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Review of Karma Deck & Booster Pack: Requiem by Creation’s Edge Games
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<blockquote data-quote="Neuroglyph" data-source="post: 7647674" data-attributes="member: 85633"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">One of the more interesting aspects of D&D 4E - and in some ways, one of the most vexing to some “old school” Dungeons & Dragons gamers - is this current edition’s love-affair with cards. It seems that most gamers I’ve talked to are either in love with the idea of having a neat and tidy way of keeping their character’s abilities organized, or they claim to hate the way the mechanic turns a role-playing game into a card game.</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px">And beyond the use of cards to handle details such as powers and magic items on a character sheet, there has been a proliferation of <strong><em>Fortune Cards</em></strong> as accessories by Wizards of the Coast. Starting with a Base Deck, the accessory line has several booster deck expansions including the <em>Glory of Neverwinter</em>, <em>Shadow over the Nentir Vale</em>, and <em>Fury of the Feywild</em>. But really it’s not too surprising that a company founded on a collectible card game would find ways of introducing such mechanics into a roleplaying game, but with all the options for Fortune Card decks, it can get a bit pricey.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-size: 12px">[align=right]http://www.neuroglyphgames.com/rpgblogs/home/neurogly/public_html/rpgblogs/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/karma-deck-and-requiem-cover.jpg[/align]</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px">As an alternative to the Fortune Card deck system, <strong>Creation’s Edge Games</strong> offers a new take and a different mechanic to employ in a D&D 4E game – with <strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong> and <strong><em>Booster Pack: Requiem</em></strong> to offer boons to players which can turn the tide of battle in new and exciting directions!</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>Karma Deck & Booster Pack: Requiem</u></strong></span></p><p> </p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Author: Matt Kline</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Cover Illustrator: Shaman's Stockart</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Publisher: Creation’s Edge Games</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Year: 2010/2011</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Media: PDF (16 pages / 7 pages)</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">Retail Cost: $5.00 / $2.50 (available from <a href="http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=80262&amp;filters=0_0_0_31813_0?affiliate_id=270466" target="_blank"><strong>RPGNow</strong></a>)</span></li> </ul><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong> and <strong><em>Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem</em></strong> is a GSL 4E game supplement which provides karmic boons to be granted to characters as rewards, or used by Dungeon Masters to introduce the “hand of the gods” at an auspicious moment during a game session. <strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong> consists of 52 cards in PDF format, which can be printed on cardstock to produce a physical deck. <strong><em>Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem</em></strong> adds an additional 24 new cards to the deck using the same PDF format, with all new powers and combat effects. Karma Deck also provides detailed instructions and recommendations on how the cards can be used in a campaign setting.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>Production Quality</u></strong></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span><span style="font-size: 12px">The production quality of the <strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong> and <strong><em>Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem</em></strong> is very good, with each page of the PDFs containing four full-color karma cards. The cards are neatly laid out, front and back, so that they can be printed on card stock, cut out, and then folded and glued to create a rather nice “playing” card appearance. The Author was also considerate enough to provide two other versions of the PDFs in the each purchase – there is a low detail, “printer-ink friendly”, black-and-white version, and a full-color version but omitting a back illustration to save at least a little ink. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">The writing on each of the karma cards is also quite good, with amusing flavor text which is often written a bit tongue-in-cheek, and with short but detailed instructions on how to use the karma card, and the effects it will have on the combat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><u>About the Karma Decks</u></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">In the main <strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong>, the Author provides a set of simple, straightforward instructions for using the cards, offering some ideas on how they can be implemented in a campaign setting:</span><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Karma Deck</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px">An in game reward system for 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px">We're all familiar with the concept of Karma- simply put, do bad things bad things happen to you, do good things good things happen to you. </span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px">Karma Deck focuses on the good. The cards represent boons bestowed upon the players for services rendered, or future services rendered.