Discussion How Do We Tell Better Stories Through PvP?

[Alan]

You have to not want to be the main character.

You have to read it, you have to come up with a reply, not ChatGPT, if you ask me. ChatGPT/AI writing (not AI tools, AI writing) makes PvP soulless and devoid of anything but what you input into it, rather than what you think.

Saying fifty words when four will do sucks. Sometimes two paragraphs is more than enough to convey that you're in a fight. Waxing poetic about your struggles as an orphan on the mean streets of Dagobah while trying to bash someone's skull in with the hilt of a lightsaber is kind of funny.

PvP is the story. The war is the story. The fight is the story. Did Qui-Qon and Darth Maul have a great story to it? Yes. The story was the fight. It was the moments within it, the duel itself. Too often I see writers wondering about story, about narrative, etc. But maybe the good story is the good fight. Take for instance, the story of Gothic Serpent, and Black Hawk Down as the movie. The story progresses over a series of fights and battles, effectively small skirmishes. But it's the way it's presented, told, that compels the viewer to be hooked into something as simple as two people shooting at each other. The same way with Star Wars. The narrative around the fight supersedes the fight, but the narrative is also the fight itself. Create the fight, the visuals, the stakes, the way your character moves, how they move, etc.

Imagine if, Obi-wan and Anakin stopped in the middle of their duel to have a discussion. It would remove the tension. I've seen that recently and over the years. Great duel, great fight, swordplay, trying to hurt each other- pause! Time to talk, to think. Very odd to read when you're going from trying to kill someone, to trying to think about someone.

edit:

some errors n corrections/ a word added

 

[Braze]

I’m glad to see so many active members of our little community out in force today. To help keep the discussion focused, I would appreciate it if everyone participating could choose a few questions from the opening post to answer, as that would be the most helpful to me.❤

 

[Kitter Bitters]

What makes someone enjoyable to write opposition against?

Easy going, no requirement to read subs or lore, not taking it too seriously or expecting the medium to be something it isn’t. For the love of Padme don’t ask me to edit a billion times over nothing.

How do you acknowledge attacks and counters without assuming damage or no-selling the attempt?

You don’t. Take damage on every turn. Even if it’s minor and emotional more than physical.

Where is the distinction between competent preparation and "playing to win"?

I don’t know how to answer this because it seems like someone doing either would be taking it too seriously. Just have fun. That’s all. This isn’t a novel.

How can experienced invasion writers help newer writers understand what works?

Maybe smaller stakes bigger threads to help ease people into it. Invasions move so fast. Also if you always write with the same old people it’s hard for new people to break in. But I get people want to write with friends. Just need to share the wealth.

What makes you trust an opposing writer enough to accept serious consequences?

Trust has nothing to do with it. Try it out. If you don’t like it after just scrap it. Again this is a game, not published work that has to follow strict continuity. If you have fun the thread is a success no matter what.

What causes promising PvP stories to break down?

Long long posts, asking for edits, forcing tech down someone’s throat, taking it too seriously, ignoring new players …


Hope this helps! It’s not for everyone. Find people who share your vibe and that helps.

Now we all know what comes next. Let’s see how long it takes.