EMPYRE: Lords of the Sea Gates

Set in an alternate 1899 where coastal cities have been flooded, EMPYRE: Lords of the Sea Gates immerses players in a neo-Victorian version of New York City transformed by rising waters. As much of the population abandons the city, those who remain form distinct City-States based on their communities, such as Italian immigrants in Little Italy or former police and government workers. These factions strive to survive and flourish by relying on the sea for resources and trading with mainlanders. When the city’s vital freshwater supply abruptly stops flowing, players take on the role of a leader tasked with navigating this crisis, managing scarce resources, and securing the future of their people amid growing tensions and threats. The game combines classic role-playing elements like questing, looting, and character progression with a richly researched setting inspired by the Gilded Age. Players can customize their party by choosing from multiple archetypes and professions, each influencing skills and playstyle. Combat features a tactical system where planning and real-time execution are key, while a unique barter system replaces traditional currency, emphasizing trade and negotiation. Authenticity is a core focus, with historical figures, real locations such as the Brooklyn Bridge and The Tombs Prison, and period-accurate medicines adding depth to the experience. EMPYRE’s story, crafted by author and cartoonist Paul Noth, weaves social struggles, political intrigue, and the harsh realities of a flooded, steam-powered world into a compelling narrative that challenges players to adapt and overcome in a city on the brink.