Plot devices- Lists and suggestions.

Plot devices are things that cause movement and development in a story. They can be problems, traits, or desires. Anything that gives characters a reason to act can be a plot device. This list is by no means complete, and only meant to help those in search of ideas and who wish to add interest and something to do in their roleplaying. Remember, without a problem, a story becomes merely a description. Take time to develop yr plot lines, give people time to get involved, and make the challenges difficult! Throw obstacles in yr character's path and yu'll find yrself with plenty to do in Dessel.

If yu wish to play with certain people more, create a problem that appeals to their character's self interests. Also, take time to change yr character's personality with each subsequent trail. Have their victories and losses reflect on who they are, in order to give yr character depth and complexity. A rule of thumb some writers like to use in their stories is to make things hard for their characters, then make things worse. Just like a novel, roleplaying is storytelling, and by remembering that every story arc has rising action, a climax, and falling action, yu'll bring a sense of closure and satisfaction to yr story lines.

Suggestions for Plot Devices:

Look for someone- Develop this by asking around, giving clues to how yu might recognize such people and portray mental/emotional reason for the importance of this personal task.

Try to build a family- This can be made difficult if there is illness or a lack of partner.

Start a business- Include how yu got the funds for an endeavor, and possible the trial of getting the money itself to increase this challenge's difficulty. Roleplay it's being built or purchased in public to raise awareness. Describe the place in detail, and give players a reason to need the business' services.

Look for a job- Ask around. Go to public places. Stick yr nose in other people's business.

Make a damsel in distress- or anyone that might need saving. Let other people help the rescue. Similarly, make villains like Thoramond or Asulet.

Value certain people- Their problems then become yrs. Go to hell and back when they die. Suspect their lovers of wrong doing and cause problems for them while meaning well. Lucy and Aeonna is a perfect example of this.

Break the law- and then don't try to ignore the consequences.

Have honor- If yu do something wrong, through yr fault or not, place an importance on righting it. Have life debts and follow people around that yu are determined to repay.

Be greedy- Constantly be trying to make a buck. Rheksas is a good example of this.

Be disagreeable- Hate people easily. Value getting revenge. Aeta is a great example of this.

Have a secret- Whether it's that yr really a vampire, or really a man, have something to hide and consequences to the truth being uncovered.

Search for something- A wish scroll in the mountains, Lucy's soul in the Abyss, nearly anything can be lost and found.

Fall in Love- With someone yu shouldn't.

Be on the run- From an arranged marriage, police in other realms, or yr own people.

Get cursed- Acquire something tainted like a blade or a ring. Have it wreak havoc on yr life and actions.

Be weak, sick or dying- Genetic problems, adolescence, a wasting illness are all things that must be attended to. Look for cures, expect the worst, and put other people in a position to help.

Do the wrong thing, for the right reasons- Marry someone yu don't love, for the sake of another's life. Try to steal food for yr family. Imprision yr wife in a desire to protect her.

Get confused, be misinformed- Deceitful people cause lots of problems. Let yrself be convinced when Aeta's compelling lie tells yu things that aren't true. Let the accusations fly, and the suspicion grow. Then, try to get revenge when the truth comes out.

Get caught- Good stoies have lots of conflict, and there's nothing interesting about a perfectly executed transgression. Accidentally leave something at the crime scene, or a key fact slip. Let murders be remembered, investigated and rumored. Let people put together the clues, and figure out who did it. Then let them try to bring the killer to justice.

Or get impossible-The exception to the last point, is when a transgression is incredibly difficult to pull off. Think mission impossible hard, and even Tom Cruise was fooled and screwed in that movie.

Change yr situation- Lose yr job, yr fortune or kill off npc family members. Have the house burned down or the maids fired.

Change yrself- If yr evil become good, or it yr good become evil, and then watch yr cohorts and family try to adjust. Slip up and regress. Feel torn between too philosophies. Make sure to include a reason for the change. Take up vices or virtues, anything that will cause people to take notice.

Have someone to impress- Take yr love interest hunting, or take on a task to impress the King. Throw a ball and desire to be the center of attention. Try something yr not quite ready for in order to impress yr girlfriend, or avenge her honor and just barely pull it off.

Take responsibility for someone/something- and then let them get into trouble. Have yr dragon destroy a house, yr cat steal someone's prized coin. Have yr daughter insult a stranger, or yr son kill a cop. Then hide the body and thwart the investigation.




Remember- Problems are yr friend! They make great storytelling, and chances to grow more powerful and accomplished at every turn.