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The Band!
2-6
PLAYERS STEREO
A DESCENDED FROM THE QUEEN GAME
about the beginning
and the end
of a legendary
musical group.
GETTING STARTED
In Ladies and Gentlemen... The Band! players are members of a legendary
band on the verge of a breakup. By drawing prompt cards, you will piece
together a nonlinear story of the band’s beginnings, successes, struggles, and
the family you’ve found within it.
To form a band, you will first need a group of 2-6 friends. The game also
requires a music player, or other means to listen to music together, and a
deck of playing cards, physical or virtual. The minor arcana of a tarot deck
may be used, with the removal of the Page cards.
Start by agreeing on a band name and the kind of music you make, keeping
in mind that all bands evolve and these decisions can change over time. Each
player also names their characters, and decides which role/instrument they
play within the band before the game starts. Consult the Suggestions section
for more details.
The last step is optional, highly recommended: listen to 1-2 songs from your
chosen genre together as a warm-up. Check out the music scene a bit!
THE QUIncludes
AR
HIT SINRY BOYS’
GLE
KISS
FRO ES
OPTIONAL: MUN M STERE
S p e c ia l
ICH
BT78
9
The identity of a band can be as visually- 9 7c
driven as it is musically. Consider playing
with a whiteboard or a large piece of
paper and some drawing and writing
supplies, so that everyone can freely
doodle album covers, band outfits, or
ideas for song titles together.
For an online game, playing together with
a shared, online drawing space (such as
aggie.io or Drawpile) can be a great way
to note down concepts. Even an online
spreadsheet or word document could beFORTHLIN ROAD
RECORDS
fun to collaborate on!
OUR PRIC
E
$2 .99
NOTES ON SAFETY
The mythology around the lives of famous rock stars often features many
topics that players may not wish to explore at the table, including
depression, addiction, and death.
This game, like other Descended From the Queen games, was designed
with the X-Card (created by John Stavropoulous, tinyurl.com/x-card-rpg)
in mind.
This allows all players to ‘X-Card’ and remove any prompt drawn by
them or any other player, as well as any topics they do not wish to be
included in the game. No explanation or justification required. This can
be done by tapping a physical card, gesturing ‘X’ with your arms, or
texting ‘X’ to your group during play.
While the X-Card is an incredibly simple and useful tool to deal with
topics as they arise, it is also recommended that groups use Lines and
Veils to establish limits around certain types of content before the
session begins.
A ‘line’ represents a hard limit, and designates content that you do not
want to include in the game at all. A ‘veil’ represents content that can
appear during play, but not dwelled on in detail. This could mean
having a “veil” take place off-screen, or as a fade-to-black. A sample
Lines & Veils spreadsheet created by Bee Zelda (@bee_zelda) can be
found here.
These are just two of many available safety mechanics for TTRPGs that
help make the play environment a safe and comfortable place for
everyone at the table. More safety tools can be found in the free,
continually-updated online resource The TTRPG Safety Toolkit, created
by Kienna Shaw and Lauren Bryant-Monk. It is available here:
bit.ly/ttrpgsafetytoolkit.
SUGGESTIONS
(roles, genres, and settings)
While The Band was primarily inspired by the story of the Beatles and other rock
groups, you are more than welcome to make your own adjustments to the prompts
and play with different genres and settings according to the interests of the players.
GENRE TABLE
If you are having a hard time deciding what kind of music you make, you
may roll a D20 to first determine the main genre (refer to the table below) and
around 2-3 descriptors (listed below on the right).
Alternatively, simply choose at least 2-3 descriptors as a group. Feel free to
combine and hyphenate any of these terms, or make up your own.
