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City Break A solo storytelling game of travel, chance, and memory.

City Break A solo storytelling game of travel, chance, and memory. Written & Designed by Paul Oxberry Every city holds a thousand stories—some you plan, others you stumble into. A conversation in a café. A wrong turn that becomes the highlight of your day. A quiet morning that lingers longer than any landmark. City Break is a solo storytelling game about travel, reflection, and the memories we make when we wander without a map. Using a standard deck of playing cards, you’ll draw seven moments that define your journey—from arrival to departure—and turn them into the pages of a personal travel diary. There are no dice, no scores, and no wrong turns. Only you, the cards, and the rhythm of a story unfolding one draw at a time. How It Works Shuffle a standard 52-card deck (no Jokers). Draw seven cards—these will become the seven scenes of your trip. Each suit represents a theme: Hearts: People and encounters Diamonds: Money and indulgence Clubs: Activity and discovery Spades: Travel and reflection Each rank sets the intensity of the moment—from quiet impressions to unforgettable highlights. Arrange your seven cards into: Arrival, Exploration, Encounter, Indulgence, Surprise, Climax, and Departure. Then, write. Each card becomes a scene in your story—a glimpse of your imagined journey. What You’ll Need A standard deck of cards A notebook or journal A quiet moment—on a train, in a café, or wherever you feel inspired That’s all. No setup, no prep—just the shuffle of cards and the spark of imagination. Why You’ll Love It City Break isn’t about where you go—it’s about how you see. Whether your story becomes a bustling weekend of colour and laughter or a gentle trip of rain-soaked mornings and kind strangers, each playthrough offers something new. Every shuffle reveals a different rhythm, every card a new discovery. Write your story as a diary, a letter home, or a collection of small reflections. At the end, choose one lasting memory—the single moment that defines everything you experienced. Features Simple, portable, and replayable Seven-scene structure: a complete story in one sitting Two example playthroughs included: “A Lively Trip” and “A Quiet Trip” Ideal for journalling, creative writing, or mindful reflection Designed for solo play and easily adapted for collaborative storytelling In the Author’s Words “I came for the landmarks, but I stayed for the morning light.” City Break is an invitation to slow down, notice details, and turn chance into story. Each shuffle becomes another journey. Each page you write becomes another memory. Shuffle the deck. Take a break. Tell your story. Feedback welcome: If you play City Break, I’d love to hear how your trip unfolded—post your thoughts, questions, or suggestions in the comments so I can keep improving the game.