By Ken Lowery

By Ken Lowery
Cover by Jordan Witt
 VOID 1680 AM
Owner/Operator
Instruction Manual

Design, Writing and Layout Many thanks to playtester

Ken Lowery Sammi Freund for invaluable
TW/IG: @kenlowery feedback and encouragement.
Prepared by the editorial staff
Cover Art Thanks also to the scamps and
Jordan Witt rascals in the Gem Room of AM Enthusiast Monthly
TW: @jordannwitt Games Discord for talking me
off many a ledge as I worked
Custom Diagrams through this game.
Dylan Todd
TW: @bigredrobot Fonts used: Decade, Indira K,
IM FELL
First Edition, April 2023
For more group and solo
Copyright © 2023 Bannerless
Games.
games, visit bannerlessgames
dot itch dot io.
Ringwood & Ringwood
Publishers New Empire
VOID 1680 AM by Ken Lowery is
licensed under the Creative By arrangement with AM Enthusiast Monthly
Comrades License Agreement 1.0
Welcome!
to the exciting world of radio

Let us be the first to say: only lone voices in the

Congratulations on your darkness, saying what they
acquisition of an AM cannot contain, seeking
transmitter and mast tower! connection with like minds.
With this simple but powerful
technology, you can stake your Voices like yours.
claim on the dial and share a
little bit of yourself with the In these pages you will learn
whole world. the basics of broadcasting:
building playlists, and
But why AM radio? In these communicating with your
modern times, it’s true, FM has Callers. And while you may
the sunnier reputation: it’s form connections with these
powerful, it’s clear, it goes for people, those connections will
miles and miles. But the FM be as fleeting as your
band is narrow and highly transmission. Nothing is as
competitive, and inevitably profound and yet as
what airs on it is more impermanent as a life spent on
commercial. There is no one the airwaves.
author on the FM dial; each
playlist, each talk segment, is You will speak, but you will
carefully focused to appeal to never know who hears you. You
anyone who tunes in. will bare your soul, but you will
never know who – if anyone – is
Not AM. On the AM band, truly listening.
you can find voices expressing
what they must express at any This is as it should be. The true
cost, sharing what they love (or revelation of broadcasting on
dislike) because that is the the AM dial is that it is the
endpoint of their revelatory process itself you must grow to
process. There are no love. Fulfillment will only come
committees on AM – there are from within.

5
 What Is This Game? Understanding Your Equipment

VOID 1680 AM is a single-player levels, classes, “powers,” or even Once you’re up and running, the actual maintenance and usage of your
tabletop roleplaying game. In it, other players. This game is equipment is simplicity itself. Broadly speaking, you play music on your
you will take on the persona of a essentially an engine to build device of choice, which is hooked into your AM transmitter. The AM
radio broadcaster and use tools of playlists that are equal parts transmitter is in turn connected to your range extender or tower. Physics
chance to build your playlist and familiar and surprising, and to takes care of the rest.
sketch out the identities and help you construct the
concerns of people who call in to personalities, desires and fears of As long as all three are supplied with ample power, your AM station will
talk to you. the lonesome souls who call in to broadcast crisply and clearly in as wide a range as your tower wattage
connect with you. allows. Though you will experience some variation depending on tree
The game can be played in a cover and interference from power lines and high-rises, broadcast should
single session of about 2 hours. If Put simply: the rules of play otherwise be uniform within those bounds.
you decide you want to continue provide prompts upon which you
and see how the stories of your build a playlist and connect with But that’s the how of your broadcast. It’s time to resolve the what.
Callers evolve over time, there are extensions of your own Consider having the following equipment on hand to create a satisfying
rules provided to continue play imagination. broadcast experience.
over multiple broadcasts.
Now, grab your records and some
Unlike many roleplaying games, coffee. Tonight’s going to be a
VOID 1680 AM does not have long one; you can just feel it.
A Deck of Cards A Voice Recorder
Remove the Jokers. Separate the After all, what’s late-night radio
face cards ( Jacks, Queens, Kings, without a little banter? Your
Aces) into one deck, then separate phone should have an app for this,
the numbered suits into their own but speaking into a tape recorder
decks: Clubs, Diamonds, Spades, is also a time-honored tradition
Hearts. These will be your Caller for self-made DJs.
deck and Playlist decks,
respectively.

