Story based challenges are challenges that happen through the narrative. These challenges are not mechanical issues but rather things that might throw a wrench in the players plans or progresses the story.
Moral dilemmas, Secrets and clues or anything else that progresses the story or where players might have to choose are good examples.
Getting to the ringleader
Players might try to get to the ringleader of a local gang. But on every single turn they’re opposed by unwilling gang members that do not want to reveal the location of said ringleader.
The gang might start threatening a family member or offer richer to leave them alone.
Reference
Focus on Story-Based Challenges
Key Elements
- Narrative Integration: Ensure the boss fight is a key story moment with personal stakes for characters.
- Character Motivations: Incorporate goals and moral dilemmas that affect player decisions.
- Dynamic Interactions: Use dialogue, taunts, and potential alliances or betrayals during the fight.
- Environmental Storytelling: Choose significant locations and interactive elements tied to the story.
- Consequences and Impact: Ensure the fight’s outcome has lasting effects and drives the story forward.
Practical Example: Necromancer Battle
- Personal Stakes: A character’s loved one among the undead.
- Moral Dilemma: Necromancer offers to spare a village if released.
- Dynamic Environment: Fight in a crumbling cathedral with hazards.
- Narrative Ramifications: Cleansing the land of a curse, new alliances, and revealing a prophecy.