Death of the Author

What would a character do upon confronting their author?

Death of the Author is a 1-2 player tarot TTRPG about a character fighting for agency within their own story. Over the course of five chapters, the character attempts to shape the narrative by twisting the scenes written by their author.

With a deck of tarot cards, tell a story of character autonomy and authorial intent. What messages does the author send throughout the character’s story? What happens when the character finally confronts their author?

About

Death of the Author can be played either solo or with a friend, over the course of 2-4 hours. All that is needed to play is a deck of tarot cards and a way to record your story. You do not need to be familiar with tarot to play.

Gameplay involves drawing cards for Scene Prompts, which describe scenes written by the Author. The Character then has a chance to modify the scene prompts, changing the story in the process. Each Chapter, the Character can use one Reversal and one Defiance:

• Reversal - Flip the card to receive a different Scene Prompt
• Defiance - Completely rewrite the underlined part of the Scene Prompt

However, changing the narrative brings the attention of the Author, who might choose to retaliate as they rewrite the Scene.

Death of the Author is a hack of Anamnesis, twisting the original mechanics in new and surprising ways. The game is 44 pages, including covers.

Testimonials from Playtesters

A thought-provoking examination of the relationship between character and author, and what it takes to wrest control of one's own story away from the confines imposed upon it. Every writer has had the experience of characters who don't want to cooperate with your story. Death of the Author gives you insight into why. 

~ S. Kaiya J.

Death of the Author is a mindfuck in the best way. By the end of my playthrough I felt a little like Charlie Kaufman and a little like a character in a Charlie Kaufman movie.

~ Taylor Felicity

Have you ever seen yourself in a story you wrote? In a character? What if they looked back? Fight for freedom as a character in your own tale, against its Author. Struggle with them, understand them, confront them and find out what's waiting for you beyond your ending.

~ Danny R. R. Travis

38 page, 5.5 x 8.5 inch, black & white, staple-bound zine

Includes instant access to digital package with PDF versions