How do stories and systems intersect and influence each other? This push and pull offers us a chance to deepen our understanding and appreciation of how writing and role-playing games connect and co-evolve. Through conversations and one shot Actual-play episodes, we explore how the tools we use shape the stories we tell, whether those tools are implicit or explicit. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the scene, we invite you to join us.
All content for Modern Mythology is the property of Modern Mythology and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
How do stories and systems intersect and influence each other? This push and pull offers us a chance to deepen our understanding and appreciation of how writing and role-playing games connect and co-evolve. Through conversations and one shot Actual-play episodes, we explore how the tools we use shape the stories we tell, whether those tools are implicit or explicit. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the scene, we invite you to join us.
Ep.8: Story Structure, Play Concepts, Starting with the 3-Act Model
Modern Mythology
1 hour 43 minutes
6 months ago
Ep.8: Story Structure, Play Concepts, Starting with the 3-Act Model
Here is our inaugural conversation about story structure and the ways both system and choice shape our RPG sessions. In this episode, we focus on the classic three-act structure—how it translates into collaborative, improvised play over the course of an ongoing campaign, or within individual sessions.
We explore a few core questions:
Where does the responsibility for story lie in an RPG?
What games drive narrative through structure, and how do they do it?
How can we think differently about the formulas we bring to the table?
Our goal is to offer several ways to create story in nearly any type of game, including those without explicit narrative mechanics. This is the beginning of a longer conversation about how stories emerge in play, and the different tools we can use to shape them.
More to come on this topic, we’re sure.
Topics Discussed:
00:01:00 What we’re playing?
00:18:50 Narrative Structure
00:24:00 Site-based games
00:44:42 Sandbox games
01:01:00 Player facing
01:08:00 Story Driven Structures, ie Three Acts
01:10:00 The Inciting Incident
01:19:00 Act Two
01:27:00 Reluctant Heroes
01:29:00 Act Three
01:33:20 Wrapping Up
For more podcasts, articles and more visit ModernMythology.net
Modern Mythology
How do stories and systems intersect and influence each other? This push and pull offers us a chance to deepen our understanding and appreciation of how writing and role-playing games connect and co-evolve. Through conversations and one shot Actual-play episodes, we explore how the tools we use shape the stories we tell, whether those tools are implicit or explicit. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the scene, we invite you to join us.
