By James Pruitt. Radiance and Raven LLC.

I was lucky enough to be sent a preview copy of Mystica Eterna RPG for review purposes. I would like to thank James Pruitt for getting in touch with me about this game. James appears to be mostly a one man crew working hard on this game, something I can definitely relate to. Also, my apologies for the lateness of this review. (Now that the holidays are behind us I can get back on my review schedule.)

My Affiliate Link on DriveThruRPG is here.

The worldbuilding is the most outstanding feature in Mystica Eterna. We get a healthy dose of what the game is all about prior to character creation (or proxy creation as the game calls it.) We also learn a great deal about the world of Terrene, its nations, cultures, and societies in the character creation rules. There is no Earth in this game as far as we know.

Terrene is a Pangea with lots of interesting people, (all human, btw.) There are seven countries with six total governments. Hylengoth is more like Northern Canada only more feral and less claimed. No one really in charge of it. Other countries are ruled by various governmental concepts. There’s a democracy, a corporatocracy, a theocracy, and communists. There’s also a magical shadow government/religion. Mystica Eterna has a lot of interesting concepts for a roleplaying game.

One of the more unique features of the game is that everyone can use mystica (magic.) It powers technology as well as regular spellcasting. This is perhaps why corporations and theological institutions alike want to control this amazing power.

One important note about the world of Terrene. The characters are not going to want to set anything on fire. The planet has a super-rich oxygen environment and flash fires are possible.

The tech level of this world is bizarre to say the least. It’s roundabout 1920’s American Dieselpunk with a bit of 1950’s sci-fi flare. Some parts are more Victorian while others are more modern-ish. It definitely makes for some interesting characters and interactions. Another side note: planet-wide prohibition. No booze.

I enjoyed this setting so much because it reminded me a little bit of a setting I made for last year’s BRP Design Challenge. I think I would very much like to explore Terrene as a setting. We have just enough of the world and the setting to keep a campaign interesting.

Thank you for being here today with me. I appreciate you. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy.