Creating a text adventure game is no easy feat, I would say. It takes a lot of time, creativity, and trial and error. But the key to a great game is putting yourself in the player's shoes and making sure there are plenty of fun twists and turns along the way.
Creating a text adventure game is no easy feat. It takes a lot of time, creativity, trial and error. The key to creating an interesting game is putting yourself in the player's shoes and making sure there are plenty of fun twists and turns along the way.
For my game, I decided to keep it simple and tell a linear story. I used a web engine called Twine (twinery.org, an open-source tool for telling interactive, nonlinear stories) to help generate the game's storyline and adapted the script from a Bulgarian fairytale ("The Most Precious Fruit"). But things didn't always go smoothly. When the python script started generating the wrong messages for players who strayed from the script, I tried to find solutions on StackOverflow, but it was all too complicated for me.
I decided to keep my game simple and tell a linear story. I used a web engine called Twine (twinery.org, an open-source tool for telling interactive, nonlinear stories) to help generate the game's storyline, and I adapted the script from a Bulgarian fairytale ("The Most Precious Fruit"). But things didn't always go smoothly. When the python script started generating the wrong messages for players who strayed from the script, I tried to find solutions on StackOverflow, but it was all too complicated for me.
In the end, the game took me around 6-7 hours to make, including writing, coding, mapping, editing, and lots of trial-and-error. It was a great learning experience, but it also taught me that game development can be tough if you don't have much coding experience. I had to approach it more from a writer's perspective and figure out the coding later.
While the future cannot be predicted with certainty, present understanding in various scientific fields allows for the prediction of some far-future events, if only in the broadest outline. These fields include astrophysics, particle physics, evolutionary biology, plate tectonics and sociology. The far future begins after the current millennium comes to an end, starting with the 4th millennium in 3001 CE, and continues until the furthest reaches of future time. This timeline includes alternative future events that address unresolved scientific questions, and is in fact not six sigma accurate at all.
The future cannot be predicted with certainty, but our current understanding in various scientific fields means we can predict some far-future events, if only in the broadest outline. These fields include astrophysics, particle physics, evolutionary biology, plate tectonics and sociology. The far future begins after the end of the current millennium,in 3001 CE, which is the start of the 4th millennium, and continues until the furthest reaches of future time. This timeline includes alternative future events that address unresolved scientific questions, and is in fact not six sigma accurate at all.
This timeline (based on Wikipedia's [Timeline of the Far Future](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_far_future)) claims to make accurate predictions far into the future at timescales that are difficult to comprehend; beyond our lifetimes, beyond the death of the earth, beyond the death of atoms. The scientific method claims to have an intense relationship to the material world which is "orders of magnitude" more accurate than other ways of interacting with and understanding where we are. The scientist often pits themself as "against" the fortune-teller, the tarot reader, or the mystic, and yet they make even bigger claims about our collective future. Is there any way to disprove the scientist's method in their own mind?
@ -80,15 +80,15 @@ If you wish to find a more fleshed out narrative, you may choose to do bigger sp
.keywords: beginnings, unformed potential, taking a risk, answering a 'call', trusting in the universe, overcoming self-doubt, embracing uncertainty.
Coffee is brewing, yet to be poured on the empty cup on the counter. A spiritual guide sits patiently, urging you to begin, while the sun shines outside a closed window. On the side, enormous snowdrops have blossomed, indicating the first tentative steps of spring.
Coffee is brewing, waiting to be poured into the empty cup on the counter. A spiritual guide sits patiently, urging you to begin, while the sun shines outside a closed window. On the side, enormous snowdrops have blossomed, indicating the first tentative steps of spring.
While the Coffe is number 42, this card comes before the others. Like an unhatched egg it contains all the potential for the journey. The cup is empty, but you are urged to pour it, to drink it and to being the journey. A spiritual guide urges you forward. Like the prophet Muhammad who was given coffee(قهوة) by the Archangel Jibreel, you are also urged to begin.
While the Coffee is number 42, this card comes before the others. Like an unhatched egg it contains all the potential for the journey. The cup is empty, but you are urged to pour it, to drink it and to be the journey. A spiritual guide urges you forward. Like the prophet Muhammad who was given coffee(قهوة) by the Archangel Jibreel, you are urged to begin.
The Coffee upright in a reading tells you it is now the time to be naive and courageous. Set on a new adventure and do not worry about the consequences. It is time, the coffee is ready.
