Escape from Death

Seize Death's power and escape his twisted domain!

Claim Death's power and flee his decaying realm! Conceal your living heartbeat from the dead as you wield soul magic, navigate treacherous politics, decide the fate of the Afterlife—and perhaps even claim its throne for yourself.

"Escape from Death" is a 256,000-word interactive horror novel by Tova Näslund. It's a text-based experience—without graphics or sound effects—powered entirely by your limitless imagination.

In the world of the living, your body lies between life and death, your heart faintly beating—yet your spirit has been cast into the horrifying Afterlife. This grim realm, ruled absolutely by Death, is rife with oppression and inequality. At the bottom are the Penitents: souls indebted to Death, warped by his magic into unsettling human-animal hybrids. Above them are the Elect: those in Death's favor, living in freedom, privilege, and luxury.

To make matters worse, a deeper, more enigmatic corruption is spreading through the Afterlife. Performers are vanishing from the luxurious entertainment district; a sanctuary for Penitents and Elect alike is under assault; and a strange sickness is creeping across the land.

This growing chaos presents grave danger—but also a unique chance. At the center of the Afterlife lies the Clockwork Hall: the seat of Death's Court and the vault of all souls. If you can reach it amidst the turmoil, you could strike a blow to end Death's tyranny, find your way back to life, or seize the throne of the Afterlife itself!

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

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

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

* Shape an epic conflict: ally with the oppressed Penitents or the privileged Elect—or work to earn acceptance from both.

* Operate from the shadows to avoid Death's wrath, plant spies in his court, build political alliances to expand your influence, or pursue bold confrontation to make your name known across the Afterlife.

* Determine the next ruler of the Afterlife: will you prop up Death's regime, install a new leader, or crown yourself?

Can you escape the darkness of Death's realm?

Escape from Death Screenshots