Terminus

Physical copies of Terminus are available for purchase through Indie Press Revolution!

Terminus is a ritual tabletop storytelling game for 1 or 2 players. Originally written for a 1-page RPG jam, this game encourages exploration of liminal spaces and attention to the world around us. Assume the role of a spirit that ensouls a liminal space as its last visitor departs. Through the spirit and its visitor, relive the memories of all that has transpired here by observing your real world surroundings and interpreting prompts from a tarot deck. At the end of game, observe the actions of your last visitor and release the final memory made within you into the universe as your halls are left forever empty.

A 23-page zine with simple rules, Terminus is an excellent game to take on a walk at a park, bring to the airport or a museum, or any public place where you can find a moment of peace and some good people watching. Grab a notebook, your favorite tarot deck, and head to your favorite haunt to play!

Though the game requires the use of a tarot deck, you need not be an experienced tarot reader to play. If you have access to a deck, a little intuition, and a love of storytelling, that's all you need! The images from your deck and the prompts in the game will provide the framework for your story, and you can fill in the gaps with experience and intuition. For practiced readers or those with several decks, I encourage you to try the game out with different decks! The themes of each deck and the place you choose will help shape the story you tell. The game also includes rules for play without a tarot deck if you do not own one.

Below, you can find download links for the game.

Purchase physical copies at Indie Press Revolution.

Interior and cover art for Terminus was done by Brighid de Danann. Find more of her incredible work on Bluesky and Twitch. Layout Design is by Emily Entner, with editing by Marx Shepherd.

What you need:

To play Terminus you will need the following physical or digital materials:

• A copy of Terminus
• A tarot deck, or a deck of regular playing cards
• Access to a liminal space (Or digital access to one)
• A surface to place cards on
  
• A notebook or sturdy piece of paper
  
• A writing utensil
• 1 additional player (Optional)