Hi everyone!
This is the thread for Fields of Asphodel, my quasi-cozy CS game about the ancient Greek Underworld.
The short version: it’s the Hades and Persephone myth, but with gender and RO choice. So basically “spring deity moves to the Underworld via contract marriage with the unwitting god of death.”
The longer version: The H & P myth serves as the springboard for a character-driven plot in which the PC gets to build relationships, platonic and if they so desire romantic, with various residents of the Underworld. The world itself is vastly different from the PC’s former environs on Olympus, but the specific circumstances that brought them there provide an opportunity for an often-overlooked demigod to claim some power and influence for themselves. There will be at least a handful of other myths that make an appearance, and the plan is for the PC to be able to influence how events go!
FAQ:
Q1: Can the PC get out of their arranged marriage?
A: Yes, absolutely! As I hope will swiftly become clear, the Underworld characters are in general very respectful of autonomy and choice, and as soon as it is possible for the arrangement to be annulled, Hades will be more than willing to do so. It’s a plot device to get things started, and not meant to restrict people. Of course, there may be political reasons to keep it, for some more pragmatically-minded PCs.
Q2: Does this game cater to any particular gender/sexuality?
A: I haven’t written it to do so, and if it seems to, I’d really like to know how to make it not do that. I’m queer myself, and all the ROs are available to a PC of any gender. Be gay, do crimes. Be trans. Be enby or bi or ace or aro or poly. There are options here for all of you, and I welcome your feedback.
Q3: Weren’t Hades and Persephone technically related?
A: In the original myth yes. Not here; I’ve split the parentage of the first-generation Olympians like Zeus and Demeter so that this is not an issue.
Q4: Is this going to be a self-contained title or a series?
A: The current plan is for FoA and one sequel. I hope, however, to write it such that the ending of the first installment is reasonably satisfying on its own, with the understanding that some plot threads will of necessity be unfinished at that point.
Q5: What genre is this?
A: Fantasy, with some romance and touches of mystery, intrigue, action and adventure. We’ll see how I do on delivering all that.
Q6: Can I play as nonbinary or trans?
A: You can, and these options are given in character creation. There are also options for genderfluid folks to change their pronouns whenever they want, and custom pronoun input for those who prefer, e.g., neopronouns.
Q7: Say more about the ROs?
A: That’s the next post; just scroll down a tad.
Links:
- The game’s tumblr!
- My Patreon
- The game’s Discord server!