An alternative empire full of magic and mystery
What if the Roman Empire had never fallen – because it had learned to use magic? This question is answered by Lex Arcana, a fascinating historical fantasy role-playing game from Uhrwerk Verlag, which transports players to a vivid, mystical antiquity. Ancient history, mythological creatures and occult secrets come together here – and provide material for exciting adventures around the entire Imperium Romanum.
The setting of Lex Arcana – The empire that never fell
Lex Arcana takes you back to an alternative version of late antiquity, more precisely to the year 476 AD – a fateful year in our real history, because that is when the Western Roman Empire fell. But this does not happen in Lex Arcana.
A Roman Empire supported by magic
At the center of this world is a powerful Rome that relies not only on its legions and administration, but also on arcane sciences. The emperors recognized early on that, in addition to discipline and diplomacy, magic can also be a weapon – and a necessity to protect the empire against external and internal threats.
A network of seers, ritual masters and scholars pervades the Imperium. These Arcani – and especially the Cohors Auxiliaria Arcana – work in secret to ensure that demonic infiltrations, curses of the gods and magical artifacts do not disturb the balance.
A world between history and myth
In Lex Arcana, factual history meets mythical interpretation. You travel through real provinces – from Gaul to Egypt and Thrace – but supernatural dangers lurk everywhere:
- In Germania, direwolves prowl through dark forests.
- Ancient deities awaken in the deserts of Egypt.
- Forbidden cults rest in the ruins of Carthage.
- The island of Britannia is haunted by fairy creatures and Celtic gods.
- Demons from forgotten religions of ancient times lurk in Mesopotamia.
Each region brings its own mystical coloring – the cultures and belief systems of this world not only exist in parallel, but actually exist and have power.
The Custodes – guardians of the invisible
As a player, you embody a Custos, a member of the Cohors Auxiliaria Arcana, a top-secret unit that acts in the name of the Emperor. Your mission is to track down supernatural threats, secure magical relics and neutralize occult dangers – before they shake the empire.
You are no ordinary soldier – you can be a:
- Haruspex, a soothsayer who reads from entrails,
- a theurgist who negotiates with ancient gods,
- a legionnaire who fights with divine wrath,
- a Sibylline scholar who deciphers ancient writings,
- or a ritual magician who channels dangerous powers.
This mixture of history, magic and agent work gives the game a special, almost “X-Files meets antiquity“character.
Religions and gods – powers beyond politics
In contrast to many fantasy worlds, the gods in Lex Arcana really exist – in various forms and regions. Roman, Egyptian, Celtic, Babylonian, Thracian or Numidian deities are active, respond to rituals or even intervene directly in the world.
But these gods are not simply benevolent: they have their own interests, rules and alliances. The player characters often operate in a dangerous field of tension between divine mission, imperial loyalty and personal morality.
Sound & atmosphere – intrigue, mystery, splendor and decay
Lex Arcana thrives on its mystical and historical flair:
- Magnificent villas in Rome and Alexandria,
- sinister conspiracies in the Senate,
- barbarian raids in which shadow creatures join the fight,
- old, forbidden writings that can bring madness,
- Rituals in which the fate of an entire legion is changed.
The game oscillates between epic power fantasy (you are part of an elite with access to magic and imperial power) and deep mysteries that often raise more questions than answers.
The basic rulebook
The Lex Arcana Core Rulebook is a high-quality book with 304 full-color pages. It offers everything you need to get started:
- Character creation with historically inspired archetypes
- Extensive rules for combat, magic and rituals
- A unique game mechanic with sortes throws and prodigies
- A bestiary with mythological creatures
- Two starting adventures(The Long Winter Nights & The Mothers of Cenabum)
Accessories & extensions
Uhrwerk Verlag has already published some very useful and atmospheric expansions to deepen the gaming experience:
A collection of exciting short adventures in various regions of the Empire. Perfect for game nights or as campaign building blocks.
52 cards for the game master – contain magical effects, conditions, Sortes cards and more.
The counterpart for players: cards for weapons, styles, rituals – for faster game flow.
For all those who want to get a taste of the game: simplified rules, archetypes and a starter adventure.
Game master screen (SL screen)
A sturdy, three-part umbrella with helpful tables and references – ideal for a quick overview at the gaming table.
Who is Lex Arcana suitable for?
If you like playing historical settings but still don’t want to do without magic, gods and fantastic creatures, Lex Arcana is made for you. Fans of series such as Rome, Spartacus or The Witcher with a penchant for Latin will also find their new favorite game here. Particularly exciting: the game world is historically based but full of supernatural twists and turns – ideal for creative storytellers and history buffs.
Our conclusion
Lex Arcana is more than just a role-playing game – it is a fascinating experiment: What if the most powerful empire of the ancient world had never fallen – thanks to magic? The detailed rules, the harmonious accessories and the unique setting make it a real insider’s tip for anyone who wants to explore paths other than dragon lairs and cyberpunk metropolises.
Hic incipit fabula! – Your adventure in the magical Imperium Romanum begins here!