Nora Haynes
CREATOR
7 days ago
Project Update: Exploring Plot Books in Despair Dilemma
Hi Everyone!
While you can play the Demo Kit right now to give the game a go, we've gotten some questions asking to describe what Plot Books are and to reveal the four Plot Books not available in the Demo Kit!
Unlike a lot of other TTRPGs, in Despair Dilemma, you don't take on the role of a single character. Instead, you'll be responsible for achieving the goals of a certain "narrative concept" or to otherwise play a "mastermind with certain goals for the Death Game". Plot Books define the core concept you'll be trying to achieve and help to guide you through creating an exciting Death Game.
Basically, this means Plot Books act as your "Class" or "Playbook" while playing Despair Dilemma. Depending on the Plot Book you play, you'll have unique abilities that let you complete control the narrative in unique ways, as well as unique goals that unlock even more abilities if they're achieved.
While you can play the Demo Kit right now to give the game a go, we've gotten some questions asking to describe what Plot Books are and to reveal the four Plot Books not available in the Demo Kit!
Unlike a lot of other TTRPGs, in Despair Dilemma, you don't take on the role of a single character. Instead, you'll be responsible for achieving the goals of a certain "narrative concept" or to otherwise play a "mastermind with certain goals for the Death Game". Plot Books define the core concept you'll be trying to achieve and help to guide you through creating an exciting Death Game.
Basically, this means Plot Books act as your "Class" or "Playbook" while playing Despair Dilemma. Depending on the Plot Book you play, you'll have unique abilities that let you complete control the narrative in unique ways, as well as unique goals that unlock even more abilities if they're achieved.
The Eight Plot Books
We've designed the eight Plot Books in Despair Dilemma to cover a wide breadth of Death Game's, and depending on the ones you and everyone else at the table pick, you'll create different stories and play an almost entirely different game. These Plot Books are:
The Massacre’s Edge
This plot book introduces murder plots and motives to the game, increasing the number of deaths significantly. Characters will get mad at each other, use the death game as an excuse to kill, and die in horrible ways.
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- Arguments between characters.
- Angst and stupid decisions.
- Lots and lots of killing and death.
The Detective’s Trial
This plot book introduces a special character called The Detective who works to solve the mysteries and murders of everyone around them. The Detective will take center stage, and the mysteries of the game will become a lot more prominent.
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- Playing the main character.
- Creating and answering mysteries.
- Holding trials to punish the killer.
The Traitor’s Sabotage
This plot book gives a single character in the game the secret role of The Traitor, tasked with creating havoc while hiding their identity until the perfect moment. Wrack the cast with distrust, and sabotage plans left and right!
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- Keeping a secret from everyone else.
- Messing with people’s plans.
- Creating interpersonal drama.
The Challenge’s Inevitability
This plot book forces the characters into playing games that are more specific than just “can you survive”. The victims of the game will be trapped in rooms where they must solve puzzles and challenges, with their lives on the line each time.
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- Making Locations meaningful.
- Tricks and Faustian Bargains.
- Bringing the spoils to the victors.
The Witch’s Spell
This plot book introduces a supernatural element to the game and forces characters to question what's real and what's fiction. Characters will become believers, and some will do impossible unexplainable things.
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- Magic, sci-fi, or the supernatural.
- Going beyond the ‘possible’.
- Creative solutions to mysteries.
The Mastermind’s Mask
This plot book introduces a face to represent the people who made this Death Game and lets them directly manipulate the game. The Mask will cause chaos, and if they die, reveal the true mastermind of this game.
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- Being the true owner of this game.
- Mascot characters having fun.
- Watching the world burn.
The People’s Hope
This plot book gives the characters a real chance at unifying together and fighting the game head-on. Characters will have lucky breaks, find solidarity in each other, and maybe even get out of this with everything okay in the end.
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- A silver lining in harsh times.
- The strength of people working together.
- A little bit of luck on your side.
The Mob’s Will
This plot book introduces a large number of background characters to the game. These extras aren't the main characters and don’t have unique names or truths, but do control the way the game plays out.
Play this Plot Book if you like:
- Making choices for other players.
- Creating new characters.
- Starting a revolution.
--
We're working hard to get the game ready for you to play as soon as the campaign finishes. In the mean time, we'd love to hear which Plot Book you're most excited to play when the full game releases!
I hope you have a fantastic week,
Nora Jean Haynes
13 votes
• 8 days left
Comments
0