SLUM LORD

SLUM LORD is a Tabletop Residential Slice-of-Life Emergent Narrative Simulator for solo-play, however friends and family may also participate. Gameplay includes generating (as well as, if desired, physically / digitally modeling or representing) an apartment complex, as well as those who reside within it. A larger setting may also be generated at the whim of the player. Time in-game mirrors reality and progresses normally. 

"Playing" SLUM LORD involves any time spent growing as a hobbyist; either crafting to prepare for simulated gameplay or creating / modifying rules within the system itself. Players take the role of the “Slum Lord”, the proprietor of the modeled property. Tenants are controlled autonomously by the system via dice rolls and tables. 

Do not become overly concerned with strict book-keeping, as the system lays out too many gauges and meters to keep track of. It is irrelevant if the game is being played “correctly” or not. Ultimately, the purpose of these subsystems and mechanics are to facilitate an emergent narrative. Only so many variables can be simultaneously monitored; while playing, focus on those currently “rendered” and attended to. Additionally, please only choose the rules you would like to play with. It is assumed that Tenants are capable of autonomously surviving (at the bare minimum) without the direct input of the Slum Lord. 

The system does not intend to be fun; it exists as an experiential exercise (and as a form of self-expression). Mechanics are experimental and serve as a catalyst for an ongoing, emergent, narrative. Allow your imagination to wander, follow your caught inspiration. Become attached. 

SLUM LORD is always free to download. 

Please share this system with others if you’d like. 

Thank you, 

Tanner Simpson