Subplot Design Tables: Plot Twist

The plot twist table is designed to add an unpredictable element to your game. It is very short and limited, but should give the Game Master an idea of unique elements that can change the direction of the campaign. The Plot Twist table can be rolled on, as often as liked, however it should also be expanded with situations as the present themselves. The G.M. should keep a list of other plot twist elements that could be used in the campaign. Television shows, movies, books and real life are all excellent sources for plot twist elements.

Cooperative Unit: While on a mission the team runs into a cooperative unit. This could be a good opportunity to get new information, enjoy some R & R, or perhaps there is a special someone in that o0ther unit. Or maybe that cooperative unit is a rogue enemy unit looking to defect to your side. The cooperative unit scenario could also be used as a good way of introducing new playing characters and NPC’s into the game in a fun and realistic manner.

Cowards: In the middle of battle one (or more) of your teammates breaks formation and retreats. Not only is their cowardice a disgrace to you and your team’s reputation, but also by breaking formation they have left you at a tactical disadvantage. What happens if by breaking rank some close to you is injured or killed because they were not there to protect their back. How will you handle the act of cowardice? Send the coward away, court martial, vengeance?

Vendetta: At some point in your past, or a teammate, an incident occurred that they have never forgotten or forgiven. By chance you run into the person responsible for that incident, and you still harbor a grudge against them. Is the person a new teammate, or a member of an opposing force? Will you lust for vengeance override your better judgment and put the mission and the team at risk? Or maybe you will have to burry your feelings and work hand in hand with your rival.

Hot Shot: A new member of your team turns out to be a real hot shot. He or she thinks they are gods gift to the world. Their skills are good, but their ego is so large that you would love to take them down a peg or two. Perhaps that hot shots ego gets in the way of the mission and causes not only friction between them and the rest of the team, but they actually place the other personnel in danger. How do you get this person to become a team player, or are they so self involved that no amount of reason can reach them. Will they endanger others? Will they endanger themselves? Will they make foolish decisions and betray the position of the team, or blow the mission causing everyone to be captured?

Spy: Your movements are being tracked, you mission is in danger, and your critical information is being intercepted. You have a spy in your midst, and you need to take care of it immediately. Someone on you team is providing information to the enemy. You can’t make a move without being watched and no matter how hard you try you cant shake the spy. Now it is up to you and your trusted team to find the spy and shut them down. Or maybe you have chosen to take advantage of the spy and begin feeding them disinformation. The problem is you know your not the spy, but you can be sure of anyone lese. For that matter you might be being framed as the spy, so you must take the situation into your own hands to clear your name.

Deserter: Someone on your team can’t handle the pressure anymore and they have gone AWOL. They might have stolen their vehicle to make their escape. Or perhaps they have turned traitor and are in the process of making their way to the enemy camp to turn themselves over. You cane afford to let them loose with what they know. If the enemy gets hold of them and debriefs/interrogates them your team and mission will be in serious danger. First thing is first. You need to take care of the deserter.