I'd say that you don't have to but separate character agendas can make for a very rich game.

Of course, they can still be on the same political side and still have inter character conflicts. The sect within a sect and all....

Like playing Sabbat Vampires. Sure, you belong to the Sabbat and have a general guideline of what the Sabbat's overall goals are. However, each character, in turn, will be affiliated to their own clan as well. So they will have their own machinations and then different ideas of how certain goals should be achieved.

The West Wing lasted seven seasons?

Quote from: Itachi;980292In your experience, do you think conflicting agendas between players is a requirement for political games to work?

Or is it possible to have interesting political games with players on the same "side"?

1: No it is not a requirement. Players and their characters can have their own agendas even and it not be a political game.

2: Yes. And they can still have their own agendas.

When everyone just has different goals. Thats not political. Or likely isnt unless the goals are tied into some political plot. And the rest of the players might not be opposed, aware, or care even. You can also have a political intrigue themed RPG session/campaign without ever involving the board game/wargame side. Its all small scale. Or any wars are distant with the PCs not involved. And so on. Scale and scope can play a big factor here.

More importantly is. What works with your group? If you've got players that would rather pull out Lords of Waterdeep and push cubes around then go that route. If they want to break out the terrain and command armies to settle the argument then go that. And if they want to slink in the castle shadows one on one then go that path. Or whatever else works.

Lots of ways to go at is and lots of different ideas on what is or isnt.

I find it takes a long time for players to become commited to an agenda.  

They need history, they need back story.  They need a feel for their charcter, and the world, and the other players and the stakes.  These things take time.  

Catan the goal is be the first to 10 points.  Everyone can grasp that quickly, their are different ways to get points so everyone can chart their own path, things can change they can adapt their strategy on the fly.  

In a deongen crawl the gole is simple, collect the most ears, or gold, or map it, or just make it out alive.  Everyone knows when they win.  

Mining rights for Phliosistion on tweledledum III, It takes a long time to really grok whats at stake.  Unless you make it 0 sum or do something else to explictly lay out victory conditions.  I mean I can think of a few different sets of goals, competing mining companies, the rights of the minors, environmentalists, a company with exclusive rights to competing fuel sources.....    But who the fuck cares?   Not your players thats for sure.