The Infinite - A Vertigo Comics Inspired Game

The Infinite is my love letter to the Vertigo comics of the 1990s and early 2000s which cemented my love of the medium when I came across them. The British Invasion of comicdom powered the Vertigo imprint of DC comics and brought authors such as Neil Gaiman, Peter Milligan, Grant Morrison, Warren Ellis, Garth Ennis, and more to the forefront.

Not all of these comics nor their creators have aged well, but the way that they expanded my mind as a young adult remains. The Infinite is in large part an homage to The Sandman and the Endless which appear therein, but also healthy doses of Shade, the Changing Man, Animal Man, The Books of Magic, Kid Eternity, The Invisibles, and so much more.

So please, take the ideas in this book and use them. Be philosophical, be transgressive, remix mythology, alter reality. Do all the things that that make you think and make you feel. And most importantly, tell stories.

-Will

Download The Infinite: Ashcan Edition on Itch.io

Welcome to a universe where dreams and reality intertwine, where ancient myths and modern conspiracies collide. This world is a reflection of our own, yet filled with cosmic mysteries and dark secrets. Here, the impossible becomes possible, and every shadow hides a story waiting to be told.

In The Infinite, players explore this enigmatic universe through the eyes of diverse characters. Will you be a seeker of hidden truths, a guardian of ancient lore, a manipulator of dreams, or something else entirely? The choice is yours, but remember, in this world, every decision has consequences, and every secret has a price.

And once you achieve that secret, who pays that price? Family, friends, lovers? Bonds are everything and your resolve may falter if too many have to pay that price.

With this book and a set of six-sided dice, you will find everything you need to embark on your journey through The Infinite.

• Guide to the Universe: An overview of the universe of The Infinite, its history, and the cosmic forces at play.
• Character Creation: A wealth of options to create and fine-tune your character, from their abilities to their role in the family.
• Dynamic Interactions: Create unique characters with rich backstories and evolving relationships, perfect for any cosmic adventure.
• Immersive Storytelling: Dive into a world filled with myth, folklore, and cosmic intrigue, where every decision shapes the narrative.

So gather your wits, embrace the unknown, and get ready to explore a universe of endless possibilities!

This game was designed for the Tension Engine Jam. This work is based on the Tension Engine SRD, developed and authored by William Lentz which is licensed CC BY 4.0.