Defy the Gods: Queer Sword and Sorcery

Be sure to read and follow the community guidelines.

Jan 17, 2026 2:47 am
I backed this on Kickstarter a long time ago, because of course I did, and it's finally out. It's a PbtA sword and sorcery set in 'Fantasy Ancient Sumer' with some really interesting takes on the mechanics and genre. Quoting the book:

"Defy the Gods is a queer game. Your adventurers live on the outskirts of society. The gods hate them, the City grinds them down, but their love for each other sustains them. They love without limits. Like real-life queer people, they are outsiders with illegal bodies or illicit loves, battling both civilization and supernatural censure. Whether you, dear player, are queer or not, queer themes can enrich your sword & sorcery story.

Defy the Gods holds up a sorcerous, silver mirror so you can see yourself in it, see yourself differently, and step through into a world as new and familiar as a recurring dream. One where you and your friends belong."

I was just wondering if anyone else had backed the Kickstarter? Or would just be interested in running or playing it? Because I certainly am.

I would also love to geek out about it, ask me anything (Defy the Gods related).
Jan 17, 2026 3:48 am
This is the first I'm hearing about it, but I would love to play it. Regrettably, I've never played in an explicitly queer game. I should rectify that.
Jan 17, 2026 3:58 am
Gremlin says:
This is the first I'm hearing about it, but I would love to play it. Regrettably, I've never played in an explicitly queer game. I should rectify that.
It's here (but unfortunately not yet available for purchase)

I did kickstart it and have the pdf (plus a hardcopy once those are released). I don't really have the bandwidth to run another game right now, but maybe someday soon.
Last edited January 17, 2026 3:58 am
Jan 17, 2026 4:24 am
Well that looks cool as hell.
Jan 17, 2026 5:15 am
I’ve been waiting to play this ever since the KS! Yes please. I would love to play it. I don’t have the spoons at the moment to run it, however. After my move, maybe!

I hope you decide to run it!
Jan 17, 2026 7:14 am
Game Site says:
Slay—or seduce—your rivals
Why must it tempt me so when I am historically bad with PbtA games. D: Is there actually a proper mechanic for the seduction? Do tell me more!
...Also the aesthetics look great.

I probably won't play it because PbtA and also can't get the book (although there is a quickstart...), but I would be really interested in observing a game of it.
Jan 17, 2026 4:02 pm
Just learned of this game. I'd be interested in playing.
Jan 17, 2026 4:16 pm
FlyingSucculent says:

Is there actually a proper mechanic for the seduction? Do tell me more!
Yeah, there's a mechanic for seduction that's similar to Thirsty Sword Lesbians.
[ +- ] Entice
The hearts are also similar to the strings in Thirsty Sword Lesbians, with only a few minor differences (like no spending them to get insane bonuses on your roll).

I'm also really interested in the shake-up of the dice formula, where 8-10 is the sweet spot, 11+ is success at a price, and 7 or less is a miss.
Jan 17, 2026 4:45 pm
Ooh, nice; I like the possibility of rolling so well you accidentally fall in love with the target. XD The one time I would be happy to roll a success with a caveat.
(Also yeah, it's fun to see 11+ as a flawed success. Makes me wonder if there are any flat modifiers, since that would make for an interesting case of modifiers making things worse if the original roll is good enough.)
Jan 18, 2026 1:10 am
Ancient Babylon? And, Oh my…
Jan 30, 2026 11:47 pm
I'm excited to even hear about it.

I'm all for love without limits, but surely there should be some no-strings-attached cruising first?
Feb 1, 2026 3:47 pm
THAC0 says:
I'm excited to even hear about it.

I'm all for love without limits, but surely there should be some no-strings-attached cruising first?
Sure. Is that about the game, or just advice in general?
Feb 14, 2026 9:03 pm
well, you know,
sometimes you meet someone nice unexpectedly

or, you hope to

You do not have permission to post in this thread.