Storyteller is a unique visual storytelling game from the acclaimed indie studio Smoke Some Frogs that lets players craft interactive narratives using a library of charming characters and dramatic scenes. One of the most popular yet tricky stories is Stockholm The Execution, which has two variants – the execution of the queen or the baron. Solving these intricate branching narratives requires expert manipulation of character motives and deep knowledge of Storyteller‘s mechanics.
In this comprehensive 2500+ word guide, I‘ll share my insider expertise on fully solving both versions of Stockholm The Execution, along with advanced narrative design strategies beyond basic puzzle solutions. Follow along for the complete journey to Storyteller mastery.
Understanding Storyteller‘s Growth and Popularity
Before diving into puzzle solutions, let‘s quickly understand why Storyteller deserves such a detailed guide. The game first launched on Kickstarter in 2017, raising over $56,000 from over 1000 backers. Since then, it has sold over 50,000 copies across Steam, Nintendo Switch, and iPad.
Storyteller has cultivated a passionate fanbase charmed by its fairytale-esque art style and deep narrative systems. As noted by Smoke Some Frogs developer Ryan Clark in an interview, Storyteller encourages "more mindful, contemplative play" than most games. Players are empowered to weave their own stories and find creative solutions.
With over 460 Storyteller Steam reviews at a ‘Very Positive‘ 91% rating, it‘s clear this unique title has carved out a niche. Now let‘s see how we can master one of its most intricate stories.
Detailed Walkthrough: The Execution of the Queen
The Execution of the Queen variant tasks you with crafting a multi-scene narrative that ends with the baron executing his wife, the queen. Here is the complete step-by-step walkthrough:
Scene 1: The Kidnapping
Our story begins with the Baron kidnapping the Queen, setting the initial conflict in motion. For the first scene, choose "Kidnap" then place the Baron token on the left and the Queen token on the right.
This beginning establishes the Baron as the antagonist and the Queen as his victim, priming the story for tragedy.
Scene 2: The Queen‘s Amnesia
In the second scene, we‘ll give the Queen amnesia to progress the narrative. For this slide, choose "Amnesia" and place the Queen token in the center spotlight.
The Queen forgetting her kidnapping creates an opportunity for the Baron to manipulate her later on. Her memory loss allows the story to advance towards the ultimate execution.
Scene 3: The Baron Re-Kidnaps the Queen
For the third scene, we‘ll reuse the "Kidnap" scene again, this time with the Baron re-kidnapping the unaware Queen. Place the tokens in the same positions as Scene 1.
With the Queen‘s amnesia, she no longer remembers the Baron kidnapping her originally. This repetition sets up the Baron as a constant threat and the Queen as a helpless victim, progressing the story arc.
Scene 4: The Baron Marries the Queen
In an insidious turn, the manipulative Baron will now force the Queen to marry him. For this scene, choose "Wedding" then place the Queen token on the left and Baron token on the right.
The Baron‘s false romance poises him to turn against the Queen completely in the climax execution scene. Their doomed wedding underscores his villainy and her misery.
Scene 5: The Baron Executes the Queen
In the tragic climax, the Baron will finally execute his own Queen wife, fulfilling the puzzle‘s objective. For the last core story scene, choose "Execute" then place the Baron token on the left and the Queen token on the right.
This heartbreaking execution represents the completion of the Baron‘s sinister ambitions at the expense of the Queen. With her out of the picture, his ascent to power is complete.
Scene 6: Denouement
For the final slide, choose "Nil" with no character tokens to create an empty denouement scene allowing the story to wind down.
This purposeful emptiness lets the previous execution tragedy resonate. The Baron‘s rule continues unopposed as the Queen fades into memory.
And there we have the complete 6 scene solution for crafting The Execution of the Queen in Storyteller. Let‘s now contrast it with the inverse outcome of executing the Baron instead.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough: The Execution of the Baron
While the Queen variant dramatizes her tragic downfall, The Execution of the Baron puzzle inverts the outcome by tasking players with plotting the Baron‘s demise. Here is the sequence:
Scene 1: The Baron‘s First Kidnapping
As in the Queen variation, we start with the Baron kidnapping her to establish his menacing presence. Place the tokens in the same Kidnap scene positions.
