CHAINED MOSAIC

NOIR
by Benjamín Aníbal Reyna - MUNDOS INFINITOS
CHAINED MOSAIC: NOIR
Chained Mosaic: Noir is a game about night stalkers, anti-heroes and everything that lives in the shadows. The game’s story may
develop in any period of time and location, but your characters are always connected in some way. This is a game about the characters,
their lives, relationships and destinies. These characters may or may not be extraordinary. Their abilities, weaknesses and goals weave
the fabric of this story. We will play knowing that their lives are a fiction and we will use this fiction as a pretext to talk about reality. Film Noir
“Film Noir” is a sub-genre of fiction centered on crime stories. They are
But their lives are not written yet. They are unpredictable and open enough to be explored by those who play this game. We could characterized by gray protagonists, dark themes full of corruption, sex and
even say that they do not have a single life, but rather that you play one of their multiple lives at a time. violence, existentialist philosophies and questionable morality. There are
variants of the genre, such as: Neo-Noir (modern Noir), Horror Noir (with
Their lives will be real because we are going to treat them as real, or at least believable. Their stories will be about what you want them supernatural and horror elements) and Tech-Noir (closer to science fiction and
to be about. Although, there is a warning: their stories will start out just how you want them to start, but nothing guarantees that they with a greater focus on technology).
will end up how you want them to end.
Can I only play this genre?
Will you join us to see what happens? No, you can use this game for any type of game focused on the Main
characters. Noir is just the recommended genre for this game.

Who should play Chained Mosaic: Noir? What do I need to play?

Get the following items:
This game is for those who want:
• It is very important that you read the Principles of
• Role-play one or more characters.
this game.
• Abandon certainties and embrace surprises.
• At least one copy of the rules of this game.
• Develop multiple connected stories from different perspectives.
• At least one six-sided die, if you have more, the
• Intervene in the stories of others, just as others intervene in your
better.
own.
• Each participant must have something to write and
• Be interested and excited about the stories of others.
/ or draw with.
• Put yourself in the place of others.
• You need people to play with, at least one. But also
• Share rights and responsibilities about fiction.
• Improvise.
you can play on your own. Chain Nov el
• You need at least an hour to play a recommended A “Chain Novel” is a type of collaborative fiction where a novel is passed from
• Play being mature.
game session. author to author and each one writes a chapter of it. With the condition that
anything defined by previous authors must be respected. This game takes this
concept as a starting point.

GAME MODES
Chained Mosaic: Noir has three Game Modes, the first being the recommended one.

Collaborative Mode
There is no permanent Director, but rather the participants take turns with this role.

Vintage mode
One of the participants takes the role of Active Director permanently, but does not have control over any Main characters or
Protagonists and does not acquire Script Tokens.
Mosaic nov el
A “Mosaic Novel” is a type of novel that has a set of characters, who tell the same
Solo mode story from different points of view. Which allows exploring different perspectives
It is possible to play this game with only one person, who is simultaneously the Main character and Protagonist. This person (you) and styles. This game takes this concept as a starting point.
only have a single Script Token, which if spent, is recovered at the beginning of each new Scene.

• Optionally: in any Game Mode, any participant can be the Author of more than one Main character.

