a very special lyrmwithmas
dreary yet playful solo diceless journaling ttrpg and activity book
2025-03-21
CONTENTS
ABOUT
This is a game in which you imagine what it’s like to be part of a culture that celebrates Lyrmwithmas, a holiday of destruction and renewal. Of loss and hope. Tragedy and community.
HOW TO PLAY
You play by answering questions and writing in your journal.
Your journal is a safe place for all of your cherished Lyrmwithmas memories, trials, hopes, and dreams.
Lyrmwithmas is an annual holiday of remembering all that which Lyrmwith has destroyed and taken from you. Of appeasing Lyrmwith so that she doesn’t destroy you or your loved ones. But also of celebrating life and togetherness and community, and not being destroyed for at least one more year.
In other words, Lyrmwithmas is a time of GLOOM and BOONS. For the great and terrible Lyrmwith, she giveth and she taketh away in equal measure.
To play, all you need is this book, a pencil or a pen if you’re feeling particularly resolute. And a quiet space and some time to think and write.
When you have finished answering the prompts as instructed in the PLAYBOOK, the game is over. At the end, you will have a lovely Lyrmwithmas keepsake journal full of your own special and unique memories, traditions, hopes, and fears.
ANSWER BUBBLES
Each GLOOM and every BOON presents you with a prompt and then offers you a choice of options: YES AND, YES BUT, and NO BUT. You can choose any option you like, but when you do you must come back here and fill in an Answer Bubble for that option.
When an options bubbles are all filled in, you can no longer choose that option any longer.
This is Lywmwith’s blessing to you: that your life may be varied and interesting, that you will not tread the easiest path, nor the most difficult. Your journey will have ups and downs.
| ANSWER | BUBBLES |
|---|---|
| YES AND | |
| YES BUT | |
| NO BUT |
DESERT BLOOM
But before you begin…
Lyrmwithmas is a season of joy and celebration. But also one of loss. This game explores themes such as grief and loss.
The DESERT BLOOM is a flower with yellow petals surrounding a red center, surrounded by green leaves.
As you play, return here any time you see a flower (🌸) in the playbook. Note which physical and emotional sensations you are experiencing on the flower below.
How often are you in the green? What connects the moments that tend to be green? How can you seek out more of those moments and feelings? If you’re in the green most of the time, things are going well.
How often are you in the yellow? These moments are deeply engaging. A mix of green and yellow is often the ideal playing experience.
Are you dipping into red? This is a sign that things may be a little too intense for you right now. Think about what brought you here, and consider staying away from those things. Consider taking a break.
GREEN
YELLOW
RED
PLAYBOOK
There are three types of prompts: BEATS, GLOOMS, and BOONS. The playbook will tell you which BEAT to read. But you get to choose any GLOOM or BOON. Choose at random, or based on what you like, or roll a dice. Each time you choose an option, remember to check off an Answer Bubble.
Read the prompts, choose a response, think about it, and then write in the pages at the back of your journal. That’s the game. When you write, you can write as yourself, an approximate version of yourself, or a totally different fantasy version of yourself.
There six GLOOMS and six BOONS but you will only be instructed to choose three of each while playing. Some experiences you don’t get to have. That’s what choice means.
- BEAT: Lyrmwith
- Choose a GLOOM
- Choose a BOON
- BEAT: Caroling
- Choose a GLOOM
- Choose a BOON
- BEAT: Platters
- Choose a GLOOM
- Choose a BOON
- BEAT: Reflection
Welcome to your lyrmwithmas journal!
This book belongs to:
~ 🌸 ~
~ 🌸 ~
~ 🌸 ~
~ 🌸 ~
~ 🌸 ~
BOONS
There are six boons listed here. Your playbook will instruct you to select three of them. Each time you are instructed to select one, you can choose one that calls out to you, or pick one at random using a six-sided die.
When answering questions, feel free to pause and look at the results of your 1DEVERYTHING roll, or consult APPENDIX: SPARKS to help set the mood and tone for your answers.
1. TRADITION
An elder tells you about how they celebrated Lyrmwithmas back when they were young. Who are they to you? What forgotten tradition do they share with you?
Do you help revive the old time tradition?
YES AND it catches on like wildfire! The older ones catch nostalgia and the younger ones find it novel. How do Lyrmwithmas celebrations change as a result?
YES BUT there is an unexpected consequence. How does reviving the past change Lyrmwithmas in an unintended way?
NO BUT you listen to and spend time with your elder. How does your bond change as a result?
2. HOPE
Times are hard and getting harder. You have lost too much and endured too much. But you believe in a better way.
Choose somebody you think needs hope this Lyrmwithmas. Do you share your vision of the future with them?
