Essence and Energy is a tabletop roleplaying game set in a medieval fantasy world filled with magic and steampunk.
Explore the land masses of Unkai (sea of clouds), a planet engulfed in clouds where its land masses float around the exposed core, such as Nisumari—one of the floating realms. You are an inhabitant of Nisumari, specifically an adventurer seeking the thrill of danger, the quest for fame, the wealth of treasure, or all of it and more.
The realm of Nisumari is a strange and wondrous land that floats through Unkai. Filled with exotic creatures, diverse cultures, and a place where technology has bridged the gap between magic and the mundane. Steam power rules supreme, slowly advancing cultures to new eras and heights. It is a world that you’re a part of, as you adventure out to discover the hidden treasures and mysterious mysteries of its inhabitants.
Through the study of energetics (magic), the people of Nisumari have been able to advance their civilizations in the fields of magic and technology. Thirteen major energies flow in the atmosphere and are used to create technological and magical aspects that are present throughout the world. From compressed steam canisters that power steam devices and weapons; to channelers (wizards) providing magical services to those in need; to adventurers (that’s you) tapping into their inner energy (essence) to perform supernatural feats and channel spells.
As a player, you create and tell the story of an adventurer living in Nisumari. Creating your adventurer is open and the only limitations are your imagination and the physics of the game world (i.e. rules and mechanics of the game). Pick from eleven different species that are broken up into a combination of over thirty unique sub-species. Select which culture within the world your adventurer is from and where they learned their language(s), skills, and cultural traits. Be a Vras orc raised in the land of the Ellarian forest elves or a half Vashi elf, half Myri gnome who grew up with the Raf’Shat Orcs of the Rafaite plains. The countless number of combinations that you can create with sub-species and cultures is all up to you.
As you play through the game, you collect experience points, levels, and money to further develop your adventurer as you see fit. Select from the many masteries, character traits, extensive equipment, and unique magic to mold and shape your adventurer to become the best they can be.
Be warned, Nisumari might seem like all fun, thrills, and glory, but the land is brutal and the creatures even more so. As death is permanent, and no amount of praying to the gods will resurrect you. Of course, unless you have angel wings.
I recommend starting with the Nisumari’s Creation Story to get an idea of the deities (major energies) and learn about how the world came into existence according to one religious belief.
Following that, continue through the Introduction section to learn the basics about what is involved. For new TTRPG players, this will help you understand what a roleplaying game is and provide basic knowledge about the world Essence and Energy takes place in, Nisumari.
Otherwise, if you already know the introduction, jump right into character creation in Chapter 1: Character Creation.
Welcome to Essence and Energy!
The table of contents can be found to the left (look for the Esence and Energy logo).
This game is in early access. Please enjoy it with your friends and don't forget to give feedback.
During the early access period, all content will be available for free. This is to ensure all aspects of the game get proper testing and improve as needed. The early access period will continue until I feel the game is complete enough to launch.
The entire previous version has been converted over to this website with the exception of the crafting chapter as it is getting a rework. Only parts of the new crafting system has been added and more will come as it is developed. The update to the crafting system will cause discrepancies between prices in the marketplace and crafting chapters.
Your input and feedback are important! You can currently provide all constructive feedback and suggestions through Discord under the #ene-feedback channel. I take the feedback seriously and appreciate it. I have been designing Essence and Energy to be a game that not only I enjoy but also for others to enjoy.
When the game has officially launched, full access to the game content (i.e. most of this website) will require a subscription through Patreon. However, there will be a free limited “demo” version for you to try before you buy. There will be Patreon tiers available for donations during the play-testing period if anyone wants to help support the game. Donating money does not provide any additional features or privileges, but goes to hosting and other business expenses. Plus, you have my utmost sincere gratitude, Thank You!