An anthology of role playing experiences that were created by a diverse cast of designers celebrating myths from various cultural heritages. Designers adapted various popular TTRPG systems, each cleverly selected to activate the myth through play.
A story of two lovers is written in the stars, while a golem is created at the kitchen table.
Your past is recontextualized through the weaving of an amulet, but your fate is ever changing through runes.
Tequila and axolotls sharing a root?!
Activate and delve into the world of myth, learn about each myth’s societal context, and begin the ritual.
TTRPGrimoire is an anthology of role playing experiences that were created by a diverse cast of designers celebrating myths from various cultural heritages. Designers adapted various popular TTRPG systems such as, Dungeons & Dragons, Ten Candles, Microscope, Powered by the Apocalypse and more—Each system cleverly selected to activate the myth through play.
TTRPGrimoire was featured in a bonus episode of the podcast "History of RPGs," hosted and edited by Dr. Moritz Botts. You can listen to it on the following platforms:
This collection was built from rigorous discussions on the intersections of myth and games. We studied the purpose of myth and culture and the intersections and parallels of mythology and games. From these conversations, each designer selected a myth to analyze and used this as inspiration to create a roleplaying experience. Through roleplay and storytelling, these games enliven ancient myths, inviting players to participate actively in mythologizing.
Myths are not stagnant, but dynamic in how they are transmitted and retold for different audiences. This project contributes to that dynamism by leveraging play as a mode of engagement and transmission.
Each designer has a level of personal engagement with the myth. Each campaign in this collection is accompanied by a reflection on the myth written by each designer and a brief essay about how this myth inspired the game they designed. Your support not only buys a game but a deeper understanding of each myth through the personal connection of the designer.
Become the mythmaker!
By supporting this project, you are now part of the story as you make it possible for these stories to continue their transmission in new forms--in this case: through play.
Buying this campaign means supporting weird artistic expression and cool myths.
Ziyi Wu designedTo the Stars and Back, a mod of The Ground Itself Inspired by the Chinese myth of "Cowherd and Weaver Girl" Finola Cahill designed a campaign for Ten Candles Inspired by the Norse myth of "Ragnarok"
Joshua Pickman designed Fate's Construction, a mod of Be*Witching Inspired by the Norse myth "The Prophecy of the Seeress"
Jessica Callahan designed Echoes of the Labyrinth, a campaign for Powered by the Apocalypse Inspired by the Greek myth "The Minotaur and the Labyrinth"
Eshan Divecha designed Eshan's Ahalya, a mod of Microscope Inspired by the Hindu story of "The Legend of Ahalya"
José Feliciano designed Children of Itiba, a mod of The Deep Forest Inspired by the Taíno story of "Yaya and his son Yayael"
Joan Zahra Dark designed The Scales, a mod of The Last Tea Shop Inspired by Egyptian ritual of "The Weighing of the Heart"
Kai Hakomori designed My Golem, a mod of Tea with Demons Inspired by the Jewish figure of The Golem
Alexej Hrajnoha designed Unravelling Mokos, a story weaving ritual Inspired by the Eastern European figure Mokos
Michael Anthony DeAnda designed Sacrifice to the Sun, a Dungeons and Dragons 5e Campaign Inspired by the Nahua story “Xolotl’s Escape”
We expect complete fulfillment of pledges by May 2027.
While our designers are currently iterating their campaigns, we want to give ourselves ample time for fulfillment.
We expect to have the completed campaigns in July 2026, at which point we will format the Grimoire and send off for printing. We have identified a printer and plan to use US-based companies, meaning we will avoid incurring further charges from tariffs. We will fabricate the add-ons (bookmarks, rune sets, weaving discs) in September and October. Avoiding setbacks, we will likely be able to fulfill orders well-before May 2027.
Michael "Mike" A. DeAnda is a game designer, educator, and scholar who designs experimental games inspired by human connection, folklore, and lived experience. Mike teaches game design at DePaul University in the School of Design. He has published articles in edited collections and scholarly journals. His games have also been exhibited in museums and showcases, such as the Myhren Gallery in Denver, Play Make Learn in Madison, WI, QGCon, and Different Games.
Visit his website to find some of his writing, CV, and portfolio: www.madeanda.com
Alexej Hrajnoha(they/it/he) is a game designer, educator and artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Alexej loves creating art games and engaging with students about the intersection of art and games. Alexej created Unravelling Mokos for TTRPGrimoire inspired by their heritage and own experiences with Eastern European paganism, Unravelling Mokos is a love letter to the divine feminine and women's craft. When not making games or working on their master's, Alexej loves birding and eating hot pot. Read more about Alexej on their website, or visit their itch.io to engage with their work. Itch.io: https://knightmaid.itch.io/ Portfolio: https://www.ahrajnoha.com/
