April 05th, 2017

"In most Narrativist designs, Premise is based on one of the following models.

--A pre-play developed setting, in which case the characters develop into protagonists in the setting's conflicts over time.

--Pre-play developed characters (protagonists), in which case the setting develops into a suitable framework for them over time."

-Ron Edwards, "GNS and Other Matters of Role-playing Theory"

To create a satisfying story, you either create characters who fit into a pre-made setting in such a way that they can become protagonists in those conflicts, or you have strongly defined characters suitable to be protagonists and let the story build up around them. Again, beautiful in its simplicity. Obviously AW and pbta games go for the second option: here are pre-made, already-awesome characters (to a degree), and now let's play the world to figure out what their story actually is.