Delivering the Story
“Every detail I ever shared,
Ammunition given,
Paths taken or forsaken,
All to my joy and regret.”
The Weights of Narrative, Delivery
Taking on the role of the Story Guide at first may feel daunting. The truth is after some time parts of the role become the easiest of the seats at the table. We are offering problems, puzzles, and engagements for the rest of the table to solve. While there are cases where we have to apply some problem solving to our role, this mostly happens during preparations away from the table. The questions we often have to figure out for ourselves include how to move the story forward, how to breadcrumb, how to… move things along.
Our greatest tools are the weights through which we deliver the narrative. Weights in this sense includes all the mediums we have available to present the setting and the stakes. Using weights is not restricted to the Story Guide. The actions of players do more to the setting than the plans of their story guide. Making an enemy by being callous. Killing an otherwise unnamed supporting character. Choosing to be disrespectful to a shopkeeper who also happens to be a pillar of their community. Well, callous is easy. The weights on the other side being saving the weak, fighting against injustice, feeding a homeless woman and her child. With these simple examples given, we should note this list includes every possible action, and every possible consequence.
Every interaction gives us a chance to change the future of those we have the honor of their presence.
All of them Weights, Chains, and Changes.
Using Weights
Within our pages we offer many different weights. It is important for both the Story Guide and the Players to have some awareness of narrative tools. The weight of the situation or gained information impacts the progression of the story. While there are more miles than one could read in their lifetime on the subject of narratives and storytelling, the display offered here is setting specific.
The Weight of Rumor, Propaganda
The Weight of Control, Censorship