1 rock 11 punk 1 - new/neo-/nu- 15 - dad OR mom
2 - post- 16 - soft OR hard
2 classical 12 rap 3 - anti- 17 - geek OR emo
3 disco 13 funk 4 - progressive / prog- 18 - noise OR melodic
5 - alternative / alt- 19 - electronic OR acoustic
4 ska 14 folk 6 - traditional 20 - country OR town name
7 - contemporary
5 metal 15 soul
6 pop 16 house 8 - indie
7 reggae 17 jazz 9 - psychedelic
10 - glam
8 dance 18 blues 11 - lo-fi
9 hip hop 19 techno 12 - garage
13 - death
10 country 20 fusion 14 - art
A NOTE ON RANDOMNESS:
Using the genre table, you will likely roll a musical genre/subgenre that
you are unfamiliar with. What does it mean for music to be “folk”?
What’s the difference between blues and soul? What’s the social
history of ska?
This can be a wonderful opportunity to get into and learn about new
music with your friends. Do some research, listen to a few songs
together before starting character creation. Put on a playlist or
compilation album to listen on low-volume while you play. Embrace
your new band!
SUGGESTIONS
(roles, genres, and settings)
ROLES AND CHARACTER CREATION
The Band was created with a focus on the evolving relationships between
bandmates as friends, family, rivals, lovers, and creative collaborators. Band
members are frequently from the same hometown, school, or socioeconomic
background. They are also often siblings, cousins, and romantic partners.
Each member usually plays more than one role within the band. One person may
be the main songwriter and rhythm guitarist, another may be the lead vocalist as
well as the band’s drummer.
As a group, agree on a rough outline of how the band came together. Then, decide
who does what. Finally, each player confirms the following details about their
characters:
NAME and PRONOUNS
Could be a stage name, a first name, or a full name at this stage
ROLE in the band
e.g. Guitarist and Front Person; Percussionist; Bassist and Songwriter
TWO adjectives
e.g. creative and obsessive; neat and dependable; relaxed and light-
hearted; hot-headed and loyal
THE CREW
During the game, you may be prompted to explore the dynamics between public-
facing band members and the teams of people who support them and their work.
These roles can include:
Band managers Security and bodyguards
Record producers Truck drivers
Road/Tour managers Concert photographers
Touring band members
The Beatles, for example, had
Stylists and designers manager Brian Epstein, record
Technicians (e.g. lighting producer George Martin, and
techs, drum techs) beloved roadie Mal Evans.
All of them, and many more,
played a vital, if less visible,
role in the band’s success.
SUGGESTIONS
(roles, genres, and settings)
OTHER IDEAS FOR ROLE-PLAYING
If you and your group prefer a little more structure in role-playing, here are some
suggestions on ways to frame your band’s history.
Albums & Eras
Consider the moptops, matching suits, and teenage love songs of the
Beatles’ early career. Contrast that with the innovative psychedelia and
colorfully flamboyant looks of their later album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely
Hearts Club Band.
What are the different aesthetics for each of your band’s major albums?
What were their influences? Fellow musicians, social movements, or
other types of media? Did everybody have equal say in these changes?
Creative Voice
What kind of music does the band try to put out into the world? What
kind of artistic, political, or social message are you trying to express?
How does this intention change throughout the years, and why?
Personal Relationships
How do the members grow and change, for better or worse? Are
friendships put to the test? Do they evolve into rivalry, romance, or
estrangement? How does fame and success affect each band member
differently?
Anything else
From fashion to music to politics and relationships, feel free to follow
any particular theme or framing that helps you and your group visualize
your characters and their evolution.
PLAYING THE GAME
Shuffle the cards well. If feasible, pass the deck around the table so each
person gets to shuffle at least once.
TIME SIGNATURE:
A session can last around one to three hours, depending on the
number of players and how detailed the answers are. You may
place the game-end card, the King of Spades, higher or lower in
the deck depending on how long you plan to play.
Take turns drawing a card. Optionally, start the turn order with the player who
most recently listened to The Beatles.
On your turn, you have the option of ...
Reading the prompt out loud and answering it from your character’s
perspective. This can be done as simply or as elaborately as you wish. Other
players can ask follow-up questions or make suggestions, but how you
answer is up to you.
