Heavens' Revolution

Dive into the captivating world of "Heavens' Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress," a retrofuturistic fantasy novel set in a Persian steampunk empire. As a master of arcane alchemy, you stand at the forefront of magic and technology, wielding the power to influence the course of history. Will you harness your skills to repair a khalicraft spaceship and escape to another world, or perhaps pilot a colossal mech into the heart of battle?

In the ancient city of Seyj, on the cusp of revolution, your choices will shape the narrative. Fifty years ago, the She'ri Empire invaded, overthrowing the old ruler and establishing an oppressive regime. With your heritage tied to both the She'ri colonists and the ancient Seyj families, your loyalties are divided. As a citizen, you're compelled to serve in the Royalists' army, defending the satrap governor. Yet, the Revolutionists' protests grow louder each day, calling for justice and the restoration of the old regime.

When the Revolutionists approach you, will you align with their cause, believing in their fight for justice? Or will you remain steadfast in your duty to the satrap? Perhaps you'll choose a more perilous path, acting as a double agent, manipulating both sides with the finesse of your alchemical expertise. Be cautious, for the wrong move could place you on the deadly end of a shamshir's blade.

Your journey through this text-based adventure, devoid of graphics and sound effects, is powered by the boundless potential of your imagination. With 270,000 words and hundreds of choices, every decision you make will steer the story. You can create gunpowder, design intricate machines, concoct potions to combat dire diseases, and craft exquisite perfumes. Delve deeper into the lost art of astralchemy, and you might even unlock the secrets to piloting a mech or repairing a spaceship.

Your path is yours to choose: rise through the military ranks, command an army to protect the satrap, or join the revolution to overthrow the usurper and restore the rightful ruler. Open your own workshop, secure a professorship at the University, or craft powerful weapons. Along the way, you might find love with a fellow soldier, a blacksmith-turned-rebel, or a princess.

As you navigate the complexities of loyalty and power, you must ask yourself: Is gaining the world worth losing your soul?

"Heavens' Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress" offers a rich tapestry of choices, allowing you to play as male, female, or nonbinary; gay, straight, bi, or asexual. Your journey in this interactive novel by Peter Adrian Behravesh, inspired by eighteenth-century Iran, is a testament to the power of choice and the impact of one's actions in a world where magic and technology collide.