Forgotten Odysseys TTRPG Brings Final Destination Vibes to Greek Myth

When D&D Beyond founder and Invincible – Superhero Roleplaying designer Adam Bradford caught the first trailer for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in 2025, he saw a path to translate his love for Greek mythology into a tabletop experience. The result is Forgotten Odysseys, a new TTRPG currently seeking funding on Kickstarter through July 23.

Built as a hack of the notoriously lethal Mörk Borg system, Forgotten Odysseys leans heavily into the idea of a journey where things can go wrong at any moment. Rather than a standard hero's journey, players are cast as "Seekers"—survivors of the Trojan War attempting to reach the Sparkling Island of Telos. According to Bradford, the high stakes are intentional: in his playtests with friends and family, only one group has successfully made it home, a design choice meant to mimic the sense of relief and elation found in the original epic.

A Deadly Voyage Guided by the Golden Ratio

The mechanics of the voyage are tracked using a spiral based on the Golden Ratio. Players navigate increasingly hostile encounters over the course of four to five sessions, though luck and tactical choices can alter the journey's length. Each day, the crew can perform seafaring checks; high rolls may lead to fresh provisions, while poor performance increases the likelihood of ship damage or divine curses.

The danger is not merely environmental. The game's primary antagonist is Eris, the goddess of strife, who is aided by Nemesis. Bradford notes that his background as a 90s kid influenced this approach, specifically the Final Destination films. He describes the gods as understandable antagonists who believe the natural order has been violated because the Seekers survived the war, and they are now acting to correct that mistake.

Balancing Glory and Home

Central to the player experience is the tension between nostos (the longing for home) and kleos (the desire for glory). Players who choose to play it safe may reach home, but they risk being forgotten. Conversely, chasing glory increases the risk of being killed by threats like cannibalistic giants. Even those who reach Telos face further challenges, as the game draws inspiration from the 2024 film The Return, forcing characters to reconcile with how the war and their journey have permanently changed them.

Backers of the Kickstarter campaign will receive a beta PDF of the rules by the end of July. The digital version is priced at $25, with a $40 hardcover tier. Future stretch goals currently include new classes, additional islands, and a full standalone adventure.