YES AND they are comforted by your words. Describe how hope changes their outlook and their actions. Does having somebody share your hope change you, or your community?
YES BUT your words fall on deaf ears. Why are they unale to feel hope? Does this rejection change your relationship?
NO BUT you keep your hope alive and stoke it in the flames of your heart, keeping it warm and well and alive. Why don’t you trust your friend with your secret?
3. DECORATION
There are many traditional Lyrmwithmas decorations. Some are old traditions, like eggs and coins and shiny platters. (Anything round and/or shiny, really.) And some are newer, like streamers (colorful!) and pineapples (scaly).
This Lyrmwithmas the responsibility of decorating the hall falls to you. What does the hall look like? Who do you enlist to help you?
Do you keep with tradition and use the tried and true decorations?
YES AND your decorations are a smash hit! The elders cannot remember the hall ever looking so festive! What small favor do you win for your decor?
YES BUT try as you might, it just doesn’t come together. You stay up all night decorating, but all the attention goes to your rival, whose decorations are the talk of the town. Who is your rival? How did they manage to show you up despite all your preparations?
NO BUT in a flash of brillriance you decide to come up with your own decorations! What do you choose, and what does it symbolize to you? Your avant guard decor scandalizes the elders, and confuses many of your peers. But those who get it, love it. What new art movement have you started in town?
4. MEMORY
You have a cherished Lyrmwithmas memory. Something from when you were younger and inexperienced in the ways of the world. What is it?
Now you are older, and you make new memories with new friends. Perhaps with new family. Do you forget your cherished memory to make room for the new?
YES AND it is lost to you forever. What is your new memory you have made? The memory persists without you. Who or what feels the loss of you moving on?
YES BUT you retain some momento or souvenier but can no longer remember its significance. What is it?
NO BUT clinging tightly to the past means missing out on the present goings on. While you were indulging yourself in reminicing, something big was happening in town, and now everybody is talking about it. What did you miss out on?
5. COMFORT
Lyrmwithmas is without a doubt a season of hardship. What do you find soothing and comforting during these long hot nights and long hot days? Is it comfort that you are able to share with others?
YES AND they now come to you comfort and rely on you. What is your new role in the town?
YES BUT as more flock to you for comfort, you draw the attention of they who would have the needy for themselves. Who now watches you closely? How do they attempt to impede you?
NO BUT you draw strength from your comfort. Others can tell you have some reserve of strength. What prevents you from sharing your comfort with others? How does it make you stand apart and alone from others?
6. GIFTS
Giving and receiving gifts is an important Lyrmwithmas tradition. Choose somebody to be a recipient of your gift this holiday season. Who is it? What do you give them?
Do they seem happy with your gift?
YES AND they reciprocate with the perfect gift! Your relationship is strengthened. What did they get you, and how did they know it was exactly what you wanted?
YES BUT they didn’t get you anything in return. You realize that you invest more in this relationship than you get in return. How does this relationship wear on you, or strain ties with this person?
NO BUT they act pleased with it, even though you can tell they are disappointed. You both pretend you haven’t drifted apart, but it’s obvious that you have. Do you keep up the pretense and spare each others feelings, or be honest with them and risk irrevocably altering the relationship?
GLOOMS
There are six glooms listed here. Your playbook will instruct you to select three of them. Each time you are instructed to select one, you can choose one that calls out to you, or pick one at random using a six-sided die.
When answering questions, feel free to pause and look at the results of your 1DEVERYTHING roll, or consult APPENDIX: SPARKS to help set the mood and tone for your answers.
1. FEAR
It is wise to fear Lyrmwith. Just as it is wise to fear the ocean if you don’t respect it and fail to heed signs of danger. But an experienced sailor knows these signs well and knows better than to sail into a storm.
You grew up by the ocean and are familiar with its ways. Do you fear the danger Lyrmwith represents?
YES AND Lyrmwithmas is peak danger season. The coming storm. A tsunami. What is it like participating in this holiday amidst feelings of imminent danger?
YES BUT a healthy amount of fear means being ready. What extra steps do you take to prepare for Lyrmwithmas this year?
NO BUT you damn sure respect it. Just as Lyrmwith demands. How do you prepare for her arrival to ensure the best possible outcome?
2. TRAGEDY
Your community routinely endures public, enduring loss at the hands of Lyrmwith. It has lasting effects on you and your loved ones. And in the aftermath, you always rebuild.
Does shared tragedy strengthen your community?
YES AND the indomitable spirit at the heart of this community can never be stamped out by a little lightning and fire. How do your support each other in the wake of tragedy?
YES BUT though it wears them proudly, your community is undeniably scarred. In what residual ways does your community continue to suffer despite attempts to heal?