*Reversed*
If the Coffee appears reversed, it is a warning. The coffee will spill and it may burn your or others. Be cautious about disregarding the consequences of your actions. Your eagerness for freedom and new beginnings may have harmed others of yourself. Now, you are being asked for consistency and patience. There is a time to be brave and to set off on new paths, and a time to be reliable and patient-wisdom lays in knowing the difference.
If the Coffee appears reversed, it is a warning. The coffee will spill and it may burn you or others. Be careful not to disregarding the consequences of your actions. Your eagerness for freedom and new beginnings may harm others or yourself. Now, you are being asked for consistency and patience. There is a time to be brave and to set off on new paths, a time to be reliable and patient. Wisdom lays in knowing the difference.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 0. the fool.
@ -99,11 +99,11 @@ If the Coffee appears reversed, it is a warning. The coffee will spill and it ma
.keywords: magic, manifestation, setting intentions, directing energy consciously, willpower, concentration, having all the resources you need.
Two old women stand before a table, one pointing to above and one below. Their eyes glow with mystic powers and if they have appeared in your dreams you may feel their power radiating. This is particularly powerful card. While looking at it, reject what you have been told about the emotional loneliness of spinsters and focus on their ability to spin a magical web. These women are appearing to you at an important time, at the moment when you may choose your own path. You are now fully able to manifest your desires. The Spinsters are showing you the power you hold and asking you for intense concentration. There is power in your focus and dedication, now is the time to channel all your resources to achieving what you wish.
Two old women stand before a table, one pointing above, the other below. Their eyes glow with mystic power. If they appeared in your dreams you would feel their power radiating. This is particularly powerful card. While looking at it, reject what you have been told about the emotional loneliness of spinsters and focus on their ability to spin a magical web. These women appear to you at an important time, at the moment when you may choose your own path. You are now fully able to manifest your desires. The Spinsters show you the power you hold and ask you for intense concentration. There is power in your focus and dedication, now is the time to channel all your resources to achive what you wish.
*Reversed*
If the Spinsters have appeared reversed, is is a sign that you are ignoring your own powers. You no longer see two crone magicians who have chosen the path of spiritual power but instead two unmarried older women. Do not be fooled. The power is in your hands, your potential lays dormant underneath your doubts and lack of self esteem. Trust in your ability, trust the Spinsters to weave you back to an active role within your own life.\
If the Spinsters have appeared reversed, it is a sign that you are ignoring your own powers. You no longer see two crone magicians who have chosen the path of spiritual power, but two unmarried older women. Do not be fooled. The power is in your hands, your potential lays dormant beneath your doubts and lack of self esteem. Trust in your ability, trust the Spinsters to weave you back to an active role within your own life.\
**✳**tarot correspondence: 1. the magician.
@ -114,11 +114,11 @@ If the Spinsters have appeared reversed, is is a sign that you are ignoring your
. keywords: intuition, subconscious, higher wisdom, knowing something you can't explain, stillness, meditation, spell-work and ritual.
The Bride sits in silence in an underground cistern, two eyes closed and a third one opened. Upon her head two crescent moons hold the globe. She is alone, but does not appear to be waiting. The Bride is a figure of divine wisdom, feminine mystery and intuitive knowledge. She is the guardian of the unconscious and she is meeting you. By receiving this card you are being gently led deeper, or asked to go deeper. To artists, she is the representation of creative potential. The bride has little care for the material as her powers lay in the true nature of emotion. Let your intuition lead the way, quiet the chatter of the rational and logical.
The Bride sits in silence in an underground cistern, two eyes closed and a third eye open. Upon her head two crescent moons hold the globe. She is alone, but does not appear to be waiting. The Bride is a figure of divine wisdom, feminine mystery and intuitive knowledge. She is the guardian of the unconscious and she is meeting you. By receiving this card you are being gently led deeper, invited to go deeper. To artists, she is the representation of creative potential. The bride has little care for the material because her powers lay in the true nature of emotion. Let your intuition lead the way, quieten the chatter of the rational and logical.
