In this workshop, we'll take inspiration from "weird" story games and other innovative indie titles to playstorm new game concepts, systems, and mechanics for narrative tabletop games.

Each session will involve an expansive game-studies discussion that investigates one or more contemporary roleplaying game systems. We'll delve into zines, pass around tactile components, and identify key pillars of design.

Then, either solo or in small groups, participants will be invited to hack or otherwise play with elements of the game(s) we've discussed—developing a piece of a larger tabletop game, or inventing an entirely new one. You will leave each session with a new design.

All experience levels are welcome! Attend to design your first story game, or renew your already-developed practice. Come for the full series, or drop in for one session. 

We'll investigate Viditya Voleti's Space Goblins!, a zine that creates immersion and collaborative "world building" through the use of legos to co-create a goblin spaceship. What mischievous feelings, memories, and design potentials lurk within interlocking building blocks?

We'll investigate The Details of Our Escape, a collaborative zine by Tyler Crumrine, Linnea Sterte, and Renee Gladman that uses dominoes to tell the story of a massive, 2000-strong Caravan. How is collective travel brought to life by numbered, two-sided rectangular tiles?

We'll investigate Spell: The RPG by Taylor Curreysmith, a zine that outlines an evocative magic system whereby players draw random letter tiles to spell out magic abilities. How can spelling-game mechanics invoke experiences of arcane weaving? 

Nat Mesnard is a game designer and writer based in NYC, and a co-founder of Scryptid Games. They write TTRPGs, fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, and have taught creative writing, game design, and interactive fiction for the last 14 years.