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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kzach" data-source="post: 4714439" data-attributes="member: 56189">I'm currently piecing together a campaign and decided that I really want it to be an involving story. So I hit upon the idea of using screenwriting act structure. I'm sure it's not an original idea, but I did think it would make an interesting topic for discussion.For reference purposes, I did a little write-up. It's not a 100% accurate as I'm going mostly off of memory from Syd Fields and Robert McKee books I read years ago. Feel free to correct it or add to it <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />Further, there are scenes, beats and sequences that can be interspersed in between levels to make up the rise and fall of tension and action that characterises the encounters that give the characters XP for each level. Heck, you could even tie these to treasure parcels <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f600.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D"  data-smilie="8"data-shortname=":D" />Act ILevel 1 (Exposition): Introduces the characters to each other, highlights their individual abilities, brings them together as a team and connects them to the setting.Level 2 (Inciting Incident): This introduces the conflict that will carry the story. It is usually put forth as a question, ie. Who is behind the goblin raids?Level 3 (Plot Point 1): Also known as a turning point. This is where the action turns on its head and the characters are faced with, usually, a negative outcome that changes the direction of the story.Act IILevel 4 (Obstacle): This is an element that frustrates the characters and builds tension. Often it is a minor resolution to one problem that in turn presents another, bigger, problem.Level 5 (First Culmination): This is where the characters are close to the solution. It's in their sights. Everything will be solved by this event...Level 6 (Midpoint): ...and this is where it all goes horribly wrong <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> This should be the lowest point in the character's objectives. They have lost everything and all seems hopeless.Level 7 (Obstacle): This is much like the first obstacle, however instead of resolving an issue, it frustrates the characters in a way that opens up the path to a new solution.Level 8 (Plot Point 2): This is another turning point. This is usually a big reveal of some type and is the culmination of the previous obstacle and the presentation of a solution that turns the tide, usually in favour of the characters.Act IIILevel 9 (Rising Action): This is where things get really exciting. Carving one's way through a BBEG's henchmen and lieutenants, all building up to a final confrontation.Level 10 (Climax): Also called the Second Culmination, this should be the absolute height of the action where the entire adventure hinges on a successful outcome.Level 11 (Resolution): Finally, the battle is won and the ultimate question presented by the inciting incident is fully answered to a satisfying conclusion.Denouement: This is the bit where Luke, Han, Chewy and Leia get their medals <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f600.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D"  data-smilie="8"data-shortname=":D" /></blockquote>

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