You are currently reading a role-playing game for two players. One controls The Ghost who explores the strange world trying to pay off their debts by creating content for Witch Corp. One controls The Machine who describes the world and the weird beings that inhabit it; providing opportunities for hilarity, life and failure.
In the capitalist dystopia of the future, mega-corporations have managed to commodify every part of the human experience. Unregulated experimentation has resulted in means that transform Abstract concepts such as the Soul, Luck and Karma into a tangible physical commodities.
This game is set in a post-dungeon fantasy where one delves into the strange unknown for Content instead of treasure or monster-slaying. Flip-phones, cassette tapes and the internet exist alongside arcane tomes and the magical creatures.
This games deals with topics of death, capitalist dystopia, toxic work culture, body horror, disassociation, burn out and anxiety. Before starting, set expectations for the tone and topics that will be explored in a session. Use Safety Tools such as Lines and Veils along with X-Card to help create a safe table.
Valued customer,
It has come to our attention that you have recently deceased. We at Witch Corp would like to reassure you that your debts can still be paid off. Our recent breakthroughs in The Metaphysical Project™ have made The Soul tangible. We at the Witch Corp family congratulates you on your new life in un-death. As per the Paranormal Clause in your contract, you are still obligated to pay your outstanding debts.
However we recognize how difficult death can be and so we have graciously frozen your interest rate for a period of 48 hours. We have also assigned you a CLASS D MARIONETTE and have enrolled you in our Creator Program for the period of the contract. Welcome to the family.
Best Wishes,
Witch Corp
You are dead. You are supposed to be. The Metaphysical Project™ has transformed your Soul into a physical commodity. To earn your rest you must first pay off your debts. Generate content that pleases the Witch Corp algorithm.
Describe the following:
Pick a name your audience knows you by, and some pronouns. Your old name does not matter. How is the new one optimized for the algorithm?
Your audience demands that you fit the image of your #brand. Don’t disappoint them. How do you convey the essence of your brand?
Your MARIONETTE is nothing but a doll given an illusion of life. Your Soul is now a physical commodity, containing different Aspects that define it. Aspects are parts of The Soul that represent your past and your ambitions for the future. To generate Aspects for The Ghost, pick three tarot cards from the Major Arcana and assign two Traits to each card. By default, Traits have a d4 rating. Among the six Traits, assign a d10, a d8, and a d6 to three Traits.
Example:
| d12 | Major Arcana |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Fool/The World |
| 2 | The Magician/Judgment |
| 3 | The High Priestess/The Sun |
| 4 | The Empress/The Moon |
| 5 | The Emperor/The Star |
| 6 | The Hierophant/The Tower |
| 7 | The Lovers/The Devil |
| 8 | The Chariot/Temperance |
| 9 | Strength/Death |
| 10 | The Hermit/The Hanged Man |
| 11 | The Wheel of Fortune/Justice |
| 12 | Roll again/Choose |
You are the aftermath of The Metaphysical Project™, a result of heretical experimentation. A strange megastructure that feeds on the Abstract and spits out idols. Home to outcasts and oddities. Witch Corp has designated it for the sole purpose of Containment and Content Creation.
The Machine sets the scene, describing the environment, the vibe and the stakes. The Ghost then describes their actions by engaging with the scene set by The Machine. Together you will weave a narrative and a rich story.
With the right tools and time, The Ghost may overcome any obstacle without much trouble. However that results in boring Content. When The Ghost decides to take on a risky action with interesting consequences, they must choose an Aspect, describe how they utilize it’s Trait and roll to test Fate.
First set the goal, what you are trying to achieve. Next The Ghost will pick an appropriate Aspect and Trait to use. Set the stakes, What happens on a success and the consequences of failure. Describe any threats or obstacles. Telegraph danger. No matter the outcome of the roll, the narrative will always change. Escalate.
After you pick a Trait, and roll the die that matches its rating and interpret the results.
However, The Grind will have a toll on your body and spirit; regardless of the outcome, reduce the rating of the Trait used by one level: d12 » d10 » d8 » d6 » d4. Traits cannot go lower than a d4.
Utilize cunning plans, preparation or spend one Momentum to increase the rating of the die rolled by one level: d4 » d6 » d8 » d10 » d12. Note that this doesn’t alter your the rating of your Trait, which still decreases by one level after the roll.
When pulling off a stunt, use a d12 instead of a Trait rating to do a check. Once used, The Ghost will need to Reset to use it again.
Rest and self care requires sacrifice of opportunities and kills momentum. A Reset is brief break in tension of the narrative. The Ghost can call for a Reset at any time to change all Traits to their original rating. Your Momentum is now zero. Witch Corp recommends careful consideration before taking a Reset, lest your efforts so far go in vain.
As a consequence of a risky action, The Machine can choose to impose Stress on The Ghost. If The Ghost reaches 4 stress, they become “vulnerable”.
When vulnerable, failing a dangerous action could mean being taken out —or— critical damage to the physical Soul.
Use up 4 Momentum to clear 2 stress, or lay low someplace secure awhile to clear 1 stress.
A new viral trend called “The Drop Test” has emerged and your AI manager at Witch Corp highly suggests that you participate. In the higher floors of The Machine, there exists a sheer vertical drop that is affected by a low-gravity field. This makes any fall relatively slower and highly survivable.
The trend also suggests sharing a secret or a vulnerability to your audience during the rapid Descent. The impact of this “drop” and the trek back to the surface should make great Content for the algorithm!
| d6 | Spark Table |
|---|---|
| 1 | A robot dog, designed for violence, now dances |
| 2 | AI vending machines, hungry for conversation |
| 3 | A silent march of marionettes, no longer piloted |
| 4 | A locked door asks for a password, will allow enter after polite conversation |
| 5 | A shady salesperson selling commodified Luck |
| 6 | A group of cultists printing zines, they ask for articles |