Help / Player guide / Rotating narration

Using rotating narration

What is it?

Rotating narration is a new, optional game style in which the narrator role automatically passes between the players from scene to scene. This way, control over the story is truly shared, and every player gets their moment in the spotlight, their chance to take the reins and drive the story in the direction they want.

It’s our hope that games with rotating narration will be even more collaborative, unpredictable, and fun than the typical Storium game! We appreciate you helping us test this major new feature, and we appreciate your feedback on the experience.

How does it work?

  1. One player starts the game, sets it up, and invites the other players, as usual. They are called the host.
  2. As each player creates a character, the player is added to the rotation list.
  3. Once the host and at least one other player have created characters, the host can start the game.
  4. The player at the top of the rotation list then becomes the first narrator and can begin the first scene.
  5. When the scene is completed, the narrator role automatically rotates to the next player on the list. The new narrator can then begin the next scene.
  6. Rotation continues like this, scene by scene. When the end of the list is reached, rotation continues from the top.

Being a host

The player who starts a game with rotating narration is called the host. The host chooses the world (or creates their own), invites the other players, and manages things like character hand-offs. They also control the order of the rotation list, and can even remove players from the list when needed (say, if someone is on vacation).

The host is also a player in the game just like everyone else. That means they get their own turn as narrator, and they also need to have their own character in the game.

During gameplay, the host has the power to manually rotate the narrator role to the next player in the list. This is helpful for situations where a narrator is holding up the story or is stuck, but it should be used sparingly and respectfully.

The host role remains with the same player for the entire game. If they want, the host can permanently hand-off their responsibilities to another player.

Being a narrator

Being a narrator in a rotating narration game is much like being a narrator in a typical Storium game. The main difference is that you only get to narrate one scene at at time. This means you are sharing more of the story with your fellow players. The result is a different experience than narrating a typical Storium game. Here are some tips to ensure you have the most fun as you play:

  • Build on the prior narrator’s work. By honoring the spirit of your fellow players’ storytelling, you’ll help create a more collaborative mood. You’ll also make your own job easier!
  • Offer ideas for the next narrator. Try to construct your challenges so that the outcomes provide fodder for the next scene. Doing this also makes it more likely that your own story ideas will be carried forward by the next narrator.
  • Use your own characters’ cards sparingly. While you’re narrator, you can make moves with your own character or character just like anyone else. But we advise you to think carefully before playing your own cards to address challenges. It could seem to your fellow players that you’re using your role as narrator to get an advantage they might feel is unfair.

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