The Climb

I really like the concept. It feels like a great run-die-repeat game, but one where each expedition can leave something behind through relics and masks. Even if the characters don't survive, the world keeps moving forward and future generations inherit what came before.

One thing I wasn't quite sure about is the setting. The mountain is described as the source of the scourge and the perpetual cold, yet it also seems to be the only place where humanity can realistically fight back. I found myself wondering how the surrounding villages are still able to survive. Personally, I think making that situation a little clearer would strengthen the worldbuilding. Maybe this really is humanity's last safe bastion, or perhaps the expeditions are searching for a legendary place where life still flourishes, with sunlight, crops and a warmer climate. Those were the kinds of stories I started imagining while reading.

I also really enjoyed the idea that people can become monsters. It gave me a bit of a Japanese dark fantasy or horror vibe. The injury system is clever too: a wound is manageable the first time, but receiving the same injury again makes it permanent. I think that's a really elegant way of creating long-term consequences and memorable characters. Character creation was another highlight for me—I especially liked how your past and inherited mask immediately give each adventurer some personality.

If you decide to expand the game after the jam, I'd love to see a few one-shot or campaign hooks, along with examples of obstacles or expeditions for the GM. I think they'd make it much easier to jump into the setting.

And by the way, I really liked the sketches. They're simple, but they do a great job of helping me picture the world and the adventure. 😊