I’m struggling with the plot of my second GenCon game – Escape from Coruscant. I’ve got a beginning and I think a good conflict, but need some intermediary steps for the players. Want I’m thinking of is a collection of possible events that will drive both the plot and encourage some character interaction. Whenever I’m in a bind like this, I turn to my PCs. Unless I’ve got some idea for a group of PCs or I’m reusing PCs from a continuing game, I use PCs backstory and crunch creation to inform plot.

For example, I didn’t have the races for my PCs selected when I sketched out the basic roles. Now that I’m putting down more specifics, I’ve started lining up the disrespected races (so far, Rodian, Jawa, and Quarren). So now I’ve got a theme for the group of PCs. They’ve been sent on this mission because they’re expendable and probably don’t get along with other Rebel Special Forces. OK, what types of encounters would appeal to a group of outsiders. What types of encounters might put them back on their heels or cause some intra-party conflict.

• Find a group that needs rescuing – a diversion from the mission.
• Roadblock that forces a change in plans – forcing a conflict in leadership
• If we can just get that one item – play up something that would make them more popular back home – but doesn’t help their mission.

If I can’t get enough from just the crunch, there’s always the backstory. I haven’t written any of these yet, saving this for any upcoming road blocks.