Storyteller’s

Prompty Questions
by JeansenVaars
Introduction Method #1: discretional trigger
Sometimes we place too much effort in finding answers, The standard way to decide when to ask a question, is by
but, what about the questions we choose ask?

invoking them in moments of silence as you play your

game. After you introduce a scene, during travel, or a
Prompty Questions is a set of fine-crafted queries to help transition between scenes, or when you would like to
you polish, refine, and challenge your own knowledge expand some more details about the scene you present.

about your own fictional setting. Expand world building,

and your scenery, little by little, by asking these questions It is suggested to limit to one question per scene or
along your session; your answers may have an influence!

situation, as to not over-bloat the content you are working

out by yourself, and not more than a handful per session.

For the solo player, or journalist, this could unblock your

writer’s block, inspiring you ideas for the current scene, It all depends on the level of engagement you have, and
or the world that you hadn’t considered earlier; they will how many silent gaps you face when coming up with ideas
make you think of details siting right in front of your for what happens in your game, or describing scenes.
actors, adding life and completeness to your narrative.

These questions were written as inquiries that players or Method #2: mechanical trigger
story collaborators could actually ask at any time;
moreover, if you are playing without a game master, stay Some of you may prefer to have mechanical triggers to
within what the characters know or perceive at the time. know when should they invoke the prompty questions.
Here are some examples:

How to use Mythic GM Emulator: Roll a prompty question when you

roll doubles, but the number is higher than the chaos rank
Prompty questions are meant to be added along to your (not a random event). Also roll a prompty question during
other tools for playing normally, including any oracles.
an altered scene, which will help you come up with a twist.

These questions are by no means tied to any setting or

game mechanics; they target primarily the narrative.

Plot Unfolding Machine: Roll a question when your scene

prompt calls a scene catalyst.

There are 4 table types you can roll randomly from in

your game (or 6 if you have the extended edition): Game Unfolding Machine: When proposal checks say No.

Location, Social, Travel, and Situational questions.

Depending on where your actors are, or what they are Any other system (generic): Roll a prompty question
doing, pick the table most appropriate for such time, and anytime you roll the number 5.

roll dice on it (2d6 reading each of the digits, or 1d100 in

the extended version), and read the outcome question.

Explore creating your own triggers, based on your pace.

Answer the rolled question to the best of your abilities,
or help yourself with tables or an oracle. Don’t worry if Final points
the answer is obvious, simple; and at the same time, set a
reasonable limit for thinking about it. Three d100 oracles If you happen to roll the same question twice, don’t ignore
are included in the extended edition to help yourself.

such fact! Take it as an opportunity to subvert the plot,

generate a twist, or in a way strengthen that element.

If unsure which question table to choose from, roll 1d4

to randomize.

Finally, have fun with the questions, they are not meant to
stress you out, but rather to challenge your creativity and
The World and Backstory tables (from extended edition) bring unexpected prompts into your game. Let them go.

are meta-game prompts that exceed the scope of a scene;

They are more suited for “between-session” prompting. Enjoy! - JeansenVaars

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 Location questions Travel questions
1-1 What do we see around us? How do things look like?
1-1 What do we see? near, or far away in the horizon.

1-2 What is the smell? Is there anything to touch or taste?

1-2 How do things react to the touch? What do we feel?

1-3 What does it generally feel to be here, and now?

1-3 How exciting is to traverse this area? How diverse?

1-4 What do we hear? Any background sounds or noise?

1-4 What kind of sounds, noises or music can we hear?

1-5 What is the weather, mood, or atmospheric feeling?

1-5 What is the weather, mood, or atmospheric feeling?

1-6 What is the construction or architectural style?

1-6 What kind of architecture, biome, or nature is this?

2-1 How is the security, defenses, or protection?

2-1 How is this area defended by its owning faction?

2-2 Which way would we take if we needed to escape?

2-2 How fast do we move? how is the terrain or medium?

2-3 Could there be anything hidden, or any invisible force?

2-3 Could there be anything hidden, or any invisible force?

2-4 What is the worst thing that could happen right now?
2-4 What is the worst thing that could happen right now?

2-5 What kind of valuables or treasured objects are here?

2-5 Are there any ruins, abandoned locations, or leftovers?

2-6 What is the value or point of interest of this place?

2-6 What is the value or point of interest of this place?

3-1 What could we do around here to find some fun?

3-1 How long would a trip take? How large are distances?

3-2 What is extraordinary, rare, or uncommon here?

3-2 What is extraordinary, rare, or uncommon in the area?

3-3 How could we find something to eat or drink in here?

3-3 What could we scavenge to eat or drink in the road?

3-4 What could we do if we wanted to rest or find shelter?

3-4 What could we do if we wanted to rest or find shelter?

3-5 What could we do to find medical assistance?

3-5 How do others in this area travel? How frequently?

3-6 What distinguishes this place from others of the type?

3-6 How well defined are the routes? Are there maps?

4-1 To which kind of dangers should be aware of here?

4-1 To which kind of dangers should we be aware of?

4-2 What could we find familiar, or related to us here?

4-2 How familiar or similar to each other are the places?

