1.1. The Story Rule

Tabletop Roleplaying Games often rely on strict rules and limitations. The Kleptonomicon takes a more laissez faire approach, giving players a bit more freedom. As a result you will often come across mechanics that can break the world and the game. That is where the Story Rule comes in.

The Story Rule states:

If a mechanic or course of action would ruin the story, then it's against the rules. Conversely, if a missing mechanic or course of action would make for a good story, then it's allowed.

While it sounds simple on its face, the Story Rule is a tricky one to get right. For the Story Rule to work, all Players and the GM need to be equals. A truly good GM is not an author, but the lead in a writer's room. A truly good Player is not a main character, but a catalyst for a narrative greater than themselves.

Anyone can suggest to the table that Story Rule is beginning to break. From there, everyone should discuss how to proceed. Perhaps you should allow the overpowered or "broken" solution once, but then retire it for more fresh game-play.

The story rule depends on everyone wanting the most from the story. Not the most for their character alone, but the party and story as a whole. If others deem your actions to be in violation of the story rule, work to understand why. Try to understand what greater narrative the others at the table are trying to tell.

The Moral Story Rule

One way to bring a lot of strength to the Story Rule is to try maintaining a strong moral border for the world. If murder is as serious as it is in the real world (even against goblins or other lowly creatures) then players will have to get creative or try to coax their opponents into surrendering. If stealing from lowly merchants is wrong, then players will need to figure out a good offer-in-trade. While it may sound lame to some, I would encourage trying out the Moral Story Rule. Setting aside chaotic, murder-hobo tendencies may surprise you.

That said, a full chaos campaign is still fun... once in awhile.

Next Up: 1.2. The Basics