Machinae Deorum // The Gods' Machines

You are gods, or at least the people's concept of gods. You might be discrete beings of immense power, eldritch beings masquerading as muses for the masses, or simply concepts given some weak esoteric form through belief. Whatever you are, you have chosen someone to show the world your glory: a messenger, a prophet, a selfish egoist. Your chosen one takes the form of an inventor, who creates greater and greater creations through your power.

Your messenger, however, does not operate in a vacuum, and other gods and mortals seek to cause them harm. Do your best to help alleviate these troubles, lest you end up an empty husk of the aether, or worse--servant to another.

Loosely inspired by American Gods by Neil Gaiman and the concept of the worldbuilding games Microscope by Lame Mage Productions and The Fool's Journey by Glittercats Fine Amusements, this is a game of rivalries, friendships, and the ever-moving progress of technology.

Machinae Deorum is a storytelling game for up to 4 players and does not use a GM. It uses one set of Major Arcana tarot cards and Minor Arcana court cards and sets of regular playing cards equal to the number of players. Therefore, to play the game, you need:

• 2 to 4 players
• One set of Major Arcana tarot (from The Fool to The World) and Minor Arcana court cards (the King, Queen, Knight, and Page of the four suits)
• One set of regular playing cards minus the court cards (in other words, have A to 10) of each suit for each player
• Scratch papers and pens equal to the number of players (optional but recommended)