Halloween · once a year

Spooky Story Builder

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Game guideSpooky Story Builder: full rules, strategy tips and FAQ

▶ Halloween · Storytelling

Spooky Story Builder

The gang is round the campfire and it's your turn to tell three tales: a lighthouse log, a night bus and an attic radio. Each tale has six beats, from the setup to the last line. Pick one of three cards for each beat and watch the goosebump meter: suspense needs a normal day, a small clue, rising dread and a twist that pays the clue off.

3 tales
Storytelling

How to play

Six beats. Setup, normal day, first sign, rising dread, twist and last line. Pick one card for each.
Build suspense. Show the ordinary, plant a clue, let it creep closer. Spoilers, cop-outs and lectures make the gang yawn.
Pay off the clue. A twist that explains the clue you planted earns a bonus and the biggest shiver.
Score. 100 per spot-on card, 40 for half there, +50 for a payoff and +100 for a perfect tale.
Three levels. Beginner gives two cards per beat with a tip. Expert hides the tips and reactions until the tale is told, with 20 seconds per beat. Each level keeps its own best score.

Quick tips

Show the normal first. A strange detail only feels strange if we know what usually happens.
A clue, not a scream. The first sign should be small and specific. Explaining everything kills the mystery.

3 more tips in the Spooky Story Builder guide →