# Discovery: The Fiction Engine Framework *Created:* 2026-10-29, *Modified:* 2026-10-29 ![[Ensemble (cover).jpg|300]] You know how sometimes serendipity falls into your lap and all you can do is be thankful? This is one of those moments. Not only did the author of **[[Ensemble]]** announce the release date for the Second Edition,[^1] but he also mentioned that it will be more focused on procedural issues and playability and less on philosophy, which is great. Not that I didn't love what it *was*, but it's going to make it easier to say *"here is how you can use the **[[Loner]]** system and all of its accoutrements for playing multiplayer, whether it be GM-less or traditionally guided."* Great news: the SRD is going to be online to use as a reference on your phone or your tablet, or to read it through machine translation into your native language. Everything here is golden, but this thought isn't about that per se. This is about the *other* bit of the announcement, which is that all that discussion and more is actually online under **[The Fiction Engine Framework](https://zeruhur.icu/fiction_engine_framework/)**, a collection of essays that the author wrote about the underpinnings of the **Loner**/**Ensemble** architecture. I love stuff like this. When a designer who makes things that I like talks about how they came to be, I listen. Even if I were to disagree with them, listening to how they came to those decisions helps me refine my own thoughts. Respect does not require complete agreement on every point.[^2] Luckily so, or I'd be totally screwed. If you're at all interested in the philosophy of minimalist, fiction-forward, narrativist storygames, go ahead and read this series of essays. If you're vaguely curious, start at the top and read until you're bored. I don't think you're going to get bored very quickly. You'll have plenty to think about, plenty to chew on, plenty to experiment with in your own games. I think you should. [^1]: November 6th, which can't get here too quickly for my taste. [^2]: This is a particular point that too many in the TRPG hobby have completely forgotten or never knew. A sad world indeed for all of us.