Helpless Optimism

This is a game about being creative. The purpose isn’t perfection, so artistic or writing skills aren’t required. No erasing is allowed, because life is short and full of mistakes. This game is also anti-AI, to show that any human with a little effort is capable of creating something. So have fun and remember that there’s no pressure. You’re not creating a masterpiece just surviving a horror movie. All you need is a d6 and a deck of cards.

I created this for a quiet night in as a way to get the ideas flowing for your own creative project. I hope you enjoy it and good luck.

You are an author visiting the former home of one of your favorite writers. You’re looking for inspiration and a relaxing vacation. You’ve found this house on a website and are renting it for a week from the current owner, John. It’s a picturesque two bedroom cottage in a field of flowers, surrounded by the cozy New England woods, and just a few miles outside of a small town. It’s been a peaceful stay but the landlord keeps dropping by unannounced. He says he just wants to make sure your stay is amazing, but he’s a little creepy. Then you get the phone call. It’s the actual landlord and he’s calling to warn you of a storm heading your way. It’ll probably knock out the power and he wanted you to know where the generator is and how to operate it. You let him know about the other guy but the call cuts out. You have no service and when you check your other devices, they’re also out. Then it starts to rain.