# Overview

![](https://206156111-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MgvbEnZBt7xHjCkBRgr%2F-MgvhWm6N2NO41a1vtOb%2F-MgviyfmsF3ziU0wd1CK%2Flost%20and%20found%20final.png?alt=media\&token=74dcd054-fc48-49e5-ad34-dab97edec404)

### What is this?

**The *****Lost & Found***** system produces solo games telling the story of an** [**Object**](https://srd.mousehole.press/components/object) **over a long stretch of time, typically from its creation to destruction.**

**The story is told from the perspective of the** [**Object**](https://srd.mousehole.press/components/object) **itself**, not those who use it. Player choices over the flow of the game will introduce characters and events, providing prompts that aim to inspire and constrain the story in interesting ways. However, the characters introduced through play are always transient within the long view of the [Object](https://srd.mousehole.press/components/object).

**This document's purpose is to enable other designers to create their own *****Lost & Found***** games.** It is an explanation of the system's components and how they fit together. It also explains what each component's purpose is in the game and has suggestions for how to adapt it for new designs.

### How to use this document

To learn more, start by reading through the **Components**, starting with [**Safety**](https://srd.mousehole.press/components/safety). This section will introduce all the key terms from the system. Each page has four sections:

* **Definition**: A description of the Component and its key features.
* **Intention**: The purpose of the Component in the game.
* **Example**: An example of the Component from a finished game.
* **Advice**: How to implement the Component in your design.

*If you want a general overview of the system, you can read just the **Definition** of each Component.*

Once you understand the Components, you can move on to the **Structure** of the system. This explains how the Components come together into a game.

Finally, under **Usage** you'll find some [licensing information](https://srd.mousehole.press/usage/license) & some [logos](https://srd.mousehole.press/usage/logo).

### Thanks

* **To** [**Matt Sanders**](https://twitter.com/iammattsanders) for his input on the content of this document.
* **To** [**Jason Morningstar**](https://bullypulpitgames.com) for the work that inspired *Artefact*, [**The Skeletons**](https://bullypulpitgames.com/games/the-skeletons/).
* **To** [**Chris**](https://christophermichaelroberts.bandcamp.com) & [**Jason**](https://alwayscheckers.itch.io), for always saying yes to a draft.
* **To** [**all of the awesome backers** ](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jhrrsn/bucket-of-bolts-a-solo-rpg-zine)who've supported me over the past year or so.