The Triptych
Triptych (trip-tick) n. A picture or carving on three panels able to fold over the centre; a set of three associated works so placed esp. as a centre piece; a set of three writing tablets hinged or tied together; a set of three artistic works; such used as an altar piece; a treatise in three parts.
Each year, Pheno invites three respected designers to present a systemless single session game as part of a triptych. Each game showcases what we consider the best of Pheno roleplaying: characterisation, drama, entertainment, innovation. Each game will be judged separately, but teams competing in all three games will also be eligible for the Triptych Perpetual Trophy.
- Being There — by Liz Argall
- Killing De Villefort — by Joe McNamara
- Rebirthing Eden — by Ingrid Bean
- Previous triptychs
- (Back to the main games page)
Being There
By Liz Argall
This is a simple story, the story of a child who does not speak. Once she was bright eyed, full of laughter and noise... something has broken inside, we don't know what and we don't know why. We all want to save her, although from what we don't know. Perhaps we shall find her, find out the reasons why... in the end perhaps our only hope is that being there will be enough.
A game of family, of fears, of obligations, remorse and what we will do to save the ones we love.
In a minor key.
A systemless game set in the here and now. Some characters in this game have
histories of abuse. This game relies on characterisation and contains emotional
and confronting material. Please direct inquiries to liz <at>
ozgamer.net.
| Pheno ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characterisation 5 | Genre 0 | Rules knowledge 0 |
| Story/plot 3 | Seriousness 4 | Advisory rating MA |
Killing De Villefort
by Joe McNamara
Your life has been taken from you. You’re not sure how long it’s been since you were locked up for committing massive bio-crimes, but you know it’s a matter of years. Things were going well for you, too well — you had a job you loved, a rich, supportive family, enough money to upgrade your body whenever new enhancements came out…it was great.
Then, everything went wrong. You were arrested for crimes so horrific you still can’t quite wrap your head around them. You weren’t responsible, of course — you had no idea what was going on — but that only served to make you look insane rather than guilty. There was no trial, as at that stage everyone involved was still rich and powerful — you were quietly sent away to an asylum where you were drugged into submission.
Tonight, however, you and a small band of people in a similar situation have escaped from the asylum. The air of the outside world is far more toxic than you remember, the batteries which keep you alive are wearing down and in your mind, one name is repeating itself over and over again: De Villefort, the man who did all this to you.
| Pheno ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characterisation 4 | Genre 3 (SF-revenge tragedy) | Rules knowledge 0 |
| Story/plot 3 | Seriousness 4 | Advisory rating MA (violence, adult themes) |
Rebirthing Eden
by Ingrid Bean
The Blasted Lands are dying.
Few would mourn their passing.
A broken desert, haunted by dire beasts, the Blasted Lands are a scar that divides the land of Sharnevor almost in two. For generations, only the most brave or foolhardy have dared enter the Lands. But the Blasted Lands are getting worse, a victim of their own disease: the veils that protect the tangible world from the Aethereal Realms have long been failing, but now their final tearing draws near.
When that happens there will be destruction on an unprecedented scale.
The Blasted Lands are dying.
But still, few would mourn their passing.
For who would champion such a dire place?
Who would have the courage to exorcise the Lands’ demons?
Who would have the compassion to heal their wounds?
Who would have the power to forge a new beginning?
Who would have the strength to embrace a new world?
Rebirthing Eden is a systemless dark fantasy game for 5 people who believe in second chances.
| Pheno ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characterisation 5 | Genre 4 | Rules knowledge 1 |
| Story/plot 4 | Seriousness 4 | Advisory rating MA15+ (supernatural themes, violence, adult themes, sexual references and coarse language) |
Rebirthing Eden is the final in the Sharnevor series, knowledge of the previous games is not necessary for enjoyment of this one.
Previous triptychs
2005
Stuart Barrow — The Mask and the Moonlight
Xole Karman — Familiar
Andrew Smith — Something Wonderful
2004
Robbie Matthews — Mayhem Over Manhattan
Peter Rousell — Last Night in Eden
Eric Henry — The Fishbowl
2003
David James — Can you go home again?
Mike Walker — Psi
Ingrid Bean — Silence
2002
Ben Hunter — Project Hydra
Robert Barbetti — Something Wicked
Mark Bruckard — This Way Comes
2001
Larry Larkin — Once upon a time
Ryan d'Argeavel — I knew she was trouble the minute she walked into my office
Jon Naughton — They don't advertise for killers in a newspaper
2000
Michael Hitchens — You are Number 4, I am Number 6
Caitlin May — What is Honour?
Tony Guyot — Citius Altius Fortiu
1999 [The year Pheno ate Cancon]
Richard Canning — Memory Lost
Jo Ellem — Signor Jacemo's Circus of Wonder
Morgan Morningstar — Redemption
1998
Liz Argall — When I Meet My Family
Felix White — Lost Highway
Scott Walton & Daniel Wilks — Spazmo
1997
Andrew Smith — Fatalism
Diana Leithead — The Charity Gig
Antti Roppola — Understanding Ellen West
1996
Richard Percy — Covenant
Mark Barnes — Prometheus Rising
Brent Steves — Graenlendinga Saga
1995
John Hughes — Fallen Angel
Madi — Freaks
Grant Allen & Lindsay Beaton — Portents
1994
Ian Wanless — The Breaking
Robert MacLean — Faded Giant
Chris Slee — Uncle Jurgen's Happy Hour