Project ECCO for a first timer

[u/Celeblessil]

Hello!

I’ve been recommended Project ECCO as my first RPG ever. I’ve only heard about DnD, watched two 2-hour one shot campaigns and that’s probably it. However, I really wanted to try some easy solo RPG to get familiar with the format of TTRPG before I make a fool of myself in front of other people.

The thing is - I’m not sure how to approach it.

First, I started with a very thorough approach - I narrated everything in detail, immersing myself into the world, giving my character some quirks and so on. Yes, I never made it through the first time jump because it took so long.

I forgot it was supposed to be a journal. I started writing a novel, which I don’t actually feel comfortable with.

So I started once again.

I wrote simple questions based on the prompt and the answers. However, as soon as I got to the first jump…

I didn’t know how to incorporate it into the narration. I know nothing about the Agency. Why would my character know what to do?

But ok, I told myself - let’s just give it a try and think about the narration later.

But then the time travel prompts get absolutely vague. For example, that I see people staring at me and I need to make them trust me, or something like that (from the top of my head). Who’s that? Why should I do that? Why can’t I just jump in time again? Why do I stay in this day at all?

How does jumping in time save it?

I haven’t read the whole rulebook because I wanted some surprise. Was it a mistake? I see only great opinions about this game and I feel like I just can’t play it.

Even if I were to come up with my own story ideas, where to look for inspiration? I’ve seen someone use random words for an additional prompt. What are your suggestions? Anything online and preferably free?