The Tales We Told When the World Went Quiet

After dusk, when the moon has yet to rise, I like to go out to the hardhold wall and look out over the darkening wasteland. The rustle of the broken shrubs and soft wind blowing over the dunes help to wash away the day’s stress—my mind can wander, free and clear. Jel has begun to come sit with me sometimes, and the two of us will stare out over the world in silent company. Today, out of nowhere, Jel asked me, “what was it like, before the Quiet?”

I stared at him, memories flooding through my head. Stories from my mother, relaxing after a successful raid. Stories from my father, set around the fire with a bowl of bear stew. Stories from the elders, told in turn with perfect clarity; an awestruck child locked in rapt attention. Playing for time I look to the stars, hunting for the shapes I need. I find the marker stars; I wrap my arm around my son. 

“Let me tell you a story.”

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The Tales We Told When the World Went Quiet is a rules-light, story/lyric game for 1-6 players exploring the oral histories and traditions of a post-apocalyptic community. This game can be run stand alone, or as an add-on to an ongoing Apocalypse World, Dream Askew, or Legacy: Life Among The Ruins campaign. The mechanics of the game are based on ritual question asking, with story prompts generated by connecting stars and creating constellations on a provided star chart. 

The game’s rituals, questions, and themes are based on the oral traditions of the native people of North America. Particular inspiration and collaboration will be sought from the Mi’kmaq and Coast Salish peoples. The game is written on Suquamish tribal land in the Port Madison native reservation.