The Empire That Never Ended: Lex Arcana

Lex Arcana: Lex Arcana is a historical-fantasy roleplaying game set in an alternate Roman Empire that never fell, where magic and supernatural threats exist alongside imperial legions. Players assume the role of Custodes, elite agents of the Cohors Auxiliaria Arcana sent to investigate arcane lore, hunt forbidden cults, and defend the Empire from otherworldly dangers. Originally published in Italy in 1993 by Quality Games, the game saw a major resurgence with a successful 2018 Kickstarter for its Second Edition, which introduced a unique flexible dice system allowing players to choose their die combinations. The Core Rulebook provides full mechanics, character creation, a bestiary, and introductory adventures, while extensive supplements like the Encyclopaedia Arcana and regional modules such as Aegyptus and Roma offer deep historical and mythological detail. Key features include: Setting: A divergent 5th-century CE timeline where Roman mastery of Divination prevented the Empire's collapse. Mechanics: A skill+attribute resolution system using standard dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12) that can be split or combined for strategic flexibility. Magic: Focused on Divination (Precognition, Clairvoyance, Retrocognition, etc.) rather than elemental spells, emphasizing narrative and ritual. Availability: Distributed in English by Acheron Games and Ares Games, available in hardcover, PDF, and via Kickstarter backer tiers.