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">In some respects, there cards resemble the “divine boons” listed in the Dungeon Master’s Guide 2, but are designed to be temporary powers instead of long term quasi-magic items. Typically, a DM might hand one or more of these Karma Cards out along with Action Points at Milestones, or as rewards for services to powerful entities, such as gods, primordials, fey-lords, or perhaps even ultra-powerful archmages, who have a vested interest in the lives of the adventuring heroes. The Author also suggests that these cards can even be used to save a gaming session from a bad luck infestation of dice lice, or in the event that an encounter is heading for a TPK (Total Party Kill). Of course, such karmic powers used to bolster the heroes at a critical moment might come with a price, which could lead to further adventures as the characters seek to repay their good fortune to the gods!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span><span style="font-size: 12px">As previously mentioned, the cards are designed to be handed out as desired by the DM, offering the players a chance to use it during a gaming session as a one-time “power-up” before being returned to the <strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong>. Many of the powers are free actions, immediate reactions, or immediate interrupts, and are definitely designed to provide needful assistance to a party of heroes when the chips are down:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Requiem for the Fallen (KD Booster: Requiem)</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em>As an ally falls ethereal music begins. The score is mournful yet inspiring. It spurs you on toward victory.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Awe Inspiring Glory (KD Booster: Requiem)</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px">Immediate Reaction</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em>You impressed yourself with that last attack. You seem to have instilled awe in friends and foes alike.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Critical Dodge (Karma Deck)</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px">Immediate Interrupt</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em>That one seemed to have your name on it. Miraculously, you still managed to dodge out of the way.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">The boons provided by <strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong> and <strong><em>Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem</em></strong> range from bonuses to damage, defenses, and saves to healing surges, temporary hit point gains, and even more impressive effects such as all the enemies’ minions joining the heroes! In general, the powers are not too overwhelming, but they might be vexing for a Dungeon Master if used or overused on some occasions, so the Author does provide DMs with a simple, but effective, out:</span><p style="margin-left: 20px"><span style="font-size: 12px">~ The DM has a right to overrule the use of cards in any give situation. The DM has the last word on how or if the card's ability functions.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 20px"></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px">Personally, I think it could make for quite an adventure, or perhaps even an entire campaign, to use these cards to help both heroes and villains, particularly bosses and elites. It would be a rather interesting way to representing a battle of wills between two divine entities, with the heroic adventurers and the evil villains caught in the cross-fire!</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Overall Score</strong>: 4.5 <strong>out of</strong> 5.0</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>Conclusions</u></strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><em>Karma Deck and Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem</em></strong> is a really fun GSL accessory for D&D 4E, which can add an interesting new dynamic to many campaigns. The cards are good looking, easy to use, and have some great powers to throw around during an encounter. The cards are written in a fun and heroic sounding style, and do a great job filling in niche in the treasure and reward system provided in <strong><em>Dungeon Master’s Guide 2</em></strong>. But unlike divine boons which are designed to deity specific, the cards in <strong><em>Karma Deck</em></strong> are more generic, and can be used in any campaign setting, with any powerful entity. And given the very low-cost of being able to print these cards from PDF as often as desired, it makes for great alternative to Fortune Cards for adding that bit of variety and whimsy to a D&D 4E session!</span></p><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><em>So until next review… I wish you Happy Holidays!</em></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Author’s Note</strong>: This author received a complimentary advanced copy of this product for use in writing the review above.