*Reversed*
If you are facing a reversed Bride, is is an indication to examine where you are ignoring your gut. Perhaps you have let your thinking mind run loose or have not been listening to your gut. You have even be overvaluing other's opinions or acting too hastily. Whichever is it, it may be time to be still, reflect and meditate on your intuition.\
If you are facing a reversed Bride, it is an indication to examine when you ignor your gut. Perhaps you have allowed your thinking mind to run loose, you have not been listening to your gut. You overvalue the opinions of others or act too hastily. Whichever it is, it may be time to be still, reflect and meditate on your intuition.\
**✳**tarot correspondence: 2. the high priestess.
@ -129,11 +129,11 @@ If you are facing a reversed Bride, is is an indication to examine where you are
The Mother sits on a throne in the middle of the river of life force, a crown upon her head a sword in her hand. In this iconography she is Juno, Roman goddess of marriage and family. As such, she sits near a pregnant cow and a peacock eating a pomegranate. Around her nature thrives. She is the embodiment of femininity and the bringer or life and growth. Her energy is both nurturing and fiercely protective. She is appearing to indicate that she is looking after you and your growth. She is abundant and as such so will your expression be, both creative and sensual. Deep fulfilment awaits.
The Mother sits on a throne in the middle of the river of life force. A crown on her head, a sword in her hand. In this iconography she is Juno, Roman goddess of marriage and family. As such, she sits near a pregnant cow and a peacock eating a pomegranate. Nature thrives around her. She is the embodiment of femininity and the bringer or life and growth. Her energy is both nurturing and fiercely protective. She appears to indicate that she is looking after you and your growth. She is abundant and as such so will your expression be, both creative and sensual. Deep fulfilment awaits.
*Reversed*
The Mother has appeared reversed. Juno's warlike nature is more active than her nurturing side. Your seeking of protection is keeping your from true love and joy. You were guarding yourself, and while you were in the right to do so, it is now time to let your shield down. Your emotional crops are thriving, you have put in the work. Let go of your war, lean into joy and love.
The Mother has appeared reversed. Juno's warlike nature is more active than her nurturing side. Your search for protection is keeping you from true love and joy. You were guarding yourself, and while you were right to do so, it is now time to let your shield down. Your emotional crops are thriving, you have put in the work. Let go of your war, lean into joy and love.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 3. the empress.
@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ The Mother has appeared reversed. Juno's warlike nature is more active than her
.keywords: belief systems, ancestry, study, tradition, conformity, learning about the past.
A priest stands in front of you, one hand to invite you and one towards the divine. On his shoulders sits a church, the door slightly ajar. On the bottom, you may see keys. The Church cards beckons you inside a mysteries sacred place. In Christian belief, a church is not only where religious community meets but seat of Divinity itself. I invite you to the Church card as such, and disconnect it from its Christian imagery. It stands in the place of any established social structure, spiritual tradition or source of ancestral knowledge. It is a teacher, a leader, a guru of past memory. If the Church has come up in your reading, its indicating a need for deeper meaning or knowledge. Will you use your key to follow the paved road and find out who paved it and who walked it before you?
A priest stands in front of you, one hand hidden and the other towards the divine. On his shoulders sits a church, with a black door highlighting a shining key. The Church cards beckons you inside a mysterious, sacred place. In the Christian belief, a church is not only where the religious community meets, it is the seat of Divinity itself. I invite you to disconnect the Church card from its Christian associations. It stands in place of any established social structure, spiritual tradition or source of ancestral knowledge. It is a teacher, a leader, a guru of past memory. If the Church has come up in your reading, it indicates a need for deeper meaning or knowledge. Will you use your key to follow the paved road and find out who paved it and who walked it before you?
*Reversed*
@ -159,11 +159,11 @@ The Church is upside down. Its integrity is questioned, the status quo stumbles.
- .keywords: love (of all kinds), making heart-centred choices, compassion, partnerships and relationships, equilibrium, harmony.
Two hands reach for each other, the space between them filled with light and eyes. Around their wrists roses are growing. There is an obvious story being told, of two souls meeting in companionship. However, this is a card about balance and choices too. The Upside Down is a reference to love and the two sides of a coin. When this card appears it speaks of love and strong bonds. It is asking you to choose love, to make heartfelt, loving, compassionate choices. The Upside Down is a simple card, asking you to choose. Listen to your heart and follow it.
Two hands reach for each other, the space between them filled with light and eyes. Roses grow around their wrists. There is an obvious story being told, of two souls meeting in companionship. But this is also a card about balance and choices. The Upside Down is a reference to love and the two sides of a coin. When this card appears it speaks of love and strong bonds. It asks you to choose love, to make heartfelt, loving, compassionate choices. The Upside Down is a simple card, asking you to choose. Listen to your heart and follow it.
*Reversed*
Due to the nature of this card, up is down and down is up. However you pull this card, it is showing you both the Yin and the Yang. In this case, however, a sourness is prevalent. The eyes look away, giving you space to work out and identify within yourself why a committment has turned sour. Your inner voice is unbalanced. Use your heart for your choices and seek out harmony.