2
 REFERENCES & INSPIRATION
How do I control what happens?
You can alter, explore and create elements in the fiction by describing and narrating. Everything you
narrate and describe is considered as a Proposal. After making a Proposal, it is the others’ turn to
The following works are recommended for inspiration or guidance to play Chained Mosaic: Noir.
respond. Some may say “I like it” or “of course”, some may say “better think something else.” Either way,
you can’t resolve everything out as you please. Sometimes you will need to roll the dice. Everything you Classic Vigilantes Super-heroes
say always needs to make sense within context and tone. • The Maltese Falcon (John Houston, 1941). • Watchmen (Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, 1986-1987).
• Kiss Me Deadly (Robert Aldrich, 1955). • The Punisher (Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr., Ross Andru,
When you are not the Active Director • L.A. Noire (Rockstar Games, 2011). 1987-1995).
• You act and play a particular character. Your character acts within their capabilities, as long • Batman (Tim Burton, 1989).
as nothing interrupts their free will. You make decisions about your feelings, except when it is Neo-Noir • Darkman (Sam Raimi, 1990).
something involuntary (such as feeling pain when you are hurt or fear when you are threatened). • Tax i Driver (Martin Scorsese, 1976). • Spaw n (Todd McFarlane, 1992).
• You cannot control or make changes to someone else’s character unless this person allows you. • Blue Velvet (David Lynch, 1986). • Batman: The Animated Series (Eric Radomski, Bruce Timm,
Sometimes you can take control of another character or make a Proposal, but always respecting • Silence of the lambs (Jonathan Demme, 1991). 1992-1995).
the dice rolls and with the permission of the others. • Cape Fear (Martin Scorsese, 1991). • Hellboy (Mike Mignola, 1993).
• Monster (Naoki Urasawa, 1994-2001). • Nevermen (Phil Amara, Guy Davis, 1993).
When you are the Active Director • Seven (David Fincher, 1995). • The Shadow (Russel Mulcahy, 1994).
• You have another type of control over the Scenes: you choose and describe the moment, the • Memento (Christopher Nolan, 2000). • The Phantom (Simon Wincer, 1996).
setting and the events. You will have control over all characters, except the Main characters. • Saw (James Wan, 2004). • Daredev il (Mark Steven Johnson, 2003).
• Sometimes you will act for a Main character when the dice instruct you to do so, such as when they • Million Dollar Baby (Clint Eastwood, 2004). • The Dark Knight trilogy (Christopher Nolan, 2005-2012).
act on reflex, act confused or are completely compelled to do so (such as coughing when inhaling • Estearn promises (David Cronenberg, 2007). • The Spirit (Frank Miller, 2008).
smoke or screaming in horror). • No Country for Old Men (Hermanos Coen, 2007). • Spider-man Noir (David Hine, Fabrice Sapolsky, Carmine Di
• Jokers game (Koji Yanagi, 2008-2016). Giandomenico, 2009).
• Shutter Island (Martin Scorsese, 2010). • Kamen Rider W (Toei Company, 2009).
• Heav y Rain (Quantic Dream, 2010). • Cop Craft : Dragnet Mirage Reloaded (Shoji Gatoh, Range
Characters • Yuureitou (Nogizaka Tarou, 2010). Murata 2009-2021)
Created characters can be and can have anything their respective Authors wants, as long as it makes • Drive (Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011). • Justice League Dark (Warner Bros. Animation, 2017).
sense within context and premise. There is no “balance” or anything like that: you create the characters • Odd Tax i (OLM, 2021).
you want to play and play them as you want to play them. When you create a character, think about The
Contract you have made to choose the type of fiction. There are several types of characters:
Horror Noir
Neo-Noir / Tech-Noir • Ghost Rider (Gary Friedrich, Roy Thomas, Mike Ploog, 1967).
• Main Characters are the characters that will most often be played as Protagonists in most Scenes. • Blade Runner (Riddley Scott, 1982). • The Norliss Tapes (Dan Curtis, 1979)
Each participant has at least one Main Character under their control and their control cannot • The Terminator (James Cameron, 1984). • The X-Files (Chris Carter, 1993-2002).
be changed without the permission of that Author. Main characters can be villains, but never • Naked Lunch (David Cronenberg, 1991). • Gargoyles (Walt Disney Television Animation, 1994-1997).
Antagonists. • Case Closed (Gōshō Aoyama, 1994-2021). • Lord of Illusions (Clive Barker, 1995).
• Side Characters rarely are Protagonists of Scenes and their role is to help develop the Main • Ghost in the Shell (Mamoru Oshii, 1995). • Blade (Stephen Norrington, 1998).
Characters. There can be any number of Side Characters and anyone can play them. • Gattaca (Andrew Niccol, 1997). • Nocturne (Terminal Reality, 1999).
• Extras are unimportant characters that do not need development and work minimal roles. • Dark City (Alex Proyas, 1998). • Shadow man (Acclaim Entertainment, 1999).
• Antagonists are relevant characters (they can be Side characters or Extras) that exist to oppose the • Deus Ex series(Eidos / Square Enix, 2000-2016). • Angel (Joss Whedon, 1999).
objectives of the Main Character. They need development to the same level as the Main Characters, • Minority Report (Steven Spielberg, 2002). • Clive Barker’s Undying (EA Los Angeles, 2001).
but can only be played by the Active Director. • Farenheit: Indigo Prophecy (Quantic Dream, 2005). • Death Note (Tsugumi Ohba, 2003-2006).
• Speed Grapher (Gonzo, 2005). • Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of The Earth (Headfirst
• Psycho-Pass (Production IG, 2012-2013). Productions, 2005).
• Beyond: Two Souls (Quantic Dream, 2013). • Constantine (Francis Lawrence, 2005).
Director’s role
• Blade Runner 2049 (Denis Villeneuve, 2017). • Murdered: Soul Suspect (Airtight Games, 2014).
The Director is a participant’s role that grants certain duties, responsibilities and capacities, the most
• Anon (Andrew Niccol, 2018). • El Otro Lado de Silverstring (Mundos Infinitos, 2017).
important being the Staging. In the Collaborative Mode of the game there is no permanent Director,
• Detroit: Become Human (Quantic Dream, 2018). • Call of Cthulhu (Cyanide, 2018).
but the role of “Active Director” changes from participant to participant. The first Active Director can
be defined in any way, even randomly, depending on the group’s decision.
Pulp Noir / Neo-Noir / Hardboiled Noir
• Black Mask (varios autores, 1920).
The Active Director will change once the Scene is resolved, the group can use one of the following
• Dick Tracy (Warren Beaty, 1990).
methods:
• Sin City (Frank Miller, 1991-2000).
• The next Active Director is the participant seated to the left of the last person who was Active
• Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino, 1994).
Director.
• Noir (Ryōe Tsukimura, 2001).
• The last Active Director chooses who the new Active Director is, but no one can become an Active
• Max Payne (Remedy Entertainment, 2001).
Director again until everyone has been an Active Director in this round.
• John Wick series (Chad Stahelski, 2014-2019).