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><strong><u>Grade Card (Ratings 1 to 5)</u></strong></span></p><p> </p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Presentation</strong>: 4.0</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">- Design: 4.5</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">- Illustrations: 3.5</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Content</strong>: 4.5</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">- Crunch: 4.5</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px">- Fluff: 4.5</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Value</strong>: 5</span></li> </ul></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Neuroglyph, post: 7647674, member: 85633"] [SIZE=3]One of the more interesting aspects of D&D 4E - and in some ways, one of the most vexing to some “old school” Dungeons & Dragons gamers - is this current edition’s love-affair with cards. It seems that most gamers I’ve talked to are either in love with the idea of having a neat and tidy way of keeping their character’s abilities organized, or they claim to hate the way the mechanic turns a role-playing game into a card game.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]And beyond the use of cards to handle details such as powers and magic items on a character sheet, there has been a proliferation of [B][I]Fortune Cards[/I][/B] as accessories by Wizards of the Coast. Starting with a Base Deck, the accessory line has several booster deck expansions including the [I]Glory of Neverwinter[/I], [I]Shadow over the Nentir Vale[/I], and [I]Fury of the Feywild[/I]. But really it’s not too surprising that a company founded on a collectible card game would find ways of introducing such mechanics into a roleplaying game, but with all the options for Fortune Card decks, it can get a bit pricey.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [SIZE=3][align=right]http://www.neuroglyphgames.com/rpgblogs/home/neurogly/public_html/rpgblogs/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/karma-deck-and-requiem-cover.jpg[/align][/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=3]As an alternative to the Fortune Card deck system, [B]Creation’s Edge Games[/B] offers a new take and a different mechanic to employ in a D&D 4E game – with [B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B] and [B][I]Booster Pack: Requiem[/I][/B] to offer boons to players which can turn the tide of battle in new and exciting directions![/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][U]Karma Deck & Booster Pack: Requiem[/U][/B][/SIZE] [LIST] [*][SIZE=3]Author: Matt Kline[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Cover Illustrator: Shaman's Stockart[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Publisher: Creation’s Edge Games[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Year: 2010/2011[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Media: PDF (16 pages / 7 pages)[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]Retail Cost: $5.00 / $2.50 (available from [URL="http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=80262&filters=0_0_0_31813_0?affiliate_id=270466"][B]RPGNow[/B][/URL])[/SIZE] [/LIST] [SIZE=3][B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B] and [B][I]Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem[/I][/B] is a GSL 4E game supplement which provides karmic boons to be granted to characters as rewards, or used by Dungeon Masters to introduce the “hand of the gods” at an auspicious moment during a game session. [B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B] consists of 52 cards in PDF format, which can be printed on cardstock to produce a physical deck. [B][I]Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem[/I][/B] adds an additional 24 new cards to the deck using the same PDF format, with all new powers and combat effects. Karma Deck also provides detailed instructions and recommendations on how the cards can be used in a campaign setting.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][U]Production Quality[/U][/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE][SIZE=3]The production quality of the [B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B] and [B][I]Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem[/I][/B] is very good, with each page of the PDFs containing four full-color karma cards. The cards are neatly laid out, front and back, so that they can be printed on card stock, cut out, and then folded and glued to create a rather nice “playing” card appearance. The Author was also considerate enough to provide two other versions of the PDFs in the each purchase – there is a low detail, “printer-ink friendly”, black-and-white version, and a full-color version but omitting a back illustration to save at least a little ink. [/SIZE] [SIZE=3]The writing on each of the karma cards is also quite good, with amusing flavor text which is often written a bit tongue-in-cheek, and with short but detailed instructions on how to use the karma card, and the effects it will have on the combat.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [SIZE=3][U]About the Karma Decks[/U][/SIZE] [SIZE=3]In the main [B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B], the Author provides a set of simple, straightforward instructions for using the cards, offering some ideas on how they can be implemented in a campaign setting:[/SIZE][INDENT][SIZE=3][B]Karma Deck[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3]An in game reward system for 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3]We're all familiar with the concept of Karma- simply put, do bad things bad things happen to you, do good things good things happen to you. [/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Karma Deck focuses on the good. The cards represent boons bestowed upon the players for services rendered, or future services rendered.