What is a Points of Light Campaign?
A campaign is referred to as “points of light” when the details of individual sessions (and the larger campaign) are driven by player agency.
Consider that for the players in a campaign, the larger world is mostly unknown. Imagine an overworld map completely darkened by black fog. Sure the players might know of major towns (like Minrathous for example), and even know some of the major organizations or people (like the Chantry), but the wider goings on, and how they relate back to the players is mostly unknown, ready for them to discover.
A “point of light” is exactly that, a beacon in the obscuring black fog that gives players an understanding that something relevant is out there. It gives them a direction to head in. Players may not know what lies between this and this beacon, or what the outcome will be of their involvement, but they know it’s there.
Now imagine there’s dozens of points of light, and the players must decide together on which ones to pursue, ultimately deciding how they will interact and impact this world.
This allows player agency to determine what is important, and what needs their attention far more than the input of the GM.
How do we find Points of Light?
Points of Light can surface through many different means. Primarily, however, Points of Light will become available based on the actions of the players. Where the decide to get involved, and with whom. Sometimes the GM will provide a Point of Light, especially early on. Players can also pursue personal vendettas as Points of Light. This is also a living breathing world, so just being out in it, players might stumble upon a Point of Light by overhearing whispers in the city market, or by checking a bounty board.
What are People of Light?
“People of Light” is just a way to distinguish Points of Light from the others when they involve characters.
In Dragon Age—perhaps more than anything—the relationships you cultivate shape your campaign. The same will be true here. Any character that players meet could become a valued ally or confidant. Even a rival. Which makes them all potential Points of Light. Continuing to forge and shape relationships will only better serve as beacons in the darkness.
It goes without saying but it’s hard to cultivate relationships with the dead (unless you’ve got a party necromancer) which means that unlike many tabletop roleplaying games, combat might not be the best approach to conflict resolution. The pen is mightier than the sword as they say.