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 GAME PRINCIPLES THE CONTRACT
When you play this game, you play it without knowing what is going
to happen and what results will come. You play with the expectation
Collaborative Fiction & Consensus Role-playing of surprise. But there are some details that you must define before
To play Chained Mosaic: Noir you need to fill The Contract. This When you role-play how the characters act, you do it for two reasons: starting. Although each person has their particular Style, there are some
Contract will serve to outline in general aspects what type of • To create interesting and entertaining moments. characteristics that can be agreed between all the participants of the
experience you will play. Even so, it is impossible for The Contract to • Because they act following the coherence of the situation. group to maintain cohesion.
define every detail and it is possible that some situations arise where If you don’t meet either of those two guidelines, maybe you should
they will have to adjust the agreements as mature people. In addition reconsider your decisions. When you describe, you will describe Setting
to that, you must agree on other things, the place and date to meet what your character is trying to do based on what is happening By default, the story will take place in a multiverse with different timelines
to play. To achieve this, you must have honesty and sincerity, be open around they and what the character is like. You can do it like an and dimensions. Choose from the following options, combine or create
with what you think, as well as be expected to pay attention to others. actress or as a storyteller. To see the consequences of the character’s your own, but respect what you established. With the group, define the
Everyone has their freedoms and permissions, but they should not be actions, whether they fail or succeed, you need to roll the dice. You time and location where the story will take place (at least, at the beginning
abused. Everything you say are always considered Proposals (even if have many tools to think about how to role-play a character: read of the story). It can be real, fictitious, pseudo-fictitious or speculative.
it is not specified). You always make Proposals and let the rest accept, again their Archetype, Motivations, Weaknesses, etc. When playing S Classic: There is only what exists in the reality and context of
reject or make another Proposal. Sometimes you will need to debate, a character you have to think not only about what you know and the chosen period. Still, there may be situations that may seem
like mature people do. You need to pay attention to what the rest of think (as a participant), but also about what that character knows “inexplicable”.
the group says, why they say it, and what they feel. Because they are and what they perceive from the world. S Tech-Noir: there are amazing things in this world, but everything can
the characters, but also, they are not. Sometimes you will find that be explained through science.
not everyone in the group is looking for the same experience and the Character notebook S Horror Noir: there is not only science, but also magic and the
game will have to stop. Someone might wish to leave. The rules serve Instead of just using a character’s sheet, for this game you need to supernatural, which has its own rules.
to maintain a coherence, so they cannot be changed on a whim. If the take a lot of notes about your character and the characters of others.
rules are to be ignored or changed, let it be by the complete decision It is preferable that you bring a notepad, a pad of sheets, a booklet, a Style
of the group, taking into account the impact they may have. diary or at least a handful of sheets. You will constantly take notes of The Noir is an inherently dark, harsh, pessimistic, brooding, alienating,
what you consider relevant. In addition, you must consider that your and cynical genre. You can choose more than one option, as long as they
Distance notes are public: write whatever you want, considering that at any do not challenge each other.
Whatever happens inside the game is fiction, it is not real, but even time someone else will be able to read it. S Realist: everything happens in a way anchored to reality, limited by
so, all fiction can emotionally affect those who participate in it, be the laws of nature.
it actively or passively. The group is expected to take the fiction Dynamic construction S Pulp: characters and situations are intense, tough, violent and
seriously enough to make it feel real, but not serious enough to hurt Everything you write is a guide, but by the nature of this game, erotic, in a hyperbolized way.
the people you play with. you may have forgotten something of importance or want to add S Weird: characters and situations are bizarre, absurd, and sinisterly
something that makes sense with the context. If so, there is no comic.
Preparatives problem, add it, but always paying attention to the context of the S Crude: situations can become explicitly violent, bloody and sexual.
To play this game, you need to know the rules. If you don’t know them, Scene.
you will have to depend on others. Knowing the rules allows you to act The Theme
with an advantage and understand your group’s actions, in addition Surprise The Theme is the central element that will be explored in the fiction.
to lightening the burden on those who play with you. You should You can have an idea of ​​what is going to happen, but you will never But beware: if you choose multiple Themes, you may lose focus. When
also know and learn the characters, at least the Main Characters. It be sure. You don’t know how this story will end. As an Active Director defining a Theme, everyone is expected to develop it in each established
is convenient that you take notes and read them whenever you have you can set Scenes with certain elements, but that does not tell Scene. When developing a Theme, each participant is expected to show
the opportunity. You can never prepare everything too far in advance, you how they will turn out, since the other participants can always a different opinion. Some groups may find some of the Themes too
as the story is most likely going to not even remotely close to how you intervene in the story with unforeseen decisions, using their Script controversial and may want to avoid a dispute or confrontation. Choose
imagined it to be. Tokens or simply with a random result of their dice rolls. Things Themes with that in mind. These are some sample Themes:
will change, you won’t know exactly when or how. You can feel • Crime and justice, punishment and revenge.
Multiple stories happy, sad, scared, angry, or something else. If you don’t like these • The cruelties and consequences of war.
This is not a game with a single shared story, built among the entire emotions, you can say so and stop playing for a while or stop playing • The blurred line between human and machine.
group. Rather, it is a game with multiple interconnected stories, with altogether. You have no obligation to continue playing like this. • Discrimination and violence.
multiple perspectives. This means that although the characters are Others are having an experience with you. Everything you do will • The illusion of free will.
shared and there is a certain chronological sequence in the events, affect them. The best thing you can do is play in a way that enhances • Faith, religion, death and mourning.
the way in which situations are presented can be very different. To the experience that the whole group enjoys (and “enjoying” does not • Love, sexuality and violence.
give an analogy, think of it as an anthology. mean “being happy all the time”). • The capitalist and consumerist culture.

