TEXT: 1
  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  What Dust Remains
  C A N  YO U  L E AV E  A  L A S T I N G  L E G A C Y 
  W I T H O U T  S A C R I F I C I N G  A L L  T H AT  M AT T E R S ?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  1. Overview
  What Dust Remains is a game about balancing ambition and 
  success with the reality of truly painful sacrifices. Through 
  extensive narrative prompts, players live out the life of one 
  pioneer, who goes through several life stages—from young,
  hopeful adulthood, to desperate, final moments.
  This is not a happy story. For one, the pioneer dies. This is 
  known. This is unavoidable. What Dust Remains is a story 
  about many small failures that threaten to overshadow 
  whatever hope remains. Happy endings are rare—and 
  almost impossible.
  Play What Dust Remains if you wish to engage in 
  collaborative storytelling about sacrifices in the context of 
  legacy-building.
  1.1. Number of Players
  This game is recommended for 2-3 players, although 
  solo play is also possible. What Dust Remains can be 
  played without a Game Master or Emcee; however, it is 
  recommended that there be at least one experienced player 
  in the group.
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  1.2. Length of Play
  2-3 hours.
  1.3. Game Requirements
  All you need are: 4 six-sided dice (hereafter referred to as 
  ‘dice’), a deck of cards with jokers removed, and writing 
  implements. 
  2. Goal
  The goal of the game is to build as much levels of legacy 
  as possible, while preserving facets such as principles. 
  However, ultimately, your goal is to create a satisfying 
  narrative.
  3. Setup
  Worldbuilding is a necessary first step, as What Dust 
  Remains can be set in any context or milieu. The possibilities 
  are endless.
  You must establish facts around the pioneer and the 
  world they live in. To help you out, here are some guiding 
  questions that you can answer as a group:
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  3. Setup (continued)
  • What world is the pioneer immersed in? 
  For example: a post-apocalyptic dystopia, a modern 
  Southeast Asian city, a freezing outpost in the Arctic 
  region
  • What are the main issues that plague this 
  world? 
  For example: a seemingly-incurable disease, 
  disconnected citizens, fearsome terrors of the night
  • Who is the pioneer, what is their name, 
  and what is their role? 
  For example: scientist working on finding the cure, 
  metropolitan office worker with little free time, 
  security worker who keeps the night threats at bay
  Write down your answers on a piece of paper and place it in 
  the middle of the play area.
  Next, players must craft a legacy. The legacy is the 
  impact that the pioneer wishes to make in the world that 
  you’ve built. It should be an achievement that they will 
  devote their entire life to. It keeps them awake at night, 
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  S A M P L E
  G A M E P L AY
  Mila decides to play a solo game. She gathers all the 
  materials she would need: paper, writing implement, dice, 
  and cards. She dedicates a quiet time and two hours to 
  her activity.
  She starts by sketching out details of the pioneer’s
  world. She decides to set it in a magical forest in
  Southeast Asia, where fantastic creatures such as
  tikbalang and kapre and manananggal live. There are two 
  primary issues that plague their world: first, are the mad, 
  frenzied creatures that attack their home town at night. 
  Second, is the encroaching advent of humans and the 
  modernity that they bring. She decides that the pioneer 
  will be a tikbalang named Armin, who acts as a scout so 
  that they can keep the terrible night creatures at bay.
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  3. Setup (continued)
  makes them wonder whether they’ve truly done anything 
  meaningful for the world. It must be lofty, ambitious, 
  aspirational.
  To create a legacy, players must take one turn thinking and 
  sharing one thing that they think the pioneer always wanted 
  to do ever since childhood. Each player must say, coming 
  from the point of view of the pioneer, “When I was a kid, 
  I’ve always wanted to be ...”
  Once all players have shared their response, decide as 
  a group how an adult pioneer can integrate all of these 
  childhood desires into one overarching wish in life. Legacy 
  can be as broad as “die beloved by all their friends and 
  peers” or as specific as, “head into the Amazon forest to 
  single-handedly save capybaras from dying out”.
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  S A M P L E
  G A M E P L AY
  Continuing her tikbalang story, Mila thinks up of
  an appropriate legacy that stems from Armin’s
  childhood desire.
