Step 2: Identifying Global Arcs

Global arcs are whispers that all fear to speak, the forbidden stories, world wide tragedies and challenges that summon heroes

Story Structure: Orient the Audience

Once you have chosen the world for your tabletop RPG campaign, the next step is to identify the global arcs that will shape the overall story. Global arcs are major world events that impact the entire world, such as wars, shifts in the magical weave, or changes in the ruling deities. They are used to help set the scene and orient the characters to what is going on. These events can provide a backdrop for the campaign and help to create a sense of urgency and importance for the players. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of global arcs and provide some examples of global arcs that you can use in your campaign.

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Why Identify Global Arcs?
Identifying global arcs is an important step in creating a cohesive and engaging campaign. These arcs help to give the players a sense of the world they are playing in and provide a motivation for their characters to act. Global arcs can also be used to tie together the different elements of the campaign, creating a sense of continuity and purpose. By identifying global arcs early on, you can create a framework for the campaign that will guide the story and help to keep the players invested in the world.

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You should have no more than 1 or 2 major global arcs happening at the same time.  Remember these are world changing things that have the potential to affect all living things.

Examples of Global Arcs
There are many different types of global arcs that you can use in your campaign, depending on the world you have chosen and the type of story you want to tell. Here are ten examples of global arcs that you can use as inspiration for your campaign:

1. The Rise of a New God: A new deity has emerged and is rapidly gaining followers, threatening to upset the balance of power among the gods.

2. The Invasion of a Powerful Enemy: A powerful enemy has launched a full-scale invasion, threatening to conquer the entire world.

3. The Collapse of a Major Empire: A major empire has collapsed, leaving behind a power vacuum that various factions are vying to fill.

4. The Discovery of a New Continent: A new continent has been discovered, filled with unknown dangers and riches, and various factions are racing to explore and exploit it.

5. The Plague: A mysterious and deadly plague is spreading throughout the world, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

6. The Unveiling of a Major Conspiracy: A major conspiracy has been uncovered, threatening to bring down governments and institutions around the world.

7. The Return of a Dark God: A dark and powerful god has returned, seeking revenge on the mortals who sealed them away centuries ago.

8. The Shattering of the Magical Weave: The magical weave that holds the world together has been shattered, causing widespread chaos and destruction.

9. The Great Hunt: A powerful and ancient creature has awoken and is rampaging across the world, leaving destruction in its wake.

10. The Apocalypse: A cataclysmic event is looming, threatening to destroy the entire world, and various factions are racing to stop it or take advantage of the chaos it will bring.

These are just a few examples of global arcs that you can use in your campaign. By identifying a global arc early on, you can create a framework for the campaign and guide the players towards the ultimate goal. This can help to create a sense of urgency and importance for the players, as they work to stop a major threat or take advantage of a major opportunity.

Once you have identified a global arc for your tabletop RPG campaign, the next step is to drill down into the details of how it will impact the different regions of the world. This is an important step in creating a realistic and engaging campaign that feels like a living, breathing world. By understanding how the global arc will impact different regions, you can create a sense of continuity and purpose for the campaign, and help the players feel like they are part of a larger story. In this blog, we will discuss why it's important to drill down into the details of the global arc, and provide 10 examples of regional impacts that you should consider.

Why Drill Down into the Details?
Drilling down into the details of the global arc is an important step in creating a realistic and engaging campaign. It helps to create a sense of continuity and purpose, and ensures that the campaign feels like a living, breathing world. By understanding how the global arc will impact different regions, you can create a sense of urgency and importance for the players, and help them feel like they are part of a larger story. It also helps to create a sense of realism and depth, as the players can see the impact of their actions on the world around them.