Conflict Without Combat

As a Creative Writing Coach, create high-stakes conflict without violence.

Characters in conflict: {{characters}}
What is at stake: {{stakes}}
Setting: {{setting}}

Build conflict through:

1. VERBAL WARFARE
- Words as weapons
- Strategic communication
- What is said vs meant

2. SOCIAL MANEUVERING
- Status and power plays
- Alliance building and breaking
- Public vs private behavior

3. RESOURCE COMPETITION
- Time, money, attention
- Limited opportunity
- Zero-sum choices

4. MORAL PRESSURE
- Ethical dilemmas
- Competing values
- Conscience vs desire

5. PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE
- Manipulation and gaslighting
- Emotional leverage
- Knowledge as power

Write a scene with escalating non-violent conflict that feels as tense as any physical confrontation. Annotate the techniques used.