In the richly imagined 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 positions you at the forefront of a transformative revolution. This interactive retrofuturistic fantasy novel by Peter Adrian Behravesh draws inspiration from eighteenth-century Iran, offering a narrative driven entirely by text, encompassing 270,000 words and an array of choices that shape your journey.

Your expertise in alchemy places you at the nexus of magic and technology, enabling you to manipulate the very fabric of the material world and the heavens. With your skills, you can produce gunpowder, engineer complex machinery, concoct potions to combat severe diseases, and create exquisite perfumes. As you delve deeper into the lost art of astralchemy, you stand on the threshold of even greater feats—potentially repairing a khalicraft spaceship to escape to new realms or piloting a formidable mech into the fray of battle.

The ancient city of Seyj teeters on the edge of upheaval, fifty years after the She’ri Empire's invasion displaced the old ruler and established its dominance. Your heritage, a blend of She’ri colonists and ancient Seyj families, leaves your loyalties divided. As a citizen, you are obligated to serve in the Royalists' army, defending the satrap governor. Yet, the growing unrest among the Revolutionists, who seek to overthrow the satrap and reinstate the previous regime, presents you with a moral dilemma.

When approached by the Revolutionists to join their cause, you must decide whether to align with their pursuit of justice, remain steadfast in your duty to the satrap, or navigate the perilous waters of espionage by playing both sides against each other. The stakes are high, and the risk of facing the sharp edge of a shamshir's blade is ever-present.

Your journey in "Heavens' Revolution: A Lion Among the Cypress" is deeply personal and customizable. You can play as male, female, or nonbinary, and explore romantic relationships with a fellow soldier, a blacksmith turned rebel, or a princess. Your choices will determine whether you rise through the military ranks to defend the satrap, join the revolution to restore the old ruler, or pursue a path of scholarship and innovation by opening your own workshop or securing a professorship at the University.

As you navigate this intricate world of political intrigue and technological marvel, you must ponder the ultimate question: Is gaining the world worth losing your soul?