Night falls…

As darkness descends, we make camp. Unfurling our packs to spend our first night in the Wood, we eye our fellow travellers’ belongings.

  • All travellers get up and choose an object from somewhere in the room. (The object does not matter; its function will be symbolic.)

  • When you have your object, bring it to the table and sit back down.

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When everyone is sitting again:

  • Reader, show your companions the table of Items below.

  • Each traveller picks a suitable-seeming Item from the list. The object they hold now represents this Item, which their character carries in their pack.

  • Items may or may not come in useful on a party’s journey.

  • Items cannot be doubled up. For example, there should never be two rings at the table.

Knife

Rope

Flute

Mask

Ring

Letter

Locket

Hammer

Lantern

Quill

Key

Flask

Dice

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Piling wood between our packs, we set a fire and gather around the flame.


Words by the fire



The party has reached its first ‘words by the fire’ section. These nightly conversations are an opportunity for discussion, character development and improvisation.

  • To start, the Reader will silently read and digest a prompt. A discussion will then ensue.

  • At any time during the conversation, a traveller may end their participation by saying the words: “I go to sleep.” When all travellers have gone to sleep, the day will end.

  • The Reader will now read their prompt to themselves. While they read, other travellers may choose to kick off the chatting, or wait quietly for the Reader to begin.

Reader: this prompt section is just for you. Do not read aloud.

  • You’ve noticed the other travellers eyeing your Item. They might as well know what it is.

  • Introduce your Item to the group. Explain what it means to you in the style of your character.

  • Note other travellers’ Items. Encourage them to share what they are.

When everyone has gone to sleep, continue down.

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The new day dawns. We walk on.

⇐ 📖

The new Reader should turn over the next card in the Path.