Rest

Time passing as the Object waits between Agents.

Definition

Objects are not in continuous, unbroken use. There is invariably some period of downtime between Agents. This is Rest.

  • During a Rest, the Object is inert.

  • To represent Rest in the game, players are asked to wait in silence for a time proportional to the Object's wait.

    • This is usually in the range of seconds to a few minutes, but it might represent years or centuries of time passing for the Object.

    • The player chooses how much time the Object will Rest.

  • As part of a longer Rest, players may be asked to choose a prompt about the passing of time.

    • This is chosen from one of two Tables: one about how the passage of time affects the Object and one about how the world around the Object changes.

    • After choosing a prompt, the player is asked to Change something about their Object.

    • The longest periods might ask players to choose multiple times from the Tables

  • Atmospheric music can be provided to listen to instead of silence.

Intention

While there is little to focus on in the Rest periods between Agents, making space for it mechanically helps to solidify that we're experiencing this story from the perspective of the Object. Whether it is reflective, meditative or boring, we get some small window into the experience of the Object during its long wait.

It also gives the idle minds of the players some space to look backwards & forwards to contemplate the shape of their story, which can be hard to make time for when writing continuously.

Finally, it's nice sometimes to have an excuse to sit quietly!

Example

Advice

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