The GM Sale is still ongoing at rpgnow.com but is scheduled to end later today, so if you haven’t picked up a deal yet, now’s your last chance to get them. In case you are running out time, if you take a look at last week’s PDF column we had a selection of some of the more interesting PDFs available.
In this week’s column, we have some new PDFs that came out over the last week or so (and some are even part of the GM Sale if you hurry). We have 14 new PDFs ranging from supplements to complete new games. In addition, we have the usual look at what WotC recently rereleased from their old editions library, adventures for various systems and the Spotlight PDF of the Week, which is….at the end of the article.
Tenra Bansho Zero
This was an RPG released in Japan in 1997. It is a “Hyper-Asian” rpg with samurai and magic and science-fiction tech and mecha and a lot of gorgeous anime. In September of last year there was a Kickstarter to convert the rulebook and its supplements into English. It successfully funded ($129,000+ for a $9,000 goal) and now the PDF is available. If you like this genre or are simply curious, this is the PDF to check out.
Shadowrun
This week we have a couple of Shadowrun PDFs. First is 10 Mercs, a 56 page book that showcases 10 mercenary groups complete with stats; they could be useful as catalysts for an adventure, either as Johnsons or antagonists. Second is Mission: Showcase, a 39 page adventure that features a museum heist gone wrong. Shadowrun is still going strong and fans will want these.
Leverage
Margaret Weis Productions continues to support their Leverage RPG with short supplements, Companions, that feature a specific concept for their game. This week we have some new releases. One-on-One Leverage is geared toward those times when it’s just the GM and 1 player. A new role is introduced that can cover a group’s abilities and advice is given on how to run a one-on-one gaming session. The Rich and Powerful is a look at the schemes of the bad guys that the PC team is out to stop. This PDF in particular looks like a must have for the game. In addition, this week they have released a Bundle pack that collects all of their previous Companions, including the two from this week.
Age of Arthur
The mythology of King Arthur has been a mainstay of fantasy rpgs for a very long time. Shining knights riding off on epic adventures to save maidens in distress or slay horrible beasts ravaging the countryside are both tropes gained from the stories. The stories were about fighting for something more than simple gold. Pendragon lifted the mythology into its own rpg. Now there is a new look at the setting utilizing the FATE system. It brings together the various mythologies of the time period spanning emerging Christianity, old druidic magics, ancient monsters and feuding warlords. FATE is excellent for running games that go beyond simple hack-and-slash, so this could be an excellent addition to the stories of King Arthur.
The Battle for Turtle Island
While we’ve had a few Westerns and the odd other game, there have not been a lot of rpgs exploring the history of the United States. This rpg plans to change that with a look at the expansion of the US from East to West in an alternate 19th century history. The main conflict is between the colonizers of the East, with their superior technology, facing off against the Indians of the West, with their superior magic. Along with a new rule system that includes everything you need to play the game, this PDF includes a setting highlighting the Plains.
Peacekeepers
The alien invasion was driven back, but the old teams were killed in the action. Now new superheroes need to step up to keep the world safe. Will it be you? This superhero setting is designed for both Savage Worlds and ICONS. It provides a setting, new options such as a Wealth system, new character options, random adventure generators including a random generator for your civilian life, a Plot Point campaign, a couple of adventures and new adversaries. If you like superhero games, you might want to check this out.
Adventures Dark and Deep Players Manual
This is not a retro-clone, or at least that is what the author claims. Rather, it is a divergent view of where D&D could have gone with their 2nd Edition. The book has been generating quite a bit of buzz in the OSR circles; does it live up to the buzz? Now’s your chance to check it out. This is the first of three books, but this one is complete for generating and running a character.
Doctor Who-The First Doctor Sourcebook
Cubicle 7 is going all out this year for the 50th year celebration of Doctor Who. They are releasing a series of books that takes an in depth look at each incarnation of the Doctor. This is the first book and focuses on the First Doctor as played by William Hartnell. It includes a look at each of the stories/episodes, and the gadgets and enemies encountered. Not only is this 160 page book of use for the rpg, but its also a resource for fans.
