Descent: Journey to the Underworld

In Descent, two Heroes embark on a desperate journey to the realm of the dead. Side by side, they delve into the depths of the Underworld in search of a boon to save the realm of the living. 

You, the players, each take the role of one of the Heroes. One of you will play the Champion, the aspiring legend with a penchant for action, and the other will play the Sage, the experienced leader with the wisdom needed to survive the challenges before you. Your roles differ, but your duties are the same: you must come together to triumph over the enemies and obstacles that lie beneath the realm of the living. As you journey, you will prepare yourselves for your inevitable confrontation with your Foe, the ruler of the Underworld. Can you cut a path through the depths and uncover the Underworld’s secrets? Or will you find yourselves overcome with doubts in each other? Can you complete your quest to save your home? And when all is done, will you survive to escape the Underworld's grasp?

Descent is a short (42-page), GM-less TRRPG for two people. Neither player has total control of the story, as each player is equal parts protagonist and author. Descent provides a framework for the journey, giving each player a clear set of motivations to choose from and a collection of scenes to build their story around. Each turn, the players will narrate a scene that grows out of the prompts provided to them, and will work with their partner to push deeper into the Underworld. Players will take turns framing scenes and describing the challenges therein. At the end of their tale, the players will reflect upon their choices and actions throughout the journey, and will face their final challenge: their duel with the Foe. It is designed to be played in one long session (3-4 hours) or two short sessions (~2 hours each). It can also be incorporated into campaigns in other systems when the story needs to focus on a dramatic journey undertaken by just two characters.

Descent is designed by Aaron Lascano, a writer and game designer who has worked for Paizo, Inc. as a freelancer for several years.

Art by Sutexii - aka Chris Hahn (she/they/he) - an LGBTQ artist specializing in Illustration and Visdev from Chicagoland.