A Word on Theme and Mood

[Chapter 1]
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Legends of Alyria is a big game, and getting a handle on it could be difficult. Many players may get to the end of these rules and ask, “Where do I get started?” Hopefully, this section will help you to understand this game in the right light, so that you will instead be asking, “When can I get started?”

Legends of Alyria is designed in the tradition of classic fantasy, and as such it is focused very narrowly on stories revolving around the conflict between Good and Evil. Legends of Alyria assumes that both Good and Evil can be objectively determined, although the situation may make this determination difficult. Legends of Alyria also assumes that the moral decisions that the characters make are the most important decisions in the legend, and, as such, they are given the most attention. At the same time, Legends of Alyria also assumes that every person is a mix of good and evil traits and that the struggle can be internal just as easily as it can be external. So, as you read about Alyria, view it through a moral lens, and build your legends accordingly.

Legends of Alyria also assumes a certain mood that could perhaps be phrased as “optimistic melancholy”. The mood of the game tends to be very introverted. Alyria is not as much about bulging muscles and furious action as it is about hard choices and quiet heroism. Also the setting itself is melancholy. There are flashes of brilliant hope and beauty, but so often these are obscured by the drifting mist. So, as you read about Alyria, view it through a melancholic lens, and build your legends accordingly.

Legends of Alyria assumes the existence and realities of true heroes. However, Legends of Alyria defines heroism first and foremost as sacrifice. A hero in Legends of Alyria is not the mighty warrior who slays a thousand foes by the might of his arm. Rather, he is the man who willingly yields to a shameful, agonizing death so that others might live. So, as you read about Alyria, view it through a heroic lens, and build your legends accordingly.

Finally, Legends of Alyria assumes that the creativity of the play group is paramount, not the creativity of the designer. Therefore many questions are left open for interpretation by you, the player. Where did the Outsiders come from? Where did the dragons come from? Are there other survivors from the original colony? What exactly is possible with Keeper tech? Legends of Alyria offers suggestions, but the answers are up to you. Moreover, there are many “blank areas” in Alyria that are yours to fill in as you like. Legends of Alyria provides inspiration, but the canvas is yours to paint. Once this game enters your hands, the world of Alyria becomes your playground. There are no hidden storylines, no overarching metaplot, no complex history to be memorized and implemented. The world is yours to use as you see fit. So, as you read about Alyria, remember that, above all else, it is your world.

And build your legends accordingly.

(Forward to In the Beginning...)