The Quiet Year

No rulebook study is required. A professional Game Master will explain the flow in minutes and ensure turns are clear and fair. You will make simple marks and symbols on a shared map. Stick figures and boxes work perfectly. There are no character sheets, stats, or dice involved. Each card provides a prompt, after which you can add to the map, start a project, or engage in a brief discussion. The emphasis is on ideas and conversation, not artistic skills. Curiosity is the only requirement.

You are building a community together, rather than managing individual heroes. There is no combat system or tactical grid. The deck establishes the rhythm of weeks and seasons, and the map expands as you play. Decisions are made through brief discussions at the table and projects on the map, rather than through skill checks. Our Game Master facilitates and maintains the tone, but the group determines the actions of the community. It feels reflective and collaborative, with gentle tension instead of battles and treasure hunts.

In person, our Game Master brings a standard deck of cards, large paper, markers, and tokens for projects and notes. Online, you will use a shared whiteboard for drawing, digital tokens, and a virtual card deck. No special software is needed beyond a voice or video call and a browser. The facilitator manages setup and teaches quick drawing conventions to keep the map clear. If you prefer online tools, see options here: online play platforms.

It is designed for 2 to 4 players. The ideal number is often 3 or 4, allowing ideas to flow without anyone waiting too long. Most sessions wrap up in about 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much discussion you prefer. For a longer booking, our Game Master can split the year across two sessions. Each session is self-contained, so a guest can join without needing to prepare beforehand. The deck determines when the year ends, ensuring that pacing remains natural.

Yes, with the right tone. The themes revolve around scarcity, choices, and collaboration after hardship. There is no gore or tactical violence in the rules. With guidance, ages 10 and up generally do well, and teens often excel. Our Game Master assesses comfort levels and establishes boundaries before play, then tailors prompts to suit your group. You can maintain a hopeful and constructive atmosphere, or navigate tougher questions with care. Families and classrooms often appreciate its gentle pace.

Absolutely. New maps, different starting assumptions, and shuffled cards create fresh outcomes each time. You can change the vibe, from cosy rebuilding to more complex politics, and watch entirely new landmarks and projects emerge. For a short series, your facilitator can run several standalone communities set in related locations. You will notice echoes and contrasts without needing strict continuity. It is satisfying as a one-off, and just as rewarding to revisit with a new perspective.