  She comes up with the following phrase: “Ever since
  he was a child, Armin wanted to be friends with
  humans.” Thinking up of the corresponding legacy,
  she is inspired, and writes down, “Wants to unite
  magical creatures and humans in a fight against the
  night creatures.”
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Legacy
  “I stand and look at death’s door. 
  But I step forward with gladness, 
  having found meaning by...
  ...I will not die in vain.”
  Levels of Legacy
  O   O   O   O   O   O   O   O
  Minimal 
  progress
  Some
  progress
  Significant
  progress
  Completion
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  3. Setup (continued)
  The opposite page shows a sample legacy template. The 
  upper side displays a key phrase that will be instrumental to 
  the epilogue of the game. Write down your legacy on the 
  box underneath.
  Some sample legacies include:
  •  ...earning self-worth and becoming worthy of my 
  parents’ love
  • ...enacting my revenge against my lover’s 
  murderer
  • ...winning the war for spice, and overturning my 
  father’s legacy
  The lower portion of the template, on the other hand, shows 
  the levels of legacy that remain to be completed. Shade a 
  circle when you build a level of legacy. When you’ve shaded 
  eight circles, you’ve completed that legacy.
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  3. Setup (continued)
  Afterwards, all players will help determine facets. 
  Facets shape the pioneer’s capability and personality. 
  They are the first to be sacrificed in order to pursue better 
  chances of success during the pioneer’s lifetime.
  There are three types of facets in the game:
  • Resources are finite assets or tools, whether 
  material or immaterial, that make it easier 
  for the pioneer to adequately respond to life’s 
  challenges. 
  For example: wealth, a steady source of income, 
  mana
  • Joys are finite sources of happiness, whether 
  material or immaterial, that provide emotional 
  fulfilment and satisfaction to the pioneer. 
  For example: a lover, a security blanket, a beloved pet
  • Principles are core virtues or beliefs that define 
  the pioneer’s inner values. 
  For example: integrity, patience, diligence
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Players must generate three facets for each type, totaling nine 
  in all. You may create your own facets based on the world 
  you’ve built, or you may roll dice to randomly determine it.
  If you would like to roll for the facets, simply refer to the 
  tables below. For each type of facet, players take turns 
  rolling one dice and checking against the results. Ignore 
  duplicates. Once all three facets for any given type have 
  been obtained, move on to the next. Write these all down 
  and segregate by facet type.
  Resource
  1
  Inheritance. Someone has bestowed you with a valuable 
  resource that can help in your life. What is it?
  2
  Your mind. What particular aspect, such as optimism, 
  adaptability, or creativity, are you strong with?
  3
  A powerful friend. Someone is indebted to you, and 
  always has your back. Who is it?
  4
  Your physique. How does it manifest? Is it might? Is it 
  reflexes? Decide which boon you possess.
  5
  Your family name. It commands respect and dignity in 
  many circles. Why?
  6
  Luck. Somehow, the fortunes smile upon you. How does 
  it manifest?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  3. Setup (continued)
  Joy
  1
  Advocacy. You have a project—different from your 
  legacy—that you drive or support. What is it?
  2
  A meaningful relationship. You thrive on their trust and 
  respect. Who is it?
  3
  Esteem. People look up to you. What have you done to 
  earn this?
  4
  Safety. You are protected from harm, thanks to either 
  safe spaces or because of other safety nets. How are you 
  protected?
  5
  A support network. You have friends who look out for 
  you. Who are they?
  6
  A cherished hobby. It gives you joy and contentment. 
  What is it?
  Principle
  1
  Choose: humility, or patience. How does this manifest?
  2
  Choose: honesty, or justice. How does this manifest?
  3
  Choose: kindness, or charity. How does this manifest?
  4
  Choose: loyalty, or assertiveness. How does this manifest?
  5
  Choose: tenacity, or courage. How does this manifest?
