Back in 2021, we here at Polygon had the exciting chance to introduce you to Auroboros: Coils of the Serpent. This intriguing game draws its origins from the creative days of Metzen’s childhood in the 1980s. One standout feature in this world is the bards, who have such an important role that they’re rewarded with their own festival, reminiscent of Burning Man, where they can completely let loose. But what really captures the imagination is Auroboros’ unique magic system, which hinges on the power of mystical tattoos.
When I spoke with Metzen around that time, he explained, “The Auroboros itself is like a primordial force of creation. The more you tap into this power, which exists beyond your standard class abilities, the closer you get to madness and destruction. It’s a bit like the rock star lifestyle – think Jim Morrison pushing past the edge.”
Now, even though Metzen’s company, Warchief Gaming, seems to be taking a break (their website is down, and we’ve reached out to them for an update), you can still find the first few pieces of their product line over on Amazon. If this piques your interest, you should definitely check out “Auroboros: Coils of the Serpent – Worldbook: Lawbrand.” It’s a comprehensive guide that walks you through every aspect of this fascinating setting. For those who enjoy a good story, there’s also “Auroboros: Under the Sun,” a thematic novel featuring Metzen himself as one of the narrators.