Valiant Dorian is a desi, transmasc, bisexual TTRPG Performer, GM and Designer. He specializes in stories exploring the duality of love & grief, wrath & justice and divinity & monstrosity. Val is also a Twitch Variety Streamer where he hosts learning spaces for folks to learn TTRPGs and play video games! View his games on itch.io here.
 
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"Welcome to Shanivaar Mahal, Challenger. That look in your eyes...how I missed seeing that in mortals- Desperation.
Come. Play your hand, earn your salvation"

Self Asura-nce is a two-player, GM-less, narrative-focused micro RPG played with a standard deck of playing cards. One player will be playing the GUILELESS CHALLENGER - a driven, desperate, and naive seeker of boons as their salvation. The other will play the CUNNING ASURA - a powerful, roguish trickster entity who may grant boons for a worthy candidate who could best them in a fair wager.
 
Only one may emerge victorious from this daring gauntlet.  
What price will you pay for the boons you seek?
 
It was written for the 36-Word RPG Game Jam. It is inspired by media such as Inscryption and Balatro.
 
Players will need a standard deck of playing cards to play this game and are encouraged to engage in dramatic duet roleplaying with one another, embodying the drive of the Challenger and the scheming of the Asura. It is highly recommended to check out TTRPG Safety Tools before playing.
 
The art and assets used are by Davidluu, avinoart & gomixer on Canva. The fonts used are Celandine and Noto Serif Ethiopic Condensed.