The Magic of Oz
Just in time for the new movie, Oz the Great and Powerful, this Pathfinder compatible release takes a look at 12 magic items from the land of Oz. Also included is a template for Living Constructs (think the Tinman) and stats for flying monkeys. IF you are a fan of Oz, or are looking to add something a little different this could be of interest. (As a side note, my wife and I went to go see the movie this weekend – she thought it was just ok and I thought it was very good.)
Hulk and Horrors
This is a science-fiction rpg of exploration based in the OSR movement. This is a complete game with character generation, enemies, equipment, world generation tools and advice on setting up and running sand box space exploration. Best of all, this 156 PDF is free.
ICONS Bundle
When ICONS came out it was lauded for its random character generation and the feel it evoked. Now you can get a Bundle pack that includes the superhero ICONS ruleset and VIllainomicon, a book that expands the game with new villains for the characters to face off against. In addition it provides new character options such as powers, specialties and optional rules. If you were curious about what all the hubbub about ICONS is, now’s your chance to find out.
Dystopia Rising Bundle
This is a post-zombie/apocalypse custom rpg designed to be fast playing. This bundle comes with Dystopia Rising, the core rulebook for creating characters that comes with the setting; Monoliths of Rust, an expansion book that features an exploration of the northeastern US and more character options; Pillars of Dead Light, the second expansion book that details what happened to Vegas and Atlantic City. Sounds like the info in these books would be good for any post-apocalyptic game.
The Edge Of Midnight
This game by Rob Vaux is a noir rpg with a setting ripe for its exploration. The setting is dark and grim but also includes magic and the weird. It seems to pack a lot of the right atmosphere to it, bringing out the best in a modern-day fantasy noir. Also this week they have released The Naked City, 5 cities ready for adventure and Gaunts and the Underworld, a look at the enemy.
Stellar Wind
This is the second edition of the science fiction rpg. It looks to be much the same as the first edition only bigger and more streamlined rules. It includes everything you need to create characters and a world to play in. Their stated goal was to create a hard sci-fi game that brings out the “Golden Age” of science fiction where space was a wonder to explore as humanity reached to the stars. Does the game accomplish its goal? Only one way to find out.
WotC Classic PDFs
UK3 The Gauntlet (1E)
Player’s Option – Combat & Tactics (2E)
Monstrous Compendium Annual - Volume 1 (2E)
FOR1 Draconomicon (2E)
PHBR1 The Complete Fighter’s Handbook (2E)
Complete Arcane (3.5E)
Complete Warrior (3.5E)
Complete Divine (3.5)
Adventures
Man Eaters of the Hive – OSR. Levels 10-14.
Chariot of the Gods – Generic.
Anything but snakes – Generic.
High Spirits – Generic.
CM1 – Borderlands of Adventure – Labyrinth Lord. Levels 1-3.
The Treacherous Cobtraps – Dungeon Crawl Classics. Level 2.
Spotlight: Most Interesting PDF of the Week
Magicians: Language Learning RPG
I first heard about this rpg when it was looking for funding on Kickstarter. It reached its funding and then a lot more ($34,000+ for a goal of $3,000). I was particularly surprised by some of the innovations it is bringing to rpgs; it is pushing the limits of what an rpg can do. At first glance it is a game about modern-day teenagers in a school for magicians, much the same as the Harry Potter books. They then deal with hidden monsters and the angst of being a teenager. Nothing really new there. The setting is Korean and while this would make for a different setting that is not really what makes this rpg so innovative. What makes this game truly unique is that, along with a solid rpg experience, it will also teach you the Korean language. The spells your characters cast use the Korean language (almost sort of like how the Harry Potter emulate Latin). As both the characters and players become more proficient with their spells, the more they will learn of the Korean language. The game provides a free phone app that actually listens to the casting of the spell and lets you know if the words were spoken correctly. Over time, and many adventures, you will know another language.
In this week’s column, we have some new PDFs that came out over the last week or so (and some are even part of the GM Sale if you hurry). We have 14 new PDFs ranging from supplements to complete new games. In addition, we have the usual look at what WotC recently rereleased from their old editions library, adventures for various systems and the Spotlight PDF of the Week, which is….at the end of the article.
