Afterlife Archive

KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN STATUS: Pre-launch

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You cross the threshold with anticipation buzzing in your chest, clutching your video camera like a talisman. This place is haunted. You wouldn't be here if it weren't. A gust of air brushes past you, raising the hair on your arms. Then comes a disembodied whisper: "Why are you here?" The lights go out. You know you're not alone. 

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Afterlife Archive is a solo journaling rpg that simulates a ghost hunt! The player assumes the role of a Caseworker, appointed to various Clients by the Overseer (the curious spirit who founded the Order of the Afterlife Archive). A Caseworker is tasked with building comprehensive Case Files covering the Entities that haunt their clients' properties. The player is also expected to give their clients some sage advice regarding how best to handle the hauntings.

Minimal materials are required to play: a standard deck of playing cards, a six sided die, something to take notes on, and a copy of the game zine!

The player will Study Obituaries to learn Manner of Death, Investigate the location to witness Phenomenon, and Consult with psychics to determine the Haunting Severity. After they collect their evidence and pass Nerve Checks to proceed through various stages of the Case, the player will refer to the Entity Index and decide which type haunts their client's property. Then, using all the information they've gathered, the player will devise a course of action and give their client some advice regarding the haunting.

The game is quite replayable, as there are literally 1,000 ways a Case could pan out, what with all the possible combinations of evidence!

Afterlife Archive is a simple game and an atmospheric experience that invites player imagination, creativity, and inferencing. The game stands alone, or it can be used as an investigation mechanic in other rpgs. It can also serve as inspiration for character creation and storytelling. Players are especially encouraged to collect their Case Files and assemble them into an actual archive!

NEW FEATURES IN DEVELOPMENT AS OF AUG. 31, 2023

• Detailed Case File example/explanation page
• Optional Evidence Reactions to modulate the difficulty of the Nerve Check
• Space to add custom paranormal encounters in the Phenomenon Key
• A mini game about creating the professional profile page of a psychic-for-hire
• Space to add custom Entities in the Entity Index!
• Extended gameplay offered in the epilogue: Possession & Purification. Players may become Possessed by the entity they just investigated, and they must endeavor to Purify their bodies of the ghostly hitchhiker.
• An Achievements page with 16 achievements to unlock over the course of numerous sessions of gameplay!

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NOTE: The pdf available for download is a version still in development, and, as such, is missing certain features. There are artworks missing from the Entity Index. Possession & Purification are absent, as well as the Achievments page. More features will become available as development progresses. Thank you for your patience.  :)

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If you're interested in a physical copy of the game, consider following and/or backing the Kickstarter campaign that's soon to launch. I'll be raising funds for the first official print run!