What would a Storytelling game be without conflict? Storytelling is predicated on dramatic and entertaining events. The essence of drama is conflict, whether it’s a struggle with one’s own flaws or an outward competition between characters. The most extreme form of conflict is combat. Two or more characters fight, seeking to do harm or to kill each other. In the World of Darkness, a bleak place where the health and happiness of others is taken for granted or utterly dismissed, violence is pervasive. All too often problems are solved with violence. It might be a random mugging, a simple argument gone out of control, the result of road rage, or the frustration of an unfulfilling life vented on whomever gets in the way. Add to that reality the existence of strange and hidden beings that prey upon an unsuspecting humanity and violence is a fundamental part of life.
This chapter is dedicated to rules for combat, from throwing punches in a bar to drawing a knife in an alley to opening up with a shotgun in a boardroom. While people certainly struggle with each other in the World of Darkness, some fight back against the things that stalk them. In turn, those creatures almost certainly wage secret wars among themselves.
Describing the Scene
Part of the Storyteller’s job is to make sure that players have an accurate mental picture of the environment and events surrounding their characters. The Storyteller describes the setting, weather, time of day, lighting and the actions of any supporting characters involved in the scene. This responsibility is crucial to combat situations, when players need to know the dangers their characters perceive and the options from which they may choose.
During combat, the Storyteller describes the changing environment after each turn. Once all players have acted, the Storyteller explains what each character sees and feels. They may all have access to the same information or each may have his own perspective on events. These descriptions should be as detailed and creative as possible. This is the Storyteller’s chance to show off her narrative talents and to turn a series of dice rolls into a dramatic, amusing and entertaining story for the benefit of all.