Due to the nature of this card, up is down and down is up. However you pull this card, it shows you both the Yin and the Yang. In this case, a sourness is prevalent. The eyes look away, giving you space to identify within yourself why a committment has turned sour. Your inner voice is unbalanced. Use your heart for your choices and seek out harmony.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 5. the lovers.
@ -174,11 +174,11 @@ Due to the nature of this card, up is down and down is up. However you pull this
.keywords: focused*action, s*elf-belief and confidence, commitment, drive and determination, hard, passionate work, assertion.
A chariot flies across a starry sky with two half moons. Inside it, a man dressed in Roman armour with the head of turtle dove looks straight at you, welcoming you with one hand. This is the card of control and victory. The Bird has control of his own fate but it will help you with it too. It directs you to assert your will with mastery, careful practice and self-discipline. It reminds you of your own courage and your strength, an encourages you to direct your energies towards the stars.
A chariot flies across a starry sky with two half moons. Inside it, a man dressed in Roman armour with the head of turtledove looks straight at you. The dove drives through the sky, led by stars. This is the card of control and victory. The Bird has control of his own fate but it will also help you with yours. It directs you to assert your will with mastery, careful practice and self-discipline. It reminds you of your courage and strength. It encourages you to direct your energies towards the stars.
*Reversed*
When reversed, the Bird is spinning further and further out of control. It may be due to an attempt to control too much, or an underdeveloped assertiveness. Loosen the reins, redirect your chariot. Some things are beyond your power to change and some others are just waiting for your confidence and hard work. Assess which is which and begin riding.
When reversed, the Bird is spinning further and further out of control. It may be due to an attempt to control too much, or an underdeveloped assertiveness. Loosen the reins. Redirect your chariot. Some things are beyond your power to change and others wait for your confidence and hard work. Assess which is which and begin riding.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 6. the chariot.
@ -189,11 +189,11 @@ When reversed, the Bird is spinning further and further out of control. It may b
.keywords: inner strength and courage, dignified resistance, emotional labour, heart.
A naked woman covered in flowers looks to the side, casually taming the lion in front of her. Behind her, a natural landscape opens up. Do not be fooled by her gentle appearance, for she is not effortless. Her strength lies in her heart as this is the card for Breasts. Emotional weakness is discarded as patriarchal concept, as the Breasts are showing you a dignified taming of the wild through your heart. Emotion can steady your demeanour and your inner strength powers you. This indicates positive emotional labour of your own ferocity and expression of pure emotional strength. Go to towards your own chest, to the place of pain, anger, greed, and fear in your life. Acknowledge where these things live within you and own them, pour love all over them.
A naked woman covered in flowers looks to the side, she casually tames the lion in front of her. A natural landscape opens up behind her. Do not be fooled by her gentle appearance, she is not effortless. Her strength lies in her heart as this is the card for Breasts. Emotional weakness is discarded as a patriarchal concept, as the Breasts show you a dignified taming of the wild through your heart. Emotion can steady your demeanour and your powers of inner strength. This indicates positive emotional labour of your own ferocity and expression of pure emotional strength. Go towards your own chest, to the place of pain, anger, greed, and fear in your life. Acknowledge where these things live within you and own them, pour love over them.
*Reversed*
The lion is now overpowering as the Breasts appear upside down. This is an indication of weakness, your strength feeble as your self-confidence lessens. Your emotions are no longer a power but an overwhelming force that you cannot control. Do not let anger or pain dictate your choice, find your strength once again.
The lion is now overpowering as the Breasts appear upside down. This is an indication of weakness, your strength becomes feeble as your self-confidence lessens. Your emotions are no longer a power but an overwhelming force that you cannot control. Do not let anger or pain dictate your choice, find your strength once again.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 7. strength.
@ -204,11 +204,11 @@ The lion is now overpowering as the Breasts appear upside down. This is an indic
.keywords: introspection, solitude, retreat, working things through on your own, claiming space and time for you, self-guided or guided study.
A figure cries in a cocoon underwater, wrapped in a cape of their hair and algae. They are holding themselves, as their tears make their way up. A light shines from their hands. This figure is in deep introspection. The Crying card is not a negative card, regardless of your own view of tears. It indicates a need for comfort and solitude. It is asking for a moment of introspection, the only thing that may lead you to true self discovery. Once you have expressed your pain and truly felt it, you will gain better understanding.