OR, passing the card to the next player in the turn order, saying “I’d like to
hear your answer to this question.” This ends your turn. The player who
receives the card may answer the prompt, pass it to the next player, or X-
Card it. Their turn ends when they answer the prompt or pass on the card.
OR, remove the content of the drawn card from play with the X-Card. This
does not end your turn. Draw another card to replace the one you just
discarded.
Repeat this process, building off each
other’s ideas and always being respectful A NOTE ON
when involving other players’ characters
in your answers.
RANDOMNESS:
When the King of Spades is drawn, all Part of the fun is getting to jump
players answer the final prompt in turn, back and forth between different
and the game ends. points in the Band’s career and
slowly build a picture of their
Should you and your bandmates agree journey.
that the band’s story has not reached its
natural conclusion, please feel free to However, if you happen to draw
postpone the breakup and play another a prompt about something you’ve
round or two of prompts. already covered in a previous
answer, don’t hesitate to discard
it and draw another!
COME SEE THE BAND IN THEIR EARLY DAYS!
CARD PROMPTS
Clubs
(it was twenty years ago today ...)
ACE Who is the best musician in the band? Do they know how much you look up
to them?
TWO Before your current band name, you performed under a different one. What
was it, and why was it changed?
THREE What was the band’s on-stage ‘look’ in the early days? Whose idea was it?
Were you happy with how you looked?
FOUR Someone refuses to, or is unable to, go on stage at a concert. Why, and how
did you deal with it?
FIVE You were the last one to join before the band’s rise to fame. Why do you think
you got in? What was your first impression of the group?
SIX What kept you motivated before your big break? Did you really believe you
would make it?
SEVEN What do you have in common with everyone in the band, and what makes it
so noticeable to everybody outside of it?
EIGHT You were invited to join the band through a mutual friend. Who are they, and
why did they eventually leave the band?
NINE Who is the face of the band, and what makes their personal charm so unique?
TEN Where was the first gig you ever performed? Why did it end in disaster?
JACK You did something at a venue which led to you being permanently banned
there. What happened, and why is it still so funny?
QUEEN The music producer at an early recording session pointed out someone as the
band’s weakest member. Who was it, and were they replaced?
KING You will always remember the manager who first took a chance on you. Who
are they and how did they discover you?
SHOW STARTS AT 6 p.m. & FINISHES AT 11 p.m.
CARD PROMPTS
Diamonds
(sgt. pepper taught a band to play...)
What was your first hit song about? Do you get tired of performing it at nearly
ACE
every concert you do?
Someone unexpected takes part in the recording of a song. What did they do,
TWO
and how did they end up on the track?
Whose creative voice within the band has been getting drowned out by
THREE
others? Why?
You still remember a gift you once received from a fan. What was it, and why
FOUR
have you held onto it all this time?
The press seems to be setting up a rivalry between you and another band.
FIVE
What do you do to reinforce or deny that narrative?
What reputation do you and your music have among people who are
SIX knowledgeable and respected in the genre? (e.g. journalists, established
artists, long-time fans, people who know what they’re talking about)
Your distinctive style, either as an individual or as a group, set off a popular
SEVEN
fashion trend. What was it?
EIGHT What is a nickname fans have given you? Why is it inaccurate?
A piece of life-changing personal news arrived while you were on tour once.
NINE
What happened, and how did you deal with it?
What was the strangest thing you’ve had to do to escape a crowd of adoring
TEN
fans? Did you truly want to run away from them?
JACK Who is your favorite crew member, and what do they bring to the band?
The band are invited to perform in front of a world-renowned political figure.
QUEEN
What did management specifically warn you not to do, and did you do it?
One of your live concerts has achieved legendary status among music lovers.
KING
What happened that made it so famous, or infamous?
CARD PROMPTS
Hearts
(...guaranteed to raise a smile)
The band damaged your relationship with someone outside the band that you
ACE
cared about. Who was it and what happened?
Who, outside the band, was the biggest believer of the your success in its
TWO
earliest days? How did they show their support?
