SETUP

This is a storytelling game. Each player will

portray a character in a post-collapse world.
You need a different booklet for each player,
pencils, and a deck of playing cards.
Choose a name, and write it in the first blank on
the opposite page:

READ THIS ALOUD

In this new world, food doesnt come from a
box, doesnt arrive in trucks, doesnt wait on
shelves. In this world, food is what we grow.
Im called ____________, and I tend this garden, best in the city.

Its clear ____________ doesnt understand

how to stay well and healthy. I need to teach
them to live without sickening themselves.

pair of sharp, well-kept shears

I maintain a _____________________, which is

vital to my work here.

Choose a possession, and write it in the second

blank:

My friends and I, we coax life from cracked

concrete, birth young sprouts on raised beds
safe from poison soil, collect rainwater and cut
rot from leaf and stem. And people eat. Not
much, but people eat.

Leaf

Frye
Lauren
Cody

SETUP
When everyones read their introduction, its
time to tell a story together. This story will last
about 10 minutes per player.
Separate the cards into the four suits. Give one
suit to each player. And set the extras aside.
Shuffle and draw three cards. Look at them but
dont show them.
To determine who begins the tale, each player
chooses a card and places it face down on the
table. Reveal them all at once.
Whichever player has the highest card (Aces are
high) begins telling the story.

If you win the bid to begin the tale, pick one

narration on the opposite page and read aloud.

Ask the player to your RIGHT to write their

name in the third blank.

Each player places the card they showed in

front of them, face up and sideways, forming
their own discard pile.

makeshift water purifier

IF YOURE STUCK, refer to your starting description. Do something related to that. Alternately,
describe the environment or minor characters,
adding texture to the tale.

Gentlypress.com
Author: Joli St. Patrick

RESPOND TO OTHERS: Build off previous

descriptions;, place characters together and
produce friction or tender moments.
LIVE IN THE NOW: The story is short, so say the
first obvious thing rather than trying to be
clever.
SAY YES: Accept what others describe as fact
in the story., including what happens to your
character.
You may ONLY describe your character outsmarting, overpowering, or otherwise defeating another players character IF the card you
discard is higher than the top card in their
discard pile.
You may NOT say what other players characters
say or do.

HOW TO PLAY

collection of rare seeds

BEGINNING THE TALE

The sun beats down on a garden complex
sprawling over a city block, wilting fragile
seedlings in its heat. The gardeners send one
of their own out to seek water, for its been
way too long since last rain. The traveler soon
encounters a stranger.
A wanderer in the urban sprawl finds their way
to a half-hidden garden plot tucked in between
dilapidated buildings. A fiercely protective
gardener challenges the newcomer.
A handful of tenders work frantically on a
rooftop garden to protect the plants from a
sudden storm. Acidic rain stings their faces as
they wrestle with tarps in the wind. A stranger
steps in to offer help.

Now turn the page and follow the instructions

to take the first turn.

5. When everyone has played and laid down a

card, turn everyones card sideways. and start a
new round. Any player except the one who has
just played may begin.
4 Players may take their turns in any order.
Prioritize characters who need to respond to
the current players narration.
3 Place a card face up in front of you, vertically
oriented, on top of your discard pile.
*Describe environmental detail.
*Say what minor characters say or do.
*Say what your character says or does.
2 Narrate just 1 or 2 sentences of the story. Do
ONE of these:
1 Draw a card.

ON YOUR TURN

E
TH
wer
o
gr

Then write a new goal, leaving the name of

your goal's target blank as before:
To play again, decide whether to keep
your possession or make up a new one in light
of what happened in your last tale.
Write one sentence about what you accomplished or how it fell apart:
When you draw your last card, this is your
last turn! Everyone else takes one more turn,
then everyone describe a fitting aftermath.

ENDING THE TALE

WILDING
TALES

SETUP
This is a storytelling game. Each player will
portray a character in a post-collapse world.
You need a different booklet for each player,
pencils, and a deck of playing cards.

READ THIS ALOUD

In this new world, there are no rules. No rich
assholes in tall towers telling us who can work,
who can eat, who can think and speak.

I need to make sure ____________ wont

disrupt the way we do things around here, one
way or another.

stash of punk rock albums

I keep a _______________________. Its the

guiding force in my life.

Choose a possession, and write it in the second

blank:

Im just part of the community, and I help

people find their voice. I make sure everyones
heard who needs to be, and I will shut you
down if you mess with that.

Madison

People call me ____________, but I dont care

for labels. Its not about me; its about all of us,
living and deciding, together.

