Insubordinate

A world destined -- a world taken

In the days of the Ancients, this was a world of endless bounty and possibility.  Everything on this planet, living and otherwise, throbbed with magical energy, to be shared and shaped, built on and grown.  We were limitless, a world of legends and heroes.  But like any paradise, this was not to last.  Power is accumulated slowly, over time.  And often, it’s given or surrendered by those who don’t realize what they’ve wrought until it’s too late.  Now, instead of a land of endless bounty, shared and shaped, it’s a world in chains, hoarded and held, sold to the highest bidder.

The Dominion now holds all the cards.  They control everything – the land, the religion, the technology, the magic.  And now that they’ve got that power, they’re desperate to hold it with everything they can muster; by will, by lies, by greed, by force.  The rest of us are left to either eke out our meager lives despite them, serve them and get a taste of power in exchange for our freedom, or suffer under their boot.  Most bend their knee, letting them control, pillage, steal, and destroy.  It’s easier not to risk your neck.  But you?  You fight back.

You and your team of resistance members have discovered the Dominion’s latest push – to subvert, control, and leverage an Ancient Power, a being of incredible strength and anchored to the will of the planet – to instead exert the Dominion’s own will.  You must stop them before the peaceful existence of everyone you know and everything you love is lost.

What is Insubordinate?

Insubordinate is an antifascist, science-fantasy, action roleplaying game (RPG) for 2-4 players plus a Game Master (GM), inspired by the modern sci-fi Final Fantasy games; in particular, VII, VIII, XIII, and XV.   It is an expanded version of the game that appeared in 9th Level Games' Level 1 anthology from 2022.

You portray heroic individuals who have been pushed around by a fascist Dominion, whose power is near-total – they control the government, the police, and the media.  They have soldiers, weapons, tools of war, even monsters at their beck and call.  But the right people in the right place can make all the difference in the world.  Your heroes can wield force of arms, magic, and most importantly, hope, to strike back where the Dominion is most vulnerable, making room for others to join and follow in your footsteps.  It’s a game about inspiring action through heroic deeds.

The game provides lists, mechanics, and guidance to prepare and play with minimal prep; it's action-forward, blow-by-blow, and tactical, but rules-light enough to be playable by beginners and experienced players alike.

Credits

Writing and Layout: Jim Dagg

Playtesting: Heather Brooks, Deborah Schnelle, Baylen West, Li Terraccino, Thomas Brown, Stella "leggystarscream", Janette Davis

Photo and Art: Kelly Hunter, Tim Evanson, Tommy Wong, David Stowell, Nathan Lounds, Joe Pell, Marcelo Campi, Euphro, Bernard Spragg, Emma, Carole Raddato, Mary Harrsch, Steve Jurvetson, Marcelo Campi, Robb Hannawacker, Skyseeker, Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin, Beeple.  Used under license.

Special Thanks To: 9th Level Games, who published the first version of Insubordinate in Level 1 2022.  Without them, this game would not exist.