Before you read this here is the context for this post. I am working on a crazy concept of a card game to help students and anyone really explore themselves and determine who they want to be. Here is the intro post about the card deck called Pathfinders of the Mind: HI+ Skill Adventures(HI+ means Human Intelligence Plus)
Whew! Did I just do a crazy crash course in Canva early this morning to learn how to make a card. I was dabbling with AI generated cards, but after much trial and error and some nudging from a comic industry friend on X I decided I should indeed learn to create my own.
And thinking long term, I need a template that I can use to build out the deck as it evolves so creating my own template makes so much more sense even if I had no clue how to do any of that!
So please don’t judge too harshly as this is the first card and I am sure thing will evolve, but I am personally please with my design for a first attempt.
Here is my breakdown of how I have constructed the first character named Epic Envisioner(yes I am open to better names) that captures first key skill of Narrative Ingenuity.
I will do my best to explain all elements of the card as it all holds meaning.
And yes, I am slowly building out a player guidebook, but I like to roll with the punches so it is quite sparse at the moment.
Epic Envisioner Card – Detailed Guidebook Entry
Card Name: Epic Envisioner
Suit: Innovation
The Innovation suit represents skills and traits related to creativity, original thinking, and transformative ideas. “Epic Envisioner,” as part of this suit, symbolizes the creative and transformative power of storytelling, emphasizing its role in shaping ideas and perceptions.
Main Skill: Narrative Ingenuity
Key Traits: Creativity, Originality, Storytelling, Transformation
Impact Sphere: Cultural Influence & Personal Development
Power Level: Advanced (6 Power Points)
The level of 6 indicates that “Epic Envisioner” is an Advanced skill card. This rating reflects a higher degree of complexity and impact in the skill it represents. A level 6 skill requires a substantial understanding and proficiency in narrative crafting, making it suitable for individuals who have developed a strong foundation in storytelling and its applications.
Purple is often associated with creativity, wisdom, and dignity. It’s chosen for the “Epic Envisioner” card to signify the depth and richness of narrative skills. This color underscores the card’s focus on imaginative and insightful storytelling, highlighting its cultural and personal development impact.
Contextualizing the Card Elements for Players
When players encounter the “Epic Envisioner” card, these elements serve as quick visual cues about the skill’s nature and its role in the game. The Innovation suit tells players that this skill is about creative and forward-thinking abilities. The level of 6 alerts them that this is an advanced skill, suggesting that it’s powerful but may require strategic thinking to use effectively. The color purple and the stars showcase the card’s sophistication and impact.
On Reveal Ability – Systemic Insight: Upon revealing the Epic Envisioner card, the player gains a profound understanding of how narratives shape and influence cultural and social systems. This ability is not just about telling stories but understanding their deep-rooted impact on society. This skill captures the power of narratives to mold perceptions, shift norms, and inspire systemic change(see any project with teachers the last few years :)). The Epic Envisioner can analyze and interpret complex societal narratives, discerning underlying themes and patterns that drive cultural evolution.
Ongoing Ability – Ingenuity Narrative: As the game of life progresses, the ability of the Epic Envisioner deepens. The card’s ongoing ability signifies the evolution of narrative crafting from individual storytelling to creating narratives that weave collaborative creativity and problem-solving. This skill goes beyond traditional storytelling, impacting broader social and cultural systems. The Epic Envisioner becomes a catalyst for change, weaving stories(again see any project from last few years) that encourage collaboration, inspire innovation, and challenge the status quo. This ability highlights the role of narratives in building communities, fostering shared visions, and driving collective action towards common goals. This person can take a needle to thread the storyline of bundling of standards, experiences, and perspectives.
Detailed Description: The Epic Envisioner is a narrative master, a character who understands the intricate elements of human experience and societal dynamics. With a blend of empathetic insight and a visionary approach to storytelling, the Epic Envisioner crafts narratives that resonate deeply, moving beyond basic low level concepts to become tools for social and personal transformation. This card represents the pinnacle of narrative skill, where stories are not just told but lived and experienced, driving the narrative forward in both personal and societal contexts. This happens even when people don’t understand and toss stones(yes, that will be another skill and card)
Usage in Gameplay: In gameplay, the Epic Envisioner is a powerful asset for players who wish to influence the game’s cultural and social dynamics. It is especially effective in scenarios that require deep understanding and strategic utilization of narrative elements. The card’s abilities make it a strategic choice for players looking to shift the course of the game of life and learning through intellectual and emotional engagement. It’s ideal for moments that demand a thoughtful approach, where the impact of a well-crafted story can change perceptions and strategies within the game.
Strategic Considerations: When choosing the Epic Envisioner, players should consider the current cultural and social context within themselves. This card is most effective when used in a setting where narrative shifts can have a substantial impact. It’s a strategic tool for players who excel in long-term planning and can anticipate how narratives might evolve. The ongoing ability requires foresight and an understanding of how collaborative efforts can be marshaled through compelling storytelling.
Interactions with Other Cards: The Epic Envisioner pairs well with cards that represent collaborative and creative skills. It enhances cards focused on community building, innovation, and cultural awareness. It can counter cards that rely on rigid structures or traditional approaches, challenging and reshaping established narratives within the game.
In the Broader Context of the Game: “Epic Envisioner” is more than just a card; it’s a representation of the power of storytelling in shaping our world. In the broader context of the game, it serves as a reminder of how narratives can be used not only to entertain but to enlighten, educate, and inspire. It encourages players to think deeply about the stories they encounter and create, both in the game and in real life.
Self-Assessment Questions for Narrative Ingenuity
- Do I enjoy creating stories or imagining new worlds?
- Reflects a natural inclination towards storytelling and world-building.
- Can I easily empathize with diverse perspectives and emotions?
- Key for creating narratives that resonate with various audiences.
- Do I often find hidden meanings or underlying themes in stories?
- Indicates an ability to understand and analyze narratives deeply.
- Am I comfortable weaving complex plots and characters?
- Essential for crafting intricate and engaging stories.
- Do I feel confident in expressing ideas creatively through storytelling?
- Demonstrates a knack for using narrative as a medium of expression.
- Do I often recognize and appreciate the impact of storytelling in cultural and social contexts?
- Shows an understanding of the broader influence of narratives.
- Can I adapt my storytelling style to suit different mediums or audiences?
- A skill important for versatile and effective storytelling.
- Do I actively seek to learn new storytelling techniques or explore different narrative genres?
- Indicates a desire for continual growth in narrative skills.
- Am I able to inspire or influence others through my stories?
- Reflects the ability to use narratives as a tool for impact and persuasion.
- Do I see storytelling as a way to address and solve real-world problems?
- Suggests an understanding of narrative ingenuity as a tool for change and innovation.
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