A figure cries in an underwater cocoon, wrapped in a cape of hair and seaweed. They are holding themselves, as their bright tears float upwards. This figure is in deep introspection. The Crying card is not a negative card, regardless of your own view of tears. It indicates a need for comfort and solitude. It asks for a moment of introspection, the only thing that may lead you to true self discovery. Once you have expressed your pain and truly felt it, you will gain better understanding.
*Reversed*
The tears fall upon you as the Crying card is reversed. You have relied on yourself too much and over-isolated. The cocoon has served its purpose, now the time for solitude is over. You may let others in or leave your safe space altogether for the time for crying is over.
The tears fall upon you as the Crying card is reversed. You have relied on yourself too much and become over-isolated. The cocoon has served its purpose. The time for solitude is over. You may let others in or leave your safe space altogether. The time for crying is over.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 8. the hermit.
@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ The tears fall upon you as the Crying card is reversed. You have relied on yours
.keywords: positive luck, change, predictions and prophesies, feeling like something is 'destined' to happen, an interconnected bigger picture.
A table is set with plates spelling out the ancient names for tarot and wheel. In the center of the table you can see water, soil, air and fire. Around the table sit the four fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Three eyes, symbolising the three Fates oversee the table. This is an incredibly auspicious card to pick. Like the table, your destiny has been set, the tempo will crank up as your personal vision develops into reality. This card is asking you to accept your fate, but also take responsibility for it. The table is set but it is up to you to serve.
A table is set with plates spelling out the ancient names for tarot and wheel. In the center of the table you can see water, soil, air and fire. Around the table sit the four fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Three eyes, symbolising the three Fates oversee the table. This is an incredibly auspicious card to pick. Like the table, your destiny has been set, the tempo will crank up as your personal vision develops into reality. This card asks you to accept your fate, but also take responsibility for it. The table is set but it is up to you to serve.
*Reversed*
@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ The Set Table has been turned the wrong way. This indicated elements outside you
A woman, justice, walks the steps out of darkness, a lament distorting her face. In the Lament, you can see justice wearing white, carrying a sword on her waist and holding scales, with a heart on one end and a brain on the other. Her blindfold stays on as her piercing eyes penetrate through the truth. It is her cry for truth, her lament, that propels her forward. This card calls out to you. Every action has an equal reaction but it is often expression of injustice that brings justice forward. It is the Lament that leads to balance, believe that your expression of injustice is worth sharing.
A woman, justice, walks the steps out of darkness, a lament distorting her face. In the Lament, you can see justice wearing white, carrying a sword on her waist and holding scales, with a heart on one end and a brain on the other. Her eyes are closed but the piercing light around her penetrates to the truth. It is her cry for truth, her lament, that propels her forward. This card calls out to you. Every action has an equal reaction but it is often expression of injustice that brings justice forward. It is the Lament that leads to balance, believe that your expression of injustice is worth sharing.
*Reversed*
@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ If the card is reversed it appears that the Talking Dead is being forced still.
.keywords: balance, harmony, blending of dualities, seeking the middle path, not making extreme decisions, taking a non-binary attitude, testing the waters, self-care, grace, gentleness.
A large, winged, genderless dark figure stands in the sea. On their forehead shines a triangle enclosed in a square, representing that humans are bound by the Earth and natural law. The figure is taking water from the sea but as they pour it into the bowl, it transforms into a bowl of steaming soup. This card gives insight into the nuances of balance. Wherever something is taken, something else must be given. The figure is taking from the sea to deliver you the Warm Soup. See the figure as if it was keeping a close eye on how well you handle dualities. Keep to the middle path, do not make extreme decisions. You may someone who tends to have a peaceful nature or someone who swings between extremes. Either way, now is the time to test the waters of gentleness, give back what you have been given and ask for what was taken.
A large, genderless, dark figure stands in the sea. On their forehead shines a triangle enclosed in a square, representing that humans are bound by the Earth and natural law. The figure is taking water from the sea but as they pour it into the bowl, it transforms into a bowl of steaming soup. This card gives insight into the nuances of balance. Wherever something is taken, something else must be given. The figure is taking from the sea to deliver you the Warm Soup. See the figure as if it was keeping a close eye on how well you handle dualities. Keep to the middle path, do not make extreme decisions. You may someone who tends to have a peaceful nature or someone who swings between extremes. Either way, now is the time to test the waters of gentleness, give back what you have been given and ask for what was taken.
*Reversed*
@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ The Devils being upside down immediately reveals the bondage, you are aware of y
.keywords: revolution, disaster, shock, mourning, blowing apart old structures, demolition of the status quo, toppling systems of power, potential, rebuilding after disaster, a blessing in disguise as a disaster, rehabilitation, regeneration.