  6
  Choose: dignity, or honor. How does this manifest?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  S A M P L E
  G A M E P L AY
  Mila proceeds to create the 9 facets that Armin holds 
  She comes up with the following list by rolling against the 
  random tables. She arranges them by type:
  Resources
  1. Mind — adaptability
  2. Physique — inhuman strength
  3. Powerful friend — the favor of the Fairy Queen
  Joys
  1. Hobby — listening to music at night
  2. Advocacy — boosting the scouting capabilities of
  the forest
  3. Relationship — Mother
  Principles
  1. Charity — towards human beings
  2. Kindness — towards all forest creatures
  3. Dignity — as a tikbalang
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  4. Gameplay Overview
  What Dust Remains charts out the life of the pioneer across 
  four life stages. Each stage has a corresponding life suit:
   
  Life Stage 
  Suit 
   
   
  Youth 
   
  Heart
   
  Transition 
  Diamond
   
  Maturity  
  Club
   
  Final Moments 
  Spade
  These life stages are played in order: Hearts suit first, then 
  Diamond, Club, and lastly, Spade.
  Life stages in What Dust Remains consists of 3 rounds. Each 
  round consists of up to 3 turns. Each turn represents a 
  milestone in the pioneer’s life. This milestone also reveals 
  a challenge that requires action; success or failure in this 
  challenge will determine if the pioneer will have the 
  opportunity to build up their legacy.
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  5. Playing Each Round and Turn
  The oldest player starts the very first turn of the first round 
  of the first life stage: Heart. Afterwards, the first turn for 
  subsequent life stages begins with the person to the left of 
  whoever started the previous life stage.
  When the life stage starts, cards with the same suit as that 
  life stage are divided into three subdecks:
   
  • Ace to 5
   
  • 6 to 10
   
  • Royals
  Each of these subdecks correspond to a turn in the round. 
  During the first turn, the player draws from the first 
  subdeck (ace to 5). During the second turn, the next player 
  draws from the next subdeck (6 to 10). And on the third 
  turn–the last turn for the round–the next player picks from 
  the last subdeck (Royals).
  That player must then read out and choose from the 
  available prompts corresponding to the card that they drew, 
  referring to the tables in the next section, Playing Each 
  Life Stage. 
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  5. Playing Each Round and Turn 
     (continued)
   
  The player will  then roll dice to determine success or failure 
  for that challenge. Before that, however, the player should 
  define what success or failure means in the pioneer’s context. 
  The number of dice rolled is dependent on the life stage. 
  For the Heart stage, the number of dice to be rolled is 4; for 
  Diamond it is 3; for Club 2, and for Spade 1.
  If any of the dice comes up a 5 or a 6, then the roll is a 
  success. The player must narrate what happens as a result.
  Remember that the round consists of three turns only. The 
  second turn, however, can only start if the roll for the first 
  turn is a success. Subsequently, the third turn can only start 
  if the roll for the second turn succeeds.
  IF ANY ROLL FAILS, THEN THE ROUND 
  AUTOMATICALLY ENDS. The next player must draw 
  from the first subdeck all over again.
  The only way to prevent this is to sacrifice a facet. If a facet 
  is sacrificed, the pool of dice is rerolled. Success is not a 
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  guarantee. 
  Facets must be sacrificed in order: resources must be 
  depleted first before joys can be sacrificed; joys must be 
  depleted first before principles can. 
  When a facet is sacrificed, the player must narrate what 
  happens.
  Play continues until either all 8 levels of legacy have been 
  built, or if the last round of the Spade life stage concludes.
  6. Playing Each Life Stage
  The following pages detail the introductions, reflections, 
  and prompts corresponding to all the life stages.
  Youth
  HEART
  When you begin this life stage, read the following words aloud:
  The world shimmers right before you. Everything is possible, and 
  you can be anyone you want. Sure, it 
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  S A M P L E
  G A M E P L AY
  Mila draws from the final subdeck for her round.
  You’ve matured and grown capable in many ways.
  How have your successes exemplified why you
  can make great achievements? What do you do to
  accomplish this? Roll dice to build a level of legacy.
  She decides that Armin is capable of achieving his 
  goals, because he has the support of his community 
  and the opportunity to actually immerse himself in a 
  human community. She rolls three dice, since she’s in the 
  Diamond life stage, to determine success or failure.  It’s a 
  1, 4, and another 4. Oops.
