When At Last We Are Together Again

[Available for free at DriveThruRPG]

When At Last We Are Together Again is a simple, card-based, storytelling role-playing game for a large group (like a 6th grade homeroom) who have become separated from each other and are trying to find their way back together again. The gameplay of When At Last We Are Together Again is straightforward enough so that even young players who have no experience playing roleplaying games can have an opportunity to participate meaningfully and have a good time.  Designed during the COVID-19 pandemic and meant for classrooms engaging in distance learning because of social distancing, the intention of the game’s play is to give classroom communities that were once united because of the inherent closeness of classrooms an opportunity to be reminded that, in fact, they remain united, even if they aren’t together.

In this game, the players play as themselves and should always be sharing, writing and collaborating as though they were themselves.

When At Last We Are Together Again is played for 15 turns, or until the cause of the player group’s separation in the real world goes away or in any other length determined by the gamemaster.

The game begins with the same set piece and proceeds through each round with the gamemaster sharing an opportunity/challenge determined by the draw of a card. Players then reflect on how they would address that opportunity/challenge, sharing their thoughts with their fellow players, who, although they are not present physically, are there in their mind’s eye. On the final turn of the game, the players will be reunited.