An ancient pine tree towers in the night. Above, the all-seeing Storm is unleashing lightening, cutting the tree down as birds escape. The Storm, as the name suggests, is a complicated card to receive. It indicates a profound disruption, a complete reset of the known. The situation may seem grim at times, but it is fundamental that you understand that the change that will be brought is undeniably ultimately positive. You may not believe me at first, as the event that this card indicates is a demolition and toppling of a structure that can feel quite devastating. However, new growth will come from this and the old cannot last forever lest it become decrepit. Remember well that when the Storm appears in front of you, you are not the tree but the doves escaping.
An ancient maritime pine tree towers in the night. Above, the all-seeing Storm is unleashing lightening, cutting the tree down as birds escape. The Storm, as the name suggests, is a complicated card to receive. It indicates a profound disruption, a complete reset of the known. The situation may seem grim at times, but it is fundamental that you understand that the change that will be brought is undeniably ultimately positive. You may not believe me at first, as the event that this card indicates is a demolition and toppling of a structure that can feel quite devastating. However, new growth will come from this and the old cannot last forever lest it become decrepit. Remember well that when the Storm appears in front of you, you are not the tree but the doves escaping.
*Reversed*
@ -324,7 +324,8 @@ In this situation the Storm that topples the pine tree is coming from within. Th
.keywords: hope, love and support, coming home to yourself, self-care, healing, being true to yourself, being guided by your intuition, integrity, honesty,a positive new start or new vision.
A Christmas tree sits lit by candles, next to a window. On the windowsill sits a still warm cup of cocoa, framed by the view of an enormous star illuminates the snowy field. Christmas is a card of hope. A time of renewal, comfort and homely-ness lays ahead. It is now time to leave the hard times behind. The star shines alone through the window, filling the landscape with positivity and opportunity. It is
In a warm room, a candle-lit Christmas appears next to a window. On the windowsill sits a still warm cup of tea. The comforting view of the room is contrasted by the magical view of the window, where an enourmous star pours light on a snowy landscape. Christmas is a card of hope. A time of renewal, comfort and homely-ness lays ahead. It is now time to leave the hard times behind. The star shines alone through the window, filling the landscape with positivity and opportunity. Like this card, we all contain infinite possibilities, infinite capacity for beauty, infinite wonder. When times are hard, Christmas remindsyou of your own ability for healing and magic. Know that you are a creature of this earth and of this universe, that you belong here. That you are loved.
**✳**tarot correspondence: 16. the star.
@ -335,7 +336,7 @@ A Christmas tree sits lit by candles, next to a window. On the windowsill sits a
.keywords: shadow work, getting in touch with your wild nature, listening deeply to your intuition, secrets, signs and symbols, non-rational, witchcraft, magic and spell-work, lies and deception, deceiving yourself, wearing a mask.
A wolf drinks from a pond of blood. Close by, a wild dog turns away from the pond to face the moon that illuminates all around them. A crab floats on a leaf, rising from the subconscious. The Blood is telling you that all is not what it seems. Unsettling as a nightmare can be, this card allows your inner wildness to be seem. The Blood represents witchcraft, spell-work and occult arts of any kind. Do not be fooled by the blood, as nobody in this figure is harmed. The moon shines its silvery light on the elements within reality that are dishonest and manipulative. Uncomfortable questions have to be asked and it may by just someone just mad enough to think of them. Things are strange, it is okay to feel disorientated. It is not time for answers now but for wild magical practice.
A wolf drinks from a pond filled with blood. Close by, a wild dog turns away from the pond to face the moon that illuminates all around them. Further away in the pond, a crab floats on a leaf, rising from the subconscious. The Blood is telling you that all is not what it seems. Unsettling as a nightmare can be, this card allows your inner wildness to be seen. The Blood represents witchcraft, spell-work and occult arts of any kind. Do not be fooled by the blood, as nobody in this figure is harmed. The moon shines its silvery light on the elements within reality that are dishonest and manipulative. Uncomfortable questions have to be asked and it may by just someone just mad enough to think of them. Things are strange, it is okay to feel disorientated. It is not time for answers now but for wild magical practice.
*Reversed*
@ -350,7 +351,7 @@ When reversed, the Blood shows a moon shining in the front. The inner confusion
.keywords: positivity, saying yes, joy, practicing gratitude, success, things coming together, life's simple pleasures, allowing yourself to simply be, connecting to a dynamic life force.