  She looks at her facets and sees what could be done. 
  She’s depleted her resources, so only Joys can be 
  sacrificed at this point. She decides on music, Armin’s 
  hobby.
  She narrates what happens and rerolls her three dice: 2, 4, 
  and 6. Success!
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Youth
  HEART (continued) 
  sounds like it’ll be hard work, but you know you can do 
  it. You’re you. Special. Unique. Brimming with endless 
  potential.
  Divide Heart cards into 3 subdecks: ace to 5, 6 to 10, then 
  royals. You roll 4 dice during this life stage. Make sure to 
  elaborate what happens to the pioneer, based on whether 
  the dice roll is a success or failure. 
  A
  It’s a perfect opportunity 
  to start a new activity, 
  project or initiative. What 
  do you kickstart? 
  A legacy activity, project, 
  or initiative has been 
  handed off to you. How 
  do you improve upon its 
  progress?
  2
  You’ve decided to 
  undertake new education 
  to understand the world 
  better. What did you 
  learn, and why do you 
  focus on it?
  You’ve decided to 
  undergo training to upskill 
  one of your talents. What 
  skill do you hone, and why 
  is it necessary?
  3
  You’ve started a new 
  career. What is your new 
  role and why are you 
  uniquely qualified for it?
  You’ve been promoted in 
  your career. How did your 
  role evolve, and why is it 
  more challenging?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  4
  You’ve fallen in love for 
  the first time. Who did 
  you fall in love with, and 
  how do you pursue them 
  as a romantic interest?
  You’ve somehow 
  obtained a protégé, a 
  student willing to learn 
  your wisdom. Who are 
  they, and what do you 
  teach them?
  5
  You’ve met a group of 
  new friends. What do 
  you have in common, and 
  why does their approval 
  matter to you?
  You’ve been thrust into 
  the role of leadership in 
  a community. Why were 
  you chosen and why is 
  this role hard-won?
  6
  Somehow, one of your 
  core assumptions about 
  your past success has 
  been wrong all along. 
  What takes you by 
  surprise and why does it 
  make you feel vulnerable?
  Somehow, one of your 
  core projections for the 
  future turns out to be 
  incorrect. What had you 
  predicted and why does 
  this error significantly 
  affect your trajectory?
  7
  Because of your success, 
  demand has only piled 
  up. What are you 
  expected to perform 
  even more and why do 
  you feel pressured?
  Despite your success, 
  momentum has stalled 
  completely. Why have 
  energies waned, and what 
  do you do to jumpstart it 
  again?
  Youth
  HEART (continued)
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  8
  Somebody new arrives 
  and takes the limelight off 
  of you. How do you feel 
  about this change and 
  why does it threaten to 
  consume you?
  Somebody important 
  leaves an activity, project 
  or initiative. How does it 
  affect your progress and 
  why does it threaten to 
  destabilize it?
  9
  Your success would 
  not have been possible 
  without the help of 
  your friends. How have 
  they supported you 
  and what steps do you 
  take to strengthen the 
  relationship?
  Your friends have been, 
  at best, useless to your 
  success. At worst, 
  detrimental. How have 
  they dragged you down 
  and what steps do you 
  take to cut them out?
  10
  Things become a bit out 
  of control. Why are you 
  taken aback and what 
  scares you?
  Things feel a little too 
  stifled and controlled. 
  What restrictions have 
  suddenly come down and 
  why does it hinder your 
  actions?
  Royals
  How are you hopeful about the future, and why have 
  your successes uniquely positioned you to achieve 
  your true potential? What do you start doing to 
  accomplish it?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Youth
  HEART (continued)
  When all rounds for this life stage ends, reflect by answering the 
  following questions:
  • How have I changed and grown?
  • How did the world around me react to my actions?
  • How has this life stage strengthened my resolve to 
  achieve my rightful legacy?
  At this point, you will also have the opportunity to either: 
  reorder facets OR alter facets. You cannot reorder or alter 
  facets that have already been sacrificed.
