> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://srd.mousehole.press/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://srd.mousehole.press/components/object.md).

# Object

## Definition

> **Objects are material things that can be seen and touched, such as a *****sword*****, a *****house***** or a *****spaceship*****.**

* Each story told by a *Lost & Found* game focuses on a **single Object**.
* These stories are told from the **perspective of that Object**, and are often coloured by its influence. 
* The Object **cannot act alone**, it needs to be **used by an** [**Agent**](/components/agent.md)**.**
* Objects are **made by a** [**Creator**](/components/creator.md) of some kind, defined at the start of each game.
* Objects are **described by** [**Traits**](/components/trait.md).
* Objects are **visualised through a** [**Drawing**](/components/drawing.md).
* Each Object has a **list of questions** associated with it that players may choose to answer over the course of the game.
* Questions are addressed to *'you'*,  meaning **the Object**.

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### Intention

**The unusual viewpoint of the Object is what makes these stories distinct from most fiction.** It allows players to create extended narratives over longer timescales than mortal perspectives would allow.

**The Object questions** provide an opportunity to explore the changing nature of the Object, its opinions & its place in the world—independently of any particular [Agent](/components/agent.md) or event. 

However, there is also interplay between the potential of the Object to create change in the world and its inability to act alone—**its power must be utilised by an** [**Agent**](/components/agent.md)**.**
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### Example

**In** [***Artefact***](https://mouseholepress.itch.io/artefact)**, you are telling the story of a magical item (**[***Object***](/components/object.md)**) from its creation to destruction**. The item (*sword, boots, book*) can't act alone—it must be seized by someone ([*Agents*](/components/agent.md)) and used. Its agency is limited, but it can influence its situation through magic, communication and force of will.

Each item has **six** questions associated with it, such as:

* *Over time you gain a name or honorific. What is it and why?*
* *Of all the places you’ve seen on your travels, one stands out and you long to return. Where is it, and why?*
* *You are immortal; you do not grow old. What mortal preoccupation is most strange to you as one that cannot die?*
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### Advice

**Tangible, portable Objects are a natural fit for this system**, but it could also work with something much larger such as a location (*castle, space station, etc*). It could also be adapted to work with something intangible (*a virus, an idea, etc*).

**Be mindful of making Objects that are too capable of acting by themselves.** The core of the *Lost & Found* system is the relationship between Objects and [Agents](/components/agent.md), and this could be diminished if the Objects become independent.
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