the narrator paradox
a solo narrating game of trying to wrangle your protagonist back into the narrative
- Tiny Table Index uses affiliate links to index entries where available. When you make any purchases through links on this website, Tiny Table Index may earn a small affiliate commission, with no extra cost to you.
-
I get it, there are absolutely titles and creators in this industry that are problematic as heck, but a title's presence on the Tiny Table Index is not an endorsement of the title or anyone involved in its creation or production.
Tiny Table Index takes no responsibility for the content of the products present on this website, their suitability for any audiences, or anything related to their authors and production teams.
If you believe an index entry should be removed, please use the Feedback button on the bottom of the page to report it to the administrator for review as a Data Issue.
Mechanics
Identify the specific game systems, rules, or play styles that define how the game operates.
Content
Describe the thematic elements, narrative focus, or subject matter present in the entry.
Accessibility
Highlight features or considerations that make the game more inclusive and playable for people with various needs or preferences.
Other Tags
Encompass miscellaneous attributes, features, or characteristics that don't fit neatly into the previous categories but are still relevant for categorization.
Details
All of the other details for this entry.
Description
-
a solo narrating game of trying to wrangle your protagonist back into the narrative
There is a way the story is meant to go. You have seen the future. The past and the present. You know the hero of this tale, and where they end up. You know why they go there and every ally and foe along the way. Every fleck of sand moved beneath their boot has been foretold and defined and the words that tell of it slip from your lips like the oldest of hymns …
So if that little bastard could just STOP going off script that would be really great. What do you MEAN the protagonist isn't listening to you!? This is a STORY—don't they know they're in a STORY? They aren't meant to have … have … AUTONOMY or whatever other silly thing has gotten in their head.
You need a raise. Not that the human concept of money influences your role as a narrator in any way. But, like … anything would be nice. A raise. A swift kick in the head. Maybe the undefinable concept of storytelling will talk about a union.
Sorry—they've done WHAT now? Okay, chat's over. There's a protagonist to wrangle.
The Narrator Paradox is a one page solo-narrating game where you try to tell a story ... if your protagonist will let you. In it, you determine the five acts of your story based on an oracle, then make rolls for your plot beats to see if you can wrangle your protagonist into the prescribed narrative. If you can't, they defy you and take the story into their own hands. Wrestle the story into shape against a rebellious hero, or lose them forever and have to finish the story without them in it.
What you'll need:
- The Major Arcana from a tarot deck
- Two 6-sided dice
- A coin
Inspirations:
- The Stanley Parable
- Princess Bride
- Stardust
Release Date
The original date that this game was published.
- March 11, 2024
Languages
A listing of all languages that this game is available in.
- English
Age Rating
The Tiny Table Index uses the standard ESRB ratings to indicate a game's appropriateness for various age groups.
- Everyone (10+)
Formats
The types of form factor the game is available in.
Campaign Types
Different games offer playstyles that might last one or more sessions.
- Single Session
Similar Games
Other games similar to this one you might like.
-
Game
The Lonesome Cartographer
Wren The ForresterA tarot-based solo TTRPG about being a cartographer who is tasked with the research and creation of a map, representing a place that is important to you, your superiors, or your community.
Solo Pay What You Want -
Game
advanced darning & dragons
PsychHounda solo or multiplayer comedy TTRPG about turning old people gossip into high fantasy
Solo Three or More Pay What You Want -
Game
bagel, lox, golem talks
PsychHoundwrite an ethnography of a magical jewish shtetl
Solo Pay What You Want -
Game
with breath & sword
PsychHounda solo journaling game that helps you fight anxiety
Solo Paid -
Game
You, Beyond the Pale
S. Kaiya J.You are a lonely monster, watching the mortal world. A solo journaling RPG built on Aspire.
Solo Pay What You Want -
Game
The Librarian's Apprentice
Almost Bedtime TheaterThe Librarian's Apprentice is an all-ages solo journaling TTRPG that takes place in an infinite library. Players take on the role of the titular apprentice and, together with their familiar, journey through the Great Library in search of documents requested by their Librarian.
Solo Paid -
Game
Little Celestial Fieldwork Guide
PsychHounda fantasy city exploration photography & journaling game for 1+ players
Solo Duet Three or More Paid -
Game
Fresh Blood
gothHoblinA solo TTRPG where you play as a young vampire in a new city, searching for the magic to cure your maker.
Solo Paid -
Game
osteotzee
PsychHoundsolo journaling yahtzee hack ttrpg
Solo Paid -
Game
the graveyard game
PsychHoundwrite an ethnography of a haunted graveyard
Solo Paid -
Game
FORGE
Zap Forge / Oliver FradgleyOld School RPG with GM & Solo Tools
Solo Duet Three or More Pay What You Want -
Game
Coiled.Spæce (Coiled.Space | Coiled Space)
Æther CorpHarvest energy in a disintegrating Universe in this journaling game for up to 4 players
Solo Duet Three or More Paid -
Game
The Last Dream
Thogreer ScreamsongA solo journaling rpg about escaping the woods before Baba Yaga captures you, as influenced by Polish Folklore.
Solo Paid -
Game
Creation Myths
gothHoblinA solo journeying game for character creation based on the hero's journey/monomyth narrative template.
Solo Paid -
Game
We Deal in Lead
By Odin's Beard RPGA weird west gunslinger adventure game
Solo Three or More Duet Paid
Related Supplements
Supplements of various kinds related to this game.
- Supplements are coming soon to the Tiny Table Index
Related Tools
Tools and other external resources related to this game.
- Tools are coming soon to the Tiny Table Index