the Elements Challenge

When I was an undergrad taking Dr. Pearce's class I was introduced to Dr. Flanagan's Grow a Game cards. The idea of generating games of greater diversity and texture fascinated me, and I took it upon myself to attempt a more personal variant.

I basically set up a deck of 52 'cards' with 4 'suits.' Instead of the usual suits, though, you have these categories instead:

Elements  |  Colors  |  Virtue  |  Leadership

Each suit holds 13 values under their domain. My challenge to myself was to draw a random card of each suit, then generate a game that would not only honor the ideals held by each card, but successfully synthesize them into a wholly novel game experience. In addition, I have gender randomly drawn for the protagonist.

Each of the values listed under the suits of Virtue and Leadership reflect my personal beliefs on what traits are fundamental for a good citizen and leader to possess. As I explore the ideas and tropes behind each card, I hope to improve myself, explore and discover new things and have fun finding the intersections that can help weave four disparate threads together.

ELEMENTS  

Air --- Water --- Earth --- Fire 

Wood --- Metal --- Void

Dark --- Light

Time --- Spirit --- Ice --- Lightning

COLORS    

Magenta --- Red --- Orange --- Yellow 

Green --- Cyan --- Indigo --- Purple

Black --- White

Grey --- Pink --- Brown

VIRTUES       

Compassion --- Courage --- Diligence --- Discipline

Tolerance --- Honesty --- Modesty

Generosity --- Mercy --- Patience

Altruism --- Integrity --- Tenacity

LEADERSHIP

Creativity --- Wisdom --- Knowledge

Organization --- Initiative --- Curiosity --- Resourceful

Purpose --- Vision --- Hope

Charisma --- Individuality --- Diplomacy