A Playlist Builder A Six-Sided Die

A desktop MP3 player or The personal makeup of your
streaming service player offers a Callers will often surprise you.
library to pull from and ways to This die will help fill in the details
build playlists, so those are ideal. on their personalities and the
For a more analog approach, all nature of their calls.
you really need is a stack of
INSPIRATIONS records, CDs or cassettes, a
notebook and a pencil to write
THE WRETCHED, by Chris Bissette – One of the titans of solo RPGs, down songs with.
that sees you as the sole survivor of an alien attack on a far-flung
spaceship. The Wretched uses cards, dice, and a Jenga tower to build a
story of perseverance in the face of certain doom. Find it at
loottheroom.itch.io.

ANAMNESIS, by Samantha Leigh – In this solo journaling game, you

awaken with total memory loss and use Tarot cards to reconstruct your
past and learn more about your present. Find it at
blinkingbirchgames.itch.io.

6 7
 Find Your Wavelength

Rare is the radio program without a theme. Perhaps you report on

local news and play local artists, to support the community you find
yourself on the fringes of. Or maybe you play only the strangest,
rarest finds – and discuss similarly strange and rare topics with your
Callers. Maybe you highlight a specific genre, decade, or mood.

The best advice is to find the thing that compels you and lean into
it. That’s compels, not satisfies; the stuff of infinite broadcasts does not
come from complacency or a feeling of “enough.” This simple truth

Beginning unites the disparate interests and outputs of the punk DJ, the outlaw
country enthusiast, and the conspiracy theorist alike.

Your Broadcast

Consider Your Station

There is one last detail: you, and where you broadcast from. Are you
broadcasting from your garage in the suburbs? From a shed in the
countryside? From a mountain? Do you broadcast in the dead of
night or middle of the day? Go with your hunches here. Don’t
overthink it.

You are free to discuss as much or as little of your own

circumstances as you like on air; after all, it’s your show. But
consider what these circumstances (and how you got to them) say
about you, your choices, your motivations, and your potential
audience. As before, lean into hunches.

Now, Let’s Begin.

9
A Typical Night’s Programming

Here, we outline a full “turn” in VOID 1680 AM, consisting of a

Song Block of three songs and your chatter before and after those
songs play. This manual goes into further detail on each Block in
the following pages, but this basic formula illustrates the flow of
each turn.

Draw three cards from that Song Block’s suit.

Pick the songs for each card and queue them
Programming Your
up in your player of choice.

Hit record. Introduce the first song. Stop

Song Blocks
recording.

Play the songs. Listen to them. Consider the

questions posed with them, if any.

As you do, draw your Caller Card.

Consult WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (p.

22-25) to sketch out the identity of your Caller
and the contents of your conversation with
them.

When the songs finish, hit record and backsell

them as much or as little as you like.

Talk about your conversation with the Caller as

much or as little as you like.

Then, pause your recording and start again

with the next Song Block’s suit.

10
Clubs Clubs
The First Song Block The First Song Block
It’s time to start your broadcast.
2. 6.
The first Song Block consists of three songs drawn from the suit of The new obsession – the thing A song about a dream, a goal,
Clubs. These songs are your thesis statement: a declaration of your you listen to every day right or an aspiration – realistic or
show’s tone and depth. They are also typically (but not necessarily) now. Why do you think it’s whimsical. What does it make
higher energy. resonating? you aspire to be?
Shuffle your Clubs deck and draw three cards. Read the prompts on
the next page based on the cards you drew, pick the first song that 3. 7.
comes to mind for each, and arrange them in any order you like. An offhand suggestion that Something you sing along to
became a favorite song. Who or with a friend. How did you
With your music queued, it’s time to go live. what recommended it to you? both come to love it?
Clear your throat. Sip a drink. Hit record, and begin.
4. 8.
Introduce yourself and the show. Give the station call sign, and tell The first song you think of The drum beat that always has
the world where you’re broadcasting from – or, at least, who you’re when you think of someone you tapping your foot and
broadcasting to. Introduce the first song, then stop recording and important to you. Who came to drumming on your desk.
hit play. mind? Why that song? What’s your favorite bit?

While your three songs play, draw your Caller Card and consult
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (p. 22-25). 5. 9.
The one you sing along to You’re ready to take a walk or
Once the songs conclude, you’re back on the air. Hit record and, if every time you hear it. What’s go running. What song sets the
you like, backsell the last two songs in the block. You can talk about your favorite bit? pace for you?
why you played them and what they mean to you, or just identify the
musicians and songs and move forward.
This is also an opportunity to talk about your Caller, if you wish.
What you say about them – and don’t – is entirely up to you.