Two children laugh in harmony on a horse, holding each other and a waving flag. The sun shines on them and sunflowers are growing around them. Laughter is an undoubtledly positive card. It represents enthusiasm, growth and victory. Your good choices will pay off, you will laugh again soon as victory is so close you may taste it already. Joy will fill your heart and life will once again seem light-hearted and effortless.
Two children laugh in harmony on a horse, holding each other's hands and a waving flag. The sun shines on them and sunflowers are growing around them. Laughter is an undoubtledly positive card. It represents enthusiasm, growth and victory. Your good choices will pay off, you will laugh again soon as victory is so close you may taste it already. Joy will fill your heart and life will once again seem light-hearted and effortless.
*Reversed*
@ -388,7 +389,7 @@ Laughter is reversed, but do not panic. Victory is just not as close as you thou
.keywords: liberation, freedom, casting off shackles, laying down of old baggage, total accountability for self, integrity, honesty, forgiveness, allowing yourself to move forwards.
A woman with rollers in her hair stands on a balcony, looking down, where a swarm of butterflies is emerging from the darkness. This is a lofty card, as, like Lament and the Set Table, it carries the theme of accountability. In this particular case it talks about being honest and thorough about yourself. The Gossiping Woman sees all of you and calls you to do the same. It is holding a mirror to your entire life, successes and failure. You must face the Gossiping Woman to liberate yourself and fly towards freedom. To move forward unencumbered it requires acknowledgement of the present moment and everything that it carries.
A woman with rollers in her hair stands on a balcony, looking down, where a flock of ravens is emerging from the darkness. This is a lofty card, as, like Lament and the Set Table, it carries the theme of accountability. In this particular case it talks about being honest and thorough about yourself. The Gossiping Woman sees all of you and calls you to do the same. It is holding a mirror to your entire life, successes and failure. You must face the Gossiping Woman to liberate yourself and fly towards freedom. To move forward unencumbered it requires acknowledgement of the present moment and everything that it carries.
## Papa Louie’s Ghosteria is a comic-like fan fiction written by Ada, Irmak and Boyana.
## Papa Louie’s Ghosteria is a comic-like fan fiction written by us.
Following the discussions we had about the texts 'Notes on Deconstructing The Popular' by Stuart Hall and 'Game Modding: Cross-Over Mutation and Unwelcome Gifts' from The Player’s Power to Change the Game by Anne-Marie Schleiner, we split into groups and started dissecting the ideology behind games some of us have played as children. To do that, we utilised several prompts to help us examine the ideology that two popular video games enforce through their narrative and gameplay.
Following a discussion about the texts 'Notes on Deconstructing The Popular' by Stuart Hall and 'Game Modding: Cross-Over Mutation and Unwelcome Gifts' from The Player’s Power to Change the Game by Anne-Marie Schleiner, we started dissecting the ideology behind the games we have played as children. To do that, we utilised several prompts to help us examine the ideology that two popular video games enforce through their narrative and gameplay.
The list of questions we needed to answer while playing the game includes:
What are the win conditions?
If the game is quest based, what types of quests are you asked to complete?
What is the gameplay?
@ -26,28 +27,47 @@ What change in status is promised?
What are you being trained for?
What fantasies are lived out or explored?
Our team, Irmak, Ada and Boyana, worked on the famous Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack. Soon after we started investigating the game, its elements and modifications, we discovered that other people already have done numerous fan fiction about it. We were bewitched by this the multitude of stories fans have written and the really good memes they have created about Papa and his businesses. Yes, plural. Freezeria. Sushiria. Donuteria. Burgeria. PanCakeria. CupCakeria. Taco Mia. You name it.
Our team, Irmak, Ada and Boyana, worked on the famous Papa Louie: When Pizzas Attack. Soon after we started investigating the game, its elements and modifications, we discovered that other players had already written heaps of fan fiction about it. We were bewitched by the multitude of stories fans have written and the really good memes they have created about Papa and his businesses. Yes, plural. Papa's Freezeria. Sushiria. Donuteria. Burgeria. PanCakeria. CupCakeria. Taco Mia. Taco Mia To Go. You name it.
After spending some time analysing the ideology behind the game, we discovered a few elements that reinforce the capitalist narrative, such as the need to fight to survive and collect coins to purchase weapons. In response, we decided to create a new version of the game with a storyline that focuses on healing and coping with grief and loss, rather than violence. Also, to link the new storyline to SI20's topic we felt like adding somehow ritualistic elements as actions during the gameplay.
