Rules of Trespass
A Hermit Crab Fiction by Kate Axeford
Welcome to Trespass: a rush hour game for all the family.
Ages and Number of Players:
· For all ages, from 3 – 3000+ participants.
Game Contents:
· Railway tracks (100)
· Stations (2)
· Bridge (1)
· Trains (12)
· Trespasser (1)
· Guard announcement button (1)
· Pack of cards (1)
· Dice
· Pens / paper (not provided)
Game Assembly:
· Assemble the train tracks so two lines run parallel to each other.
· Place one station each end of the tracks.
· Place the bridge over the centre of the tracks.
· Arrange trains (1-8) in random order each side of the bridge. Leave the remaining ‘held’ at both stations.
· Place the Trespasser on the bridge.
Instructions:
· Players will be known as Commuters.
· Commuters must pick a card to be randomly assigned to a train.
How to Play:
(1) Throw the dice to determine who will be nominated as Trespasser.
The dice will inevitably be loaded against some individuals / groups of people, but for the purposes of this game, any number will suffice. It is purely a matter of chance.
Choose the youngest player’s pet’s birthday.
The first person to throw this number will be designated as Trespasser.
Part 1: The game begins when the Guard Announcement Button is pressed ONCE.
‘We’re sorry to announce that all trains have been halted due to reports of a trespasser on the line. We apologise in advance for the disruption to your journey.’
Commuters must write down:
Ø All the reasons they need to get home / work which are more important than the life of the Trespasser.
Ø Sanctions that should be taken against the trespasser including vigilante justice.
Ø Commuters should now make a phone call to declare these proposals. Each phone call must start with (shouted) ‘I’m on the train.’
Ø If a commuter catches another commuter’s eye, they may share their vengeance wish lists in person.
Part 2: Press the Guard Announcement Button TWICE.
‘We are sorry to announce that due to a fatality all trains have been halted. We appreciate your patience and understanding whilst we try to resolve this matter.’
Commuters must write down:
Ø Reasons that may have led the Trespasser to jump (loneliness, homelessness, relationship breakdown, financial problems are just some of these.)
Ø Times when commuters themselves may have experienced similar situations or feelings.
Ø Coping Strategies: What has helped get through these times?
Ø Now share this list with your fellow commuters.
Part 3: Press the Guard Announcement Button THREE TIMES.
Commuters will hear No 1 announcement again, but instead of ‘a Trespasser’ they will hear the name of a loved one:
friend / son/ daughter/ parent/ sibling/ niece/ nephew,
inserted into the broadcast.
Commuters must write down:
Ø How would this person know that they were loved, or how much they mean to you?
Ø If the commuter had this chance again, is there anything they would wish to say?
Ø Write a letter to your loved one. Tell them exactly what love means.
Part 4: Press the Guard Announcement Button FOUR TIMES.
This time commuters will hear a kinder, more gentle voice.
‘Commuters, please look up from your newspapers / devices. Can you identify anyone in the seat/s around you who looks like a trespasser / appears at risk of becoming one?’
Commuters must now write down:
Ø Actions they can take to reduce that risk e.g. asking the person if they are OK and really listening when they reply.
Ø Offering support / hugs.
Ø Now share these actions, plus any food / drink with your fellow commuters.
Part 5: Winning (no buttons need be pressed)
The game will end with the final announcement:
‘We are thrilled to announce that thanks to everyone’s kindness, the person who was sadly experiencing mental distress has now been helped to safety.’
Ø Commuters may now celebrate by clapping / singing / cheering/ shaking hands/ embracing.
Ø Everybody is now declared winner.
This story was a finalist in the 2024 WestWord Hermit Crab Prize.
Author: Kate Axeford (she/ hers) is a social worker who lives in Brighton and loves the sea. She’s made appearances in Brilliant Flash Fiction, Bending Genres, Ellipsis Zine, Janus Lit, NFFD Anthology and Splonk and has been Shortlisted for Bridport and Longlisted for Bath Flash Fiction Award. Find her @KateAxeford