# Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at the Utmost North tags: #game/rpg/polaris ![[Polaris - Chivalric Tragedy at the Utmost North (cover).jpg]] ![[Polaris - The Wish We Wish to Night (cover).jpg]] ![[Polaris - Cult of the Sun (cover).jpg]] ## Polaris - Chivalric Tragedy at the Utmost North **Polaris** is a collaborative storytelling game that masquerades as an RPG. Prepare to be emotionally devastated, not by dice rolls, but by your "friends" at the table. This game is less about heroic knights and more about tragic heroes failing in the face of inevitable doom. If you're looking for a lighthearted romp with a happy ending, steer clear. ### Core Mechanic: Narrative Permission Slips Forget your d20s and character sheets. **Polaris** uses a unique system of keywords and phrases to drive the narrative. Players take turns assuming different roles, and these keywords dictate what actions they can take. Think of them as "permission slips" to advance the story in specific ways, often leading to further tragedy. For example, a player might use the phrase "**And yet, I must…**" to commit to a course of action, even if it leads to their downfall. Another player might respond with "**This is how we die…**" to narrate the grim consequences. The game is designed to create a sense of mounting tension and inevitable tragedy. So, if you enjoy collaborative storytelling with a healthy dose of emotional turmoil, **Polaris** might be the game for you. Just don't expect to emerge unscathed. ### Editions The game has seen a few iterations, with the most notable being the original **Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at the Utmost North** by Ben Lehman and the later **Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at the Utmost North (Second Edition)**. The second edition refines some rules and includes expanded setting material, but the core mechanics remain largely the same. Both editions revel in their shared goal: to make you cry. Beyond the core game, there are also supplements that expand the Polaris experience: - **Polaris: The Wish We Wish to Night**: This mini-supplement introduces rules for time travel, black holes, and memory, allowing players to explore even more complex and tragic narratives. Because who needs a happy ending anyway? - **Polaris: Cult of the Sun**: This supplement shifts the focus from icy knights to a cult worshipping a dying sun. Expect even more despair and agonizing choices as you struggle against the inevitable end. ## References - **Polaris: Chivalric Tragedy at the Utmost North (Second Edition)** - Itch.io: [https://p-h-lee.itch.io/polaris](https://p-h-lee.itch.io/polaris) - **Polaris: The Wish We Wish to Night** - DriveThruRPG: [https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/155727/polaris-the-wish-we-wish-to-night](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/155727/polaris-the-wish-we-wish-to-night) - **Polaris: Cult of the Sun**: http://sanglorian.github.io/downloads/Polaris/Cult%20of%20the%20Sun%20--%20Polaris.pdf - Review for "Polaris — Chivalric Tragedy at the Utmost North" : r/rpg - Reddit: [https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/onseb/review_for_polaris_chivalric_tragedy_at_the/](https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/onseb/review_for_polaris_chivalric_tragedy_at_the/) - Polaris (2005 role-playing game) - Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_(2005_role-playing_game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_(2005_role-playing_game))