Then, pause your recording and go to the Second Song Block: 10.
Diamonds. The sleaziest song you love.
Is it liberating, or a dirty
secret?

12 13
Diamonds Diamonds
The Second Song Block The Second Song Block
In general, the songs in the second Block increase the intensity of
the playlist, building toward an emotional climax. This doesn’t 2. 6.
necessarily mean the songs have to be faster, or louder; think A song you listen to to psyche A song that helps you focus
emotional intensity, which is not always expressed with volume. yourself up for a big moment. and tune in. What has it helped
When has it worked? you with?
Shuffle your Diamonds. Draw three cards (or two, if your previous
Caller made a request you’re choosing to honor). Read the prompts
on the next page, pick the first song that comes to mind for each, 3. 7.
and arrange them in any order you like. You misunderstood the lyrics A song that helps you imagine
for years. You think your yourself a villain.
With your music queued, it’s time to go live again. Hit Record. version is better.
Introduce the first song of the next Block, and give it any prelude
you like – including none at all. Then stop recording and hit play.
4. 8.
While your three songs play, draw your Caller Card and consult Something with lyrics you One of the stupidest songs you
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (p. 22-25). quote often. What’s the line love. It sucks, but you can’t
that grabs you? shake it.
Once the songs conclude, you’re back on the air. Hit Record.
Backsell the latter two songs as much or as little as you like, and
recount your conversation with your Caller as much or as little as 5. 9.
you like. A song from a curveball genre, You’re at the beach. What are
unlike anything else you listen you listening to? Is it chill or
Then, pause your recording and go to the Third Song Block: to. Is it embarrassing to admit does it get you fired up?
Spades. to it?

10.
A song that makes you feel
sexy or cool. What kind of
scenarios do you imagine
yourself in when you listen to
it?

14 15
Spades Spades
The Third Song Block The Third Song Block
The third Song Block is often a bit of a comedown – a chance to
enter a more contemplative state or, if you prefer, a hangover. As 2. 6.
always, follow your instincts and the momentum of your playlist to A song that always makes you It’s summer. It’s late. You have
this point to help determine the tempo and tone of the songs you tear up. What is it that gets all the windows open and
choose here. you? you’re restless. What do you
put on?
Shuffle your Spades. Draw three cards, or just two if the previous
Caller made a request you’re choosing to include. Read the prompts 3. 7.
on the next page, pick the first song that comes to mind for each, One of your “our” songs, You’re driving late at night
and arrange them in any order you like. something you shared with down a lonesome highway.
someone close to you. Who was What song are you putting on?
Once your music is queued, you’re ready. Introduce the first song of it? Why this song? Does it make you feel less
this song block, give it as much or as little context as you like. Then alone, or more?
stop recording and hit play.

While your three songs play, draw your Caller Card and consult 4. 8.
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (p. 22-25). The first song you think about A song about something
when you think of summers as a ending. Is it bitter or
Once the songs conclude, you go live once more. Discuss the kid. What does it feel like to bittersweet to you?
previous two songs if you like, and discuss your conversation with listen to now?
your Caller.
5. 9.
Now, pause your recording. It’s time for one last song block to end The first song you think about A song from when your parents
the night. when you think of winters as a were young. How did you
kid. Does winter still feel this discover it?
way to you?

10.
The saddest song that makes
you smile. What about it is so
endearing?

16 17
Hearts Hearts
The Fourth Song Block The Fourth Song Block
The fourth Song Block is the conclusion of your broadcast day. As
you draw cards and pick your songs, consider how they respond to
or play off of your previous selections. If the first block is a thesis 2. 6.
statement, what final songs make good on that promise? A song from one of the first A song your family bonded
acts you saw live. Did you over. Who loved it the most?
Consider how your favorite musical acts conclude their concerts: choose the show, or did Why?
some like lingering melancholy, or moments of quiet beauty. Others someone take you?
like to blow the roof off in one final all-or-nothing push. By now,
you likely know how you want to go out. 3. 7.
A song from one of the first A song from a band you hid
Shuffle your Hearts. Draw three cards, or hold one back if you have albums you bought yourself. from your parental figure.
a Caller request you’d like to honor. Read the prompts below, pick Where did you buy it? Were you right to, or was it
the first song that comes to mind for each, and arrange them in any kind of silly?
order you like.

