Quickstart rules.
An Empire Without End
The core rulebook of the best-selling Italian RPG of all time, with a unique setting merging history, mythology and the legends of Ancient Rome. An original `historical fantasy` setting with simple and well-crafted rules, by the designers of The One Ring and Zombicide RPG.
Lex Arcana is a roleplaying game whose unique setting merges history, mythology and legend. It is a world where Roman imperial legions clash with barbaric hordes on the field of battle, while ancient monsters, mystical powers and nameless cults threaten the rule of the Caesars from within.
Players take on the role of Custodes (wardens) of the Cohors Auxiliaria Arcana, imperial agents sent on missions to the most distant and dangerous corners of the Roman Empire and beyond.
We are at the end of the fifth century AD, thirteen centuries since the founding of Rome. The Empire has not fallen. In this alternative timeline, Rome has avoided its end by using its haruspices, sages and oracles, escaping the sequence of events which in actual history brought to its fall.
The Empire’s stability has allowed it to strengthen itself for decades and has not suffered any drastic changes, invasions and the breaking up of its territory. Economic growth has brought greater wealth to all the population and many peoples outside its borders are considered Roman citizens, protected by the invulnerable Pax Romana (the Roman Peace). But the Empire’s mighty and invincible legions and divinatory rituals are no longer enough to protect the Empire.
Other powers are working, hidden behind the veil of tangibility: ancient demons, dark magic, witchcraft and monsters from forgotten depths.
Originally published in Italy in 1993, Lex Arcana was designed by an exceptional team of authors: Dario De Toffoli, Leo Colovini, Marco Maggi and Francesco Nepitello. For the new edition, the same team is now reunited under the creative direction of Andrea Angiolino, to create a game that will appeal to veteran players and newcomers to Lex Arcana alike.
To enjoy Lex Arcana players are not required to have a degree in Roman history: the world has taken a different turn from what you may have read in history books.
All you need to play in the Empire without end is included in the games's core publications for the game, whether you are planning to play one-shot sessions or a whole campaign. All you need to decide is who will be the Demiurge, your game master.
Lex Arcana was first developed 25 years ago, but its core rules and mechanics are still fresh and elegant: depending on your character's skill level, roll a die or a combination of dice. To succeed, you must beat the difficulty rating, named difficulty threshold.
The truly unique part, however, is that players get to decide what combination of dice to roll. For each roll players make, they decide how a big a risk they want to take. The difficulty rating is provided by the Demiurge, including in the fast and lethal combat phase.
Additionally, the Sortes, special tablets part of the Custodes' standard equipment, can change the result of an event.
Another key role is played by Roman Magic: in this alternative timeline, Rome has avoided its end by using its haruspices, sages and oracles, escaping the sequence of events which in actual history brought to its fall. Since the foundation of the city, the magical might of the Caesars has revolved around the art of Divination, ritual practices aimed at foretelling the future, descry past events, read portents and interpret the favour of the gods.
Roman magic is used to gather information and not to harm or destroy. The art of Divination can be performed in two ways: either by carrying out a ritual or by interpreting omens.
You and the other Custodes will travel to the four corners of the land, investigate terrifying threats, recover lost relics, unearth forgotten secrets and fight legendary supernatural creatures.
From misty Britannia to the immense rivers of Babilonia, from the Egyptian deserts to the beautiful beaches of Italia, the adventures awaiting the Custodes are as numerous as the Empire the Cohors Arcana must defend is large. For the glory of Rome and the Empire without end!
The Core Rulebook includes:
* Full rules to play Lex Arcana
* A full world to play in
* 12 pre-generated Custodes
* Rules to make and advance your Custos
* Advice for the Demiurge
* The ancient world bestiary
* Two extensive introductory adventures: The Long Winter Nights and The Mothers of Cenabum
