In the thrilling world of "Heavens' Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress," you are thrust into the heart of a Persian steampunk empire where your mastery of arcane alchemy could spark a revolution or preserve the status quo. This interactive retrofuturistic fantasy novel by Peter Adrian Behravesh, inspired by eighteenth-century Iran, places you at the crossroads of magic and technology, with your choices steering the narrative through a vast, text-based adventure spanning 270,000 words.

As an alchemist, you stand at the cutting edge of innovation, capable of creating gunpowder, designing complex machines, brewing healing potions, and crafting exquisite perfumes. But the lost art of astralchemy beckons, offering you the chance to repair a khalicraft spaceship and escape to new worlds or pilot a colossal mech into battle.

The ancient city of Seyj teeters on the brink of revolution, half a century after the She'ri Empire's invasion. As a descendant of both She'ri colonists and Seyj's ancient families, your loyalties are divided. You are bound to serve in the Royalists' army, defending the satrap governor, yet the Revolutionists' growing protests call for justice and the restoration of the old regime.

Will you align with the Revolutionists, believing in their fight for justice? Or will you remain loyal to the satrap, fulfilling your duty as a soldier? Perhaps you'll choose a more perilous path, acting as a spy and manipulating both factions to your advantage. Be cautious, for the wrong move could place you on the sharp end of a shamshir's blade.

Your journey allows you to:

• Play as male, female, or nonbinary; gay, straight, bi, or asexual.
• Master arcane astralchemy to craft powerful weapons, open your own workshop, or secure a professorship at the University.
• Rise through the military ranks and command an army to defend the satrap.
• Join the revolution to overthrow the usurper and restore the old ruler to her throne.
• Find love with a fellow soldier, a blacksmith-turned-rebel, or a princess.

In "Heavens' Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress," the question looms large: Is gaining the world worth losing your soul?