With your music queued, hit record. Let your audience know your 4. 8.
broadcast is almost over for the night. Introduce the first song in One of the first songs you A song that makes you feel
this final block with as little or as much fanfare as you want. Then learned all the lyrics to. Do you invincible. Barring that, like a
stop recording and hit play. still remember them? survivor. Why this one?

While your three songs play, draw your Caller Card and consult
WHEN A STRANGER CALLS (p. 22-25). 5. 9.
A song that got you through a One of the most memorable
Once the songs conclude, go live one final time. Talk about the last breakup, romantic or platonic. songs you saw live. Where was
songs. Talk about your Caller. Talk about what it all meant to you, How does it feel to hear it it? Who was with you?
or what you hope it meant to others, or just talk about the weather. again?
It’s your show. What meaning you find there is yours to salvage and
hold to the light or keep to yourself, as your nature dictates.

Give one last self and station identification, then sign off. Your
broadcast belongs to the airwaves now.
10.
You’ve been out all night,
and the sun is rising. What
song reinvigorates you for
the day?

18 19
 When A
Stranger Calls
 Caller ID Common Caller Questions

During each song block, Next, determine if they’re Based on the Caller’s card suit, roll a 1d6 to determine the subject
someone will call in to talk with calling in because of one of the matter they called to talk about. The suits suggest moods – which
you – or at the very least, talk at songs you’re playing during one are they in? If their call is connected to a song (either one you
you. People who call in to radio this Block. If the Caller’s card played or one they requested), see how these things dovetail – why
shows to talk are acting on a has the same suit as your song did that specific song trigger this call on this topic? How long did
strong, simple need to be heard, block, they’re calling about the call last? Did they talk with you, or at you? Have they called
no matter by who. In that way, something you’ve played – pick before? Are they a fan of your show, or just a stranger? Did they
you are very alike. whichever one is numerically remind you of anyone?
closer to the face card.
To begin the sketch of your Each result has two options. Choose one, or flip a coin.
conversation with the Caller, If their suit matches the next
draw a face card. Song Block, they’re calling in
to make a request. It’s up to Clubs: Spades:
• A JACK indicates a young you if you honor their request; Mellow, introspective Quiet, melancholy
Caller, on the cusp of if you do, roll your 1d6 and 1. Romance, blooming or 1. Romance, unrequited or
adulthood. select something based on the evolving star-crossed
• A QUEEN is an table result below. This song 2. Friendship, strengthened 2. Friendship, lopsided in
established adult, should be outside your comfort or reignited their favor or against
somewhere in their 20s to zone, but it can still be on- 3. Family, shifting 3. Family, overwhelming or
40s. theme for the night. definitions or calcifying nonexistent
• A KING is an elder, middle ones 4. Prospects, narrow or
aged or older. If the Caller’s suit does not 4. Money, more important shallow
• An ACE is ambiguous – match the current or next Song or less all the time 5. A Conversation, definitive
perhaps deliberately so. Block, they have no attachment 5. Today’s Events, mundane or nagging
Voice modulators are easy to the music. They just want to or portentous 6. A Conclusion, painfully
to come by in this day and talk to someone. 6. Last Night’s Dream, slow or violently sudden
age. enlightening or confusing
Gender signifiers for these Diamonds: Hearts:
Callers (if any) are up to you. Agitated, worried Passionate, energized
1. Romance, on the rocks or 1. Romance, full of potential
Request Table ending or rife with jealousy
2. Friendship, in a fight or 2. Friendship, shared secret
1. Something sunny and warm, a dream of another place. considering a betrayal or shared conspiracy
2. An old standard – a cliché – you haven’t listened to in years. 3. Family, deepening 3. Family, growing by one or
3. An undeniably good song from an act you dislike. rivalries or an unpleasant reduced by one
4. A Top 40 track from the last year. revelation 4. Money, career prospects
5. A song you associate with someone you no longer talk to. 4. Money, not enough or a or a permanent change
6. Something cool, and dark – something to drift away to. terrible windfall 5. Infatuation, innocent or
5. The Future, uncertain or scandalous
all too clear 6. A Decision, quotidian or
6. The Past, forever out of life-changing
reach or all too present

