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.

Includes

• Half-Letter zine, 40 page
• PDF
• Digital assets: designer's commentary version, and audiobook, and a gameplay tracking sheet.

Credits

Author - Samantha Leigh

Artist - Victor Winter

Layout artist - James Hanna

Editor - Marx Shepherd