The phrase “As Above, So Below” originates from ancient esoteric traditions and signifies the interconnectedness between the celestial and the earthly realms. This maxim emphasizes that the forces that govern the universe, whether physical or metaphysical, mirror one another. The theme of balance is central to understanding the universal order, making it an ideal foundation for an immersive tabletop RPG.
As Above, So Below: The Remba Sourcebook Cover RPG draws inspiration from this concept, inviting players to explore a richly woven world where the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual are constantly in flux. By delving into this world, players embark on a journey of balance, fate, and duality. Through character creation, game mechanics, and storytelling, this RPG taps into a world where cosmic entities, spiritual journeys, and terrestrial struggles intertwine, offering a rich and thoughtful experience for players and game masters alike.
1. Introduction to the Game World
Remba, the setting for As Above, So Below: The Remba Sourcebook Cover RPG, is a world where celestial and terrestrial realms are in constant interaction. The game world is split into two fundamental planes: the Celestial and the Terrestrial. These two realms are not separate but are deeply entwined, influencing one another in complex and sometimes paradoxical ways.
The Celestial Realm is a place of ideals, higher consciousness, and divine influence. It is home to ethereal beings like angels, gods, and cosmic forces. In this realm, laws of harmony and divine order reign, and the space is constantly shifting as celestial entities work to maintain or disrupt the cosmic balance. This realm is often associated with wisdom, enlightenment, and justice, but it is also filled with mysteries that even the most knowledgeable beings struggle to understand.
The Terrestrial Realm is the earthly domain, where physical beings dwell. It is a world of contradictions—where life thrives, yet decay is inevitable, where love and hate coexist, and where material wealth often clashes with spiritual poverty. The people of Remba are born into this world, where the struggles of day-to-day existence are set against the backdrop of a universe full of larger, unknown forces. Within this realm, mortals, gods, and demons live side by side, though they rarely share common goals.
The key to Remba’s dynamic and ever-changing nature is the constant interplay between these two realms. Players will need to navigate both dimensions to understand the larger forces at work in the world of Remba and ultimately decide how they will interact with these powers.
2. The Remba Sourcebook and Its Significance
The Remba Sourcebook is more than just a rulebook—it is a gateway to a new way of thinking about the RPG experience. It serves as both a comprehensive guide to the world of Remba and a tool for building the game’s complex narrative.
The book’s cover reflects the duality at the heart of the game’s theme. On one side, there is a depiction of celestial beauty: radiant stars, divine beings, and ethereal landscapes. On the other side, the terrestrial world is represented by vast forests, crumbling cities, and mortal struggles. This visual dichotomy sets the tone for the entire RPG, with players exploring the tension and harmony between the forces that shape the two realms.
Celestial Influence and Divine Intervention
The Celestial Realm is home to divine beings, known as the Ethereals, who are thought to be the creators and maintainers of the laws that govern both realms. The Ethereals are powerful cosmic entities who personify ideals such as peace, justice, love, and wisdom, but they also embody chaos and destruction when the balance of the world is threatened. These beings are not omnipotent—rather, they operate according to the cosmic laws that govern existence, which they themselves cannot break.
Players may encounter these Ethereals, who may offer guidance or impose challenges based on the character’s alignment or actions. The influence of the Ethereals can take many forms, from blessings and boons to warnings or trials meant to test the player’s resolve. However, such interventions are never without cost, and the price may be steep, depending on the player’s choices.
Terrestrial Influence and Mortal Struggles
While the Celestial Realm represents ideals and divine guidance, the Terrestrial Realm is a world of raw physicality and struggle. It is a place where mortals must grapple with the challenges of survival, the pursuit of power, and the complexity of their emotions. The Terrestrial Realm is home to various factions and cultures, all vying for dominance and seeking ways to harness the power of the Celestial Realm for their own benefit.
