Characters are defined by small, precise details rather than extensive backstories—such as what they always order, where they sit, and what secrets they may hold from the rest of the group.

Players draw a "map of relationships" between characters, using one or two words to define each connection. This map is fluid; as relationships shift during the conversation, old words are crossed out and new ones added, leaving a visible history of the connection.

A deck of sensory prompts used to shift the atmosphere of a scene without forcing plot events—for example, a song ending or a door opening.