for 3-6 players
SUPPLIES
1+ pencils
Index cards
Paper
Dice
SETUP
You're an archaeological team in ancient ruins. One player is the Professor; going clockwise, each player has less seniority.
Each describe something about the landscape, ruins, and camp.
DIG DAYS
Start on Day 1. Progress starts at 1.
On each Day:
1) Roll dice equal to Progress. Even results are Finds. Add 1 Progress per Find.
2) Taking turns in seniority order, describe a Find, and write that on a card, until each is described.
3) Discuss these Finds. Write your interpretation of each on its card. Anyone above you can cross yours out; anyone above them can re-write it, and so on.
4) If you described none, or fewer than the Professor, describe something about the landscape, ruins, or camp.
5) Tally each player's interpretations (re-written ones count for each player who wrote them). In descending order, voice a judgement about the people who lived here. Later judgements cannot contradict earlier ones. Write them down.
Go to the next Day.
TURNING POINT
If a Day has 3+ Finds, do not increase Progress. On future Days, subtract 1 Progress per Find.
When Progress reaches 0, end the Dig.
A little game about academic power (non-autobiographical).
Our judgements die with us.