Concept & Setting
The World of Concord Olympus
Gods exist in the modern world, unknown to the masses who once worshipped them. Once empowered by mortal beliefs, they now squabble for scraps of power, and struggle to keep their stories alive. Though a handful of worshippers still remain, it is the retelling of myths and legends that truly sustains god and hero alike. With their power diminished, they no longer command unwavering respect, but cleave to the memory of who and what they once were.
Now, the impossible has happened. Zeus, king of the gods is dead—some say murdered—and those who remain must choose a new leader, or face a total collapse of power. They have gathered in New York for the Diasia, an ancient festival of worship, honoring the gods, and must determine who will lead them before the festival ends. In this vacuum of power, old grudges have reignited and old debts are called in, as each faction struggles to place their candidate upon the empty throne.
To learn more about the world of Concord Olympus, you can find the Concord Olympus Player’s Guide here!
The Concord Itself
Long ago, when it was determined their power was fading, four of the five factions: Gods, Deities, Heroes and Monsters made a pact. They would put aside their petty differences and work together to keep their stories alive. Thus, the Concord was born. The specifics of the Concord are quite clear; when the factions gather to discuss matters that affect them all, they are bound by the rules of xenia (hospitality).
Under the province of xenia, no harm should come to any guest or host, nor should either demand of the other what is impossible to give. There is one exception to this rule, however; disagreements may be settled via duels or games, with the victor having the final say in the matter. These can be anything from a wrestling match to a round of poker, and it is considered poor form to refuse a challenge offered in good faith.
Similarly, the Concord details that there must be a leader chosen by a majority of the factions for the agreement to endure. Previously, Zeus maintained a chokehold on this position, backed by Gods, Deities and Heroes, but his death has thrown a spanner in the works. Similarly, the reemergence of the Titans from the depths of Tartarus, has further complicated the matter.
The Neo-Noir Genre
In post-World War II America, a genre called film noir flourished until the early sixties. Film noir is a gritty look at the darker side of humanity, particularly affairs of crime and passion, and often features morally ambiguous protagonists, psychological and sociological corruption, and forbidden desire. Neo-noir, a genre that began to take hold in the 1970s, is an updated version of classical noir films, placing them in the modern world, with modern sensibilities and technology. Concord Olympus incorporates these themes into a world where gods, heroes and monsters exist alongside humanity, operating in the shadows, and grasping for any remaining traces of a dwindling power.
Some examples of neo-noir films are:
The Big Sleep
The Black Dahlia
Blade Runner
Blue Velvet
Chinatown
Dark City
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
LA Confidential
The Long Goodbye
Memento
Shutter Island
Sin City
