Hello, I am looking for inspiration for my ttrpg setting so I can shamelessly steal. Plus, I think it'd be nice to read some books because it's been a while since I've had a good fantasy book in my game.
Ideally they deal with or follow fantasy adventures in a post-post apocalyptic world. The premise I have in mind is essentially that the world has gone through several iterations of golden ages and downfalls of civilizations, each golden age a little more pale than the last. While the apocalypse may have happened, it's not necessarily the focus of the story and civilization has probably sprung up in the shadow of what came before.
Themes of a dying world, curses that plague the land, strange ancient ruins, and fighting to make the best of a bad lot in life would all be appreciated. A heavy emphasis on the world building would be great, but also willing to look into something if there's a particularly interesting faction or antagonist. Especially if the antagonist has cool powers or there's an interesting magic system.
I haven't read many books in a while, but as far as general vibes go, the pieces of media I'd say fit tonally are Children of Men, Disco Elysium, and Dark Souls 3.
by BananaSnapper