After spending some time analysing the ideology behind the game, we discovered a few elements that reinforce a capitalist narrative, such as the need to fight to survive and collect coins to purchase weapons. In response, we decided to create a new version of the game with a storyline that focuses on healing and coping as a response to grief and loss, rather than violence. To link the new storyline to SI20's topic we added ritualistic elements as actions during the gameplay.
What we decided to change was the topic, purpose and outcome of the game. Papa no longer fights to save his customers, but he deals with his own loss and grief over what happened. Our version is promoting rest and rituals for healing instead of revenge-seeking, violence and toxic pizzeria culture.
What was changed was the topic, purpose and outcome of the game. Papa no longer fought to save his customers, but he dealt with his own loss and grief over what happened. Our version promoted rest and rituals for healing instead of revenge-seeking, violence and toxic pizzeria culture.
We started by putting some keywords and suggestions on a blackboard about "How To Cope With Grief" and "How to Use Rituals and Ceremonies to Overcome Grief" to define what Papa Louie lost and what rituals could help him heal.
We also liked the idea of making a comic-like storyboard that visualises the new narrative for Papa Louie's Ghosteria. To create a few scenes depicting some of the 5 levels we outlined earlier, we used an app called Papa Louie Pals. The images turned out pretty nice! Playing around with the app was fun mainly because it allowed us to materialise our idea in just a couple of hours.
We then made a comic-like storyboard that visualised the new narrative for Papa Louie's Ghosteria. To create a few scenes depicting some of the 5 levels we outlined, we used an app called Papa Louie Pals. The images turned out pretty nice! Playing around with the app was fun mainly because it allowed us to materialise our idea in just a couple of hours.
The gameplay revolves around things Papa lost and the needs he needs to fulfil. Different types of losses are organised into five levels of the game:
The gameplay revolves around things Papa lost and the needs he needs to fulfil. Different types of losses are organised into the five levels of the game:
1. loss of safety (innocence, physical safety)
2. loss of community (clients, belonging)
3. loss of future (hope, dreams)
4. loss of identity (dignity, making things himself)
5. loss of labour (money, time, effort, pizza)
To cope with grief, Papa Louie performs various rituals to unlock a new stage in his grieving process and heal from that loss. Rituals are the actions players need to execute at each level.
To cope with grief Papa Louie performed various rituals, each unlocking a new stage in his grieving process and healing from that loss. Rituals thus are the actions players needed to execute at each level.
And so our story goes like this:
The Onion ring mafia kidnapped Papà Louie's clients, and he lost his Pizzeria. However, along with this external change, he lost his identity as a pizza owner/maker. He is full of grief and seeks ways to cope with grief and ease himself. He tries different rituals throughout this process, builds his new identity and overcomes his troubles.
And so our story went like this:
The Onion ring mafia kidnapped Papa Louie's clients, and he lost his Pizzeria. However, along with this external change, he lost his identity as a pizza owner/maker. He was full of grief and seeked ways to cope with grief and ease himself. He tried different rituals throughout this process, built his new identity and overcame his troubles.
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## Papa Louie’s Text-Adventure Healing
Following this comic production, a small text-adventure Pyhton game was developed following the same storyline. The game was fundamentally an explorative game, in which the player could follow four levels of healing. Playing as Papa Louie and helping him heal his shattered soul, the player would go in each room and type "take" or "carry" to pick up possibilties for healing. The possbilities for each room were:
1. empty pizzeria: [closure,catharsis, anger]
2. living room: [connection,understanding,support]
3. study room: [expression,hope,new experiences]
4. bedroom: [self-discovery,self-care]
5. kitchen: [work,nourishment,purpose].
Once one had picked up enough healing chances, the game would end and thank you for healing papa. The following picture shows the introductory illustration.
My text-adventure game was (first and foremost a struggle and) an attempt to dive a little bit into the world of python and deal peacefully with the potential trauma of coding. The first unsuccessful try started by making a map on paper with all the possible rooms, corridors, spaces and the potential inputs of the player. It was proved to be a too ambitious plan though. So this was the time when the super(de)construction game was born! My intention was to make a fan fiction text adventure game(!) of the marxist superstructure theory. There are three basic rooms where the player can navigate : the Base-ment, the Apparatus and the Megaroom. People can grab specific "objects" from each room and check their inventory (for example you can have unpaidlabour, church, mostlywhitemen from base-ment, apparatus and megaroom respectively in the same bag!). The aim of the game is to accumulate enough points in order to bring eventually the revolution and win. The fermentation and the radicalization happen only in the base-ment.
Boyana
2 years ago
