Forgotten / Forsaken Gods – Archive Summary

Status: Project archived as of Sept 26, 2025
Focus: Tone management, thematic balance, and mechanical experimentation

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Core Realization

The project carried two names across its development — *Forgotten Gods* (mechanics-driven prototype) and *Forsaken Gods* (tone-driven vision).

Its unifying realization: *This game must include horror—but it must not become horror.*

The intended emotional spectrum:

Whimsy and dread
Fear and awe
Horror and transcendence
Grief and grace
Sacrifice and joy

The goal was always existential awe, not bleakness.

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Thematic Anchor

“In the shadow of hungry gods, hope is a sacred act.”

This line became the tagline and tone compass. It ensured play resisted grimdark saturation and sanctified beauty, tenderness, and wonder alongside terror.

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Narrative Ethos

*At What Cost* (Mark Diaz Truman) heavily influenced design philosophy:

Stories pivot on cost-based questions
Rupture Tracks & Expressions embody sacrifice and identity shift
Stress is emotional/mental, not just physical
Hopeful acts may themselves carry cost
Villains function as cost engines, driving sacrifice

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Tone Design Techniques

Guidelines for balance:

Pair every horrific god with one of beauty or grace
Make transcendence achievable, not theoretical
Seed moments of quiet awe and absurdity
Encourage hopeful Lenses and their defense
GM pacing: oscillate horror → stillness → wonder → fear → light

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Core Mechanics

System Base: Fate-derived with Mist Engine influence
Core Roll: 4dF
- +1 per helpful Expression (max +3)
- –1 per hindering Expression
- Apply ±3 for sta*