Defy the Gods

Enter a world of blood, bronze and beating hearts.

Find your fortune in the half-drowned halls of lost Atlantis. Fall in love in the hunting grounds of giant sphinxes. Slay—or seduce—your rivals in a metropolis of clay, gold and lapis lazuli. A single sword stroke or kiss can change everything.

Defy the Gods is a roleplaying game of daring adventure, ruinous romance, and cursed power. Inspired by Clash of the Titans, Conan the Barbarian and Princess Mononoke, it's sword & sorcery that stabs you in the heart.

In this book, you'll find:

• A system designed for playing emotionally entangled outcasts with the gods themselves against them.
• A fresh take on Powered by the Apocalypse where you can roll too high and blaze with glory.
• The World Scene interlude where you play the villains and sharpen the story’s drama.
• Rules for building gods and city-states with their own cults, customs and conflicts.
• Over 30 creatures and enemies to challenge.
• A guide to fantasy ancient Mesopotamia from the starry heavens to the Underworld.

Strike boldly. Love fiercely.
Ascend to a glorious destiny...
…And be transformed forever.

"A smart, purposeful take on sword & sorcery roleplaying, backed by mechanics that drive you toward interesting and loaded narrative. It's a really cool game."
—Avery Alder, creator of Monsterhearts, The Quiet Year and Going For Broke

“Defy the Gods explodes into brilliant colors at the table. The game is generous in the inspiration and momentum it offers, making it easy as either player or GM. The collaborative world-building alone feels luxurious.”
—Rae Nedjadi, creator of Apocalypse Keys and Balikbayan

“An incredibly elegant twist on PbtA that fits the world perfectly. Exactly what you want in a core mechanic and a new setting.”
—Brian Liberge, Games on Demand

• 312 pages
• Full color
• 3–6 players
• 18+ years of age
• 3–4 hours to play each session