Being a Hero is hard. It used to be you could just climb a mountain, ask an oracle for a divine quest, and secure your place in Elysium over a long weekend, but now… the office buildings stand as tall as any mountain. The waitlist for Elysium is only growing, and the Oracles have been replaced with a convenient app that lets you set your own schedule. The Gods expect more from would-be Heroes every year, and the modern world creates endless challenges for those who want to join the legends of old. Will you serve the Gods and earn their favor, or defy them and create a new mythology?

On the isolated island nation of Pelagos, the modern mixes with the mythic as players portray Heroes struggling to make their way in a harsh world of gilded CEOs, bullheaded managers, and living constellations. Laurels features a unique Pantheon system to track your favor with the gods and channel their power; players are invited to explore themes of humanity and divinity, defying expectations, and taking Fate into their own hands. If you enjoy modern adaptations of Greek myths like Lore Olympus, Kaos, and the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, then you will feel right at home in the world of Laurels. 

Technology may have advanced, but the Fates still play the same old tricks. Laurels invites players to explore both triumph and tragedy, with eight included playbooks that evoke archetypes from Greek myth and stage. 

 

The Champion is the most traditional among our Heroes, focusing on combat and displays of divine might. They take trophies from Monstrosities they defeat and use them to enhance their abilities. Champions honor the tradition of Achilles and Hercules.

The Fated is saddled with a fatal flaw and doomed from the start. Perhaps they spoke out of turn in the presence of a disguised God, or maybe circumstances far beyond their control contrived against them. Either way, the clock is ticking… Cautionary tales from myth include Bellerophon and Agamemnon.

The Mortal may not be able to swing a sword or lead an army, but their bond with the other Heroes sets them apart. By embracing their humanity, they remind the Heroes what they’re fighting for, though they often find themselves in over their head. Notable Mortals from myth include Patroclus and Pylades.

The Nymph is deeply entwined with their birthplace, be it the woods, rivers, or mountains, and they draw their power from unspoiled natural splendor. A Nymph who has left their home must have a very good reason, often bad news for a nearby industrialist. Famous Nymphs from myth include Calypso and Echo.

The Oracle has been saddled with the “gift” of prophecy and has seen a dark future that they struggle to prevent. While seeing through time is often a terrible curse, it does have some short-term advantages… Oracles from myth include Cassandra and Tiresias.

The Strategist epitomizes brains over brawn, plans within plans unfolding as they gather information and play their enemies against one another. Stealth, subterfuge, and style are the Strategists specialties. Strategists often study the writings of Odysseus and Perseus.

The Witch practices Pharmekeia, ancient magics tied to plants and the natural world, a power even the Gods fear. Healing allies and cursing foes in the same breath, Witches are a chaotic and powerful force. Medea and Circe have passed down their teachings to the modern Witch.

The Wretched yearns for a “normal” life, but the blood of Typhon flows within them; the blood of Monsters. The faces in the crowd look on them with fear, but still, they strive to become true Heroes. Although redemption is rare in classical myths, inspiration can be drawn from Medusa and the Minotaur, Asterion

Pantheon system- Track your relationship with your patron deity, unlocking powerful abilities that mirror their divine might… but beware, as rolling poorly will draw that God’s judgement and invite their vengeance.

Epic Destiny- Your character's end is written in the stars, for better or for worse. Those determined enough to shun their destiny may find ways to defy the Thread of Fate.

Humanity and Divinity- Laurels invites players and storytellers to explore themes of hierarchy and power, encouraging players to challenge those who sit at the top of the world. Each character must balance their own Humanity and Divinity, evolving based on their actions in each session.

Modern Mythpunk setting- Discover the towering brass city of Daedopolis, the warring twin states of Achilleum and Hectaeon, and the unexplored tidal wilds of Orpheum. Two full adventures are included with the base book, with more available as stretch goals.

Art made by Artists- Gorgeous character and setting art, inspired by traditional depictions of myth on pottery and frieze. Art made by humans, not machines.