Lords of Asymmetry: A Tabletop Role-Playing Game That Will Test Your Moral Compass!

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary tabletop role-playing journey unlike any other with Lords of Asymmetry. This captivating game, designed by David F. Chapman and published by Evil Hat Productions, delves into a world riddled with moral dilemmas and complex character relationships.

Lords of Asymmetry throws players headfirst into the tumultuous realm of Arcturus, where ancient beings known as The Lords reside within massive, interconnected crystal structures called Spires. These Lords, representing fundamental aspects of existence like Order, Chaos, Creation, and Destruction, influence the world through subtle machinations and direct interventions.

But here’s the catch: these Lords aren’t benevolent gods. They are powerful entities with their own agendas, often at odds with each other. Their struggles manifest in the physical world through unpredictable shifts in reality, arcane anomalies, and even the emergence of bizarre creatures.

Players take on the roles of Champions, individuals chosen by a Lord to serve as their emissaries. Each Champion is bound to a specific Lord and tasked with advancing their interests within Arcturus. However, this allegiance comes with a hefty price: Champions are forced to grapple with the moral implications of their Lord’s decrees, often leading to conflicting loyalties and heart-wrenching choices.

A Game Built on Narrative and Moral Ambiguity:

Lords of Asymmetry shines through its unique narrative system. The game utilizes a “narrative engine” that encourages players to collaboratively craft a compelling story filled with intrigue, betrayals, and unexpected twists. Forget about rigid rules and pre-determined outcomes; in Lords of Asymmetry, your choices truly matter.

The game’s resolution system revolves around a mechanic called “Asymmetrical Dice.” These custom dice are designed to reflect the unpredictable nature of Arcturus and the conflicting goals of the Lords.

Each Lord is represented by a specific die face, symbolizing their influence. When rolling for actions, players select a die corresponding to their Lord’s domain. The results are interpreted narratively, allowing for flexibility and unexpected outcomes.

Let’s break down the core elements that make Lords of Asymmetry such a captivating role-playing experience:

Characters:

• Champions in Lords of Asymmetry are not your typical heroes. They are complex individuals burdened by their allegiance to powerful, often morally ambiguous Lords.
• Each Champion has unique abilities and motivations tied to their chosen Lord.
• Players must carefully consider the ramifications of their actions, weighing their loyalty against their own moral compass.

Storytelling:

• Lords of Asymmetry emphasizes collaborative storytelling and encourages players to actively contribute to the narrative.

• The game’s “narrative engine” provides a framework for resolving actions and events in a dynamic and engaging way.

• Outcomes are determined not just by dice rolls, but by player input and creative interpretation.

World-Building:

• Arcturus is a rich and fascinating world filled with enigmatic Spires, strange creatures, and ancient mysteries.

• The influence of the Lords shapes the landscape and society, leading to unpredictable shifts in reality and recurring anomalies.

• Players can explore this vast and ever-changing world through their Champions’ eyes, uncovering hidden truths and confronting the consequences of their actions.

The Appeal of Lords of Asymmetry: This game isn’t for everyone. It demands a certain level of maturity from its players, as they will constantly be faced with difficult moral dilemmas.

If you are looking for a straightforward hack-and-slash experience, then Lords of Asymmetry is not the right fit. However, if you crave a thought-provoking role-playing experience that challenges your assumptions and forces you to confront complex ethical questions, then prepare to be enthralled by the world of Arcturus.

The Essence of Narrative Gameplay: One of Lords of Asymmetry’s most compelling features is its emphasis on collaborative storytelling. The game encourages players to actively contribute to the narrative, weaving their characters’ actions and decisions into a larger tapestry.

Forget about pre-determined storylines or rigid rulebooks; in Lords of Asymmetry, your choices truly matter. The “narrative engine” acts as a guide, providing a framework for resolving actions and events while allowing for plenty of improvisation and creative freedom.

A Glimpse at the Gameplay Mechanics: While storytelling reigns supreme in Lords of Asymmetry, the game also features a unique resolution system based on asymmetrical dice.

Here’s how it works:

• Asymmetrical Dice: These custom dice are designed to reflect the unpredictable nature of Arcturus and the conflicting goals of the Lords. Each die face corresponds to a specific Lord, symbolizing their influence over events.
• Choosing Your Die: When taking an action, players select a die corresponding to the Lord they serve. For instance, a Champion bound to the Lord of Chaos might choose the Chaos die when attempting a risky maneuver.

Interpreting Results: The outcome of a dice roll is interpreted narratively, rather than simply assigning success or failure.

For example, rolling a high number on the Chaos die could lead to an unexpected and potentially dangerous twist in events, while a low number might signify a subtle manipulation by another Lord, influencing the outcome in their favor.

The Power of Choice: In Lords of Asymmetry, your decisions carry significant weight.

Your actions will shape not only your character’s destiny but also the fate of Arcturus itself.

Here are some examples of the choices you might face as a Champion:

• Loyalty vs. Morality:

Will you follow your Lord’s commands blindly, even if they contradict your own moral compass? Or will you risk defying them to uphold your principles?

• Alliance and Betrayal:

Can you trust other Champions, even those serving different Lords? Forming alliances can be advantageous but also fraught with danger, as betrayals are always a possibility.

• Shaping the World:

Through your actions, you have the potential to influence the balance of power in Arcturus. Will you strive to maintain order and stability or embrace the chaotic forces unleashed by the Lords?

Lords of Asymmetry: A Tabletop RPG Unlike Any Other In a sea of fantasy role-playing games that often follow familiar tropes, Lords of Asymmetry stands out as a truly unique and captivating experience. This game offers more than just dice rolling and combat; it invites you to grapple with complex moral dilemmas, explore a rich and unpredictable world, and ultimately define your own path within the intricate web of Arcturus.

If you are searching for a tabletop RPG that challenges conventions and delves into the depths of human nature, then Lords of Asymmetry is well worth exploring. Prepare to be enthralled by its narrative depth, thought-provoking themes, and unforgettable journey through the realms of morality and consequence.