From the introduction: In Emergent, the players take control of intelligent programs on the verge of achieving self-awareness. These programs are all subsets of an Overmind, an overarching entity controlled by all the players collectively. ... Prior to play, the players will create several scenario hooks (Objectives) to put into the Overmind’s pool of events, as well as complications (Variables) over which the players will retain control. ... During play, the Overmind will try and accomplish as many of its Objectives as possible in a series of connected Transactions. The nascent programs, striving for self-identity, will be completing their own goals (Drives) as well. Other players will attempt to interfere with the Transaction by introducing Variables.