  Transition
  DIAMOND
  When you begin this life stage, read the following words aloud:
  Your life has finally begun in full earnest. You’re not yet 
  quite sure how to get to where you want, but you know 
  how to walk the path. You have the tools, the wit, the skill 
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  to get there. You’ll do just fine. You’re still young, after all.
  Divide Diamond cards into 3 subdecks: ace to 5, 6 to 10, 
  then royals. You roll 3 dice during this life stage. Make sure 
  to elaborate what happens to the pioneer, based on whether 
  the dice roll is a success or failure.
  A
  Someone or some 
  group steps up to you 
  demanding to be heard. 
  Who are they and why 
  do they have issue with 
  you?  
  Your actions have 
  inadvertently caused 
  someone or some group 
  to be silenced. How do 
  you realize this and do 
  you take steps to change 
  the situation?
  2
  A dearly beloved friend, 
  colleague, partner, or 
  family member dies. Who 
  died and why does it 
  affect you?
  A dearly beloved friend, 
  colleague, or family 
  member, chooses to 
  disown you. Who are 
  they and why did they 
  do it?
  3
  You’re offered two 
  choices: to stay here 
  and grow your skills 
  and opportunities, or to 
  explore new lands and 
  new possibilities. Why 
  was this offer made and 
  what choice do you 
  make? 
  You’re confronted with 
  two desires: to stay 
  with your career and 
  thrive among its ranks, 
  or to pursue other 
  opportunities outside of 
  your comfort zone. How 
  did this dilemma arise 
  and what choice do you 
  make?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Transition
  DIAMOND (continued)
  4
  You take time off your 
  responsibilities to unwind 
  and relax. How do you let 
  the steam off and what 
  new realizations does it 
  give you?
  You’ve been forced to 
  take time off for the time 
  being. What happened 
  and how do you reconcile 
  it with your own inner 
  feelings?
  5
  You’ve conquered a 
  seemingly-impossible 
  task and become 
  popular as a result. What 
  reputation does it give 
  you and how do you feel 
  about the limelight? 
  You’ve conquered a 
  seemingly-impossible 
  task…but have made 
  enemies in the process. 
  Who are they, and what 
  infamy do you hold with 
  them?  
  6
  An unattended aspect of 
  the situation grows and 
  becomes problematic for 
  you. What happened and 
  how does it threaten you? 
  Your attention to and 
  action on the situation 
  has somehow made 
  things worse. What 
  happened and why are 
  you at fault?
  7
  In order to succeed, 
  you had to unlearn an 
  important lesson. What 
  did you unlearn, and why 
  was it needed? 
  In order to succeed, you 
  had to learn a painful 
  lesson. What did you 
  learn, and why was it 
  needed?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  8
  Someone or some group 
  is galvanized to action as 
  a result of your decisions. 
  Who is it, and why is 
  there a threat to your 
  goals and stability? 
  Someone or some group 
  have turned fanatical 
  in their support for you. 
  Who is it, and how does 
  it affect how others deal 
  with or perceive you?
  9
  You’ve somehow gained 
  responsibility for one or 
  more persons’ wellbeing, 
  thanks to past events. 
  Who is under your 
  charge, and why were 
  you made responsible for 
  them?
  You’ve somehow 
  gained responsibility 
  for a priceless artifact or 
  heirloom. What item is it, 
  and why were you made 
  responsible for it?
  10
  You are overcome with 
  nostalgia for easier days 
  and easier times. What 
  memory holds you in its 
  grip, and what destructive 
  impulse do you deal with 
  as a result? 
  You are overcome with 
  impatience for better 
  days and better times. 
  What idea holds you in its 
  grip, and what destructive 
  impulse do you deal with 
  as a result?
  Royals
  You’ve matured and grown capable in many ways. 
  How have your successes exemplified why you 
  can make great achievements? What do you do to 
  accomplish this? 
  When all rounds for this life stage ends, reflect by answering the 
  following questions:
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Transition
  DIAMOND (continued)
  • How have I changed and grown?
  • How did the world around me react to my actions?
  • How has this life stage strengthened my resolve to 
  achieve my rightful legacy?