4-3 What time of the day is it? What time in the calendar?
4-3 What time of the day is it? How is visibility in the way?

4-4 What kind of flora, fauna, or nature can be found here?

4-4 What kind of living beings can be found on the way?

4-5 How do people communicate here? Within and without

4-5 Are there signs of society? outposts or camps?

4-6 Are there any remnants of historical precedence?

4-6 Are there any remnants of historical significance?

5-1 How is apparently this area defended, or protected?

5-1 What kind of traps could be set here? by whom?

5-2 Any objects to interact with? What could we do?

5-2 What can we find if we stray out of the main route?

5-3 What kind of doors, windows, or passages do we see?

5-3 How are the transitions between different stages?

5-4 Would this be a hostile, or friendly environment? why?

5-4 Would this be a hostile, or friendly environment? why?

5-5 Is there any presence of religion, culture, or beliefs?

5-5 What are the chances to cross by other travelers?

5-6 Could we trade in here? What is produced or sold?

5-6 What kind of goods or resources could be produced?

6-1 What kind of services can one find around here?

6-1 What kind of bandits or roaming monsters could be?

6-2 Are there any signs of violence? or a place for it?

6-2 What kind of invisible dangers could we face?

6-3 Is there anything broken, damage, or failing?

6-3 Could natural catastrophes occur? Natural hazards?

6-4 What level of technology is around? any Machinery?

6-4 What could we find during the trip? loot? scavenge?

6-5 Any presence of magic, esoteric, or weird forces here?

6-5 Any presence of magic, esoteric, or weird forces here?

6-6 What is the name of this place? Why is it called so? 6-6 What is the name of this area? Why is it called so?

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 Social questions Situational questions
1-1 Who seems to be of importance around here?
1-1 How would someone else (not present) behave here?

1-2 Who could be helpful, or answer our questions?

1-2 If we had a lot of wealth now, what would you do?

1-3 How could we manage to trade or do business here?

1-3 What would be a stupid thing to do to get killed?

1-4 How do others around us behave? The social mood.

1-4 What could one do here to attract a lot of attention?

1-5 What is going on right now? What are others doing?

1-5 What could be considered an offense to others?

1-6 Would this be a hostile, or friendly environment? why?

1-6 Is there anything that could catch on fire or explode?

2-1 What social classes can we identify around here?

2-1 Is there anything that could be used as a weapon?

2-2 How do people go by on their lives? How is life?

2-2 Are there any attractive people nearby?

2-3 What level of authority can we presence here?

2-3 Is there music in the background? Any artists? Radio?

2-4 How are people dressing? What is their code?

2-4 Are there any drunk or crazy people nearby?

2-5 What is people around us doing right now?

2-5 What in the scene is peculiarly colorful or shiny?

2-6 Who catches our attention? Any peculiar faces?

2-6 Anything currently broken, failing, or unreliable?

3-1 What do others typically carry with them?

3-1 Is there anything that could move, or be reanimated?

3-2 How does everybody move? At what speed?

3-2 Any art or literature nearby that could inspire us?

3-3 How do we relate to others around here?

3-3 Is there anything in the scene that is rare or valuable?

3-4 What is the apparent impact of politics in here?

3-4 What could happen that would disrupt operations?

3-5 How do we perceive the power of the law and order?

3-5 What natural catastrophes could happen here?

3-6 Are there any reasons for tension or conflict?

3-6 Any vehicles, mounts, or transports nearby?

4-1 Should we be scared of anyone? How is crime?

4-1 What could be present but hidden to plain sight?

4-2 Who around us seem like knowing this place a lot?

4-2 What is currently moving a lot? or very annoying?

4-3 Do people seem respectful? What are the customs?

4-3 Which background noise would we prefer to shut off?

4-4 How do people around make use of technology?

4-4 Would we feel any esoteric or divine forces in here?

4-5 Any supernatural presence? Any weird character?

4-5 Is there anyone feeling very uncomfortable here?

4-6 Do we feel welcome? What others think of us? why?

4-6 Is there anyone specially powerful nearby?

5-1 Is there presence of servitude, or any form of slavery?

5-1 What could attract our immediate interest here?

5-2 How do others interact with the space around them?

5-2 What could be really convenient to find for our quest?

5-3 What is the general level of stress and mood?

5-3 Who could be the ideal person to find right now?

5-4 Does it feel like everybody is busy? or otherwise idle?

5-4 What could trigger one of our personal flaws?

5-5 Is there any presence of advertising or active sales?

5-5 What could happen to make us very angry?

5-6 Can we focus on any one actor? Describe him/her.

5-6 What could be of a big relief for us right now?

6-1 Are others equipped with weapons or armor?

6-1 What could trigger one of our backstories?

6-2 Do we recognize anybody or find someone familiar?

6-2 Could we possibly find someone we know here?

6-3 What is the form of communication? Which language?

6-3 What is the least thing we hope to find in here?

5-4 Is there people who belong to specific sub-factions?

6-4 Could there be anyone following or spying on us?

6-5 Are there any religious, cultist, or elevated people?

6-5 What could happen remotely that could be bad now?

6-6 Is there presence of military or enforcement forces? 6-6 How could our main enemies interfere right now?

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