Advice/Help Writing A Plot (NEED HELP)

[Touche-Amore]

Okay, so here's the deal.
I'm trying to create a detailed World War 2 roleplay. I want it to be realistic, even though my basic plot that I've got in my head isn't a 100 percent "realistic".
Whenever I'm writing I just get stuck, I can't get what I have in my head out on paper. I write like half a page, delete it, half a page, delete it. Over and over again.
Could somebody please help me as this is driving me insane... Just help me write the plot, it would be so nice!
Thanks in advance! ​

 

[Tove]

Well, first I'd think about what you have down for your plot. You mentioned that what you have already isn't entirely realistic right? Maybe start over or take out what might not be central to realistic. Have you got Characters in mind? Thinking of some characters might help you put together a more solid plot.

 

[rae2nerdy]

I'd start with asking yourself - why do I want to roleplay this? What about WWII am I interested in exploring?

 

[DreamGuardianNyx]

Normally when Writer's Block hits, I normally do one of the following:

• 1. Make a quick list of ideas pertaining to the story and/ or freely think for about 5-15 minutes about the idea itself, jotting down any idea that comes to mind

• 2. Can't figure out where to start, and instead work with the ending. Sometimes doing the process backwards helps.

• Look up inspiration. If you were to look up pictures or read articles about WWII , maybe it will help spark some imagination!

Or...

• 4. Keep your first draft, and improve on it. Try to post it or ask an outside opinion, criticism does help!

I hope that maybe something on this list will help you, and good luck!

 

[Touche-Amore]

Well, first I'd think about what you have down for your plot. You mentioned that what you have already isn't entirely realistic right? Maybe start over or take out what might not be central to realistic. Have you got Characters in mind? Thinking of some characters might help you put together a more solid plot.

Hey, thank you for the reply!
My basic idea is that we roleplay as "Paramarines" doing special operations missions in all the different theaters. That isn't realistic but it's the way I want it if you get me? The Paramarines was actually just a short-lived specialized combat unit during WW2. I was thinking that I'd have eight spots open, (I've got the ninth), we'd roleplay as an entire squad. I've already made up Regiment name, Division name etc. So all of the basics are done, I just can't get it out on paper. I want the plot to look appealing to other roleplayers, otherwise they won't join. I just can't complete it. Thank you once again! ​

 

[Touche-Amore]

I'd start with asking yourself - why do I want to roleplay this? What about WWII am I interested in exploring?

Hey! I want to roleplay this as World War 2 is an interest of mine! I'd love to do a detailed roleplay about it! I've watched Band of Brothers like a million times which sparked my original interest. That's one thing I'd like to have in the roleplay, the bond between the men on the field. I want to see the war change the men.​

 

[Touche-Amore]

Normally when Writer's Block hits, I normally do one of the following:

• 1. Make a quick list of ideas pertaining to the story and/ or freely think for about 5-15 minutes about the idea itself, jotting down any idea that comes to mind

• 2. Can't figure out where to start, and instead work with the ending. Sometimes doing the process backwards helps.

• Look up inspiration. If you were to look up pictures or read articles about WWII , maybe it will help spark some imagination!

Or...

• 4. Keep your first draft, and improve on it. Try to post it or ask an outside opinion, criticism does help!

I hope that maybe something on this list will help you, and good luck!

Hey! I've already tried number one, two and three which didn't work for me unfortunately. I read about WW2 all the time, watch documentaries etc. Maybe I'll post what I got, and I'm sure someone will help me with their opinions. Thanks! ​

 

[rae2nerdy]

Hey, thank you for the reply!
My basic idea is that we roleplay as "Paramarines" doing special operations missions in all the different theaters. That isn't realistic but it's the way I want it if you get me? The Paramarines was actually just a short-lived specialized combat unit during WW2. I was thinking that I'd have eight spots open, (I've got the ninth), we'd roleplay as an entire squad. I've already made up Regiment name, Division name etc. So all of the basics are done, I just can't get it out on paper. I want the plot to look appealing to other roleplayers, otherwise they won't join. I just can't complete it. Thank you once again! ​

A few things - do not worry about appealing to other people that is really not something you can plan for in roleplays. People join up for such a wide variety of reasons ( and those reasons have so many variables that have to align ) that going out to make something appealing to other people is just going to drive you crazy.