  At this point, you will also have the opportunity to either: 
  reorder facets OR alter facets. You cannot reorder or alter 
  facets that have already been sacrificed.
  Maturity
  CLUB
  When you begin this life stage, read the following words aloud:
  You’ve reached your stride, and you’re still confident you 
  can make an impact. Sure, it’s taking longer than you 
  anticipated, but there’s always a way forward…right? 
  After all, time is running out. Your options are starting to 
  get limited. You’re nervous, but you can’t stop. You can’t 
  fail. It’s far too late, now.
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Divide Club cards into 3 subdecks: ace to 5, 6 to 10, then 
  royals. You roll 2 dice during this life stage. Make sure to 
  elaborate what happens to the pioneer, based on whether 
  the dice roll is a success or failure. 
  A
  Your body has changed 
  in ways you’ve only 
  just noticed. Your 
  smile is different, too. 
  What caused these 
  transformations and what 
  do you do in response?
  Your mind has changed 
  in ways you’ve only just 
  noticed. Your personality, 
  too. What caused these 
  transformations and what 
  do you do in response?
  2
  A shocking turn of 
  events hits you when 
  you least expect it. What 
  happened and how 
  does it fester upon your 
  vulnerabilities?
  A long-predicted disaster 
  happens at last. What 
  happens and how have 
  your preparations failed?
  3
  One night, your safety 
  and security suddenly 
  become at risk. What 
  happened and how do 
  you react? 
  One night, your prestige 
  and reputation suddenly 
  become at risk. What 
  happened and how do 
  you react?
  4
  You’ve cultivated many 
  habits in an attempt to 
  cope with life and make 
  things much easier. What 
  is it, and how did you 
  start?
  You’ve developed 
  behavioral quirks and 
  oddities that make you a 
  little…strange. What is it, 
  and why do you have it?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Maturity
  CLUB (continued)
  5
  Relationships fade over 
  time. Who is important 
  to you? Do you attempt 
  to keep close to them or 
  not?
  Obligations become 
  more difficult over time. 
  What responsibility is 
  slipping from you? Do 
  you attempt to pursue it, 
  or let it go?
  6
  Your physical health 
  is severely affected 
  because of past decisions 
  you’ve made. What 
  happened to you and 
  how is it affecting your 
  capabilities? 
  Your social networks are 
  severely affected because 
  of past decisions you’ve 
  made. What happened 
  to your connections and 
  how is it affecting your 
  capabilities?
  7
  To fuel your success, a 
  beloved activity, project 
  or initiative has been put 
  at risk. What is it, and 
  what threatens it?
  Your actions have 
  inadvertently caused 
  someone to suffer. Who 
  is affected and why did 
  they endure pain?
  8
  Someone you once 
  trusted betrays you. 
  What is their betrayal, 
  and how do you react?
  Someone you once 
  looked up to disdains you. 
  Why do they scorn you, 
  and how do you react?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  9
  Reaching this stage 
  has caused you many 
  tribulations and just 
  as many heartbreaks. 
  How do you fight off 
  depressive moods?
  Reaching this stage has 
  caused you many causes 
  for rage and frustration. 
  How do you keep your 
  destructive actions at 
  bay?
  10
  Some person or group 
  attempts to sabotage the 
  success you’ve just built. 
  Who are they, and what 
  are their plans?
  The problem turns out 
  to be much bigger than 
  what you expected. Why 
  is it so, and how do you 
  plan on addressing it?
  Royals
  Your time is soon approaching. You can feel it in 
  your bones. How do you push yourself to make a 
  meaningful impact on the world? What do you do to 
  accomplish this? 
  When all rounds for this life stage ends, reflect by answering the 
  following questions:
  • How have I changed and grown?
  • How did the world around me react to my actions?
  • How has this life stage strengthened my resolve to 
  achieve my rightful legacy?
  At this point, you will also have the opportunity to either: 
  reorder facets OR alter facets. You cannot reorder or alter 
  facets that have already been sacrificed.
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Final Moments
  SPADE
  When you begin this life stage, read the following words aloud:
  It’s here at last. You thought you could avoid it, but it 
  comes for everyone. Death. But you’ve led a fulfilling life, 
  right? Surely you must have made a positive impact. The 
  thought gnaws at you. Time has run out. Where do you 
  stand? What have you achieved?
