If I Were a Lich, Man is a trilogy of funny Jewish roleplaying games about creative resistance against authoritarianism. The villains in the stories of our oppressors become the heroes in our play.

Written and illustrated by a team of avant-garde Jewish designers.

Recommended for fans of What We Do in the Shadows, Russian Doll, and Young Frankenstein.

The Games

IF I WERE A LICH, MAN

• Players: 4
• Time: 1 hour
• Tone: Tense; Tragicomedy (think Fiddler on the Roof meets Waiting for Godot) 
• Especially Fun For: Activist Groups, Debate Clubs, Friendly Game Nights, Families, Hebrew School
• Summary: A family of Jewish-coded Liches debate strategies for community survival against the murderous lawful good paladins. Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and the Passover Seder.

Gameplay: Roleplay as one of four Lich siblings, Gantz, Shtel, Halb or Nisht. Spin a dreidel to determine the character that will commence the Lich community debate on phylacteries and the paladin threat. What fate will you decide for the Lich community?

If I Were a Lich, Man is a IGDN Indie Groundbreaker Award winner for "Most Innovative" game of 2020.

SAME BAT TIME, SAME BAT MITZVAH

• Players: 7-13
• Time: 1 hour
• Tone: Goofy
• Especially Fun For: Parties, Drama Groups, Hebrew School

Summary: On the way to Ruthie’s Bat Mitzvah, a guest was bitten by a vampire bat and is transforming into a vampire during the formal reception.

Gameplay: Roleplay as Ruthie or one of her guests, celebrating her Bat Mitzvah, coming-of-age Jewish ceremony. During the reception, guests start to act strange... stranger than typical awkward thirteen-year-olds at a dance party. Some might say thirsty? Will you be able to stop the mishigas before the night is over?

GRANDMA’S DRINKING SONG

• Players: 4
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Tone: Happy; Melodramatic Musical Comedy 
• Especially Fun For: Friendly Game Nights, Families, Drama Groups

Summary: A singing game about a matriarchal Jewish family of bootleggers during Prohibition. Inspired by Lucian's family’s true stories.

Gameplay: Role play as Bertha, the booze boss, or one of her 3 teenage grandchildren: Harriet (a reckless flirt), Yetta (ambitious and moody), Or Marvin (awkward, impulsive, and secretly gay). Throughout the game, you will gradually create a family drinking song together as you take turns roleplaying a series of scenes. With emotions running high, what kind of mischief will you get up to while creating your familial bootlegging song? 

Who Are These Games For?

This trilogy is an offering to Jews, but everyone’s invited to play regardless of cultural or religious background. Players from other marginalized communities are especially encouraged to join the fun. Come to play with a willingness to engage with Jewish culture’s ancient tradition of using humor to address serious topics.

The gaming style is improvisational and collaborative, with a unique blend of tabletop and live action systems. There are no winners or losers, in the tradition of freeform and drama games.They can all be played at home, in a classroom, in a theatre, or online, and require between one and three hours. They don’t need a  separate facilitator or game master; everyone can play a character. For ages teens and up.