Choose a name, and write it in the first blank on

the opposite page:
Ash
Sierra
Black

collection of political lit

SETUP
When everyones read their introduction, its
time to tell a story together. This story will last
about 10 minutes per player.
Separate the cards into the four suits. Give one
suit to each player. And set the extras aside.
Shuffle and draw three cards. Look at them but
dont show them.
To determine who begins the tale, each player
chooses a card and places it face down on the
table. Reveal them all at once.
Whichever player has the highest card (Aces are
high) begins telling the story.

If you win the bid to begin the tale, pick one

narration on the opposite page and read aloud.

Ask the player to your RIGHT to write their

name in the third blank.

Each player places the card they showed in

front of them, face up and sideways, forming
their own discard pile.

well-worn beatin stick

BEGINNING THE TALE

In a cracked and pitted plaza, a crowd is
gathering. They mingle and chatter, until a lone
figure steps to the front. After calling them to
order, the speaker asks a newcomer what business they have here.
A handful of young shit-kickers are hassling a
traveler, cornered in a blind alley. They shove,
jostle, shout insults, intending Odin knows
what. A voice calls out. The gang turns in fear
and respect.
In a crumbling high-rise, two families are arguing. A man is screaming at a woman, insisting
her children have taken food from his. Another
person steps in, separates them, then turns to
ask a stranger what they witnessed.

Now turn the page and follow the instructions

to take the first turn.

5. When everyone has played and laid down a

card, turn everyones card sideways. and start a
new round. Any player except the one who has
just played may begin.
4 Players may take their turns in any order.
Prioritize characters who need to respond to
the current players narration.
3 Place a card face up in front of you, vertically
oriented, on top of your discard pile.
*Describe environmental detail.
*Say what minor characters say or do.
*Say what your character says or does.
2 Narrate just 1 or 2 sentences of the story. Do
ONE of these:
1 Draw a card.

ON YOUR TURN

IF YOURE STUCK, refer to your starting description. Do something related to that. Alternately,
describe the environment or minor characters,
adding texture to the tale.

Gentlypress.com
Author: Joli St. Patrick

RESPOND TO OTHERS: Build off previous

descriptions;, place characters together and
produce friction or tender moments.
LIVE IN THE NOW: The story is short, so say the
first obvious thing rather than trying to be
clever.
SAY YES: Accept what others describe as fact
in the story., including what happens to your
character.
You may ONLY describe your character outsmarting, overpowering, or otherwise defeating another players character IF the card you
discard is higher than the top card in their
discard pile.
You may NOT say what other players characters
say or do.

HOW TO PLAY

E
ist
TH
v
i
ct
e
l
l
co

Then write a new goal, leaving the name of

your goal's target blank as before:
To play again, decide whether to keep
your possession or make up a new one in light
of what happened in your last tale.
Write one sentence about what you accomplished or how it fell apart:
When you draw your last card, this is your
last turn! Everyone else takes one more turn,
then everyone describe a fitting aftermath.

ENDING THE TALE

WILDING
TALES

SETUP
This is a storytelling game. Each player will
portray a character in a post-collapse world.
You need a different booklet for each player,
pencils, and a deck of playing cards.
Choose a name, and write it in the first blank on
the opposite page:

READ THIS ALOUD

In this new world, theres not much left besides music and booze. And not much left of
those, either, not much thats quality, anyway.
You can call me ____________. I keep the old
songs. And what I dont remember, I make up.

SETUP
When everyones read their introduction, its
time to tell a story together. This story will last
about 10 minutes per player.
Separate the cards into the four suits. Give one
suit to each player. And set the extras aside.
Shuffle and draw three cards. Look at them but
dont show them.

If you win the bid to begin the tale, pick one

narration on the opposite page and read aloud.

Ask the player to your RIGHT to write their

name in the third blank.

Each player places the card they showed in

front of them, face up and sideways, forming
their own discard pile.

____________ is so exquisitely hot, not like

these other slobs. I have just GOT find out if
theyre into me as well.

a polished harmonica

I play ___________________. One of a kind, I

treat her nice so shell sing pretty.

Choose a possession, and write it in the second

blank:

I figure somebodys got to make life worth

living, and it might as well be me. Dont have
much other skill, anyway. And who doesnt like
a good tune? Put a smile on anyones face, even
yours.

Cloud

Crow
Sadie
Adam

Gentlypress.com
Author: Joli St. Patrick

a battered old guitar

To determine who begins the tale, each player

chooses a card and places it face down on the
table. Reveal them all at once.
Whichever player has the highest card (Aces are
high) begins telling the story.

