Esoteric Ebb

Esoteric Ebb is an isometric, narrative-driven CRPG by Christoffer Bodegård that blends post-Arcanepunk fantasy with tabletop RPG mechanics. You play as The Cleric, a conflicted investigator navigating the chaotic streets of Norvik, a city teetering on the edge of its first-ever election. With branching dialog, dice rolls that influence every encounter, and a unique mechanic where your character’s Stats argue among themselves, Esoteric Ebb offers a deeply reactive game world where every choice has unpredictable consequences.

Norvik's Chaotic Fantasy Metropolis

Set in the sprawling city of Norvik, Esoteric Ebb immerses players in a world where mythological creatures coexist with industrial decay and ideological conflict. Debating devils, bribing drunk sphinxes, and uncovering secrets in shadowy tunnels are just part of the job. From its teetering towers to its corpse-strewn morgue, every location is tied to open-ended quests that shape Norvik’s future—and your role in it.

Dice Rolls and Reactive Gameplay

True to its tabletop roots, Esoteric Ebb uses dice rolls for nearly every action, from persuading factions to stealing from unsuspecting dwarves. Success and failure alike lead to unexpected outcomes, ensuring a dynamic playthrough. The unpredictable nature of dice rolls pairs perfectly with The Cleric’s reality-bending magic, allowing you to control minds, detect hidden truths, or even converse with the dead.

The Questing Tree and Ability Stats

Central to gameplay is the Questing Tree, which serves as a hybrid quest log, skill tree, and mental map. Each completed quest alters The Cleric’s abilities in significant ways. Meanwhile, your Ability Stats—personified as internal voices—actively shape your decisions, interrupt conversations, and lead to hilariously chaotic outcomes. This internal debate system ensures no two moments unfold the same way.