Playing with a game master is something I've done plenty, and I'd definitely recommend it if that's what works for your group. A good in-between would maybe be keeping the Pillars open for anyone to use, but primarily still used by a GM.
As with a lot of things in the game, I like to leave meanings up to interpretation. The idea of "stopping what's coming" ties to the sense of dread from The Doom pillar, but it's not necessarily always directly tied to it. All that line really implies is that it's tied to the overall mystery.
The specifics of what you're trying to do with the move is what matters though. If you are searching a crime scene, Look for Answers could for sure work, but you could also have a pillar make a move (Like The Enigma's "Reveal the future, subtly or directly"). Questioning a suspect also works for Look for Answers, but you could also Manipulate Someone.
The choices you make in the Pillars are essentially world/story building. I've never played with these aspects changing, but I see no reason for them to always be stagnant. If your story builds to something fundamental undergoing change, then go for it! Hope this helps!
Yeah! I ended up playing the game as a GM and solo during some playtests, so I figured I'd hint at the possibility. No specific rules for those modes of play at the moment though.
great questions!!! this game was designed with various interpretations in mind, so I'm not going to fully answer every question, just provide some extra context.
1. I wouldn't necessarily say it has to be extra information. it absolutely can be extra, but this option could act as context to your 7+ option. More information doesn't always mean the information is helpful or good. An uncomfortable truth should be uncomfortable.
2. This isn't explained on purpose, do what feels right to you. I will say one thing though. Just because something is phrased as a fact doesn't mean you can't disagree with it.
3. This also isn't explained on purpose. Just know that there is always a price The Contrite has to pay.
4. Pillar Moves can be used in many contexts, they don't always have to be negative. If you want to use this move in a negative context, then maybe explore the ways an ally can make the conflict between Masks and Authorities even more complex.
5. Institutions, Social Constructs, Laws, Authorities.
so sorry if I'm answering this too late (I assume you were planning on a gift for the holidays). but if you still want to gift this to someone at some point, physical copies will be available later this year. I figured that might be a better way to gift the game. when that happens, I'll be sending out an email to people who already own the game. Also, community copies will always be available!
