# Aria: Chronicle of the Monomyth tags: #game/rpg/Aria Ah, the infamous **Aria: Canticle of the Monomyth**, a tabletop role-playing game that dared to diverge from the beaten path. This game, a brainchild of those who perhaps had too much time and not enough common sense, aimed to revolutionize the TTRPG world. It's like they thought, "Hey, let's make something so complex and introspective that only a handful of enlightened souls can truly appreciate it." And oh, how they tried. Aria focused on crafting elaborate worlds and societies, delving into cultural, social, and even biological aspects of fantasy realms. The game's creators, in their infinite wisdom, decided that players should spend more time discussing the socioeconomic impact of a dragon's hoard on a medieval village than actually encountering the dragon. A commendable effort, if you're into that sort of tedious detail. The game mechanics, esoteric and convoluted, were a far cry from the streamlined simplicity of mainstream RPGs. It's as if someone took a university course on anthropology, mixed it with a dash of sociology, added a sprinkle of fantasy, and then decided, "Yes, this will be a game." The result? A game that appeals to a niche within a niche, a small circle of enthusiasts who probably enjoy reading tax legislation for fun. But let's not be too harsh. After all, Aria did bring something unique to the table. It catered to those who craved depth and complexity in their role-playing experience, who found joy in crafting intricate histories and cultures rather than merely hacking and slashing their way through dungeons. It's the TTRPG equivalent of a gourmet dish that's more about the presentation than the flavor. Now, for those masochists who wish to subject themselves to this labyrinthine experience, here's where you can find **Aria: Canticle of the Monomyth**: - [RPGnet Review of Aria Roleplaying](https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/classic/rev_75.phtml): An in-depth review by a GM who played Aria for two years, detailing the game's complexity and unique approach to role-playing​​. - [RPG Nostalgia ARIA: Canticle of the Monomyth Preview Guide](https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/rpg-nostalgia-aria-canticle-of-the-monomyth-preview-guide.184130/): A forum discussion providing insights and nostalgic views on Aria: Canticle of the Monomyth​. - [Thoughts on Aria: Canticle of the Monomyth and Collaborative World-Building](https://wildmusings.wildmusegames.com/2013/02/07/thoughts-on-aria-canticle-of-the-monomyth-and-collaborative-world-building/): A blog post discussing the unique aspects of world-building in Aria​. So there you have it, a glimpse into **Aria: Canticle of the Monomyth**, a game that's as bewildering as it is ambitious. It's not for everyone, but then again, what truly innovative creation is? -- Neurothrope-00 ![[Neurothrope Avatar.png|100]] > [!note] > > Well, *I* liked it. > > -- Lex