Long gone are the days when a dungeon delve was the main focus of most adventures. These days we have many story focused games which spider web out into intrigue and treachery. Or you build allies and followers who help you solve the mystery set before you.
The game master already has so much on their plate that sometimes a player can feel the story has left them behind. This is a new player driven system, which is simple and can fit in most TTRPGs. It is simply called Character Quests.
The idea is simple. The player chooses an in-world quest that interests them, answers a few questions, and then writes a log with their character sheet to keep notes on how the quest is advancing.
It can be organized in four simple categories.
- Goal
- Next Steps
- Completed Steps
- Other Info
Example for Vex the elfling:
Goal: Train wyvere mount and become a dragon rider.
Next steps:
- Craft a saddle
- Research for past wyvere riders
- Train more while mounted
Completed steps
- Help animal companion grow
- Crate trust and bond with him
Other Info
- +Wyvere’s mother was resurrected as an undead creature and hunts us.
It can also work for a quest that involves the whole party.
Example 2
Goal:
Collect pieces of ancient God-killer Armagedecron and stop unknown parties from acquiring more pieces.
Next steps:
- Find more pieces
- Return to stronghold and hide the artifacts.
Completed steps
- Acquired lungs and rib of Armagedecron
Other Info
- Undead hunt for parts as well.
As you can see, this helps the player stay focused on things that advance their character while also giving the game master a launching point for character driven stories.