In this audio log, I explore the theme of Conflict head on. I start by breaking down my research into three main types of conflicts, each defined by its unique characteristics. Then, to deepen my understanding of these types, I talk about a scenario I created, showcasing my knowledge of different aspects of conflict and how these aspects and other elements can all weave together to create a rich plot/story. Through this study, I aim to shed light on the role of conflict in driving change and resolution.
Creating scenarios is how I deepen my understanding of what I’m studying. In this particular scenario, I combine different elements of conflict that I’ve researched (tension, resolution, motivations, etc) to showcase how they weave and work together to form a compelling narrative. This approach to studying conflict not only highlights how well these elements work together, but also demonstrates my overall grasp of conflict and its role in what could potentially be a narrative-driven game.
There lived a human queen who always acted in the best interest of her people to help foster a strong thriving kingdom.
(The queen’s motivation to make her kingdom the best that it can possibly be is what drives her every action)
However, the actions of her late father, the human king, had triggered high tensions with a neighbouring kingdom, that had been long-oppressed by the human kingdom under his reign. This was fuel to a fire. A bubbling tension that grew closer to spilling over into an all-out war each day.
(With tensions rising between both kingdoms, the queen now carries the looming threat of a bloody and violent war on her shoulders as a direct consequence of her fathers actions.)
The human queen confronts the monster king. Instantly, he deems her foolish for granting him the opportunity to deprive the opposing side of a leader by slaughtering her right then and there.
But, even he couldn’t guess what her potential last words would be…
A marriage proposal…
The monster king is flabbergasted, genuinely unsure of what his enemy is plying at.
That is, until, the human queen explains her motivations in risking her life to meet him.
The queen gives the monster king a glimpse into the future. A glimpse at what the result of a conflict between the two kingdoms would look like… a war with no victor.
So, she offers a marriage proposal. A political union to stop this war before it starts…
…a resolution.
The monster king thinks. As much as it pains him to, he agrees.
Word quickly spreads on both sides, sparking mixed reactions. Some welcome this union with open arms, somewhat relieved they would o longer be called to fight in a war that they themselves didn’t even know was winnable. On the other hand… outrage. Years of oppression and rage, all swept under the rug with one single act. Where was their justice, their resolution? This outrage sets the stage for an uprising against the union This outrage was a ready-set stage for an uprising against the union… would this ignite yet another conflict?
