Branching Scenario Assignment
Learning Targets
I can create a branching narrative scenario with meaningful player choices.
I can design a scenario that demonstrates different narrative outcomes.
Context
You've learned how branching narratives work and studied three branching patterns. Now you'll create your own branching scenario—a piece of writing where reader choices lead to genuinely different outcomes.
Directions
- Choose a scenario: A party arriving at a crossroads, a tense negotiation between two factions, a mystery where clues point in different directions, or a scenario of your own design.
- Write the opening scene (100-150 words) that establishes the situation and introduces the key decision point.
-
Write two complete branches
(150-200 words each) showing what happens when the reader/player makes each choice. Each branch should include:
- At least one NPC interaction
- A distinct emotional tone
- A consequence that changes the story moving forward
- Write a third option (The Unexpected): Describe a creative third option that players might devise and how the scenario could accommodate it (75-100 words). This teaches you to design flexibility into your scenarios. The unexpected option does not need to be as fully developed as your two main branches, but it should demonstrate that your scenario can handle creative player thinking.
- Write a Convergence Point Analysis (2-3 sentences): Describe where these paths might come back together, or how the different choices create lasting consequences that carry forward into future sessions.
- Apply the Meaningful Choice Test to your branch point. Write a brief explanation (3-4 sentences) of how your scenario meets all four criteria.
- Write a reflection (3-4 sentences): Which branch was harder to write? What does that tell you about your tendencies as a storyteller?
Language is Part of Your Story
Branching narratives offer multiple paths, and language choices can be part of those paths. Brainstorm your scenario branches in any language that helps you think most clearly. Consider how linguistic diversity enriches interactive storytelling—characters might speak different languages, dialects, or ways of communicating. Your creative thinking happens best in whatever language feels most natural to you.
Requirements
- 575-800 words total (opening + two branches + third option + Convergence Point Analysis + Meaningful Choice Test analysis + reflection)
- At least one NPC per branch using the Quick NPC Method
- Clear emotional tone in each branch
- Consequences that feel earned and advance the story
Rubric
| Criterion | Developing (1-2) | Proficient (3) | Exemplary (4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch Point Quality | Choice is obvious or one-sided; one option is clearly "better" | Both options are viable; reader has enough information to make an informed choice | Genuinely difficult choice with compelling arguments for both paths |
| Path Quality | One path is significantly weaker or less developed than the other | Both paths include NPC interaction, distinct tone, and consequence | Both paths are equally engaging with distinct moods and surprising moments that make readers want to explore both |
| Meaningful Choice Test | Does not address all four criteria of the test | Addresses all four criteria with clear explanation | Insightful analysis of own design decisions and why each choice is truly meaningful |
| Writing Craft | Generic descriptions, flat dialogue, unclear mood | Sensory details, character voice, clear emotional mood established | Vivid, specific writing with authentic dialogue that makes readers invested in exploring both paths |
Self-Awareness
You're creating a world where different choices lead to different experiences. Pay attention to which choices feel hardest to write. Those are often the ones that reveal the most about your values as a storyteller and as a person. What does that tell you about yourself?
Process Evidence
Submit your brainstorming notes, scrapped ideas, and planning sketches alongside your final scenario. These show your creative process and how you worked through design challenges.
AI Guidance
This is a creative writing assignment where your original ideas are the entire point. Do not use AI to brainstorm scenarios, generate branch ideas, write dialogue, or create NPCs.
You may ask AI to ask you questions to help you discover what kind of scenario interests you. After writing your own complete draft, you may use AI for grammar and spelling only.
Submit your planning notes as process evidence.
Revision Opportunity
After you receive peer feedback, you'll revise this scenario. Revision is what every DM does—every campaign gets playtested and improved. This is a sign of craft, not a sign of failure.
What's Next: Submit your draft, then complete Activity: Peer Review — Branching Scenario