Instead make an idea you like that you're excited to roleplay and move from there. If you're excited about it than you're going to be more likely to be able to pitch it to other people.

And just understand roleplays do not always work. That has nothing to do with you, the idea, or your writing skills. It has to do with the fact that people are busy, they may already be in roleplays, or they may not be interested in this specific idea ( not your fault just some people don't like roleplaying war in general ).

---------------------------

As for your general idea what I would do is come up with missions for the Division to complete. At least four but you can make more and each mission should have a specific objective and a time line IRL.

So example say the objective is - your characters are scanning a specific location for landmines. You can come up with a grid and each post your players pick a square in the grid to search. They have 1 week IRL to post for this particular objective and to attempt to find the land mines.

Now as the GM you will decided where in the grid the landmines are located. You can even random number generate each day of the week to determine if they're set off just randomly.

( you don't have to use this exact example but it is a good way of showing you how to come up with a player objective and how to handle the mechanics of who completes it fairly behind the scenes )

Now once the 1 week is up the mission is over whether or not the characters have found the landmines. Then you can move on to the next mission and so on and so forth.

Breaking things down into manageable chunks might help you with your writers block as your focusing on something specific.

 

[DreamGuardianNyx]

Hey! I've already tried number one, two and three which didn't work for me unfortunately. I read about WW2 all the time, watch documentaries etc. Maybe I'll post what I got, and I'm sure someone will help me with their opinions. Thanks! ​

No problem~ I hope everything works out for you!

 

[Beckoncall]

My suggestion is thinking of several battles or turning points in the war and create scenarios that the paramarines (behind the scenes) must realize objectives to make sure those battles or events CAN happen with the desired outcome.

Lets say there are two divisions that are being sent to the Normandy coast "Just in case" -- even though the nazis are fairly certain this is not where the attack takes place. The Paramarines can only prevent this reinforcement by dropping far behind enemy lines and blowing up a massive fuel depot, then comandeer vehicles to knock out a series of supply depots that would make the relocation of the divisions impossible. D-day goes as planned.

Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa -- intelligence determines that in the subterranean tunnels of hacksaw ridge, there are maps for the tunnel systems for japanese fortifications all over the pacific. Under the cover of repeated allied assaults, the paramarines are to infiltrate the tunnels, hide out, and during the surrounding distraction, wipe out an enemy intelligence center, steal the maps, and bring them back to allied command.

Alber Speer, a Nazi big cheese, is famous for being able to talk Hitler out of funding ridiculous projects and ill-conceived plans. Assassination of Speer will be impossible with the window the paramarines have, but they can delay Speer's next meeting with the Furher by three-five days by attacking a small military airfield Speer is scheduled to take his flight back to Berlin (or the eagle's nest, whatever) -- the delay will allow Hitler time to approve a project that is actually a dummy plan for bogus technology intentionally "lost" by the allies -- the pursuit of which will cost men and resources that will shorten the length of the war by at least a year.

Deep in enemy territory is a cannery that makes the sea-rations for PT boat crew supply for the entire Atlantic theater. Despite moderate security, the paramarines must infiltrate and contaminate the most recent shipment (or the vats for the next shipment, or both) with an industrial grade laxative. While other poisons might raise an alarm among quality control or the PT crews, the slow-acting laxatives will subtly, but irrevocably, make life on small underwater craft virtually unbearable.

Word is caught through a sympathizer that prototype "Wampir" night vision goggles (with accompanying battery packs) have arrived at the Reichstag. The sympathizer also knows where the next shipment is coming from. The paramarines are to intercept the truck carrying the night vison units or infiltrate and steal them from their point of origin (hopefully with schematics) -- they are then to embed ahead of the russian advance on berlin, and without detection by axis or russian forces, knock out key targets and personnel guaranteeing the Red Army ends the war in Europe at the anticipated time.

The Paramarines must steal a KonigsTiger super-heavy tank and use it to interrupt an armored column and most importantly smash four "Wurf-Rammen" rocket trucks. WIth nothing but the tank, some captured artillery and mortars, and true grit, those trucks have got to go.

Any of this scan?

 

[Touche-Amore]

A few things - do not worry about appealing to other people that is really not something you can plan for in roleplays. People join up for such a wide variety of reasons ( and those reasons have so many variables that have to align ) that going out to make something appealing to other people is just going to drive you crazy.