The political intrigues, conflicts, and adventures that players can participate in are centered on the Terrestrial world. Here, players will form alliances, rivalries, and will often face moral dilemmas. The choices made in the Terrestrial realm—whether to act for personal gain or to fight for a greater cause—will affect not only the course of the story but also their connection to the Celestial Realm.
3. Game Mechanics
The mechanics of As Above, So Below have been designed with an emphasis on balance, consequences, and the constant push-and-pull between celestial and terrestrial forces. The game utilizes a unique system that blends narrative-driven gameplay with strategic decision-making.
Character Attributes: Celestial vs. Terrestrial
Characters in As Above, So Below are shaped by their connection to both realms. Each character has two sets of attributes: one representing their Celestial nature and the other representing their Terrestrial nature. These attributes reflect the balance of their power, wisdom, and physicality.
Celestial Attributes focus on a character’s spiritual strength, intellect, and divine connection. These attributes govern abilities like insight, magic, divine speech, and other abilities related to the metaphysical realm. Characters with higher Celestial attributes will find themselves more attuned to the higher powers and can influence events on a cosmic scale.
Terrestrial Attributes reflect a character’s worldly abilities. These include physical prowess, combat skills, crafting, and other practical skills necessary for survival in the mortal world. A character with higher Terrestrial attributes might excel in combat, negotiation, or influencing mortal affairs.
The Balance attribute is perhaps the most crucial, representing how harmoniously a character has integrated the influences of both realms. Characters with a perfect balance of Celestial and Terrestrial forces are in alignment with the world, and their decisions will often yield the most favorable outcomes. However, characters who become too focused on one realm may fall out of balance, with detrimental consequences for their actions.
Fate Rolls and Consequences
The game uses a special set of dice known as Fate Dice to resolve actions. Fate Dice are rolled to determine outcomes in various situations, such as combat, diplomacy, or spiritual quests. The Fate Dice system is unique in that it not only determines success or failure but also the nature of the consequences, which will be influenced by the character’s current balance.
For example, if a character is heavily aligned with the Celestial realm, their Fate Dice roll might grant them a boon, such as divine intervention or cosmic insight. However, this alignment may also cause a loss in their terrestrial abilities, like a reduction in physical strength or a feeling of detachment from their mortal relationships.
On the other hand, if a character is more aligned with the Terrestrial, they may find themselves more capable in physical tasks, but their disconnection from the Celestial forces could result in negative consequences, such as moral dilemmas or difficulty in accessing spiritual guidance.
The Fate Mechanism is what sets this RPG apart from traditional games. Rather than simply rolling for success or failure, players must consider the long-term consequences of their actions in relation to both realms. Every decision shapes the player’s alignment, and thus, their destiny.
4. Character Creation and Development
Character creation in As Above, So Below is deeply intertwined with the game’s theme of balance and duality. Players will begin by selecting their character’s background, race, and core attributes, which will help define their relationship with both the Celestial and Terrestrial realms.
Character Archetypes
The game offers several archetypes, each offering a different perspective on how the character interacts with the two realms. These archetypes help guide the player’s choices in the game and offer unique abilities and starting points.
- The Ascendant: Celestial beings who have descended to the Terrestrial world to learn about mortal existence. They are wise but struggle with understanding the material needs of the world.
- The Mortal: Ordinary humans whose destiny is intricately tied to the Celestial forces. They are limited by their physical nature but possess the potential for greatness through spiritual growth.
- The Hermit: A solitary individual who has withdrawn from the Terrestrial world to focus on understanding the deeper mysteries of the Celestial realm. Hermits are highly attuned to spiritual forces but often lack practical experience in the mortal world.
- The Demigod: A hybrid being, born of both the Celestial and Terrestrial realms. Demigods possess powers of both realms but are often torn between their conflicting natures.
Character Growth
As players progress through the game, their characters will evolve, shifting their alignment based on the choices they make. A character who leans too heavily into the Celestial will gain divine power but may become disconnected from the real world. A character too focused on the Terrestrial will gain strength but may lose touch with their spiritual side.