Tenra Bansho Zero
This was an RPG released in Japan in 1997. It is a “Hyper-Asian” rpg with samurai and magic and science-fiction tech and mecha and a lot of gorgeous anime. In September of last year there was a Kickstarter to convert the rulebook and its supplements into English. It successfully funded ($129,000+ for a $9,000 goal) and now the PDF is available. If you like this genre or are simply curious, this is the PDF to check out.
Shadowrun
This week we have a couple of Shadowrun PDFs. First is 10 Mercs, a 56 page book that showcases 10 mercenary groups complete with stats; they could be useful as catalysts for an adventure, either as Johnsons or antagonists. Second is Mission: Showcase, a 39 page adventure that features a museum heist gone wrong. Shadowrun is still going strong and fans will want these.
Leverage
Margaret Weis Productions continues to support their Leverage RPG with short supplements, Companions, that feature a specific concept for their game. This week we have some new releases. One-on-One Leverage is geared toward those times when it’s just the GM and 1 player. A new role is introduced that can cover a group’s abilities and advice is given on how to run a one-on-one gaming session. The Rich and Powerful is a look at the schemes of the bad guys that the PC team is out to stop. This PDF in particular looks like a must have for the game. In addition, this week they have released a Bundle pack that collects all of their previous Companions, including the two from this week.
Age of Arthur
The mythology of King Arthur has been a mainstay of fantasy rpgs for a very long time. Shining knights riding off on epic adventures to save maidens in distress or slay horrible beasts ravaging the countryside are both tropes gained from the stories. The stories were about fighting for something more than simple gold. Pendragon lifted the mythology into its own rpg. Now there is a new look at the setting utilizing the FATE system. It brings together the various mythologies of the time period spanning emerging Christianity, old druidic magics, ancient monsters and feuding warlords. FATE is excellent for running games that go beyond simple hack-and-slash, so this could be an excellent addition to the stories of King Arthur.
The Battle for Turtle Island
While we’ve had a few Westerns and the odd other game, there have not been a lot of rpgs exploring the history of the United States. This rpg plans to change that with a look at the expansion of the US from East to West in an alternate 19th century history. The main conflict is between the colonizers of the East, with their superior technology, facing off against the Indians of the West, with their superior magic. Along with a new rule system that includes everything you need to play the game, this PDF includes a setting highlighting the Plains.
Peacekeepers
The alien invasion was driven back, but the old teams were killed in the action. Now new superheroes need to step up to keep the world safe. Will it be you? This superhero setting is designed for both Savage Worlds and ICONS. It provides a setting, new options such as a Wealth system, new character options, random adventure generators including a random generator for your civilian life, a Plot Point campaign, a couple of adventures and new adversaries. If you like superhero games, you might want to check this out.
Adventures Dark and Deep Players Manual
This is not a retro-clone, or at least that is what the author claims. Rather, it is a divergent view of where D&D could have gone with their 2nd Edition. The book has been generating quite a bit of buzz in the OSR circles; does it live up to the buzz? Now’s your chance to check it out. This is the first of three books, but this one is complete for generating and running a character.
Doctor Who-The First Doctor Sourcebook
Cubicle 7 is going all out this year for the 50th year celebration of Doctor Who. They are releasing a series of books that takes an in depth look at each incarnation of the Doctor. This is the first book and focuses on the First Doctor as played by William Hartnell. It includes a look at each of the stories/episodes, and the gadgets and enemies encountered. Not only is this 160 page book of use for the rpg, but its also a resource for fans.
The Magic of Oz
Just in time for the new movie, Oz the Great and Powerful, this Pathfinder compatible release takes a look at 12 magic items from the land of Oz. Also included is a template for Living Constructs (think the Tinman) and stats for flying monkeys. IF you are a fan of Oz, or are looking to add something a little different this could be of interest. (As a side note, my wife and I went to go see the movie this weekend – she thought it was just ok and I thought it was very good.)
Hulk and Horrors
This is a science-fiction rpg of exploration based in the OSR movement. This is a complete game with character generation, enemies, equipment, world generation tools and advice on setting up and running sand box space exploration. Best of all, this 156 PDF is free.
