CoAUTHORation

A co-op storytelling card game where the players work together to guide the main character of a fantasy story to a suitable ending before any player runs out of cards.

Cards come in three suits: Characters, Places and Things. One of each card type is used to create the main character, the hero/ine of the story. A main character will also have a Trait and a Theme that help direct the narrative.

The players take turns as the Author to add cards from their hand to the table. Everyone who is waiting for a turn is an Editor. Editors offer suggestions (in the form of cards from their own hands), and reward the Author for creative plays with "Awesome cards" - as in "That was awesome!" - which are bonus cards added to the Author's stock.

Any card may introduce the namesake element into the story (eg. a volcano, Zombie, or mask), OR be used as an action to describe another character doing something (eg. incinerating, chasing, or tricking). The cards provide a growing pool of words to be used, reused and reinterpreted as the story goes on. The rules of narration may be as strict or generous as the players wish. Spontaneous role-playing and voice-acting are often observed in casual play.

The game ends when the main character's conflict is resolved, or any player runs out of cards. Players can resolve "cliff-hanger" endings in a number of ways: they may reveal the remaining cards, ad-lib a fitting resolution, or by player elimination.

CoAUTHORation can also be used for brainstorming or as a tool to overcome writer's block.

—description from the designer