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 MAIN CHARACTER
General lines Tags
You must write at least one thing in each Tags are various Traits that you may consider
option. It is recommended to complete each important for the character. If you answer these
Trait in order, but you can always go back questions, you may find some interesting Tags:
and change something you wrote earlier. • Do you have a nickname or alias?
Later, you can define, develop, alter, add or • How old are you?
remove details; Everything you write is subject • Do you believe in something out of this
to change (It’s the spirit of this game!). You world?
should always reveal your choices to the other • What is your gender?
participants, but that does not mean that it is • What is your sexual orientation?
known to other characters. • What is your reputation in society?
• Do you belong to a certain culture?
General archetype • Do you have a catchphrase?
This defines a general outline of the character’s
concept. You can use stereotypes, common Bonds
archetypes or a certain specific character Characters can share different Bonds (even
to exemplify. You can go for something like: more than one), known or not. All Main
Private Detective, Femme Fatale, Nocturnal Characters have a list of Bonds, where the
Vigilante, Serial Killer, Secret Agent, etc. names of all other Main Characters and Side
Characters are noted. Establish Bonds based
Powers, Skills & Resources on what your character thinks about that
You can choose everything you want. Focus character. For example:
on general and broad concepts: instead of • A mutual Bond (“strangers”, “lovers”,
choosing “good aim,” it is preferable to write “friends”, “partners”, “colleagues”, “family”,
“special forces” or “professional hitman.” Then, “respect”, “rivals”, etc.), although you can
assign a Rank: Formidable, Superhuman or always clarify details or exceptions.
Unlimited. This serves to establish Conflicts • A one-way Bond (“fear”, “debt”, “concern”,
with an appropriate challenge. “service”, “admiration”, “suspicion”,
“contempt”, “employment”, etc.).
Background Some Bonds imply that you must reach a
Tell a short story that explains how you consensus with the Author of that other
became or came to be what you are. This can character.
be interpreted as an Origin Story or you can
simply place a significant event.
You can create Side characters and
Antagonists to support your Main
Conflicts character’s Traits.
Make a list of all the problems, weaknesses,
enemies, conditions and dangers that
particularly affect your Main Character. For Intrigues
example: drinking problem or vendetta with Intrigues are speculations that each
the mafia. participant has about fiction. They are
questions that you have and you will try to find
the answers by playing. For example:
Objectives • Who is stronger between [character] and
Make a list of all the goals, motivations or
[character]?
impulses that your Main Character follows,
• What could happen if [character] finds out
even if they are virtually impossible.
the truth about [character]?
• What are the limits of [character] ‘s powers?
Identity • What will [character] do if [character] is in
Briefly develop your daily life: your occupation, danger?
your name, your family (if there is any). In the • What will happen when [character] and
case of a vigilante, this would be your alter- [character] meet for the first time?
ego.

5
 CLIMAX & RESOLUTION REVELATION & RESOLUTION
STAGING
A Scene is a segment of the story that preserves the same
When an event or decisive action may cause an on-Scene Conflict to be resolved,
the Protagonist’s Author rolls a single die. Depending on the result, the
Active Director must describe a certain outcome (always keeping in mind the
In addition to Climax Resolution, when the Scene is placed at a point
where a character is about to discover something important about
the world or is on their way to solving a mystery, the Protagonist
characters, time and place. A general rule of thumb is that after Protagonist’s actions as significant). If the character does not act, then a die is character’s Author must roll a single die. Depending on the outcome,
the dice are rolled and the Conflict is resolved, the Scene ends. not rolled, the Active Director defines the Resolution entirely at their discretion. the Active Director describes the discovery. It can be presented with a
Scenes are expected to be short, about 5-10 minutes each. In Some Resolutions are immediate and others have effects that will be discovered fact, with a clue or with a flashback.
addition, to set Scenes, you should take into account which were much later, when the Active Director resumes the role.
the Intrigues written by the participants. Trail of Clues
Disaster The Protagonist finds or discovers something that leads
If you are the Active Director, you must set the Scene. Everyone The Risks take their toll, but beyond expectations. It’s worse than they in the direction of a place or character.
can make Proposals, but you have the last word. You must define everyone thought.
the following in any order:
Tw ist and fall
Shocking revelation Something or someone, that the Protagonist considered
Time & Location Something or someone is not what it was believed, it is something
Just define when it happens and where it happens. Describe positive, is actually an enemy, threat or deception.
completely different. There is a Revelation (roll a die) and end the
the perceptible surroundings. You can also set a date and place Scene.
that are not entirely clear to certain characters, as they simply Anagnorisis
“woke up there” or “were forcibly brought in”. You can also start The Protagonist discovers something about themselves. It
a Scene in media res. Hiatus / Cliffhanger must be something so significant that at least one of their
The Risk is not resolved but reaches a point where it could not get Traits must change.
worse or better, until the situation changes to allow it again. A new
Casting Conflict may also arise that replaces the previous one.
Define which characters are in the Scene, you can choose Connection
between the pool of Main Characters, Side Characters, Extras The Active Director chooses two facts or two characters
and Antagonists of the group. The Main Characters must be Sacrifice (or one of each). Explain an unknown link between them,
role-played by their Authors. Antagonists must be played by The Active Director explains how what is at stake can be saved but changing or establishing a new Bond.
the Active Director. For Side Characters and Extras, you must something else must be sacrificed. Immediately, the Protagonist
character must reject or accept and pay the price.
choose other participants who must role-play them. Choose Resurgence
which of the Main Characters will be the one that will have the Something or someone that was considered permanently
spotlight, the focus of attention, this is the Protagonist. Alteration lost or missing makes a new appearance in an unexpected
The Risk does not take what was at stake, but makes someone or way.
Risks and Conflicts something change in some way or form, but always in a significant
way. It’s bad as it is good.
Answer: What is the problem? What is at stake? What can be Grays
lost? All Conflicts are expected to be linked to past Scenes. Something or someone, that the Protagonist considered
The characters may be unaware of the Risk, but there must Triumph antagonistic or dangerous, actually has another aspect
be one and be within the Rank of the Protagonist character’s The Conflict is resolved in an outstanding way, the stakes are saved that makes it redeemable, justifiable, heroic or simply they
Powers, Skills and Resources. The Risks have to hinder the and the situation improves considerably. are right.
Protagonist’s Objectives or else there is no reason to feel
tension. Describe the Scene until a point is reached where there End of Scene
is a decisive action that can resolve the Conflict. Then, request After the Resolution (Climax or Revelation), the Scene ends. A lapse occurs and all characters must update their Bonds and personal Traits, if the Conflict has
a Resolution with a roll of the dice. caused them to change in any way. The next Active Director defines a fictional period of time before setting their Scene (from seconds to years).

