Preplanned vs Freeflow

            I have already discussed in previous posts about how a story bible would help a creator outline their ideas and keep track of them as the RPG progresses. However, even the most preplanned stories tend to fall to the wayside against a type of RPG known as free flow. These RPGs usually dominate chat rooms instead of message boards, in which people will add to the story in a matter of seconds instead of hours. Yet that does not mean that this laissez-faire style of storytelling cannot be translated toward a message board type RPG or that one style is preferable or better than the other. Each style has their own pros and cons, of which we will discuss in this post.


             Preplanned stories we have already touched on; it is when the creator or a group of people tend to plan out the major events, the setting, the people, the plot, and essentially spending time before its creation to lay out the world they plan to inhabit in detail. This usually works best when all people are in agreement for the basis of this story, or have a copy of the story bible so that they do not deviate from the foundations laid down. As mentioned before this story works best on a message board format, in which people have time to write out their story post, while at the same time making sure that there are no continuity errors. This format can also work in a chat room for a short period of time, as a chat room does not allowed detailed posts concerning the environment or actions, nor do they usually allow sufficient time for reflection on an addition to the story. Furthermore in chat rooms, stories can and typically do expand quickly like blowing air into a balloon, as such the larger it gets the more of a struggle it will become to keep along a preplanned path. However, that does not mean these stories are error free on message boards. Other members of the story may find preplanned stories too constricted, in which they cannot branch out artistically, or add their own personal style to the environment.


             Freeflow stories on the other hand have little planning on the plot, characters, or setting. There is a overall basis set by the creator in terms of the setting and plot, while each player explains a bit about their character. There is nothing contributed in the beginning beyond a bare bones treatment, and as such it allows each member to expand in a creative fashion. As mentioned before, this type of RPG is best used in a chat room, in which space is limited to type out posts, and the plot can expand quickly and frantically. Many players will find this style the most freeing in terms of artistic quality, along with the enjoyment of near instant gratification in terms of having instant responses. The overall quality of the story will typically suffer from the lack of foresight and continuity given in preplanned stories.


             At the end of the day the creator of the RPG should come to a understanding with the players as to what type of story they will pursue, as well as come to a understanding with their self in terms of which type best fits them. But the most important thing of all, is to have fun!