Fáthlíon (FAH-thlee-on)

The Ancient Storytelling Game

The Game - 3 variations

"Fáthlíon" is a game of strategy, creativity, and ancient wisdom, drawing upon the mystical symbols of the Ogham alphabet. Players craft narratives to fulfill prophecies or collaboratively weave a tale towards a common goal, guided by the draw of Ogham Stones and the wisdom of the Arbiter.

Individual Version Gameplay:

Draw

Players take turns drawing an Ogham Stone from the bag.

Narrate

Using the symbol drawn, players craft a part of their story to fulfill the prophecy on their card, incorporating the symbol into their narrative.

Fulfilling Prophecies

Once a player believes their prophecy is fulfilled, they present their narrative. The Arbiter and players assess the story's adherence to the prophecy and its originality.

Winning

The game ends when a player successfully fulfills their prophecy, or after a predetermined number of rounds, the player with the most fulfilled prophecies wins.

Collaborative Version Gameplay:

Draw

The active player draws an Ogham Stone from the bag.

Contribute

The player adds a scene to the communal story, aligning with the symbol drawn and previous scenes, advancing the story toward the communal goal.

Challenges and Elimination

Players can challenge inconsistencies in a scene. The Arbiter decides on the challenge's validity. Incorrect contributions lead to elimination, and the next player corrects or continues the story.

Completion

The game concludes when the story reaches the predetermined objective on the Story Goal Card. While the focus is on communal success, individual contributions can be recognized for creativity and consistency.

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Couples Variation Gameplay:

The "Couples" variant of Fáthlíon offers a unique way for players to connect and learn more about each other through storytelling, blending elements of truth and fiction. This version uses Ogham Stones for drawing and incorporates a specialized pack of Couples’ Cards.

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Scroll down for the cards/stones that you can role and play

Competitive Versions

Components:

Ogham Stones

Each inscribed with a symbol from the Ogham alphabet.

Prophecy Cards

Detailing patterns or sequences of symbols players must collect to fulfill their prophecy.

Role Cards (Optional)

Assigning specific abilities or challenges.

Story Goal Card

Outlining the communal narrative objective (Collaborative Build version only).

Setup:

1. Place Ogham Stones in a central bag within reach of all players.
   
2. Shuffle Prophecy Cards and deal one to each player (Individual version) or place the Story Goal Card in view of all players (Collaborative Build version).
   

General Rules:

Originality: Stories must be original and not retell existing myths or literature. The Arbiter ensures stories are unique and meet the game's creative standards.
Moral Lessons: Narratives that incorporate a moral lesson are encouraged and may receive bonus points.
Arbiter's Role: The Arbiter controls the game's flow, resolves disputes, and ensures adherence to rules and the spirit of storytelling.
Rotation of Roles: In group settings, consider rotating the Arbiter role to give everyone a chance to participate in storytelling.

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Item type

Miscellaneous

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Couples Variation

Game Components:

Ogham Stones

Used for drawing to determine the turn or add elements to the story.

Couples' Cards

Each card contains a topic related to relationship dynamics. The questions are designed to be open-ended, inviting stories that are either true or fabricated.

Setup

Players sit facing each other with the Ogham Stones placed between them. Shuffle the Couples' Cards and place them within easy reach of both players.

General Rules:

Starting the Game: Players decide who goes first with a draw of the Ogham Stones.
Drawing a Card: The starting player draws a Couples' Card and reads the topic. They then choose from three options (Ask, Tell, Do). Ask invites their opponent to ask any question related to the card and stone. Tell requires the player to relay a tale related to the card and stone. When answering/telling the player will craft a story that is either true or a believable fabrication.
Guessing: After listening to the story, the other player must decide whether the story is true or false.

• If they guess a false answer correctly, they have the option to take their turn or ask the other player to answer one question with a truth or take on a requested challenge from the same card.

• If they guess false incorrectly, the storyteller has the option to have their opponent take their turn, ask the other player to answer one question with a truth, or take on a requested challenge from the same card and stone.

• Any guess of true is not contested.

Challenges: Instead of answering a question, a player may opt to take on a challenge from the other player. Successfully completing a challenge can either earn points or grant specific advantages, like skipping a turn or reshuffling the deck.
Continuing Play: Play continues, with players taking turns drawing cards, telling stories, and guessing the truth. The game can be played to a set number of points or for a predetermined amount of time.
Reshuffling: Once a card has been successfully navigated, it is returned to the deck, which is then reshuffled.
Boundaries: Prior to game play, any boundaries should be established on any questions/requests that are off limits.

FÁTHLÍON: PROPHESY CARDS

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FÁTHLÍON: ROLE CARDS

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FÁTHLÍON: STORY CARDS

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FÁTHLÍON: OGHAM STONES (Cards)

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FÁTHLÍON: COUPLES CARDS

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