The First Scene Reactions Character Retirement

When the group is about to begin playing, the first Active
If the Protagonist is introduced into a Conflict in which If a Main Character dies (or is “permanently” retired for the rest of the story), they must be
Director must be chosen. Your group can choose how:
they must maintain a passive position or, failing that, replaced by a new Main Character. The Author of that character chooses an option:
• Choose the participant with the most experience in the
they must act by reflex without pondering their actions, • Create another new Main Character.
game.
their Author must roll a die, but does not describe their • Transform a Side Character (or maybe an Extra) into a Main Character and play that
• Pick someone at random.
actions, that is at the discretion of the Active Director. character.
• Choose a volunteer, if there is only one.

6
SCRIPT TOKENS
Each participant begins the game with a number of Script Tokens equal to the number of participants in the game.
END OF SESSION
Each game session is considered a “Chapter” within a story, some stories can have only one Chapter
When you are not the Active Director, Script Tokens can be used and spent to activate special effects in fiction: while others have more. At the end of a Session, you can vote one of the following:
• CANCELLATION: the story has come to an end or not, but you don’t want to follow it anymore.
• REWIND: spend a Script Token, after describing the Resolution of a dice roll, to stop the Scene, ignore what • SEQUEL: the story will continue in the next Chapter.
just happened, and re-roll the die. Then move on to the new Resolution. You can think of this as another parallel • SPIN-OFF: you finish this story, but start another using some elements or characters from the previous
timeline from another universe (you can explore this possibility in a What If at End of Session). If the same result story.
comes again, keep rolling until a different one comes up. • PREQUEL: you finish this story, but you play another story that happened before these events. This
can be used to present origin stories or show the Backgrounds of certain characters.
• EMERGENCY DIRECTOR: spend a Script Token, after rolling the dice, but before describing the Resolution, • REMAKE: you finish this story, but play another as a re-imagining of the previous one. This can be used
to choose another participant who is not a Protagonist or an Active Director. Let the chosen person describe to better exploit certain ideas.
the Resolution (that participant does not become the Active Director, only describes in the place of the Active • WHAT IF: you finish this story and play another story in which you explore an alteration of the main
Director). story. “What would have happened if...?”

• FORCED CASTING: spend a Script Token during an Audition to participate in the Scene with any available
character of your choice (you choose from your Main Character, any Side Character or an Extra), but the

A LITTLE GLOSSARY
Protagonist remains the same.

• SALVATION: spend a Script Token and choose a Risk. Then, describe how a part of what was under Risk is saved
or at least provide plot armor (it can be a character, a group or a place, but always a part). For example, you can These are some particular terminologies:
make a character appear, cause an accident, present a surprise that was prepared, etc. You must ask permission • ALTER-EGO: the other personality or another part of a character’s double life.
to use Main characters. You can justify the fact under an expository explanation or by describing a flashback, to • ANAGNORISIS: is a critical discovery on the part of a character, usually involving themselves personally.
avoid a deus ex machina. If the Risk is impossible to evade, you can at least mitigate its effects to a minimum. • CLIFFHANGER: It is an end without Resolution, which is suspended, where an imminent Conflict is
When finished, the Scene ends. presented.
• DEUS EX MACHINA: happens when something without much sense in the logic of the story, appears
• FLASH REVELATION: spend a Script Token and choose one of the mysteries that have been brought into play abruptly to resolve a Conflict.
in a previous Scene (you cannot choose a mystery that has just emerged). The Active Director must make an • EPIPHANY: it is the Revelation of a divine or supernatural character about a great truth.
immediate Revelation about it. This can present as an insight, an revealing flashback, a spontaneous epiphany • FLASHBACK: also called “analepsis”, it is a retrospective Scene where something is told that
or a serendipity. chronologically happened before.
• IN MEDIA RES: when a narrative begins in what would be the half of the story.
• SET STAGING: spend a Script Token at the start of or during a Scene. You choose Time, Location, Cast, Risks • RED HERRING: it is a false clue that distracts the viewer from the true solution.
and Conflicts (or you can alter those already set, such as making a character appear abruptly, as they was simply • SERENDIPITY: it is about a moment in which a character finds something by chance.
at the right place, right time or reveal that you had an item prepared for this occasion). The Active Director must
respect the choice, but can add and define details. You can even propose a flashback. In that case, everything
that happens in the flashback will appropriately affect the present and the future. If you make a Main character