IF YOURE STUCK, refer to your starting description. Do something related to that. Alternately,
describe the environment or minor characters,
adding texture to the tale.
RESPOND TO OTHERS: Build off previous
descriptions;, place characters together and
produce friction or tender moments.
LIVE IN THE NOW: The story is short, so say the
first obvious thing rather than trying to be
clever.
SAY YES: Accept what others describe as fact
in the story., including what happens to your
character.
You may ONLY describe your character outsmarting, overpowering, or otherwise defeating another players character IF the card you
discard is higher than the top card in their
discard pile.
You may NOT say what other players characters
say or do.

HOW TO PLAY

an aging fiddle

BEGINNING THE TALE

On the steps of an old courthouse, a lone musician plays and sings, drawing a crowd. One of
the onlookers speaks up to request a song.
A throng gathers in parking garage to distribute foraged food. As a bedraggled musician
steps up to receive, a woman, irate, demands
that no food be given to someone who doesnt
work. A stranger interrupts them.
A pair of men on a street corner accost a musician, demanding food or goods. The singer
protests that all he has nothing of use. They try
to take his instrument, but a passer-by stops
them.

Now turn the page and follow the instructions

to take the first turn.

5. When everyone has played and laid down a

card, turn everyones card sideways. and start a
new round. Any player except the one who has
just played may begin.
4 Players may take their turns in any order.
Prioritize characters who need to respond to
the current players narration.
3 Place a card face up in front of you, vertically
oriented, on top of your discard pile.
*Describe environmental detail.
*Say what minor characters say or do.
*Say what your character says or does.
2 Narrate just 1 or 2 sentences of the story. Do
ONE of these:
1 Draw a card.

ON YOUR TURN

E
TH
th
i
m
nes
u
t

Then write a new goal, leaving the name of

your goal's target blank as before:
To play again, decide whether to keep
your possession or make up a new one in light
of what happened in your last tale.
Write one sentence about what you accomplished or how it fell apart:
When you draw your last card, this is your
last turn! Everyone else takes one more turn,
then everyone describe a fitting aftermath.

ENDING THE TALE

WILDING
TALES

SETUP
This is a storytelling game. Each player will
portray a character in a post-collapse world.
You need a different booklet for each player,
pencils, and a deck of playing cards.
Choose a name, and write it in the first blank on
the opposite page:

READ THIS ALOUD

In this new world, nothings secure. You dont
get handed nothing at birth, but nothings
beyond your reach neither.
I go by ____________, and I find what I need.
Find what other folks need too, sometimes.

____________ has something that could be

useful, to me or someone else. Gotta figure out
how I could get it.

slick rope and grapple

I tote around a ____________________. Helps

me find what I need, nice and quick.

Choose a possession, and write it in the second

blank:

Back when the world used to work, people left

shit all over. Crammed into warehouses, lying in
big dump piles, tucked into secret places. I go
through it all, pick through to find whats good.
Im sneaky about it, when I gotta be.

Pilar

Harris
Genie
Cory

SETUP
When everyones read their introduction, its
time to tell a story together. This story will last
about 10 minutes per player.
Separate the cards into the four suits. Give one
suit to each player. And set the extras aside.
Shuffle and draw three cards. Look at them but
dont show them.
To determine who begins the tale, each player
chooses a card and places it face down on the
table. Reveal them all at once.
Whichever player has the highest card (Aces are
high) begins telling the story.

If you win the bid to begin the tale, pick one

narration on the opposite page and read aloud.

Ask the player to your RIGHT to write their

name in the third blank.

Each player places the card they showed in

front of them, face up and sideways, forming
their own discard pile.

glitchy metal detector

IF YOURE STUCK, refer to your starting description. Do something related to that. Alternately,
describe the environment or minor characters,
adding texture to the tale.

Gentlypress.com
Author: Joli St. Patrick

RESPOND TO OTHERS: Build off previous

descriptions;, place characters together and
produce friction or tender moments.
LIVE IN THE NOW: The story is short, so say the
first obvious thing rather than trying to be
clever.
SAY YES: Accept what others describe as fact
in the story., including what happens to your
character.
You may ONLY describe your character outsmarting, overpowering, or otherwise defeating another players character IF the card you
discard is higher than the top card in their
discard pile.
You may NOT say what other players characters
say or do.

HOW TO PLAY

ramshackle toolbelt

BEGINNING THE TALE

A wiry figure crawls spider-like over the refuse
of a junkyard, picking through wrecks for parts.
A voice calls out, demanding to know what
theyre doing there.
A stranger approaches a huddled fireside
gathering, offering assorted goods for trade.
One person among them speaks up with skeptical interest.
Under cover of night, someone slips into a
third story window, searching for something. A
noise startles them and they realize they arent
alone.

Now turn the page and follow the instructions

to take the first turn.

