Rule of Drama

Introduction

To provide opportunities to RP over-the-top, TV-style, interpersonal conflict; to allow the burden of arbitration of such to be shared between the player and GM; and to make such interpersonal relationships more interesting within the role-playing context. This is the social equivalent of "wandering monsters."

The Network

See also "Supporting Casts," Supers p.63.

A PC that doesn't live sequestered from society will interact with people and develop relationships. Those relationships that matter to the character will be a potential source of Drama. Make a list of the important relationships; this is referred to as the Network. When a conflict occurs, this list will be used to randomly determine who will be involved, and is expected to change in play; just add new characters to the end of the list, or strike those no longer applicable. To qualify as a Network member, a given relationship should:

• Have some potential to be in "interpersonal conflict" with the PC (for example: subject is physically present and capable).
• Be valued by the PC enough to maintain it, rather than abandon or ignore it.

The subject of a qualified relationship does not need to be associated with any Traits like Dependent or Ally (though such characters will always qualify). The relationship does not need to be reciprocated, or "equal." Relationships with other PCs are always considered important, but are not included in the Network (for random selection).