CREDITS
appear, it must be played by their Author. If the chosen character is a Side Character or an Extra is played by the
Active Director.
Chained Mosaic: Noir (v.1.5) is a role-playing game made by Benjamín Aníbal Reyna - October 2020 -
You can have up to a maximum of Script Tokens equal to the number of participants in play. You start each session
Thanks: Martín Bravo, David Silva, José Ferrolo.
with as many Script Tokens as possible (depending on who is playing that session). When it is your turn to be the
Active Director or Active Director, restore one of your spent Script Tokens.
References and Inspiration:
• Fate (Frad Hicks, Rob Donoghue, 2003)
• Fiasco (Jason Morningstar, 2009)
To manage the Script Tokens, you can use coins, poker chips, dice, cards or anything that helps you keep count • Buenos Aires Neo-Noir (Mundos Infinitos, 2016)
easily. • Unidos por el Hilo Rojo del Destino (Mundos Infinitos, 2017)
• Ciudad Extraña (Sile Sileno)

Combos Fonts
You can spend Script Tokens to apply effects simultaneously, such as using Flash Revelation + Emergency • Source sans Variable (Paul D. Hunt)
Director to interrupt a Scene and explain a mystery with your own theories. • Oswald (Vernon Adams, Kalapi Gajjar, Cyreal)
• Zilla Slab (Typothequel)

7
CHAINED MOSAIC

NOIR
 CHAINED MOSAIC

NOIR
You can make copies of these sheets if you require Script
Cards or a marker for the active Director.
 BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires

NEO-NOIR
Buenos Aires, officially known as the “Autonomous City of Buenos
Aires” or simply “City of Buenos Aires” is the capital and most
populated city of the Argentine Republic, in the province of Buenos
Aires.

This metropolis is autonomous, it has its own executive,

legislative and judicial powers (unlike the rest of the province).
It is located in the central-eastern region of the country, on the
southern bank of the Río de la Plata, in the Pampean region.

It limits to the east with the Río de la Plata. It is divided into 15

communes that group 48 neighborhoods. The current estimated
population of the city is over 3 million.

Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city and an important tourist

destination. Its complex infrastructure makes it one of the most
important metropolises in America and it is an alpha category
global city. It has great influences in commerce, finance, fashion,
art, gastronomy, education and entertainment.

Its architecture is eclectic, uniting Spanish colonial, art deco,

art nouveau, neo-Gothic, Italian, French Bourbon, and French
academic styles. It is known as “The Paris of America”.

The climate of the city of Buenos Aires is mild Pampean. In

summer it rains quite frequently, where there can be intense
storms. The city tends to get cloudy in winter, although it rains
weakly in winter, the rains are continuous. Winters are cold, but
it almost never snows. There are days when winter turns mild.
A Chained Mosaic: Noir module Sometimes the humidity can become suffocating. There is usually
to play in the great city of Buenos Aires. a variable mist throughout the year.
Optional Rule: Hard choices Potential plot hooks and conflicts
In each Scene, the Protagonist character must make a Hard The Active Director will establish a premise, plot hook or event that will trigger the events of the story. It
Choice; The Active Director can choose a difficult decision type could be a Scene with all the Main characters or a special Scene for each Main character separately.
or roll a dice to choose it at random.
Race against time

1.
Condemnation or Mercy The Scene opens with an immediate Conflict, which will worsen or cause catastrophe if not resolved
The Protagonist finds someone at their mercy. soon. For example:
You can kill or punish the victim, or leave them alone. • A character is trapped in a forest fire in the Ecological Reserve.
• A character is driving in a car chase down an avenue.
Pain or Failure

2 The Protagonist character is put to the test. The Irregular investigation

Protagonist character can accept the test or reject, Something strange happened, something difficult to explain, probably a crime or a bad omen.
knowing that this means failing. • A character investigates Gate 12 of El Monumental.
• A character finds a corpse in the Japanese Garden.
• A large number of pigeons perch on the Florialis Generica.
Silence or Violence

3
• A door of interdimensional energy opens on The Obelisk.
The Protagonist has to be patient, waste time, • A ritual ceremony is held at La Casa de Los Leones.
ignore a problem or avoid conflicts so as not to risk
a life. Life in danger
Someone, perhaps the Protagonist, is in danger. If someone doesn’t act, they could die. In addition, there
Left or Right may be several more lives in danger..

4 The Protagonist must choose between two

characters (or groups of characters). One will be
safe, while the other will not (euthanasia, homicide,
suicide, abandon to their fate, etc.).
• Someone was poisoned at La Casa Rosada.
• A character is caught in a shootout in Constitución.
• A character is kidnapped in Constitución.

Incognito mission

5
Lawful or Lawless The character must remain stealthy, low-key or in disguise. If the character is seen or discovered, the
The Protagonist character can follow the rules (call situation will become desperate.
the police, call for reinforcements) or break the law • A character is infiltrating La Casa Rosada.
and become a criminal. • A character is carrying out a sabotage in the Subway.
• A character is carrying out a heist at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

6
Life or Beyond • A character tries to kill someone at El Teatro Colón.
The Protagonist must choose between returning
to a normal life or accept the fate that has been set. Social obligation
The Scene is from day to day for anyone else, but for you it is something that makes you nervous. You are
not in physical danger, but rather emotionally distressed. For example:
• A character tries to pass a police test in The Vucetich.
• A character attends a funeral at the Recoleta Cemetery.
• A character needs to fix a deal at Café Tortoni.
Then the Active Director sets a challenge based on the • A character is making a big bet at The Hippodrome.
Protagonist character traits. • A character visits an acquaintance in a coma at The Argerich Hospital.
• A character is celebrating Chinese New Year in Chinatown.

