Back in 2021, Polygon was the first to give us a glimpse into “Auroboros: Coils of the Serpent,” a gritty tabletop game that has its roots in Chris Metzen’s childhood basement from the ’80s. One aspect of this setting I absolutely adore is how it gives the spotlight to bards, complete with a Burning Man-esque festival where they can truly let loose. However, what really stands out in the game is its unique magic system, which hinges on the power of mystical tattoos.
Metzen explained to me, “The Auroboros itself is sort of an ancient creative force. Tapping into its power lets you access abilities beyond your usual class skills. But beware, as it can also lead to madness and death. Think of it like a rock star’s wild life—channeling that Jim Morrison-level energy.”
Though Warchief Gaming, Metzen’s publishing venture, seems to be inactive for now—we’re experiencing some technical issues with their website and are checking in to find out more—you can still find the initial products of this intriguing line on Amazon. If this tickles your fancy, I recommend grabbing the “Auroboros: Coils of the Serpent – Worldbook: Lawbrand.” It’s an expansive guide that takes you through the entire setting seamlessly. Additionally, if you’re into thematic storytelling, there’s a novel called “Auroboros: Under the Sun,” which features Metzen himself as one of the narrators.