NO BUT it will heal eventually. In the meantime, how is grief apparent in your community?
3. LOSS
In seasons past, you lost someone or something that was important to you. Who or what was it?
Do you take time to remember your loss this Lyrmwithmas?
YES AND it makes you feel better
YES BUT it inconveniences you
NO BUT it’s fine! You can just shove those feelings down, deep down inside you. When do the negative feelings come bubbling up at the worst possible time?
4. DESTRUCTION
Peace is temporary, beauty is fleeting, and happiness is ephemeral. It can all disappear tomorrow through violence and destruction. Pick a vital or beloved part of the village that Lyrmwith has destroyed in the past. Did you rebuild it?
YES AND in fact it’s even better than it was! How have you demonstrated resilience? How have you bounced back from destruction?
YES BUT it’s not the same. How has the relationship changed?
NO BUT it’s fine. You’re learning to adapt and to do without. What has appeared to fill the void left in destruction’s wake?
5. TRIBUTE
Every year the village pays tribute to Lyrmwith, and hopes the offering will be sufficiently to her liking that she will allow them to live another year. What do you offer to Lyrmwith as tribute? What is its value to you, and how will it be missed?
Is Lyrmwith pleased with your offering?
YES AND she spares your village, leaving its buildings and bodies in tact. How do you celebrate?
YES BUT the cost is so great. Lyrmwith may not have brought doom to your village, but you feel the heavy loss.
NO BUT she only rains a little bit of death and destruction on your village.
6. SACRIFICE
Everybody must learn to do without. Pick a vital resource that is in great scarcity this season. Does doing without make you better appreciate what you have? Does doing without make you feel small and exposed?
YES AND it is making people feel angry and resentful. How does tension and distrust fracture the community?
YES BUT there is strength in community. How do people come together in times of scarcity to help each other?
NO BUT you recognize that it could be a lot worse. What measures are taken to ensure that the most vulnerable never have to do without?
BEATS
1. LYMWRITH
Lyrmwith is also known as the Doom of the Desert. She is great and terrible. What does Lyrmwith look like? What does Lyrmwith want? What does Lyrmwith already have plenty of? What is Lyrmwith afraid of?
2. CAROLING
Lyrmwithmas caroling is a cherished tradition. Every year there is a song writing competition, and the winner has their verse added to The Ballad of Lyrmwith. It is currently 47 verses long. And the rhyme and meter and tempo and everything all changes from verse to verse. It’s kind of a mess honestly. But everybody loves it.
Will yours be verse number 48?
Write a new verse to The Ballad of Lyrmwith.
3. PLATTER
Shiny round platters are a traditional Lyrmwithmas ornament. Their reflective surfaces allow vain Lyrmwith to gaze upon herself. In a pinch, they can be used as an improvised buckler to fend off an attack.
And of course they’re good for heaping piles of food on top of.
Feasting and sharing good food is a very important part of any Lyrmwithmas celebration.
What dish is featured at this year’s celebration? What traditional food is missing? Why?
4. REFLECTION
The year’s celebrations draw to a close. As you look back and reflect on the festivities, and on what Lyrmwithmas means to you, what stands out as significant? What would prefer to leave behind you? What do you want to remember?
APPENDIX: SPARKS
For a spark of inspiration, close your eyes and bounce the eraser of a pencil or jab your finger at this page a couple times, and open your eyes to see what word(s) you have selected. Let them guide you.
fails ruins dragon intense tail whales vanity feast hoard treasure gloom flat pails fire candy wrath talon loss tails horn heat crackling tooth stories sand lightning tradition flames flammable gifts abundance fang wyrm community worm togetherness electricity gold scales family dust immense hope celebration doom destruction wing booming boon dunes tales
APPENDIX: 1dEVERYTHING
Gather up a fistful of one of each: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. Feel the hefty weight of them and roll them all at once to set the scene and establish the setting for this year’s Lyrmwithmas celebration.
d4 Weather
What is the climate
- Hot
- Dry
- LOCUSTS
- Flood
d6 Strangeness
What is uniquely weird about Lyrmwithmas this year..
- Someone new in town from faraway. Their ways and traditions are unfamiliar.
- All the small animals in town have disappeared.
- A distant storm on the horizon grows ever larger
- Everybody has started having the same dream night after night, waking up just before it ends
- A rare desert flower is blooming for the first time in 3 generations
- The moon at night is eerily huge, full and bright, and blood red
d8 Things Lost
The town suffers in the absence of…
- The library and all its books.
- The church.
- The wall
- The well: low on water!
- The grain stores. Food will have to be rationed.
- The school.
