Ruina: A Symphony of Madness and Surrealist Storytelling!

Delving into the realm of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) often unveils hidden gems, experiences that transcend the ordinary and transport players to realms beyond imagination. Today, we embark on a journey through the bizarre and unsettling world of “Ruina,” a game unlike any other. Developed by Goblinoid Games, known for their penchant for pushing boundaries and crafting evocative narratives, Ruina plunges players into a gothic-horror setting rife with existential dread and macabre beauty.

At its core, Ruina is not merely about rolling dice and vanquishing monsters; it’s a profound exploration of the human psyche and the fragility of reality itself. The game world, known as the Labyrinth, is a decaying metropolis populated by strange creatures, haunted memories, and tormented souls.

Navigating the Labyrinth: A World Defined by Decay and Wonder

Imagine a city perpetually shrouded in twilight, its buildings crumbling under the weight of forgotten dreams and echoing with whispers of madness. This is the Labyrinth, a labyrinthine expanse where logic falters, and nightmares take physical form. Players assume the roles of “Dreamers,” individuals capable of traversing this ethereal realm and manipulating its surreal landscapes.

The Labyrinth is divided into distinct districts, each reflecting a specific theme or emotion: The Whispering Ward echoes with sorrow and regret, while the Carnival of Broken Masks revels in twisted joy and morbid spectacle.

Themes and Mechanics: Unraveling Reality One Roll at a Time

Ruina stands apart from traditional TTRPGs due to its unique blend of mechanics and narrative design.

• Sanity System: Unlike most games that focus solely on physical health, Ruina introduces a “Sanity” system, representing the characters’ mental fortitude. The Labyrinth constantly tests their grip on reality, with each encounter potentially chipping away at their sanity. As Sanity decreases, Dreamers are prone to hallucinations, paranoia, and ultimately, madness.

• The Tarot: Ruina employs a Tarot-based system for resolving actions and encounters. Instead of relying solely on dice rolls, players draw cards representing different archetypes and outcomes. The card drawn dictates not only the success or failure of an action but also provides narrative prompts, enriching the storytelling experience.

• Collaborative Storytelling: Ruina emphasizes shared storytelling. The Game Master (GM) guides the narrative but actively encourages player input, shaping the world and its inhabitants through collective imagination.

The Unfolding Narrative: A Tapestry of Dreams and Nightmares

Ruina is best enjoyed as a campaign experience, allowing players to delve deeper into the Labyrinth’s mysteries and unravel the intertwined fates of their Dreamers.

Here are some potential storylines that could emerge during a Ruina campaign:

• Seeking Redemption: A group of Dreamers seeks to undo past transgressions or break free from a karmic cycle that binds them to the Labyrinth.

• Unveiling Hidden Truths: Players could embark on a quest to uncover the secrets behind the Labyrinth’s creation, confronting powerful entities and unraveling ancient conspiracies.

• Fighting Against Corruption: Dreamers may band together to resist the influence of shadowy forces seeking to corrupt the Labyrinth and twist its inhabitants into grotesque parodies.

A Game for the Bold: Embracing the Macabre and Surreal

Ruina is not for the faint of heart. It’s a game that challenges players to confront their deepest fears and explore the darker corners of human imagination. The surreal imagery, unsettling themes, and constantly shifting reality require a willingness to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty.

The success of Ruina lies in its ability to transport players into a world unlike any other. Its blend of gothic horror, psychological exploration, and innovative mechanics creates an experience that is both terrifying and captivating. If you’re seeking a TTRPG that pushes boundaries and delves into the darkest recesses of the human psyche, Ruina may be just the game for you.