Publisher's Synopsis
Kedamono Opera is a tabletop roleplaying game that revolves around a dark fairytale world. In this game, humans who are desperate and weak seek the help of powerful and immortal monsters. These monsters are only interested in consuming human souls and satisfying their own desires. The ultimate goal of Kedamono Opera is not to resolve matters efficiently nor to save humans, but to weave a beautiful tale, be it a tragedy or comedy, of your own making.
The whimsical and mystical world of Kedamono Opera is yours to define. However, there are a few guidelines that must be followed. First, the kedamono, which are creatures that include beasts, monsters, and fables, must exist. For them to exist, the Dark Forest must be present in their world. Secondly, humans exist, and they all worship a single god, regardless of who that might be. Lastly, the time period and location should be appropriate for a fairy tale, which is roughly Middle-Age Europe. Beyond these guidelines, the way humans view kedamono (some with hope, others with fear) and how the world enhances your story is at the heart of what matters most in Kedamono Opera.
In Kedamono Opera, players do not play the frail humans seeking aid but rather the kedamono themselves. Designed for 2-3 people, one person will take on the role of the gamemaster, the facilitator of the story, while the others pick from a list of kedamono, like classes or playbooks, each offering a unique set of tools to shape the story to come. Play as a fierce and vicious bear, a lonesome wolf, a sly spider, or even a shark. Each kedamono comes with highly evocative art from Nagabe of both the kedamono's true form and the person-shaped "lure" they use to speak to humans with.
Although the game's mechanics are simple, they offer great depth due to the Portents system. Using skills or failing trials can apply phrases or sentences to a Kedamono, which *must come true* by the end of the story. Though the GM has final say over how a Portent can be enacted, players are encouraged to come up with unique ways to weave their Portents into the story--or to find ways to rid themselves of them.
