======Fork====== {{:patterns:fork-dragonage.png?direct}} [[games:dragonage|Dragon Age: Origins]], forking paths with dead-ends in the Deep Roads. =====Description===== A fork is a location in a level where the player may choose one of a number of paths, often [[patterns:linear path|linear paths]], which lead somewhere. They may converge to the same location, progress the game in different directions, or dead-end. Sometimes they will dead-end at something valuable, such as an [[patterns:item|item]] or [[patterns:container|chest]], as a reward for exploration. A [[patterns:hub|hub-and-spokes]] pattern usually includes several forking paths. A fork often represents a [[patterns:choice|choice]] for the player. A fork of [[patterns:hallway]]s can act as a [[patterns:chokepoint|chokepoint]], as it channels characters into a small, intense area for combat. =====Variables and Affordances===== * **Size**: how many paths there are from the fork * **Convergence**: whether the paths converge, or if they lead to different locations =====Examples===== * [[games:dragonage|Dragon Age: Origins]]. In the Deep Roads there are a number of forking paths through the caves. Usually these forked paths do not //converge//, and there is only one correct path to progress through the level. The other paths lead to rewards, combat areas, and [[patterns:sidequest|side quests]]. ====In Worked Examples==== * [[examples:desertgate|Desertgate]] =====Related Patterns===== * [[patterns:linear path|Linear Path]] * [[patterns:hub|Hub and Spokes]] * [[patterns:container|Container]] * [[patterns:hallway|Hallway]] =====Quest-Level Relationships===== * [[patterns:choice|Choice]] {{tag>level:PhysicalElement games:dragonage}}