CounterReality's Card Game
A Gentle Game to Explore What Makes Us Human
Step into the world of storytelling, emotions, and archetypes; where reflection becomes play and every story brings you closer to understanding yourself and others.
Overview
CounterReality’s Card Game is a storytelling card game that invites players to explore emotions, memories, and the shared experiences that make us human. Each round becomes a space for creativity, connection, and gentle reflection; helping players rediscover empathy, imagination, and joy through play.
Your Goal In The Card Game
With your chosen animal character and spirit assistant, your mission is to collect 500 Humanity Points by telling meaningful stories through your cards. To “return to human form” and win the game, you must reach 500 points and have no negative Event Cards left in your hand.
You can also set your own goal for the session; for example, a shorter round, a certain point target, or simply time together. The game adapts to the mood of the night.
“The journey is about growth, not just winning.”
Game Setup
Choose Your Animal
Step 1
Select a persona to guide your journey through humanity. Each one reflects a way of moving through the world:
- Cat
- Green Fox
- Lion of Wisdom
- Lion of Purification
- Pink Elephant
- Storyteller
Your character shapes your voice, perspective, and how you move through challenges.
Choose Your Game Mode
Step 2
- Solo Play: 2–5 players
- Team Play: 4–5 players
- Storyteller Mode (Optional): A designated player who balances the game, creates special events, and helps guide the story. Highly recommended!
How to Play
1. Starting the Game
Each player draws 8 Event Cards. Event Cards include positive and negative life events.
2. Taking Turns
On your turn, you tell a story using the Event Cards in your hand. A strong story can:
- Neutralise negative Event Cards
- Enhance positive event cards to earn Humanity Points.
After storytelling, draw 1 new Event Card.
3. Winning the Game
To win, a player must:
- Reach 500 Humanity Points
- Have no negative Event Cards left in hand
You can also agree on your own ending condition as a group (shorter session, timed session, or a mood based “this feels like a good ending”).
Spirit Assistants & Special Cards
Spirit Assistants
After Round 3, each player chooses a Spirit Assistant. Your assistant comes with unique Talent Cards that can:
- Gain extra points.
- Prevent point loss.
- Steal or swap cards with other players.
Message Cards
Message Cards prompt you to reflect on life’s events, express gratitude or compliment others. These actions reward you with Humanity Points and deepen real-life human connection.
Skill Cards
During the game, players may draw an Event Card that gives them the opportunity to learn a new skill. When this occurs, the player selects a Skill Card of their choice from the Skill Deck. Skill Cards represent abilities, tools, or personal strengths that can influence storytelling, card interactions, or point gains.
Spirit Assistants
After Round 3, each player chooses a Spirit Assistant. Your assistant comes with unique Talent Cards that can:
- Gain extra points.
- Prevent point loss.
- Steal or swap cards with other players.
Storytelling Is the Heart
Every turn in CounterReality’s card game is an invitation to tell a piece of your story; a memory, a challenge you’ve moved through, a lesson, a moment you’re proud of, or even something imagined.
The quality of the story influences how effectively players gain Humanity Points or neutralise negative events. If a storyteller is present, they can reward compelling storytelling, guide special events, and encourage deeper connection through the game.
Be the First to Play
Would you like to be among the first to experience Being Human? Join the Being Human Discord Channel for exclusive playtest events, behind-the-scenes development, and early access.
Join the Journey
Be the first to hear about the release of CounterReality’s Card Game, exclusive insights from Lihui’s coaching practice, and gentle tips to help you bring more awareness, creativity, and balance into everyday life.