I was incredibly invested in all of the stories these fragments conjured up. Giving my axiologist a backstory (a university professor and counsellor in a dying 1984-like society) really helped set up what would follow. The setting and the story seemed to flow once I had this.
I found that the first 1 or 2 fragments immediately gave me an idea of the person, and the rest gave the flavour. I was surprised at how quick those characters came to mind, almost fully formed. Every single one steeped in tragedy. Once I had interpreted them I also decided what form the fragment took.
When it came time to choose, I couldn’t. Instead I let the axiologist decide, and through fear of what his superiors would do to him when asked about his research, he had to lie. A soldier’s letters to their family contained confessions to horrible war crimes they had committed against the enemy. He defected and cost our side many lives. He was a traitor, clearly indoctrinated against us, and the official record should note him as a lesson to us all of the sick lengths our enemies will go to.
The game is straightforward, with an intriguing theme and the prompts are varied and interesting. Thanks so much for making this. I hope my axiologist comes to his senses next time around!