- the statuary
- a herd of beetle megafauna
d10 Celebrations
Traditional festivals
- the lightning of the lanterns
- festival of lights
- paper
- tea ceremony
- jade
- burning of sage
- egg party
- potato party
- peyote ceremony
- sweat lodge
d12 Feasts and drinks
What’s on the banquet table
- shortbread cookies
- sweet nut breads
- sweet apple drink
- Cactus juice
- roasted giant isopod
- poached lizard eggs
- armadillo steaks
- crab cakes
- vulture wings
- frog legs
- snake eggs
- toasted insects
d20 Trinkets
A strange gift from the desert
- A ceramic egg that fits in your palm and rattles when you shake it.
- A smooth shard of black desert glass with a humanoid shaped blemish.
- A small invulnerable dragon scale
- A small mummified imp in a small sealed jar
- A shiny mirrored platter
- A weird translucent egg. Something writhes around inside it.
- An unstoppable armored beetle
- Found Ancient Ones Tech
- A hamster with gold teeth that need constant filing
- A gilded scarab
- A vintage adventure journal travelogue
- A scroll with the seal of a long dead king entitling the holder to the king’s favor
- A fine gaming set
- A set of vellum cards depicting a tableau of a lush, verdant forest
- A small, oddly shaped pebble that constantly sweats and drips moisture
- A candle that produces an unwavering black flame
- Chalk that always writes or draws something other than what you intend
- A small wooden box with a hinged lid. Something heavy rattles inside when you shake it, but when opened it is empty
- A black cat that fits in your pocket
- A fat, lazy desert toad that belches when it hears a lie
APPENDIX: RECIPES
Dungeons and dragons
Make believe with friends
That dinner is good
Dragon Noodles
by Mike
I looked at a few recipes, but couldn’t find anything I really liked. Dragon noodles called for pork and oyster sauce a lot. Instead, I went with a really simple sauce and lots of veggies. I stir fried things in batches, put them aside and combined it all together at the end.
Ingredients:
- 1 Onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 deseeded jalapeños
- Napa cabbage
- big green onion slices. The leafy bits.
- small green onions
- diced pineapple
- sliced tofu, 1lb
- cornstarch, 2.5 T
- ginger powder, 1tsp
- ginger, 1 T
- garlic, 1 T
- salt
- pepper
Steps:
- Stirfry and set aside: Onion, carrots, jalapeños, ginger, and garlic.
- Stirfry and set aside: Napa cabbage and green onion slices
- Stirfry and set aside: sliced tofu, cornstarch, ginger powder, salt, pepper.
- Once everything is cooked, Incorporate them all together.
- Small Green onions and pineapple added at the end.
Sauce
Ingredients:
- soy sauce, 3T
- brown sugar, 3T
- rice vinegar, 1T
- sesame oil, 1tsp
- cayenne pepper
- gochujang pepper
- red pepper flakes
Steps:
- mix it all together
- Added red pepper flakes at the end for spice.
Pineapple Drink
by Kat
Ingredients:
- Rum (Malibu), 1 oz
- Blue curaçao, 1 oz
- Pineapple, 3 oz
- OJ, 1.5 oz
- Coconut Cream, 1 oz
- Cream of Coconut
Steps:
- Blend
Brimstone Brownies
by Charlie
Thank you! I’m glad you had fun and I’m glad I didn’t accidentally kill Dara!
Yah, I sorta followed the coloring and method from here (like, there’s black food coloring in the brownies and red and orange food coloring in the ‘cream cheese’ part): https://thetiptoefairy.com/brimstone-brownies/
But I used the brownie recipe from here: https://rainbowplantlife.com/the-absolute-best-vegan-brownies/
For the cream cheese part, followed the recipe in the first link, except I used vegan cream cheese and instead of an egg, I used 3 tbsp aquafaba, beaten with 1 tbsp sugar til thick (about 4 minutes on high). I took the sugar from the half cup powdered sugar so I wasn’t adding extra really.
I also simmered my aquafaba to reduce it by about 1/3 and then let cool beforehand, cause I saw that in a YouTube video
APPENDIX: THE BALLAD OF LYRMWITH (EXCERPT)
Oh, she flies from a land
From a faraway place
Where intrepid adventurers roam
Where it's flat and immense
And the heat is intense
It's barbaric, but hey, it's home
She's the doom of the desert
Your fiery death
Everything turned to dust
Come on down stop on by
Kiss your children goodbye
It's time for lyrmwithmas!
Lyrmwith above, torment beneath
More likely than not
You'll die and you'll rot
And gnash down your teeth
Lyrmwith above, a fiery doom
Charged corpses and bones
In flammable homes
Out there on the dunes