In a gritty city of magic and a fraught history, players spend their days investigating mysteries. At night, however, they explore the city’s rich neighborhoods and intriguing people, all the while unraveling even more to discover. Vantavit: City of Lies is a game for those into gumshoe-style narrative, simplistic mechanics with rich storytelling, and flexibility in playing either one-shots or long-term campaigns.
Core Mechanic
City of Lies’ core mechanic is one of wagering against risk. Rather than relying on randomness (i.e., rolling dice) to determine the outcome of each action, players wager points in their Attributes + Skills to attempt their tasks. Successes, ties, and failures allow them to then call upon dice to modify the outcome — either improving it or changing it — for narrative effect rather than purely random binary chance. This allows for a more streamlined style of play that favors narrative between both the players and the storyteller.
Archetypes
City of Lies is a class-less system, but there are a few archetypes you might slip into. These help guide players but can be used as is for quick, easy play. Art by © Leon Plontsch and Izzy Peters.
City of Vantavit
Vantavit City is one of modern marvels — the leytram system, the aetherships, the rising spires of steel and concrete — as well as old traditions buried deep in the marshes. It is a place that has long needed reform but seems set on keeping itself in a state of stagnation as the Mundane, Arcane, Mystic, and Illusionist peoples of the city vie for a voice. Those who live in the great berth of the city want for little in the way of diversity and things to do, though they may very well want for many other things. You will walk the streets, wander the riverside, and investigate the strange, terrifying things that sometimes haunt the alleys and pubs in order to work toward a brighter future for the city.
Playtesting
If you’re interested in joining an upcoming play-test, please click here to find out information.
Sheer Spec Press 