Marking BBEG Goal Progress in TTRPGs

In line with last week’s notes on the preparation structures, one relates to the conflicting forces in a game. This includes the armies, main villain or evil force that rises to conflict with the PCs. In Rift Walker, I have created a novel way to track this. This has a similar structure to Powered by the Apocalypse games that have Fronts, or Blades in the Dark clocks. I have presented it below to use in any TTRPG, but is particularly useful in Rift Walker Luminvale campaign, where the Mastro’s actions have direct consequences for the PCs. It has taken a while to develop this and play test it out fo the group but I am happy with where it is at.

Conflicting Force Goal Timer 

These threats and antagonists might have goals that are harder to track the progress toward, compared to RW progress. Select the number of progress markers needed for a goal between one and six. One being simple, and six needing many stages to complete. OOO_OOO When progress is made toward a goal (typically from RW in/actions), colour in a marker. When a setback occurs (typically from RW in/actions), colour in circles on the left side of the starting point. Once full, the goal is complete and majorly impacts the world or campaign. If a number of setbacks occur on the empty the goal, equal to the total number of goals needed, it is lost and abandoned, impacting the world or campaign. 

Between sessions, if progress on a goal for a Conflicting Force is not clear, then the RM may use this to determine progress and next actions. For each type of goal, roll a coloured d6 (apply one colour per type of goal). If RW in/action makes direct progress towards stopping the goal, roll 2 dice and choose the lowest result. If RW in/action makes direct progress toward helping their goal, roll 2 dice and choose the highest result. 

Actions 

1. They retaliate to the RWs, and suffer a setback on the goal 

1. They suffer a setback toward the goal 

1. There is no progress or hinderance on this goal 

1. There is no progress or hinderance on this goal 

1. Progress is made toward this goal 

1. Progress is made toward this goal, and they double down their plans avoiding RWs 

Use the goal list below to assist in developing goals. Mix and match any of the prompts. 

Colour 

1. Red 

2. Green 

3. Blue 

4. White 

5. Black 

6. Yellow 

Goal 

1. Faction or Organisation 

2. Environment or Location 

3. Secrets, Skills or Knowledge 

4. Political Power 

5. Ritual, Event or Climax 

6. Items or Resources  

Action 

1. Grow 

2. Take 

3. Learn 

4. Remove 

5. Complete 

6. Destroy 

Who/What 

1. Single Foe 

2. Group or Horde 

3. Curse or Sickness 

4. Terrain or Force 

5. Idea or ideology  

6. Object or Artefact