Instead make an idea you like that you're excited to roleplay and move from there. If you're excited about it than you're going to be more likely to be able to pitch it to other people.

And just understand roleplays do not always work. That has nothing to do with you, the idea, or your writing skills. It has to do with the fact that people are busy, they may already be in roleplays, or they may not be interested in this specific idea ( not your fault just some people don't like roleplaying war in general ).

---------------------------

As for your general idea what I would do is come up with missions for the Division to complete. At least four but you can make more and each mission should have a specific objective and a time line IRL.

So example say the objective is - your characters are scanning a specific location for landmines. You can come up with a grid and each post your players pick a square in the grid to search. They have 1 week IRL to post for this particular objective and to attempt to find the land mines.

Now as the GM you will decided where in the grid the landmines are located. You can even random number generate each day of the week to determine if they're set off just randomly.

( you don't have to use this exact example but it is a good way of showing you how to come up with a player objective and how to handle the mechanics of who completes it fairly behind the scenes )

Now once the 1 week is up the mission is over whether or not the characters have found the landmines. Then you can move on to the next mission and so on and so forth.

Breaking things down into manageable chunks might help you with your writers block as your focusing on something specific.

Thanks! That's some really good tips, I'm just going to do what I like and hopefully people will join! Something very basic that I forgot!​

 

[Touche-Amore]

My suggestion is thinking of several battles or turning points in the war and create scenarios that the paramarines (behind the scenes) must realize objectives to make sure those battles or events CAN happen with the desired outcome.

Lets say there are two divisions that are being sent to the Normandy coast "Just in case" -- even though the nazis are fairly certain this is not where the attack takes place. The Paramarines can only prevent this reinforcement by dropping far behind enemy lines and blowing up a massive fuel depot, then comandeer vehicles to knock out a series of supply depots that would make the relocation of the divisions impossible. D-day goes as planned.

Hacksaw Ridge, Okinawa -- intelligence determines that in the subterranean tunnels of hacksaw ridge, there are maps for the tunnel systems for japanese fortifications all over the pacific. Under the cover of repeated allied assaults, the paramarines are to infiltrate the tunnels, hide out, and during the surrounding distraction, wipe out an enemy intelligence center, steal the maps, and bring them back to allied command.

Alber Speer, a Nazi big cheese, is famous for being able to talk Hitler out of funding ridiculous projects and ill-conceived plans. Assassination of Speer will be impossible with the window the paramarines have, but they can delay Speer's next meeting with the Furher by three-five days by attacking a small military airfield Speer is scheduled to take his flight back to Berlin (or the eagle's nest, whatever) -- the delay will allow Hitler time to approve a project that is actually a dummy plan for bogus technology intentionally "lost" by the allies -- the pursuit of which will cost men and resources that will shorten the length of the war by at least a year.

Deep in enemy territory is a cannery that makes the sea-rations for PT boat crew supply for the entire Atlantic theater. Despite moderate security, the paramarines must infiltrate and contaminate the most recent shipment (or the vats for the next shipment, or both) with an industrial grade laxative. While other poisons might raise an alarm among quality control or the PT crews, the slow-acting laxatives will subtly, but irrevocably, make life on small underwater craft virtually unbearable.

Word is caught through a sympathizer that prototype "Wampir" night vision goggles (with accompanying battery packs) have arrived at the Reichstag. The sympathizer also knows where the next shipment is coming from. The paramarines are to intercept the truck carrying the night vison units or infiltrate and steal them from their point of origin (hopefully with schematics) -- they are then to embed ahead of the russian advance on berlin, and without detection by axis or russian forces, knock out key targets and personnel guaranteeing the Red Army ends the war in Europe at the anticipated time.

The Paramarines must steal a KonigsTiger super-heavy tank and use it to interrupt an armored column and most importantly smash four "Wurf-Rammen" rocket trucks. WIth nothing but the tank, some captured artillery and mortars, and true grit, those trucks have got to go.

Any of this scan?

Wow. How? Like what? Teach me. Haha! Thanks! You really inspired me! I got some very good ideas out of that! Thank you soooo much! This was really something that started my mind again! ​

 

[Beckoncall]

Wow. How? Like what? Teach me. Haha! Thanks! You really inspired me! I got some very good ideas out of that! Thank you soooo much! This was really something that started my mind again! ​

Teach you? YOU inspired ME!

