Escape from Death

Seize Death's power and liberate yourself from his twisted domain!

Conceal your heartbeat from the dead as you wield soul magic, navigate political schemes, shape the Afterlife's destiny—and perhaps even ascend to its throne.

"Escape from Death" is a 256,000-word interactive horror adventure novel by Tova Näslund. It is entirely text-based, without graphics or sound effects, and driven solely by the boundless power of your imagination.

In the material world, your body lingers between life and death, your heart still beating—while your spirit has been cast into the terrifying Afterlife. This grim realm is laden with oppression and injustice under Death's absolute rule. At the bottom of society are the Penitents: unfortunate souls indebted to Death, warped by his magic into eerie human-animal hybrids. Above them are the Elect: favored by Death, they relish lives of privilege, luxury, and entitlement.

To make matters worse, the Afterlife is sinking into deeper, more mysterious corruption. Performers are disappearing from the luxurious entertainment center; a sanctuary for both Penitents and the Elect is under siege; and a strange illness is spreading across the land.

This turmoil presents you with grave danger—but also a rare opportunity. At the heart of the Afterlife lies the Clockwork Hall: home to Death's Court and the repository of souls. Amid the chaos, if you can reach this place, you can strike a blow against Death's tyranny, return to the world of the living, or even seize the throne of the Afterlife for yourself!

* Play as male, female, or nonbinary; gay, straight, or bi.

* Romance your sorrowful Penitent guide; a revolutionary bird-woman; a warrior seeking freedom from Death's service; or an idealistic healer.

* Master the magic of Death's realm: peer through the veil between the living and the dead; glimpse the dreams and desires of nearby souls; and capture memories from the living.

* Join an epic conflict: side with the oppressed Penitents or the privileged Elect—or strive to gain acceptance from both.

* Skulk in the shadows to avoid Death's wrath, plant spies in his court, build political alliances to grow your influence, or take bold action to become known across the Afterlife.

* Choose the Afterlife’s next ruler: uphold Death's regime, install a new leader, or claim the throne for yourself.

Will you escape Death's darkness?