) and consequences that affect the story’s future direction.
7. Story Relevance
• Explanation of how the encounter advances the plot, develops characters, or enriches the game world.
8. Additional Elements
• Conflict, Themes, Tone and Mood: Additional narrative elements that enrich the encounter.
• Foreshadowing and Symbolism: Elements that add depth and complexity.
• Dialogue: Character interactions that reveal personality traits and advance the plot.
• Point of View and Backstory: Perspectives and histories that influence perception and motivation.
• World-building: Details on the broader world that enhance immersion.
• Character Development: How characters change or grow as a result of the encounter.
9. Game Mechanics
• Description of gameplay mechanics specific to the encounter, such as interactive animation gameplay.
• How these mechanics influence player engagement and interaction with the encounter.
This structure provides a detailed blueprint for designing encounters, ensuring they are engaging, meaningful, and seamlessly integrated into the larger narrative or game. Each section contributes to creating a rich, immersive experience that encourages players or audiences to invest in the story and characters.
Is there anything you would change, suggest, recommend, etc? Any feedback is appreciated!