Heavens' Revolution

Master arcane alchemy and spark a revolution in a Persian steampunk empire!

In a Persian steampunk empire, will you use your arcane alchemy to repair a starship, or command a mighty mech? Ignite a rebellion, crush it, or manipulate both sides against each other?

“Heavens’ Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress” is an interactive retrofuturistic fantasy novel by Peter Adrian Behravesh, inspired by eighteenth-century Iran, where your choices shape the story. This fully text-based experience—spanning 270,000 words with hundreds of decisions, devoid of graphics or sound—is powered entirely by your imagination.

Your alchemical training places you at the forefront of magic and technology, mastering the science that governs both the material world and the celestial spheres. You can already craft gunpowder, design complex machinery, brew potions to cure terrible ailments, and distill fragrant perfumes. Though much astralchemical knowledge is lost, you might even learn to repair a khalicraft starship for an escape to another world, or a giant mech to pilot into battle.

Seyj is an ancient city teetering on the edge of revolt. Half a century ago, the She’ri Empire invaded, toppling the old ruler and occupying your planet. You are descended from both She’ri colonists and ancient Seyj families, leaving your loyalties divided.

Like all citizens, you must serve in the Royalist army and defend the satrap governor—yet you witness the Revolutionists’ protests intensifying daily, rallying to overthrow the satrap and restore the old regime.

When the Revolutionists seek to recruit you, will you embrace their fight for justice? Will you stay loyal to the satrap, upholding your duty as a soldier? Or will you play a more dangerous game than your fiercest alchemical fire, acting as a spy who leaks secrets between factions?

You had better hope you don't find yourself on the wrong end of a shamshir's blade.

• Play as male, female, or nonbinary; gay, straight, bisexual, or asexual.

• Master arcane astralchemy to forge powerful weapons, open your own workshop, or secure a professorship at the University.

• Rise through the military ranks and command an army to defend the satrap.

• Or, join the revolution, overthrow the usurper, and restore the former ruler to her throne.

• Find romance with a fellow soldier, a blacksmith-turned-rebel, or a princess.

Is conquering the world worth the cost of your soul?