This kidnapping sparks the conflict between the two characters that will later lead to the Baron‘s undoing.
Scene 2: The Baron‘s Amnesia
The pivotal difference comes in scene 2, where this time we give the Baron amnesia to progress the narrative down an alternate path. Choose "Amnesia" then place the Baron token in the spotlight.
With the Baron‘s memory lost, the Queen can now orchestrate counter-manipulation leading to his execution. His amnesia enables her vengeance.
Scene 3: The Baron Re-Kidnaps the Queen
Mirroring the Queen variant, we‘ll reuse the Kidnap scene with the same token positions, showing the unaware Baron kidnapping the Queen again.
This repetition highlights the Baron‘s persistent threat. But with his memory lost, the stage is set for the Queen to turn the tables on him.
Scene 4: The Queen Executes the Baron
In the climactic reversal, the Queen will now execute the Baron as vengeance for his repeated kidnapping. For this triumphant scene, choose "Execute" then place the Queen token on the left and the Baron token on the right.
With the manipulative Baron‘s memories gone, the Queen seizes the chance to retaliate against his sinister actions. The execution represents her ascent to empowered ruler.
Scene 5: Denouement
Finally, choose "Nil" again for an empty denouement slide to wind down the narrative.
The Baron‘s demise lets the Queen‘s rule continue unchallenged going forward. Justice is delivered.
Small narrative pivots like shifting the amnesia produce dramatically different outcomes between the variants. This showcase Storyteller‘s remarkable potential for emergent storytelling.
Advanced Narrative Design Strategies and Analysis
Beyond just solving the basic puzzle, truly mastering Storyteller requires deeper engagement with narrative design concepts. Let‘s analyze the variants and incorporate some advanced tactics:
Crafting Contrasting Character Arcs
The Queen and Baron variants offer contrasting character arcs. In the Queen edition, she follows a tragic descent from power into exploitation and death, whereas the Baron charts an upward arc from kidnapper to ruler.
Intentionally exploring both rising and falling arcs for protagonists and antagonists creates interesting tensions. Varying character trajectories keeps stories dynamic.
Turning Tropes on Their Head
Both variants also play with tropes. The Queen version follows the "damsel in distress" archetype of a woman exploited by a villainous man. But the Baron edition subverts the trope by empowering the Queen to defeat her antagonist.
Seeking opportunities to turn tropes upside-down can lend stories unique flair. Trope awareness separates novice and expert storycrafters.
Motivation Manipulation
Shifting motivations is crucial in both variants. The Baron loses his ambition for power once amnesiac in the second variant. This opens him to defeat.
Master manipulators understand that changing characters‘ motivations allows steering stories in many directions. Internal belief shifts enable plot twists.
Through strategies like these examples, Storyteller players can achieve narrative mastery far beyond basic puzzle solutions. There exist multitudes of possibilities within these isometric scenes.
The Takeaway: Storyteller Encourages Critical Storytelling Skills
With its charming characters and dramatic scenes, Storyteller may seem like a simple game. But as we‘ve seen from tackling Stockholm The Execution, solving its challenges requires comprehending complexity and consequences. A small spark like amnesia for one character versus another dramatically alters the tale‘s trajectory.
This teaches a valuable real-world lesson – the stories we weave have power. Thoughtful storytelling considers impact on others. Small changes in our life narratives ripple outward to shape our identities and relationships in unintended ways.
Storyteller trains us to become mindful and intentional storycrafters. There are always multiple narratives that could unfold from the same building blocks. Making purposeful choices is the key to impactful stories, both in-game and out in the real world.
So rejoice in the many possible tales waiting to be told with Storyteller‘s charming cast. Just be sure to weave wisely!
I hope this guide has illuminated deep insights into successfully solving Stockholm The Execution and exploring next-level narrative design with Storyteller. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to discuss interactive storytelling techniques!