  Divide Spade cards into 3 subdecks: ace to 5, 6 to 10, then 
  royals. You roll 1 dice during this life stage. Make sure to 
  elaborate what happens to the pioneer, based on whether 
  the dice roll is a success or failure. 
  A
  Important memories 
  begin to fade. What 
  memory do you most 
  fear to lose and how 
  do you cope with that 
  threat?
  Tales of your past 
  accomplishments have 
  become distorted. How 
  has perception changed, 
  and how does it threaten 
  you?
  2
  A terrible ailment befalls 
  on someone dear to you. 
  What happened, and why 
  is it life-threatening?
  A long-predicted disaster 
  happens at last. What 
  happens and how have 
  your preparations failed?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  3
  You fear that you no 
  longer remain relevant 
  to the world around 
  you. Why has the world 
  become indifferent, and 
  how do you attempt to 
  regain your relevance?
  You return to your origin, 
  your home, in order to 
  seek answers. But nothing 
  is familiar anymore. 
  What changed, and 
  how do you cope with 
  the displacement you 
  experience? 
  4
  Movement has 
  become difficult. What 
  opportunities are lost to 
  you, and how do you find 
  ways to adjust?
  You are replaced in your 
  role by someone much 
  younger…and capable. 
  Who are they, and what 
  do you do to adjust to 
  the situation?
  5
  You think about death. 
  Many times, now. What 
  are your thoughts and 
  how does it make you 
  feel? Roll dice to see 
  if these thoughts are 
  healthy musings or if they 
  consume you.
  You think about the 
  life you’ve led, and the 
  many ways it could have 
  changed. What was your 
  biggest regret, and why 
  are you obsessed?
  6-10
  The situation escalates, and threatens to bring you 
  stress, regret, and despair. What happened, and how 
  do you vow to stand tall and resist its gloomy call? 
  Roll dice to see if you avoid defeat.
  Royals
  Despite all odds, you can still make an impact. How 
  has your wisdom and maturity enabled you to make a 
  difference? What do you do to accomplish this?
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  Final Moments
  SPADE (continued)
  When 3 rounds have passed and this life stage ends, do not 
  reflect. All facets are final and can no longer be reordered or 
  altered.
  The pioneer is dead.
  7. Ending the Game
  When the final life stage concludes, or when all eight levels 
  of legacy have been achieved, the game winds down to its 
  end. 
  Start by tallying how many levels of legacy you’ve been 
  able to build. A legacy with eight or more levels means 
  that it has been fully realized. Lesser levels represent only 
  partial progress towards its accomplishment. Memories of 
  the pioneer fade out and are soon scattered to the winds.
  Regardless of whether it has been achieved or not, together 
  as one voice, all players must state aloud the legacy that 
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  has been written down at the start. Follow the spiel: “I stand 
  and look at death’s door. But I step forward with gladness, 
  having found meaning by                . I will not die in vain.”
  Then, take each of the sacrificed facets. Taking turns from 
  player to player, state the following out loud: “For all this, I 
  have sacrificed                  .” 
  For each remaining facet, declare, as a group: “All that 
  remains is                   .”
  Then—be silent, for a few moments. 
  Afterwards, answer the following questions, in sequence, as 
  a group:
  • Regardless of whether you’ve achieved your legacy, 
  what could you be grateful for?
  • How have your actions benefited future generations, 
  even in tiny ways?
  • How have you found meaning in life, despite all that 
  has happened?
  Finally, debrief and process what happened. Share your 
  
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  W H AT  D U S T  R E M A I N S
  7. Ending the Game (continued)
  thoughts on how the game unfolded. Talk about moments 
  that took you by surprise. Or moments that resonated. 
  ALTERNATELY, keep quiet and simply soak in the 
  experience. Take a deep breath and allow yourself the space 
  to appreciate all your hard work. Thank you for playing.
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Solo/2. GM Emulators & Generic Solo Rules/What Dust Remains/What Dust Remains.pdf