5. When everyone has played and laid down a

card, turn everyones card sideways. and start a
new round. Any player except the one who has
just played may begin.
4 Players may take their turns in any order.
Prioritize characters who need to respond to
the current players narration.
3 Place a card face up in front of you, vertically
oriented, on top of your discard pile.
*Describe environmental detail.
*Say what minor characters say or do.
*Say what your character says or does.
2 Narrate just 1 or 2 sentences of the story. Do
ONE of these:
1 Draw a card.

ON YOUR TURN

E
TH
er
g
n
ave
c
s

Then write a new goal, leaving the name of

your goal's target blank as before:
To play again, decide whether to keep
your possession or make up a new one in light
of what happened in your last tale.
Write one sentence about what you accomplished or how it fell apart:
When you draw your last card, this is your
last turn! Everyone else takes one more turn,
then everyone describe a fitting aftermath.

ENDING THE TALE

WILDING
TALES

SETUP

READ THIS ALOUD

My name is ____________, and I hear the

worlds voices.

CChoose a name, and write it in the first blank

on the opposite page:

In this new world, everything speaks. Maybe

theyve been stirred from long sleep, or maybe
weve just cleared the clutter enough to finally
hear.

This is a storytelling game. Each player will

portray a character in a post-collapse world.
You need a different booklet for each player,
pencils, and a deck of playing cards.

Anders

Each place has a voice. Each tree, each bird,

each building. Every human has a voice too,
crying out from inside while the mind goes on,
unaware. I am the universes valentine to all
these spirits.

Moss
Garret
Blue
Choose a possession, and write it in the second
blank:
a polished agate stone
a hand-carved oak staff

I carry a _________________________. It gives

me grounding and focus in a crazy world.

Gentlypress.com
Author: Joli St. Patrick

SETUP
When everyones read their introduction, its
time to tell a story together. This story will last
about 10 minutes per player.
Separate the cards into the four suits. Give one
suit to each player. And set the extras aside.
Shuffle and draw three cards. Look at them but
dont show them.
To determine who begins the tale, each player
chooses a card and places it face down on the
table. Reveal them all at once.
Whichever player has the highest card (Aces are
high) begins telling the story.
Each player places the card they showed in
front of them, face up and sideways, forming
their own discard pile.

RESPOND TO OTHERS: Build off previous

descriptions;, place characters together and
produce friction or tender moments.
LIVE IN THE NOW: The story is short, so say the
first obvious thing rather than trying to be
clever.
SAY YES: Accept what others describe as fact
in the story., including what happens to your
character.
You may ONLY describe your character outsmarting, overpowering, or otherwise defeating another players character IF the card you
discard is higher than the top card in their
discard pile.
You may NOT say what other players characters
say or do.

HOW TO PLAY

a pouch of dried herbs and mushrooms

There are a lot of hostile spirits surrounding ____________. I need to find out why, and
if I can help.

If you win the bid to begin the tale, pick one

narration on the opposite page and read aloud.

IF YOURE STUCK, refer to your starting description. Do something related to that. Alternately,
describe the environment or minor characters,
adding texture to the tale.

Ask the player to your RIGHT to write their

name in the third blank.

BEGINNING THE TALE

On a windy, deserted street, a wanderer stops
to embrace a scraggly tree poking from a
sidewalk plot. They hear the screams of trees
down the street, as someone uproots them for
firewood.
Within a crowd sharing food in a warehouse,
someones body tenses. Sensing a strangers
black energy as they pull a weapon in an argument, they interpose themselves between.
In a park reclaimed by wild, a traveler searches
among the trees, finding roots only they
recognize. They cock their head, the calm
disturbed. A stranger is lost here, menaced by
feral animals.

Now turn the page and follow the instructions

to take the first turn.

5. When everyone has played and laid down a

card, turn everyones card sideways. and start a
new round. Any player except the one who has
just played may begin.
4 Players may take their turns in any order.
Prioritize characters who need to respond to
the current players narration.
3 Place a card face up in front of you, vertically
oriented, on top of your discard pile.
*Describe environmental detail.
*Say what minor characters say or do.
*Say what your character says or does.
2 Narrate just 1 or 2 sentences of the story. Do
ONE of these:
1 Draw a card.

ON YOUR TURN

E
TH
ist
m
i
an

Then write a new goal, leaving the name of

your goal's target blank as before:
To play again, decide whether to keep
your possession or make up a new one in light
of what happened in your last tale.
Write one sentence about what you accomplished or how it fell apart:
When you draw your last card, this is your
last turn! Everyone else takes one more turn,
then everyone describe a fitting aftermath.

ENDING THE TALE

WILDING
TALES