We have some problems to discern what is a conflict and what is a verus test.
For example:
there is a predator that wants eat a mouse; the mouse wants obviously flee.
Is a Conflict or a Versus Test (Nature vs Nature)?
or
Mouse A wants persuade Mouse B to do something; B doesn’t want do anything.
Is a Conflict or a Versus Test (Persuader vs Will)?
Classic Conflict. If death is on the line, it has to be a Conflict.
or
Mouse A wants persuade Mouse B to do something; B doesn’t want do anything.
Is a Conflict or a Versus Test (Persuader vs Will)?
I’d call this a Versus test. Unless Mouse B is willing to change his intent to “Mouse A will not mention [activity] again!”, then you’ve got a Conflict! Well, even then you don’t need to have a Conflict. It also has to do with the impact the argument has on either the story or the BITs of the mice involved. If it’s a Big Hairy Deal, use a Conflict. If it’s only moderately important and/or there’s juicier stuff in the wings, you can get by with a Versus test. Just be sure everyone is clear on intent and consequences.
You are right.
But if the death wasn’t on the line, like “A wants catch B; B doesn’t want be caught”?
Conflict or Versus?
It could be either.
The only way to distinguish is by measuring the level of player investment at the time the situation arises. If investment is low (“We’d like to get away but it’s not a big deal if we don’t”) then it’s a Versus. If investment is high, (“Holy GOD! We better get the hell away! We’re totally screwed if we don’t!”) then run it as a Chase Conflict.
Jesse
You are correct.
What do the players want?
Do they want a black and white, pass/fail mechanic? Or do they want a more nuanced conflict in which both sides will earn something?
Usually, the stronger party will want a straight versus test because it favors him. Whereas the weaker party will advocate for a conflict because he can squeak a compromise from it.
That’s for player-initiated actions.
In the case of GM-initiated conflicts in Mouse Guard, the GM states what the obstacle is and there’s no argument. If he wants it to be a conflict, it’s a conflict.
-L
Oooooooooook,
thanks 