Disonismics

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows defines “onism” as the frustration caused by being trapped in just one body, limited to our own singular view of the infinite cosmos. Eternally separate and disconnected.

DISONISMICS rejects this premise, and posits that we live many lives, in many different worlds and times, or at least we can pretend to.

Presented as a series of zines, DISONISMICS acknowledges and features multiple systems of mechanics and multiple settings. Link settings together and play characters or PERSONAS in one setting that are the dream avatars or extra-dimensional versions of a PERSONA in another. Let one character gain experience from the exploits of another, from perhaps an entirely different game. Introduce rules that allow for purposeful meta-gaming, and work it into the narrative.

Issuance 001, SUBSTRATUM, presents a basic rules set with 2 modes of play: SNAP MODE is a rules light, narrative focused way to play, with the mechanics favoring the players, while GNARLY MODE is a brutal and crunchy alternative using d30s. Switch back and forth whenever you like. Future settings are touched on briefly with a slightly closer look at a Science Fantasy setting called The Subliminal Star. 3 playable Ilks, 3 Callings, 3 creatures, and a small selection of gear are provided to get your game off and running. Future issues will provide expanded rules, more artwork and random tables, detailed setting information, examples of play, guides for translating one system of mechanics to another, and suggestions for using your game or aspects of it, as an ongoing, working magickal ritual.