KillQuest thrives on collaboration, blending casual storytelling with structured mechanics when needed. It’s intuitive, flexible and designed for players of all experience levels, making every session a dynamic conversation that unfolds naturally. The game alternates between two types of play, Free Play and Structured Play, depending on the needs of the story:
- Free Play: Open, informal scenes where players describe their characters’ actions and react to the unfolding narrative presented by the director and other players. Focused on storytelling without dice or mechanics.
- Structured Play: When challenges arise, the game shifts to dice rolls and mechanics to resolve uncertain outcomes, introducing suspense and consequences.
Free Play
This is open-ended and conversational, where players describe their characters’ actions and collaborate to progress the story naturally. There’s no strict order—players take turns speaking, reacting, and building on ideas. It’s all about keeping the game flowing without interruptions from rules or dice.
Structured Play
When a situation requires resolution—like a battle or tense negotiation—the game shifts into Structured Play. This phase introduces dice rolls and mechanics to guide the outcome, ensuring exciting consequences and consistency in the narrative.
Action Phase
Action scenes are where things heat up! They’re framed around two types of challenges:
- Schemes: Players plan an operation, roll dice to overcome obstacles, and use flashbacks to solve problems creatively. Success or failure shapes the next phase.
- Encounters: High-stakes moments without choices or flashbacks—survival is often the main goal. Encounters offer risk and potential rewards.
The Action Cycle
- Engagement: Establish the situation and roll to see how the operation begins.
- Score Phase: Dive into the mission, rolling dice and making choices.
- Resolution: Reflect on the mission’s outcome, determine rewards, and handle fallout.
Afterward, players enter downtime, where they can heal, reduce stress, pursue personal projects, or prepare for the next adventure. Once downtime ends, the game returns to Free Play, and the cycle continues.