2
Barrio Chino Café Tortoni
- Chinatown - - Tortoni Coffeehouse -
It is known as “Chinatown” to a small area of ​​the Founded in 1858, this bar / cafeteria
Belgrano neighborhood with an axis in three blocks. belongs to the select group of notable
Different Asian communities live there, with a bars, which brings together the most
predominance of Taiwanese, continental Chinese, representative bars and cafes of
Koreans, Japanese (Argentine Nikkeis), Thais, etc. Buenos Aires.

The most prominent literary group

in Buenos Aires, led by the painter
Benito Quinquela Martín, met in
this café.

Casa de Los Leones

- The House of Lions -
A historic French-style mansion with
a large garden.

The Tragic Wedding

The eccentric billionaire Eustoquio
Díaz Vélez wanted to protect his
fortune and in 1880, instead of
paying for watchdogs, he decided
to purchase a pair of lions. During
the night, he would let them out
into the garden and during the
day he would lock them under the
house. In 1911, his daughter married
Exotic stands and during the wedding, one of the
The street stalls of Chinatown show and exhibit lions opened the poorly closed door
different aspects of Asian culture such as: calligraphy, of his cage. The groom was gutted
Buddhism, astrology, Feng Shui, languages, music and and gored during the wedding by
traditional cuisine. one of the escaped lions.

3
Casa Rosada
- The Pink House -
The Government Palace of the Argentine Painted with blood
Republic, better known as “Casa Rosada”, It is rumored that President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento decided to
was inaugurated in 1898. The Casa embellish his house: the painters made a mixture of lime and ox blood that
Rosada is the seat of the Executive guaranteed impermeability and durability. When the blood dried it turned
Power (President) of the Argentine pink.
Republic. Inside it is the office of the
Presidency of the Nation. This building
is located in front of the Plaza de Mayo.
It has an eclectic architecture, based
on different European styles. It also
houses the Government House Museum,
with objects related to the country’s
presidents.
Ghost maiden
The spirit of a woman
runs through the rooms,
but without disturbing
anyone. Not even when
observed closely. Many
passersby and tourists
have managed to capture
the appearances on video
through the windows. Her
identity is still unknown.

Tunnel 1912
Beneath the Casa Rosada, you will find a forgotten tunnel that is said to
run through much of the city and can be moved without barriers or surface
traffic. Built in 1912. It was intended to carry cargo, but was sometimes
used (for a short period) to carry passengers. Cases of respiratory problems
began to occur and for several days they had to help people asphyxiated
by gases. It is said that once a load of grain fell and now there is an army
of rats living in it.

4
Cementerio de La Recoleta
- La Recoleta Cemetery -
On the outside, a message reads: Requiescant in pace (Latin for “Rest in peace”).
Inside, a message reads: Expectamus Dominum (Latin for “We wait for the
Lord”).

It is a famous cemetery, located in the distinguished Recoleta neighborhood

and contains the graves of many prominent personalities of the country. It
was inaugurated in 1822, thus becoming the first public cemetery in the city.

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, famous for its
imposing mausoleums and vaults adorned with marble and sculptures. Its
architectural value is a sample of the times when Argentina was an emerging
economic power at the end of the 19th century, and the wealthiest families of
the city began to move to the Recoleta area and to build splendid pantheons
in the cemetery. Mausoleums and vaults are the work of important architects
and sculptors (Lola Mora, José Fioravanti, Alberto Lagos, Juan Antonio
Buschiazzo, Próspero Catelin, etc.). The cemetery itself has been considered a
National Historical Museum since 1946.

Catalepsy panic
In 1902, Rufina Cambaceres was accidentally buried alive in her
mausoleum. A man named Alfredo Gath feared the same fate, so he ordered
the construction of an “anti-catalepsy” hydraulic mechanism that, when
activated from the inside, would open the gate, sound an alarm and unlock
the gates. He tried it himself, but it only worked on the twelfth try. He died
in 1936.

The Lady in white

A man finds and rescues a crying girl near the cemetery. After kissing her,
he disappeared into the mist. It is rumored to be Luz María García Velloso,
daughter of a famous 19th century playwright, who died at the age of 15.
She panicked when she found her ancient grave.

Sabu, the dog

The grave of Liliana Crociati, who died in an avalanche in Austria, has an
unusual Neo-Gothic design. He has a sculpture of his dog, Sabu, which
brings good luck when touched his nose.

5
Constitución Escuela de Policía - Juan Vucetich
- Constitution - - Juan Vucetich - School of Police -
Inaugurated in 1887, the Plaza Constitución station, Created in 1941, named in honor of the Argentine
or simply “Constitución”, is one of the seven central anthropologist and police officer Juan Vucetich, who
railway stations in Buenos Aires, which serves as the perfected the fingerprint system (the system that allows
head of the General Roca Railway. With 156 million people to be identified through their fingerprints). It is
passengers a year and 16 platforms, it is the largest and known mainly as “La Vucetich”. Train cadets from all over
busiest station in Argentina, and one of the largest in the country.
the world.

The Order of Bethlam

The religious order of the Bethlemite priests built a hospital on the site, originally called La Convalecencia which later adopted the name of Mercado Constitución, where the
station would finally be built. The Order of the Bethlemite Brothers, whose official name is the Order of the Brothers of Bethlehem (or Bethlem), is a male Catholic religious order,
clerical, of apostolic life and of pontifical right, founded in 1656 in Guatemala by the Spanish missionary Pedro de San José de Betancur, to serve the poor. It has the particularity
of being the first religious order founded in American lands and the last religious order of the Catholic Church.

