Behind the Story

Why choices were made
What inspired a faction, arena, city, or system
Constraints you imposed on yourself as author

Behind the Story

Designing Rivalry Without Villains
ByLMHawkes February 5, 2026January 26, 2026

Not Every Opponent Is Evil Conflict doesn’t need a villain. It needs tension. In Lanista, rivalry emerges from the world itself. Limited…

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Behind the Story

Designing a World That Does Not Forgive
ByLMHawkes January 31, 2026January 26, 2026

Refusing the Reset Forgiveness makes storytelling easier. It resets the stakes. It spares characters from consequence. I rejected it. The world behind…

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