AmaZINE: ‘As The Gods Demand’
by Anton Kromoff
Welcome to the table,
If there is one thing an Anton is going to do, it’s buy a Zine. Now, there are some stipulations. I won’t buy a Zine that has any kind of hate or bigoted content, the table is for everyone unless you are a bigot. I won’t buy a Zine that has AI art. A large majority of my friends, colleagues, and collaborators work in creative fields. If you want to make AI art Zines, that’s on you, but I’m not going to support them.
If it has rad art, I want it. If it has cool game mechanics, I want it. If it has really fun fluff*, I want it. As the Gods Demand from Feral Indy Studios checks all those boxes and I wanted it. So I got it!
As the Gods Demand is a zine that offers a really fun and unique take on the concept of divine power and deities for use in your TTRPG games.
It’s a 24-page book that from cover to cover is stuffed with a really fun deconstruction of divine power that provides players with a level less divine magic system involving divine favors, miracles, and rites. What it provides is an alternate way to go able accessing the powers granted by faith in your weekly TTRPG sessions.
What stands out to me about the way that As the Gods Demand showcases access to the divine in the game is that it’s not just a “level up, get your new abilities, move on to the next level” experience that you traditionally see in core books.
Players can take specific steps and make sacrifices and offerings to earn the favor of their chosen deity all while walking the path of a cleric, priest, cultist, or zealot that now requires action and risks with consequences that deepens the role-playing experience at the table allowing for a multitude of interesting choices for those who want to grow in power.
There are new gods presented in As the Gods Demand as well, with lore for both Storytellers and players to explore. Each god comes with their own miracles, rituals, and demands, offering players a range of powers and boons if they are willing to undertake tasks to earn their favor.
Written and illustrated and designed by Charles Ferguson-Avery, As the Gods Demand is honestly a must-have for any TTRPG fans looking to explore a new take on faith, divine power, and what the gods allow. With its unique approach and engaging content, this zine is sure to add a whole new level of excitement and depth to your table experience.
Until next time, the gods are always listening.
*Fluff – The non-rules and math part of a TTRPG book.
