Players are given basic elements in which to create a story. These elements are then woven together in order to complete the story. In Once Upon a Time, everyone is telling a fairy tale together. The elements of the story come from the cards the players hold. Everyone contributes to one story, but needs to be weaving the story in the direction of their own unique ending. Also, while playing Rory's Story Cubes, players will roll dice with symbols on them. These symbols are the elements of a story that each player will use to tell their story.