Stage

A metaphor for the theater of the mind, where players and the Game Host collaborate to perform emergent storytelling.

The host is responsible for setting the stage for a campaign or adventure. They create situations, scenes, and encounters to challenge players, who, acting as their characters, make choices and perform actions to accomplish their goals and objectives. The consequences drive the narrative and determine the story's direction as it unfolds.

Stage Elements

The stage encompasses the following game elements and mechanics.

SITUATIONS: The set of circumstances and narrative context players find themselves in at any point in the game. Situations are defined by one or more objectives and are resolved through one or more scenes and encounters.

SCENES: A specific location or setting where the characters’ actions and interactions take place. Each scene provides the backdrop against which the situation is resolved.

ENCOUNTERS: The challenges and interactions that test a player's choices and a characters' abilities, driving the story's direction based on their outcomes.

INITIATIVE: A game mode designed to support turn-based play where the actions of the characters are performed in a controlled order.

TEAMWORK: Teamwork supports and encourages players to work together providing an opportunity to assist or protect another player.

ACTIONS: Actions use dice to determine the outcome of a character's decisions when facing a challenge that is dangerous and has a risk for failure.

CONSEQUENCES: The positive and negative results of player decisions and their character's actions.

REWARDS: Methods of rewarding players for game play experience and providing opportunities for character progression.

DOWNTIME: A periodic situation that allow characters to take a break from the action to rest, recover, and engage in character development activities.