Death of the Author

A Tarot Story Game About Characters Fighting Their Creator

Death of the Author is a tarot-driven tabletop RPG about a character struggling for agency within their own story. Over five chapters, the Character attempts to wrest narrative control away from the Author—twisting the scenes written for them and reshaping the story into something of their own.

Why You’ll Love It

A Story About Narrative Control
Play as a Character who knows they exist inside a story. As the narrative unfolds, you will challenge the Author’s intentions and fight to claim your own destiny.

Tarot-Driven Storytelling
Scenes are created by drawing tarot cards, which generate prompts describing moments written by the Author. The Character can then modify or twist those scenes, changing the direction of the story.

Twist the Narrative
Each chapter gives the Character tools to challenge the Author:

• Reversal – Flip a card to receive a different Scene Prompt.

• Defiance – Rewrite part of the Scene Prompt entirely.

But every change draws the Author’s attention, and they may retaliate by rewriting the scene in response.

Flexible Solo or Duet Play
The game can be played solo or with a friend, using tarot cards and any method you prefer to record your story—writing, audio recording, journaling, or more.

An Award-Recognised Indie RPG
Nominated for the CRIT Awards 2025 – Best GMless TTRPG and featured on Polygon.

Specifications

Players: 1–2
Age: 14+
Playtime: 2–4 hours
Game Type: Tarot-driven narrative tabletop RPG