The Scheherazade Gambit

Perhaps it was a gift—or a curse—bestowed upon you with or without your knowledge or permission. Perhaps you’ve earned it or found it in some way. Perhaps you were never meant to have it, so you’ve taken it for yourself at a cost to you or others. Perhaps you are not the only one who can wield it. Regardless, you have it now: This is the inception of your recursive power. 

The power of Scheherazade, the Mirror Unending.

Raise the stakes, one layer at a time, in an uncertain or contested situation in any TTRPG. Play games within games within games to attempt to gain the upper hand at the risk of losing your ever-mounting stakes.

Keep challenging, keep going deeper. Each level adds new stakes to the growing pool of potential rewards & penalties. In its current form, The Scheherazade Gambit is more of a tool than a game. Something you can use to supplement any TTRPG, designed to be flexible enough for many different situations. There should be enough information in this document to help you run a gambit in solo, one-on-one, free-for-all, and team situations.

This game was made for Caltrop Jam 2, run by Titanomachy in April 2022. This was my second time participating in a game jam (I had so much fun with the first Caltrop Jam). Because this game has not been meticulously playtested, feedback is welcome & appreciated. If nothing else, I see this game as an avenue to explore some cool, fun concepts that I see potential in. 

If you try this game out, let me know! I'd love to hear from you via email (barondipitous@gmail.com) to let me know what you think! I’m especially interested in any creative ways you find to use this tool/game. Let me know!

Please enjoy, and make it a great day. :)

–Baron Dipitous, 04/29/22