inspired by authors like charles de lint, erik davis and francesca lia block, films like edward scissorhands and practical magic, world music and ethereal wave music, and tv shows like "buffy the vampire slayer", deliria's setting emphasizes "normal people" over superheroes. as a role-playing game, it features a flexible rules system, collaborative storytelling, and a character-crafting process based on telling stories about the character. deliria has also been noted for its vivid digital art, evocative short stories, and emphasis of "courage rather than carnage."