I love the background material as well, so I just thought of things I know of in WW2 and then nuanced them.

I was still thinking of the "Wampir" night vision operation -- it would be cool as hell to be literally invisible snipers except that a handful of germans had night vision also and would be stalking the paramarines!

Some other ideas:

A unit of elite academy trained snipers are being dispatched to Stalingrad to eliminate fledgling new talented sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko (google her) because she is an inspiration to troops in the Red Army and it is forseen will become a figure of encouragement for America to join the War (Ms. Roosevelt tours her around the US daring men not to hide behind her) -- Lyudmila must not be assassinated until such time as she is close enough to safety for The President's wife to reach her and take her off the front line.

There is a Cathedral in France which supposedly has a life-size solid gold statue of the virgin mary hidden within it -- it's been a rumor for centuries, but the Nazis have uncovered clues that it actually exists. The wealth cannot fall in the hands of the nazis, in addition, several top Nazi archeologists are on the case to find it. The paramarines task is to infiltrate the cathedral, locate the statues hiding place (or let the nazis lead them to it) then lock the archeology team in with the statue and dispose of all leads to where it is. The existence of the statue will be written off or indefinitely sidelined, and because no bodies are found valuable time and resources will be spent throughout the war trying to track down the presumed captured/fled/disappeared Nazi Braintrust... (it could also be an awesome epilogue mission for the last ride of the paramarines being to sneak into france one last time to steal the statue, securing their retirement forever.)

An armored column is sweeping through the netherlands threatening to end operation "market garden" before it even begins (this is before the allies learn there are already two tank divisions in reserve there) -- since the plan depends on the lightness of nazi forces to prevent the crossing of the system of bridges through the netherlands to berlin (Which Britains 30 Corps are determined to use to blow into Berlin and end the war by Christmas) the paramarines must organize the allied sympathizers to create a massive ambush/resistance action to halt the advance until after the paratroopers are already landing in Njimegan, Aarnem, and Oosterbek. This choke point is a short-cut through a valley town and with nothing but the partisan forces, some machine guns, and a captured '88, they must create a logjam of burning tanks that will force the germans to detour around until after the window for the Market Garden Operation... the failure of market garden could not have been forseen (a bridge too far) but the paramarines make sure that it at least has a chance.

Somewhere in the phillipines is a interrogation center for allied captives the japanese are using to exstract information from prisoners -- and the horror-stories coming out of this place are bone-chilling. The paramarines must land on the isolated island, free captives if they can, and kill every single sadistic torturer to send a message to Japan that their atrocities will not be tolerated. Not a single man complicit to the island's operation is to be left alive -- they are to be killed Jason Vorhees style until the occupiers are forced to abandon the island by sea or air, where they will be shot down/sunk by the navy.

There is a Castle in the German Highlands that the occult division of the Nazis has taken a renewed interest in, to a disconcerting level. Spyplanes show Ancient Germanic Knights being exhumed and dressed in Nazi uniforms -- as if they will be risen again to fight for the Reich. The remote location of the Castle makes german reinforcement problematic, but significant forces are garrisoned. The objective? Kill all the members of the occult branch and steal whatever relics they are toying with, and STAKE ALL THE NAZI KNIGHT CORPSES JUST TO BE SURE.

 

[Tedronai]

I don't know if this is strictly correct but it helped me to think of it this way.

When we write and when we edit we use different parts of our brain, and the kind of writers block you describe comes when the editing part of our mind keeps interrupting the creative part.

the solution is to train yourself to throw it all on the page, not caring if it makes sense until the end. That way you at least end up with something to edit, rather than starting over and over until you demoralise yourself.

 

[Touche-Amore]

Teach you? YOU inspired ME!

I love the background material as well, so I just thought of things I know of in WW2 and then nuanced them.

I was still thinking of the "Wampir" night vision operation -- it would be cool as hell to be literally invisible snipers except that a handful of germans had night vision also and would be stalking the paramarines!

