HOSTING A GOOD GOOD STORY GAME (THAT EVEN IMPRESSES YOURSELF)Because if I doesn't MOVE you, whaddya doin'?
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If you’re reading this, you’re the most likely to introduce story games to your circles. In story games, this means you’re the host. Remember, to play a story game is simply to tell a story as a group. But it needs a little setup to get started, and then a little push down the hill to build momentum. And that’s you; you’re the Force. As the host, your job isn’t to control the story: it’s to keep it moving. Think of yourself as a conductor of an orchestra, not the sole author of a book. You’re no master of the game; you’re the host and facilitator. You just help deliver the story-baby. “just”. HA. Sometimes it’ll feel a lot more chaotic and frantic. But it’s VERY rewarding. Before we go any further,let’s review the story game rules. They’re only seven lines long:
Got it? Let’s roll. Before the game, prepare a scenariowith a clear starting situation and some tension to resolve. Keep it short. A few sentences can do plenty. Something like:
Then list the relevant places, characters, and factions.Sometimes these are obvious (ie directly from the scenario pitch), sometimes you have to explore the margins of the premise for possibly relevant proper nouns. You may have five, two, or twelve characters listed to start, that’s okay. More can be added during play, others die on or exit the stage, some are simply forgotten. Characters might start with a name and some punchy traits and goals. No need to write paragraphs about each person (although you could). Following up on the cowboy example, you might have something like:
Lastly, have a dice mechanic readyfor if there’s uncertainty. If it’s your first time pick between one of these three:
To start the story game,present the scenario in your own words. Maybe even give it a dramatic read in your best James Earl Jones or Meryl Streep. Make sure everyone knows the starting point. They may ask a question or two, but as long as they have a basic understanding of the premise, you’re golden. Invite the table with the question “What happens next?” Be comfortable with the silence that follows. . . . . . . What the— Who put that there?? . . . . . This is called “wait time” in the educational spheres. Yes, it has been known to make people clench. If no one goes, look at the bravest person at the table and say “what happens next?” They might not have a firm answer. You gotta coax it out of them. Pretty soon another player will chime in. Then you might say what happens next too. Now you’re cooking. Listen actively and build on what players say. Ask questions if something is unclear. If someone says something happens that goes against the game (ruining the tone, trolling, or otherwise disrupting things), you are given the power as host to veto what was said. Apply vetoes sparingly and before dice are rolled. This is to maintain coherence and fairness. No spitting in the punchbowl. You set the creative frame. If players drift too silly or too grim for the group’s tastes, gently nudge them back (which, to be clear, doesn’t require an explicit veto of their actions). That’s what a good host does: sets expectations and keeps the experience in line with those expectations. If players say things that contradict each other, it’s an opportunity to “roll dice” but you can also try having them as complications. Instead of saying “that can’t happen,” ask “could both be true or some mixture of the two?” If it’s not possible or not interesting enough, roll dice to see which idea wins out. Call for rolls when things are uncertain or when consequences will make the game more interesting: “I think it’s likely that action will go poorly.” “I think it’s unlikely that they’ll be convinced of that. Let’s roll for it.” Encourage quieter players to chime in. Playing host means inviting others in on the revelry. Ending the Game:When the scenario’s wraps-up, stop. You’ll feel that core tension release, those unanswered questions resolve, and then it’s game over. Resist the temptation to keep going. Games that finish are often the most satisfying. Smile at everyone. Say “and that’s the end.” Thank everyone for playing and then have a drink. :) Tip:You don’t need to be neutral. You can root for drama, interesting consequences, and sudden reversals. The goal isn't a balance between character power, screen time, or even player input: it’s a great unfolding of a shared story. Play to see what happens and don't be afraid to take a side. FINAL TIP:Need a scenario to start RIGHT NOW? Well, here’s a pitch: zombies break into your living room. What happens next?! If you need a print out with more layout and art, I hear you. Here’s the game, totally free of charge. I just want you to try it out and get started!: ZOMBIES RIGHT NOW - ON ITCH.IOStory Games Sojourn is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Story Games Sojourn that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments.
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Thursday, 14 August 2025
HOSTING A GOOD GOOD STORY GAME (THAT EVEN IMPRESSES YOURSELF)
Welcome to Story Games Sojourn
 Hey, it’s me, Samuel James. I’m making the trek from the dreamingdragonslayer blog over here to Substack. My Wordpress is just too isolated at times and I like reading other posts about gaming, reading, writing, philosophy, theology, all that. Moving here allows me to connect with others (important) and be exposed to a variety of writings and opinions (VERY important). I wanted to be considerate and not just add to your notifications tidal-wave. So I’m sending this to notify you about this change in my posting behavior. Side-note, some of you first signed up for my original blog SIX YEARS AGO which is WILD. It feels like a fresh start, this time with more focus on story games. I can’t see all ends, but the journey ahead looks worthwhile. Time to see where it takes us :) Please allow me a moment also to share with you the first post of this publication:
If you’re ever inspired to heart, comment, or restack a post, I appreciate it. It’s such a small thing, but it helps out LOADS. Thanks again, and GAME ON!
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Tuesday, 12 August 2025
[Invitation] My Summer Book Club - Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra
| Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a good book either on the beach, by the pool or at the lake. This Summer, I am revisiting the very first book I read about "alternative health" back in the Summer of 2000! 📚 Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra
>>>JOIN MY BOOK CLUB FOR FREE HERE<<< Talk soon, Dr. Tracy |
Monday, 11 August 2025
Why Menopause Doesn't Have To Mean Suffering
| Many women approach menopause like it's a disease to survive. I used to think the same way. In my teens and twenties, I was plagued with irregular periods, mood swings, and energy crashes that left me feeling like my body was working against me. By my late thirties, I dreaded what menopause might bring. Then I discovered something that changed everything. Menopause isn't a medical condition that requires intervention. It's a natural transition that can be managed with the right holistic approach. As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health, I've spent nearly two decades helping women reclaim their vitality during this transition. What I've learned challenges everything conventional medicine teaches about menopause. My Hormone Story Changed My PracticeMy personal hormone journey shaped how I treat every woman who walks into my practice.I understand where my patients are at, struggling with symptoms of hormone imbalance, because I've been exactly where they are. The hot flashes that wake you at 3 AM. The brain fog that makes you forget words mid-sentence. The mood swings that leave you feeling like a stranger in your own body. But here's what I discovered through my own experience and years of practice: these symptoms aren't inevitable consequences of aging. They're signals that your body needs support during a major transition. When I started applying naturopathic principles to my own hormone challenges, everything shifted. My energy returned. My mood stabilized. My sleep improved. That transformation became the foundation of how I help other women. >>>>READ MORE in my latest article for the Menopause Association<<<< To your everlasting health, Dr. Tracy |
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