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PUM Quick Rules: Gameplay Example

Here is a short, step-by-step example of how a solo roleplaying session unfolds using the exact mechanics and terminology of PUM:

Setup

  • Protagonist: Silas, a rogue.
  • Plot Nodes:
    • Silas (Relevant Character)
    • Merchant's Manor (Interesting Location)
    • The Merchant's Alarm Ward (Potential Problem)
    • Ring of Master Keys (Useful Finding)
  • Plot Track: Standard (Exposition ➔ Confrontation ➔ Resolution).
  • Plot Focus: Balanced.

Silas is trying to sneak into the Merchant's Manor to steal a magical amulet.

Beat 1: Proposing the Scene (Modify proposal)

  • Player's Proposal: Silas wants to sneak through the manor's gardens and slip inside through the servant's entrance.
  • PUM Roll: Make the location less favorable (Modify proposal result)
  • Interpretation: Silas successfully slips into the gardens, but finds that the merchant has recently laid down loud, crunchy gravel paths and installed bright security lanterns. Stealth is going to be much harder than expected!

Playing the Scene (Oracles)

Silas decides to avoid the gravel and sneak through the shadows of the rose bushes.

  • Player's Question: "Is there a guard patrolling this specific side of the garden?"
  • Oracle Selected: Yes or No (Deterministic)
  • Oracle Roll: Weak yes
  • Interpretation: Yes, there is a guard, but they are yawning, leaning against a pillar, and looking extremely tired—not paying full attention.

Silas waits for the guard to turn away and dashes toward the servant's door.

  • Player's Question: "Can Silas pick the door's lock quickly before being spotted?"
  • Oracle Selected: Yes or No (Subjective)
  • Oracle Roll: Yes, but...
  • Interpretation: Yes, Silas picks the lock and slips inside, but in his haste, his lockpick snaps off in the keyhole. The door is unlocked, but he can't lock it behind him, and he has lost his favorite lockpick!

Beat 2: Advancing the Story (Random prompt)

Now inside the manor's dark hallway, Silas wants to search for the merchant's study.

  • PUM Roll: Locate or trace a useful finding (Random prompt result)
  • Node Invoked: Ring of Master Keys (Useful Finding Plot Node)
  • Interpretation: While searching the hallway, Silas spots a small ring of master keys hanging on a hook near the servant's pantry. Since his lockpick is broken, this is an incredibly useful finding! He grabs the keys, which will let him open any door in the manor without needing lockpicks.

Wrapping Up

Silas writes down these events in his log. Since he has successfully entered the manor and found a key asset, the Player decides this scene is complete.

The Player clicks the active box on the Plot Track to advance from Exposition to Confrontation, and prepares for the next scene: navigating the manor's interior to find the study!

Back to PUM Quick Rules: Core Loop