Some other ideas:

A unit of elite academy trained snipers are being dispatched to Stalingrad to eliminate fledgling new talented sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko (google her) because she is an inspiration to troops in the Red Army and it is forseen will become a figure of encouragement for America to join the War (Ms. Roosevelt tours her around the US daring men not to hide behind her) -- Lyudmila must not be assassinated until such time as she is close enough to safety for The President's wife to reach her and take her off the front line.

There is a Cathedral in France which supposedly has a life-size solid gold statue of the virgin mary hidden within it -- it's been a rumor for centuries, but the Nazis have uncovered clues that it actually exists. The wealth cannot fall in the hands of the nazis, in addition, several top Nazi archeologists are on the case to find it. The paramarines task is to infiltrate the cathedral, locate the statues hiding place (or let the nazis lead them to it) then lock the archeology team in with the statue and dispose of all leads to where it is. The existence of the statue will be written off or indefinitely sidelined, and because no bodies are found valuable time and resources will be spent throughout the war trying to track down the presumed captured/fled/disappeared Nazi Braintrust... (it could also be an awesome epilogue mission for the last ride of the paramarines being to sneak into france one last time to steal the statue, securing their retirement forever.)

An armored column is sweeping through the netherlands threatening to end operation "market garden" before it even begins (this is before the allies learn there are already two tank divisions in reserve there) -- since the plan depends on the lightness of nazi forces to prevent the crossing of the system of bridges through the netherlands to berlin (Which Britains 30 Corps are determined to use to blow into Berlin and end the war by Christmas) the paramarines must organize the allied sympathizers to create a massive ambush/resistance action to halt the advance until after the paratroopers are already landing in Njimegan, Aarnem, and Oosterbek. This choke point is a short-cut through a valley town and with nothing but the partisan forces, some machine guns, and a captured '88, they must create a logjam of burning tanks that will force the germans to detour around until after the window for the Market Garden Operation... the failure of market garden could not have been forseen (a bridge too far) but the paramarines make sure that it at least has a chance.

Somewhere in the phillipines is a interrogation center for allied captives the japanese are using to exstract information from prisoners -- and the horror-stories coming out of this place are bone-chilling. The paramarines must land on the isolated island, free captives if they can, and kill every single sadistic torturer to send a message to Japan that their atrocities will not be tolerated. Not a single man complicit to the island's operation is to be left alive -- they are to be killed Jason Vorhees style until the occupiers are forced to abandon the island by sea or air, where they will be shot down/sunk by the navy.

There is a Castle in the German Highlands that the occult division of the Nazis has taken a renewed interest in, to a disconcerting level. Spyplanes show Ancient Germanic Knights being exhumed and dressed in Nazi uniforms -- as if they will be risen again to fight for the Reich. The remote location of the Castle makes german reinforcement problematic, but significant forces are garrisoned. The objective? Kill all the members of the occult branch and steal whatever relics they are toying with, and STAKE ALL THE NAZI KNIGHT CORPSES JUST TO BE SURE.

Man, thank you! I guess I inspired you! Haha! I'm writing and writing and writing right now. I'm such a good "writing mood". ​

 

[Touche-Amore]

I don't know if this is strictly correct but it helped me to think of it this way.

When we write and when we edit we use different parts of our brain, and the kind of writers block you describe comes when the editing part of our mind keeps interrupting the creative part.

the solution is to train yourself to throw it all on the page, not caring if it makes sense until the end. That way you at least end up with something to edit, rather than starting over and over until you demoralise yourself.

Yeah, I guess! Right now I've been writing very much. ​

 

[Touche-Amore]

After editing my text for a few hours, this is all I have. I deleted shitloads of unecessary text that I had. I don't know how to go from here. Do I need to go on from here? It's just that it's not much. What else could I add? Also, I do not want the roleplay to start with a mission right away. Ideas? Thanks in advance!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this story, we follow nine soldiers from the 7th Special Operations Division on their adventure through World War II. They make up the first squad of 2nd Platoon in Fox Company, part of the 3rd Battalion, 88th Paramarine Regiment. The Paramarines are a Special Operations Unit trained to execute extraordinary missions in all environments. (Land, Sea and Air) They’re also expected to operate in all the different theaters of the war.
These men have been through one of the toughest trainings the U.S Military has to offer. For two years they have been trained to become Paramarines.
It was finally time for them to ship out.
​

 

[TheRockInception]

Yo I am legit interested in this, if you post it mention me