the triptych & diptych
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.
Diptych (dip-tick) n. A picture or carving as above, except one of the panels has been nicked.
Each year Pheno invites respected designers to present bespoke single-session games: a set of three more serious games (the Triptych) and a pair of lighter, more humorous games (the Diptych).
These games have tended to be systemless (emphasising characterisation and drama over rules use and tactical simulation), and showcase what we consider the best of Pheno roleplaying: characterisation, genre, entertainment, innovation.
Players and teams can enter each game by itself and the games will be judged separately, but complete teams finishing all three games of the Triptych will also be eligible for the Triptych Perpetual Trophy. Teams finishing both Diptychs will be eligible for the Diptych Perpetual Trophy.
The Triptych
The Triptych games may not be always dark and angsty, but they will be pretty serious in tone. All are for 5 players.
Closing the Gate of Dawn—by Morgan Morningstar (1 sessions, 5 players, Systemless)
Ever On—by John Machin(1 sessions, 5 players, Custom system)
Inner Space—by Penny Sullivan and Jason Chappel (1 session, 30 players, 5 players per team, Custom system)
The Diptych
The Diptych games are a light brain cleanser after the Triptych. They may be silly, they may not. They are for 5 players.
Jinkies: A Space Opera—by Kane Edwards and Graham Schneider (1 session, 5 players, Simplified FATE system)
Vampire: The Ugoogaly—by Stephen Justice (1 session, 5 players, systemless)
Previous triptychs
2013
Peter Rousell, Shiprock
Fi McConachie, The Silent Ones
John and Philippa Hughes, The Gate of Heaven, Cancelled due to illness
2012
David James, In Sceadure—In Shadow
Mike Walker, Death Journey
Dan L'Estrange, Home
2011
Jacinta Thomler and Stuart Barrow, Eternal Companions
James Riley and Terence Janssen, Project Legacy
Ingrid Bean and Shane Donohoe, The Sacrifice of Immortality
2010
Andrew Smith, Body Corporate
Ryan d'Argeavel, The Cabinet of Doctor Makundi
Michael Hitchens, Floodland
2009
Mik Bonsall, Dead Man Walking
Fi McConachie, Silence of the Bush
Nick Argall, Vengeance of the Vampire Lord
2008
David Hollingworth, Crime and Punishment
Andrew Smith, The Fall of the Family
Mike(y) and Liz Argall, The Group
2007
John Hughes, Quest: Mask of Heroes
Jacinta Thomler, Six Soldiers
David James, Those Left Behind
2006
Liz Argall, Being There
Joe McNamara, Killing De Villefort
Ingrid Bean, Rebirthing Eden
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
