### Why conflict?

The basis for drama, having to overcome, having to decide, bringing change.

### No conflict (2:23)

One of the first things that newbie improvisers and GM do when they feel there isn't enough excitement is to add a conflict to create drama. Do not be afraid to let an encounter play out without a conflict. Let the heroes be pleasantly surprised by the old count that is happy to cooperate and offer them tea and biscuits. A session of polite and engaging conversation is an excellent chance for character development, world building and ideas generation.

["When in doubt, have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand."](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ChandlersLaw)

Our episode on [Pacing](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/35d6a449eb83ba/).

### Social conflict (5:25)

In [Fate](https://www.evilhat.com/home/fate-core/) there is no difference between a brawl and a social conflict. In both you roll attacks and deal damage. The only difference is that a social attack can be a snide remark, a condescending glare or a well thought-out argument. And the damage may be a blushing of the cheeks, a teary eye or gasp etc. A defeat may result in a sob, running away from the scene or a even a faint.

[Mistborn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistborn), [Eran's Mistborn Adventure Game review](https://www.eranaviram.me/review-mistborn-adventure-game/)

[City of Mist](https://www.cityofmist.co/) also resolves all types of conflicts in similiar ways.

### Make something else the field of battle (8:45)

Our episode on [Better Battles](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/35a558edec85c6/)

### Metaphorical combat (14:25)

### Making a choice (15:30)

Making a choice can be a great conflict - simply choosing between two alternatives where there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each choice.

### Internal conflicts (16:47)

Our episodes on [Personal Plotlines](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/361e1967b5d5c4/), [Make Your Character Come Alive](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/364fbcb535fe1a/)

### The importance of mechanics (19:16)

Using an advancement tracker, placed in plain sight in front of the players, to allow everyone to sense what’s happening in a mechanical way. How close are we to bring a resolution to this scene.

The players need a sense of success, of the stakes, and of what constitutes a failure.

[Savage Worlds](https://www.peginc.com/product-category/savage-worlds/), [learn the basic rules in 2 minutes](http://www.uptofourplayers.com/savage-worlds-rules/)

### Creating/adapting mechanics for conflicts (23:15)

Provide interesting choices.

Maneuvering: changing topics or approaches.

Timing: Different time scales for different conflicts. Mistborn does this very well with the “beat”.

### Summary (30:13)

### Take the Load off (32:00)

Uri: my inspiration for this episode was from the last session I ran. A satyr was performing in a comedy club and he challenge the party to a stand up comedy face off. Every good joke gave a point to one side.

Eran: I got to play [Grimm](https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/grimm-rpg/) with Bill Roper ([Happy Jack's RPG Podcast](http://www.happyjacks.org/)), haven’t had a chance to test out the system fully, but I was intrigued.

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