22 23
 Continuing Your Broadcast Continuing Your Broadcast

Sometimes one broadcast isn’t On subsequent broadcasts, use Second Call

enough. That’s understandable. the full Caller Card deck, 1. Things have calmed. What is the Caller optimistic about?
The bonds you form with including marked cards. Mark 2. Things have calmed, the Caller is certain something will
Callers (fleeting as they may be) any first Callers as above. On a break the fragile peace.
can be surprisingly powerful Caller’s second, third, and 3. Things have intensified, possibly for the better.
despite – or perhaps because of fourth calls, use the tables on 4. Things have intensified, definitely for the worse.
– their anonymity. the following page and your 5. Fortunes are reversed; where does this leave the Caller?
six-sided die to generate a 6. A third party has intervened, upsetting things. Who is this
To continue the stories of your follow-up to the previous call – person to the Caller?
Callers over multiple a twist or turn in their story.
broadcasts, you will need to Write a word or phrase Third Call
either mark the Caller Cards as summarizing each development 1. Something they’ve told you before was a lie. What is the
you draw them (a Sharpie works on the border of the card, truth? Why did they lie?
well) or log them in a journal. working clockwise. 2. The Caller opens up about something personal connected
to their issue. What do they share?
Play your broadcast as normal. After four calls, the Caller’s 3. The Caller misunderstood something about their issue
When you draw a given Caller story is either resolved or they until it was too late. What was it?
Card for the first time, write a simply stop calling in. Either 4. The law has become involved in the Caller’s issue. How
word or phrase that summarizes way, you never hear from them bad does it look?
your call along the top of the again. Closure is a rarity in this 5. The Caller has found a strong kinship with someone
card and discard as usual. vocation. unexpected. Who is it?
6. The Caller has had an explosive falling-out with someone
close involved. Who, and why?

Fourth Call
1. Things ended abruptly; much was learned. What is the
Caller’s takeaway?
2. Things ended abruptly; much still confuses the Caller.
What can’t they let go?
3. The Caller got what they wanted. Why aren’t they happy
about it?
4. The Caller lost everything. Why are they so strangely
relieved?
5. The Caller is cryptic, and confusing. What do they say
that sticks with you?
6. The Caller is wistful and vague. What is the last thing they
say to you?

24 25
 Syndicating Your Show
VOID 1680 AM is real.

This is not a metaphor. I, the author of this game, have an AM

transmitter in my garage connected to a range extender on the roof,
and I use them to broadcast music and radio plays to my
neighborhood (yes, at 1680). I also stream the broadcasts on
YouTube, but thanks to copyright very few of those broadcasts stay
on YouTube.

I’m always happy to broadcast Affiliates. If you have a playlist and

banter you’d like broadcast on the “real” VOID 1680 AM, I want to
hear from you. Email bannerlessgames@gmail.com with the
following information and please put “VOID AM BROADCAST”
in the subject line:

• The playlist, either as a link or typed list

• Audio files of your voice breaks
• How you prefer to be identified (your DJ name)
• Your station call letters and general location
Goodnight, and
Good Luck!
Becoming a Caller
Perhaps your ambition is to become a Caller – a quiet voice in the
darkness. If you would like to leave a voicemail that future DJs of
VOID 1680 AM can react to during their Song Blocks, including
possibly for syndication on the real radio station (see above), call
972-656-9767 and say whatever you have to say. Dark is fine, but
keep it respectful; bigoted, hateful, or excessively graphic material
will not be aired.

At the end of your call, state clearly that you give permission for
players of VOID 1680 AM to use your message in their game.

If you’re a player seeking “live” Callers to react to, the archive of

these calls will be hosted at bannerless.games/callers. In fact, some
are there now.

26
Night after night, you sit alone with your thoughts, your music, and
a microphone. Whether you come to your radio show with somber
attitude or joyful spirit, you use the music that moves you to etch
something fleeting and beautiful into the big empty.

There are other voices in the darkness. With a deck of cards, a six-
sided die and a stack of music, you will build a playlist, invent and
interact with Callers to your show, and evolve their stories over as
many broadcasts as you like. No matter their motivations, they
simply must be heard. In that way, you are very alike.

VOID 1680 AM includes rules for single-session and ongoing play,

instructions to have your show broadcast on the airwaves as an
Affiliate, and even a way to add your voice to a library of Callers that
other DJs can use in their own games.

BannerlessGames.itch.io
@BannerlessGames