The Trial of Narcissus

Introduction

This is a single player game that guides the player to explore their inner demons through art and storytelling. The story will guide you through making a physical work of art that represents your thoughts and emotions during this exercise. Please read all the instructions here before beginning.

Supply List

• Black Paper
• Oil Pastels or chalk
• Two copies of a full body or nearly full body picture or yourself printed on non-glossy paper. 
• Glue stick or some other way to attach your pictures
• Separate scratch paper or a notebook
• Pencil or pen for note taking
• Sealant for the final picture

Playtime 30 minutes to an hour

Directions

Making directions are in italics. These are things you will do in real life. 

Example: Pick 3 colors to represent the challenge.

Story will be written in bold text and will give you choices to make.

Play with Caution

Art therapy can be a powerful force for self exploration, understanding and cathartic but some of the topics suggested in this game could be triggering. If you are currently struggling with serious mental illness, body related trauma, social anxiety, perfectionism or self-hatred this game may be too intense. 

Game Setup

Situate your black paper so it’s taller than it is wide. Cut out the two pictures of yourself and glue them with their feet in the center of the paper perpendicular to each other so that the two you are mirrored over the horizontal center line of the paper. Find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted. Set the mood if you wish with candles. Have your prepared picture in front of you along with scratch paper, pencil and oil pastels or chalks.

Variations:

• Instead of using a picture of yourself draw a person shaped outline or other figure to represent you.
• Use the front and the back of the paper. When the story says to rotate the paper, flip it instead 
• Use 2 full sheets of paper
• Use any art supplies you want 

Versions:

There are two versions of the game. There is an Interactive Ink version here that you can play through as you draw and there is printable PDF version. If you are using the PDF version try not to read too far ahead or to read the parts that aren't for your choices.

Examples of finished art