Who, outside the band, was the biggest detractor of the band’s success in its
THREE
earliest days? In what way?
At an awards show, you had an intimate encounter with another artist you’ve
FOUR
always looked up to. Why did you feel disappointed when you left?
What is the best thing a bandmate has ever done for you? How does it show
FIVE
that they know you in a way no one else outside the band ever could?
SIX Who, in your eyes, is the heart of the band? How do you depend on them?
What do you do that goes underappreciated by the others? What stops you
SEVEN
from telling them this?
You’re hiding something. Everyone in the band knows, no one else does.
EIGHT
What is your secret, and how did the band become aware of it?
You decide to take an extended leave from recording and touring. Why? Do
NINE
your bandmates and fans know the truth?
When did you realize how much you loved (platonically or romantically) a
TEN
bandmate? What was the name of the song you wrote about them?
A bandmate did/said something that deeply hurt you. Did you argue or let it
JACK
fester?
You believe everybody else in the band are closer with each other than with
QUEEN
you. What makes you think so?
Someone has been spending much less time with the band recently. Why?
KING
How do you feel about this?
CARD PROMPTS
Spades
(the act you’ve known for all these years)
ACE What do you miss most about your life before the band? Why?
Which bandmate’s personality has changed the most compared to when you
TWO
first started out? Does it bother you?
One of your later albums marked a big departure from the musical style you
THREE
were originally known for as a band. Did you have any say in it?
You came close to quitting the band once before. When did this happen, and
FOUR
why? Do the others know?
The public seems to believe a certain rumor about you. What is it, and what is
FIVE
the kernel of truth within it?
You recently endured an embarrassing public scandal. What was it about?
SIX
Does it change anything between you and your bandmates?
An unexpected subculture latches onto your music. Who are they, and how do
SEVEN
you feel about their admiration?
A documentary about the band’s impact and history has been released. In
EIGHT what ways does it misrepresent you? What’s a major event that it gets wrong?
What popular myth does it canonize?
Your latest album received a middling, lukewarm response from most critics
NINE
and fans. Why? Are you still proud of what you made?
Your record label suggests releasing a “Greatest Hits” album, signaling that
TEN the best years of the band are behind you. How do you react? Do you agree
with the songs they’ve selected for the album?
Which bandmate achieves unexpected fame and success in an entirely
JACK
different industry? Do you envy their achievements?
What is the title of your very last album as a band? What makes it so different
QUEEN
from your first?
KING It’s time. Why does the band break up? Are you relieved?
The
End?
The story of the band may be over, but the story of its
members does not have to be.
Here are some additional questions, meant for all
players to answer, to help with building an
“epilogue” for the characters.
Do you continue to make music? If
so, do you go solo, or start a new
band? If not, what do you do
instead?
There has been talk of a band
reunion. Do you attend?
FORTHLIN
ROAD REC
ORDS
OUR PRIC
E
TEREO
$2 .99
S p e c ia l
9 7c ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks, first and foremost, to you for checking out my game. It
means the world that you took the time to read it. If you ended up
playing, I hope that it at least brought you and your friends a few
hours of fun!
Huge thanks to my dear playtesters, Ern, Croc, Kayleigh, and
Marty, for their constant encouragement and belief in me, without
which this game would not have been finished. They provided
invaluable feedback for this game, and any mistakes you find are
all mine.
Special thanks to Ern, for being there for everything I write. And to
Meghan Cross, whose wonderful game jam and enthusiasm for all
things TTRPG pushed me to finally write a game of my own.
And finally, my endless gratitude for the Beatles and their music,
for inspiring me.
Copyright Kali Samutratanakul 2024 All rights reserved.
This work is based on For the Queen, a product of Alex Roberts, and
licensed for our use under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0
Unported license.
Decorative assets from Canva.com
Writing & illustration by Kali Samutratanakul
Fonts used: Futura, Futura Display, Sifonn Outline, League Gothic,
Quotes Script, and A Hard Day’s Night by Jamón del Mar