[/SIZE] [/INDENT] [SIZE=3]In some respects, there cards resemble the “divine boons” listed in the Dungeon Master’s Guide 2, but are designed to be temporary powers instead of long term quasi-magic items. Typically, a DM might hand one or more of these Karma Cards out along with Action Points at Milestones, or as rewards for services to powerful entities, such as gods, primordials, fey-lords, or perhaps even ultra-powerful archmages, who have a vested interest in the lives of the adventuring heroes. The Author also suggests that these cards can even be used to save a gaming session from a bad luck infestation of dice lice, or in the event that an encounter is heading for a TPK (Total Party Kill). Of course, such karmic powers used to bolster the heroes at a critical moment might come with a price, which could lead to further adventures as the characters seek to repay their good fortune to the gods![/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE][SIZE=3]As previously mentioned, the cards are designed to be handed out as desired by the DM, offering the players a chance to use it during a gaming session as a one-time “power-up” before being returned to the [B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B]. Many of the powers are free actions, immediate reactions, or immediate interrupts, and are definitely designed to provide needful assistance to a party of heroes when the chips are down:[/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE][INDENT][SIZE=3][B]Requiem for the Fallen (KD Booster: Requiem)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I]As an ally falls ethereal music begins. The score is mournful yet inspiring. It spurs you on toward victory.[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B]Awe Inspiring Glory (KD Booster: Requiem)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Immediate Reaction[/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I]You impressed yourself with that last attack. You seem to have instilled awe in friends and foes alike.[/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B]Critical Dodge (Karma Deck)[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3]Immediate Interrupt[/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I]That one seemed to have your name on it. Miraculously, you still managed to dodge out of the way.[/I][/SIZE] [/INDENT] [SIZE=3]The boons provided by [B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B] and [B][I]Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem[/I][/B] range from bonuses to damage, defenses, and saves to healing surges, temporary hit point gains, and even more impressive effects such as all the enemies’ minions joining the heroes! In general, the powers are not too overwhelming, but they might be vexing for a Dungeon Master if used or overused on some occasions, so the Author does provide DMs with a simple, but effective, out:[/SIZE][INDENT][SIZE=3]~ The DM has a right to overrule the use of cards in any give situation. The DM has the last word on how or if the card's ability functions.[/SIZE] [/INDENT] [SIZE=3]Personally, I think it could make for quite an adventure, or perhaps even an entire campaign, to use these cards to help both heroes and villains, particularly bosses and elites. It would be a rather interesting way to representing a battle of wills between two divine entities, with the heroic adventurers and the evil villains caught in the cross-fire![/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B]Overall Score[/B]: 4.5 [B]out of[/B] 5.0[/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][U]Conclusions[/U][/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][I]Karma Deck and Karma Deck Booster Pack: Requiem[/I][/B] is a really fun GSL accessory for D&D 4E, which can add an interesting new dynamic to many campaigns. The cards are good looking, easy to use, and have some great powers to throw around during an encounter. The cards are written in a fun and heroic sounding style, and do a great job filling in niche in the treasure and reward system provided in [B][I]Dungeon Master’s Guide 2[/I][/B]. But unlike divine boons which are designed to deity specific, the cards in [B][I]Karma Deck[/I][/B] are more generic, and can be used in any campaign setting, with any powerful entity. And given the very low-cost of being able to print these cards from PDF as often as desired, it makes for great alternative to Fortune Cards for adding that bit of variety and whimsy to a D&D 4E session![/SIZE] [SIZE=3][I]So until next review… I wish you Happy Holidays![/I][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B]Author’s Note[/B]: This author received a complimentary advanced copy of this product for use in writing the review above.[/SIZE] [SIZE=3] [/SIZE] [SIZE=3][B][U]Grade Card (Ratings 1 to 5)[/U][/B][/SIZE] [LIST] [*][SIZE=3][B]Presentation[/B]: 4.0[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]- Design: 4.5[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]- Illustrations: 3.5[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3][B]Content[/B]: 4.5[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]- Crunch: 4.5[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3]- Fluff: 4.5[/SIZE] [*][SIZE=3][B]Value[/B]: 5[/SIZE] [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
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Review of Karma Deck & Booster Pack: Requiem by Creation’s Edge Games
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