6
Florialis Genérica
It is a metal sculpture located in the Plaza de Las Naciones Unidas (United Nations
Square), a gift from the Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano. The structure was
inaugurated in 2002 with materials provided by the Lockheed Martin Aircraft
Argentina aeronautical company. It represents a large flower made of stainless steel,
with an aluminum skeleton and reinforced concrete, which faces the sky, extending
its six petals towards it. It weighs 18 tons and is 23 meters high (a little over 25 yards).
It opens every morning at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk, at a time that changes according
to the season of the year.

Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo

- Argentine Racecourse of Palermo -
Located in the Palermo neighborhood. It has a sand track 2,400 meters long by 28
meters (just over 30 and a half yards) wide and a grass track 2,200 meters (just over
2,400 yards) by 20 meters (almost 22 yards) wide, it also has a drainage system that
allows running under any weather condition.

7
Monumental
The Antonio Vespucio Liberti Stadium, also known as
the Monumental Stadium or Monumental de Núñez,
is a stadium located in the Núñez neighborhood. It
is owned by Club Atlético River Plate (“Athletic Club
River Plate”, one of the most famous Argentine soccer
teams) and was inaugurated in 1938. It is the stadium
dedicated to the practice of soccer with the largest
capacity in Argentina, and one of the largest in
America. It has a running track and a micro-stadium.
It is traditionally the place where the national team
plays most of its home games. The current capacity of
the stadium is 70,074 spectators, after the renovations
carried out in 2019.

The Tragedy of Gate 12

On June 23, 1968, a fatal event occurred during
the start of a soccer match between Boca Jr. and
River Plate (the two most famous soccer teams in
Argentina and old rivals). 113 people were injured
and 71 young people were crushed and suffocated
in an avalanche of people. This is the greatest
catastrophe in the history of Argentine sports.
All the dead were Boca Juniors sympathizers.
Despite strong suspicions about the actions of the
Federal Police and the Club Atlético River Plate, the
causes and responsibilities for the massacre were
never properly established. The fact is taboo and it
was not recognized neither by Boca nor by River. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
In 2018, on the 50th anniversary of the deaths, - National museum of fine arts -
the Boca Juniors Club apologized for not having It is one of the most important public art institutions in
remembered the victims, committing to do so in Argentina. It houses an extremely diverse heritage, which
the future. The ghosts of the dead are said to still includes more than 12,000 pieces, including paintings,
be trapped there, and can still be heard and seen sculptures, drawings, engravings, textiles and objects. Its
through security cameras. collection is made up of pre-Columbian, colonial, Argentine
and international art, in a time range that goes from the 3rd
century BC. at the moment. Its importance also lies in the
number of visitors, of all ages, from different social strata,
from the country and from abroad.

8 37
Obelisco de Buenos Aires Reserva ecológica Costanera Sur
- Obelisk of Buenos Aires - - Costanera Sur ecological reserve -
It is a historical monument considered an icon of Buenos Aires, Built during the 70s, it is one of the largest urban reserves in Latin America. It has 350 hectares, it houses
built in 1936 on the occasion of the fourth centenary of the first more than 2000 species of native flora and fauna. It is suitable for hiking and bird watching.
founding of the city. It is located in the Plaza de la República in
the San Nicolás neighborhood. It was designed by the architect
Alberto Prebisch. Its height is 67.5 meters (almost 74 yards). The
base measures 6.80 meters on a side (almost seven and a half El Reservito (“The Reservling”)
yards), has a single entrance door (on the west side) and in its There are rumors of a half-dog, half-rat
upper part there are four windows, with metal shutters, which creature lurking in this place. It’s very
can only be accessed by a marine ladder of 206 steps with 7 territorial, has attacked several hikers, and
landings every 8 meters and one at 6 meters. Culminates in a likes human flesh.
lightning rod.

The Iron Box

There is a built-in iron box said to contain a photo of the Fires
construction engineer and a letter for those who will demolish It has suffered several fires, almost always caused by
the Obelisk in some future. human negligence.

9
Subte de Buenos Aires Teatro Colón
- Buenos Aires Subway Train - - Colón Opera house -
It is the metro network of the City of Buenos Aires, made up of six lines A, B, C, D, E and H with a total The Teatro Colón is an opera house. Due to its size, acoustics and
length of 62.8 km (almost 69 yards) and 90 stations in operation. Also part of the system is a tram with trajectory, it has come to be considered the best lyrical theater
two branches, the Premetro. in the world.

Pasco Sur
Dinosaur fossils It is a sealed “ghost” line that was closed at the same time
In 1930, remains of mammoth
as Alberti’s north platform, the station after Pasco. It was
and mastodon were found
inaugurated in 1913 and closed in 1951. There are several
in the excavations of line
theories about the closure of this station. The official version
B. Remains of glyptodonts
given by Metrovías (the current company that owns the
both in the excavation of the
network) is too concise: “for operational reasons”. It is currently
extension of line D, and in
sealed by brick walls so that its interior is not visible, but
the last extension of line B.
there are some people who have managed to photograph its
The remains found in line
interior through some slots. A myth says that it was a closure
D They are exhibited at the
as the result of a girl’s suicide. Some say she take her life due
Juramento station of the
to the death of her boyfriend, others that it was due to an The Cigarette pack
same. The three glyptodonts
arranged marriage. It is said that in that place you can see In 2010, the caretakers of the Teatro Colón found a mysterious
found on line B are exhibited
the ghost. Also, there is a strange and gigantic white cross cigarette pack containing a bag of ashes on the stairs of the
at Tronador station.
painted in the tunnel. coliseum. Inside, there was a note that said: “Here we leave
your ashes, we keep your memories”.

10