PROJECT PAPER MOON

Game Master
11 minutes ago
2 min read

“Stories may well be lies, but they are good lies that say true things.”

-Neil Gaiman

The Problem:

People across several cities report:

Losing time while watching TV

Finding themselves mid-action, mid-sentence, mid-gesture

Hearing dramatic music with no source

Satellite and memetic analysis suggests a broadcast-adjacent pocket reality, something living between channels, stories, and attention.

Sorsha: “We’ve tried drones.

We tried remote viewing, etc.

Whatever this place is, it only responds to narrative intent.

That's why I'm giving you this”

Object Report: PROJECT PAPER MOON

Physical Appearance

At rest, the object appears to be a 12-inch model of a 1930s "pulp" rocket. It is constructed entirely of corrugated cardboard, held together by what looks like, hot glue, and paper fasteners. Despite its fragile appearance, the material is more durable than steel.

Anomalous Properties

Perspective Scaling: The ship occupies a non-Euclidean state. Its size is determined by the observer's intent. If an observer approaches with the genuine intent to board, the ship expands seamlessly to a height of 60 feet.

Atmospheric Integrity: The "windows" are simple holes cut with a utility knife. However, it maintains 1.0 ATM pressure inside. Sensors show the "vacuum" of space outside the holes, but air simply refuses to cross the threshold.

The Steam Drive: The ship produces a thick, white vapor from its engines. Chemical analysis of the "steam" reveals it to be just water vapor.

Cardboard Ergonomics: The "space suits" are literal cardboard boxes with hand-drawn dials. When worn, they provide full life support and radiation shielding.

Speed: Reaches any destination during the course of a commercial break.

The rocket is governed by the story, not physics. The ship only goes where the story says it should. The agents must lean into pulp logic: Bold declarations, heroic intent, and dumb luck.

Do Not Inventory

Found in a burned down hobby shop. Rocket found pristine in the ashes, held in the hand of the store owner, who died smiling.

Sorsha: "The rocket doesn’t just navigate space, it navigates story gaps."

What the agents must do:

Find the source of the interference (a being feeding on unresolved cliffhangers)

Resolve the story, beginning, middle, end...