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Elevator Pitch

"Esther and the Queens" is a Purim-themed Jewish tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) featuring Queen Esther, carnival games, and lots of drama. Inspired by the Firebrands framework and Oceans 8, you will roleplay Esther and fellow queens on a mission to defeat Haman, an advisor to the King who ordered the extermination of all Jewish people. Both Jewish and non-Jewish players will learn about and experience a revolutionary feminist and queer retelling of the Purim story, play carnival games typically seen during Purim, and roleplay dramatic scenes at a masquerade party.

Introduction

You and your squad members are handmaidens to Queen Esther. Your Queen is on a mission to save the Jewish people from Haman and has asked your party to attend the masquerade costume party as Queens from a far off land. Since you are in disguise, no one will know who you truly are.

Esther’s mission for your party is to converse with the nobles at the party and gain their favor. Queen Esther wants the Nobles’ support in her plea to the King to save the Jews and overturn Haman’s decree to kill all the Jews. If Queen Esther gains enough support to build her confidence, she can defeat Haman and approach King Ahasuerus to make him aware of Haman’s heinous decree and save her fellow Jews. King Ahasuerus doesn’t know Esther is Jewish and approaching the King without an invitation is taboo, so having their support increases your odds of gaining an audience with the King and defeating Haman. Queen Esther is also scared to reveal her identity, so you’re here to help her as her squad to build the confidence to face Haman and the King.

At the party, your squad members are pretending to be Queens from far away lands that are friends of Queen Esther. Your presence is a bit of a surprise to partygoers, but you all are the most beautiful and interesting people in the room, so no one seems to mind. Use it to your advantage. Play the games, win raffle tickets, gain favor with the nobles, and prepare for your “battle” with Haman.

Purim Mask

Play Info

• 3-6 players
• 3 hours+ in play-time

Hamentaschen

What makes this game unique?

Inspired by the Firebrands framework, the game uses a series of mini-games and a high-octane unique dice engine to simulate the feeling of winning carnival games. The games included will include some of the following:

• Jewish representation in TTRPGs
• The game includes a queer translation from the Jewish Talmud of a trans rabbi named Rabbi Yochanan.
• An innovative dice engine that is reminiscent of board game mechanics and incorporates the carnival themes of modern Purim celebrations. Games that players will interact and develop creative storylines will include:
  • A racing-style mini-game
    
  • A Skeeball-like game using a 20-sided dice
  • Blackjack
  • A prize table to buy power-ups and special dice
  • A final boss battle with Haman

Joker hat

Who should buy this game?

• Jewish TTRPG lovers who want to have more Jewish games in their library. If you loved Hanukkah Goblins, I'm sure you'll love this one too.
• Non-Jewish TTRPG consumers who are interested in Judaism and TTRPGs featuring diversity. Similar to Hanukkah Goblins, this game will be written with sensitivity information throughout so non-Jewish people can authentically engage with the game and learn.
• At-large Jewish community who likes games (not necessarily TTRPGs) that wants to support a queer/feminist retelling of the Book of Esther. This game will be written with the beginner in mind. Games and the act of "play" are a fantastic way for Jews to interact with our sacred texts. Especially for Purim which has a history of theater and drama, this is a perfect time to learn to play a tabletop roleplaying game.

Grogger