So, a while back I’ve reviewed TRPG A Penny for My Thoughts. Would anyone be interested in a game hosted here? Penny is actually well-suited for blog format, unlike many other TRPGs, since it’s mostly a structured storytelling rather than a traditional game. The uninterrupted flow is not really important, so you can take your time with replies without causing boredom or severe impatience, and the rules are simple enough that even people completely unfamiliar with TRPGs would be able to grasp them easily (and, of course, I’m going to walk the players through the rules step by step).
We need 3-5 people in total.
For the setting I plan to use the City, though it’s open to suggestions. Due to the nature of the game, pretty much any setting that allows for the existence of the memory research institute is viable and won’t require lengthy adaptation, though naturally it must be something all players are familiar with and want to play.
What the hell, I’m in. Any specific material I should pick up? I assume it has a sourcebook.
There is a sourcebook, but I don’t have a digital copy and don’t think you can get one unless you want to buy it.
In any case, no prior reading is necessary aside from reading the City post linked above and skimming over the Penny review (also linked) to get the gist of what it’s all about. I’m going to explain the rules step by step should be get to the game, and they’re really simple.
As long as you like telling stories, you should be fine.
I would try! I will probably suck though.
Alright, we have enough people for the game now, so I’m putting up a post tomorrow. It’s still a preporatory stage, though, so more people can join in if anyone’s interested.
And don’t worry. TRPGs are not a high art or anything. The goal is to have fun among friends, not to impress anyone. As long as your writing is not on the level of, say, Perfect Lionheart, you’re fine.
s/I/We
I’m interested.
Great!
I’m interested, but due to anxiety-causing factors (current apathy towards writing, ambigious understanding of how the game flows, the fact that the game’s already kinda starting…) have convinced me that I’ll just lurk this one out instead.
Should there be a second game, I’d be happy to jump in on that one.
Well, right now we’re in the starting stage where I would demonstrate how it all works. Until the first turn ends (that is, until everyone tells the first scene), inserting new players is relatively easy, so feel free to join if what you see interests you.
I’ll keep that in mind.
So I’ve read your first turn and did some personal thinking. Sign me up.
I’ll put my triggers up after I’ve waken up.
OK, done.
I would suggest focusing on places or people for triggers as we don’t have them, though it’s your choice, so don’t feel pressured.
If it helps, I am also an anxious mess who has no idea what they’re doing!
Well, the basic process is as follows:
– First each player writers memory triggers described in the next post. Objects, people, sensations, etc. that are going to be central to the stories we’re going to write;
– Then an active player picks one trigger (I’m going to do it randomly, but there isn’t anything wrong with picking the one you like), which is followed a round of yes-or-no guiding questions about said trigger (for example, if the trigger is “blood-stained carpet,” a guiding question for it may be “is it animal’s blood?” It’s actually an example given in the sourcebook, which is hilariously followed with “Yes, and my wife laughed when I dropped that bloody steak on the carpet when I tried to balance it with a dozen other things” or something in that vein) that would expand it and shape the basics of the scene ahead;
– The third stage is a short interactive story written by an active player. Since it’s the first turn, only two meaningful actions can be performed by the protagonist, though later the scenes would grow longer.
I’ll explain the rules as we go along as it’s simpler to do on example, but don’t hesitate to ask if you want a clarification.
And don’t worry about anything. Nobody here is going to judge you, the game is chosen specifically because the pace is not important so you can approach it at your own pace and convenience, and if there are any problems, they can be discussed and resolved without issues. Remember that you’re among friends here, nobody is here out to hurt your feelings and there are no standards to meet, nothing to prove and nobody to impress.
Just relax and let the drug do its work. =)
Just keep this in mind: