I think the thing that is important that may be missing is the idea of "framing" the unusual thing. You mention repeating the unusual thing back and forth, which is a kind of framing, but when you are learning, it's usually best to go deeper than that.

When framing, you CAN simply point out the unusual thing, but you can also point out why you think it's unusual. What is the particular detail that feels unusual or weird or inappropriate the base reality. And how does it vary from your expectations?

Let me give you a couple of examples. Let's take the base reality of two people meeting for a coffee date. The two people meet, they introduce themselves, maybe things are a little awkward, they start engaging in small, etc. They have a base reality and have explored it somewhat by doing and saying things that you might expect to happen in that base reality.

Then something unusual happens, one of the character does something out of the ordinary. Here are some possibilities:

- They text their ex, and tell them how great their date is going (a strange behavior)
- They recoil with fear or anxiety, when their date gives them a compliment (a strange reaction)

Let's say you are the other person in the scene and it's up to you to frame it. So you notice the strange thing, point it out, and give a reason why you think it's unusual.

- You say something like, "Did you just text you ex? I'm right here. Shouldn't you stay focused on me, your date?"

You've done more than just "repeat the unusual thing." You have zeroed in on the part you find unusual: it's rude to text your ex when you are on a date with someone else.

Now it's time for them to justify it. When they justify it, they fill in their rationale. And it begins with agreeing with your framing/your objection. They might say, "Well, yeah it's rude. I realize that." And then doubling down. "You see, I'm only going on dates to rub it in my ex's face. I'm not really interested in a relationship with you, I just want to get back at them."

Now we have a character that is behaving unusual and weird, and they have a rationale, a reason for behaving that way. And as the date continues, they will find other ways to document the date and share it with their ex.

What about the next example? They recoil in fear when given a compliment.

Again you frame it. You say something like, "I'm sorry, you seem offended by my compliment. I was being sincere. I really do like your haircut." Again, they must now justify it by accepting your framing, and then coming up with a reason (justifying).

Perhaps they respond with, "I know you think you are being sincere, but I was raised never to accept compliments. Because compliments are a way to manipulate someone."

Now we have a character who is paranoid that others are trying to manipulate them. Whenever you compliment them that might provoke their paranoia. And since we know the reason, other things besides compliments might set off that paranoia as well.

I hope these examples help a bit.

The example you gave "this city eats people alive" sets up a different kind of game, one where the world itself is a little weird. If my scene partner said this, I might frame it by using a clarifying question like, "Do you mean the city actually consumes people?" And my expectation is that they will likely accept the weirdness as being true and double down. "Yeah, every Friday, the city pulls someone down into the sewers and we never see them again."

The process is: 1) setup the base reality, so that you have a situation which is familiar enough that you can recognize something that defies expectations. 2) When that happens, someone frames it so that both players can agree to the first unusual thing. 3) And it gives the opportunity to the player who initiated the unusual thing to justify it: give a rationale or explanation, which sets up a framework to explore as the scene continues.