ICONS Bundle
When ICONS came out it was lauded for its random character generation and the feel it evoked. Now you can get a Bundle pack that includes the superhero ICONS ruleset and VIllainomicon, a book that expands the game with new villains for the characters to face off against. In addition it provides new character options such as powers, specialties and optional rules. If you were curious about what all the hubbub about ICONS is, now’s your chance to find out.
Dystopia Rising Bundle
This is a post-zombie/apocalypse custom rpg designed to be fast playing. This bundle comes with Dystopia Rising, the core rulebook for creating characters that comes with the setting; Monoliths of Rust, an expansion book that features an exploration of the northeastern US and more character options; Pillars of Dead Light, the second expansion book that details what happened to Vegas and Atlantic City. Sounds like the info in these books would be good for any post-apocalyptic game.
The Edge Of Midnight
This game by Rob Vaux is a noir rpg with a setting ripe for its exploration. The setting is dark and grim but also includes magic and the weird. It seems to pack a lot of the right atmosphere to it, bringing out the best in a modern-day fantasy noir. Also this week they have released The Naked City, 5 cities ready for adventure and Gaunts and the Underworld, a look at the enemy.
Stellar Wind
This is the second edition of the science fiction rpg. It looks to be much the same as the first edition only bigger and more streamlined rules. It includes everything you need to create characters and a world to play in. Their stated goal was to create a hard sci-fi game that brings out the “Golden Age” of science fiction where space was a wonder to explore as humanity reached to the stars. Does the game accomplish its goal? Only one way to find out.
WotC Classic PDFs
UK3 The Gauntlet (1E)
Player’s Option – Combat & Tactics (2E)
Monstrous Compendium Annual - Volume 1 (2E)
FOR1 Draconomicon (2E)
PHBR1 The Complete Fighter’s Handbook (2E)
Complete Arcane (3.5E)
Complete Warrior (3.5E)
Complete Divine (3.5)
Adventures
Man Eaters of the Hive – OSR. Levels 10-14.
Chariot of the Gods – Generic.
Anything but snakes – Generic.
High Spirits – Generic.
CM1 – Borderlands of Adventure – Labyrinth Lord. Levels 1-3.
The Treacherous Cobtraps – Dungeon Crawl Classics. Level 2.
Spotlight: Most Interesting PDF of the Week
Magicians: Language Learning RPG
I first heard about this rpg when it was looking for funding on Kickstarter. It reached its funding and then a lot more ($34,000+ for a goal of $3,000). I was particularly surprised by some of the innovations it is bringing to rpgs; it is pushing the limits of what an rpg can do. At first glance it is a game about modern-day teenagers in a school for magicians, much the same as the Harry Potter books. They then deal with hidden monsters and the angst of being a teenager. Nothing really new there. The setting is Korean and while this would make for a different setting that is not really what makes this rpg so innovative. What makes this game truly unique is that, along with a solid rpg experience, it will also teach you the Korean language. The spells your characters cast use the Korean language (almost sort of like how the Harry Potter emulate Latin). As both the characters and players become more proficient with their spells, the more they will learn of the Korean language. The game provides a free phone app that actually listens to the casting of the spell and lets you know if the words were spoken correctly. Over time, and many adventures, you will know another language.
Fresh off a successful Kickstarter campaign, Magicians is a tabletop role-playing game designed to do two things very well:
How would you solve your problems if you were a teenager capable of magic? Can someone with the power to remake the world ever truly grow up? Magicians is about teenage drama, emotions, hormones and magic. It’s about students at Hwang-Gung College of Magical Pedagogy in Seoul, Korea, where students learn that there is a reason for Korean superstitions, and that there is a long history behind Korea’s folklore and mythology.
- tell awesome stories like you've read about in books such as the Harry Potter series, Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea, or Lev Grossman’s The Magicians; and
- teach you a language - Korean.
Magicians is all about magic. It’s about removing all constraints so that the only thing holding you back is what you know. There is no need for a teacher – all you need is your phone, your friends, and a few hours every week. If you've ever wondered what casting magic would sound like or feel like, or if you've ever wanted a tangible system you can grab hold of and be creative with, then you’ll be learning Korean and casting spells in no time.
