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The World of Khaas: The Legendary Lands of Arduin
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<blockquote data-quote="RaveN" data-source="post: 2011213" data-attributes="member: 428"><p>This tome is amazing. </p><p></p><p>Really, no kidding, this may be the most singular RPG book that I've seen in over twenty years of gaming. </p><p></p><p>Let's start with the physical, because that is what will grab you. Black hardbound book, height and width about the same as most RPG supplements. The cover has small gold lettering on the top front, no flacking or other problem there. That's all the lettering or decoration on the cover. Not even the title repeated on the spine. Pretty bold that, but maybe not considering that most folks won't have another book of this size with no title on their shelves. The binding looks good, although as noted in an earlier review, it seems glued, and time will tell. The length is amazing, I count 861 pages (and a few blank pages for notes at the end - does anyone ever use those?). I would guess that this is the largest single RPG volume ever published. The font and margins are not so bad either. I compared it to a few other supplements from Wizards and Kenzer and the font size may be one setting higher on the word perfect scale (not noticable unless compared). The margins may be a little bigger than other industry books (although this may be good if you plan to take notes). In terms of text density, the book has very few large illustrations (other than page size maps), so the larger margins and font may all balance out in the end. </p><p></p><p>Editing/Grammer: I am sorry, but I'm pretty poor at picking these things out. If it is glaring or really badly written, I'd note the problem, but I'm not and English/Lit kind of guy, so if you are picky about these things, I can't help you. That said, I didn't see any glaring grammer or editing problems here. </p><p></p><p>Art: I'm pretty much a drooling monkey when it comes to art too. There is some, all black and white. They probably could have used more since the book introduces a lot of the Arduin races (no stats, or picture) and dieties. </p><p></p><p>Maps: Very nice, lots of 'em. All black and white.</p><p></p><p>Delving Deeper:</p><p></p><p>Does anyone else remember the Arduin Grimores from the 70's? Yes, I am dating myself as a member of the AARP (Association of Ancient Role Players). I remembered them only because of some neat sounding player character races (that I would never use) and a critical hit chart (that I used to the point of memorizing). Well, Arduin was also a setting. All of the David Hargrave's notes have been brushed off and polished up by Emporer's Choice. An earlier reviewer went into detail about what is in the book, so I want summarize my impressions and recommendations.</p><p></p><p>1) I personnally think this is a great addition to a DM's library, and it does what the publishers set out to do; create an emersive, detailed, role-playing fantasy setting. Also, for you old timers, there is the tinge of early D&D weirdness. Things like having a spaceship land in the middle of you castle seem right in line with and are supported by, the setting. </p><p></p><p>2) This said, *WARNING* - this book is all about the "flavor" or "fluff" (or whatever the boards are calling it these days). This is a rules nuetral book! There is plenty of setting info, city and country details, new dieties, new player races and new monsters - just not stat-ed out for you. Obviously, before bringing these to a d20 game, the DM will have a little work to do. </p><p></p><p>3) One of the disappointments, for me, was the Arduin critical hit charts are not in this book. Now there are some in the very back, but they are more like event and product availablility charts. This IS in keeping with the rules nuetral context (so its back to ebay for me). </p><p></p><p>Bottom Line: What do I want out of a review? Should I buy this product or not. My opinion is that it depends on the person. </p><p></p><p>If you hate "fluff" and love game mechanics, then save your money, this product will only infuriate you. </p><p></p><p>If you love "flavor", richness of setting, or don't mind doing a little work adding some new ideas to your game, then seriously consider the $60 expense for this jewel.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="RaveN, post: 2011213, member: 428"] This tome is amazing. Really, no kidding, this may be the most singular RPG book that I've seen in over twenty years of gaming. Let's start with the physical, because that is what will grab you. Black hardbound book, height and width about the same as most RPG supplements. The cover has small gold lettering on the top front, no flacking or other problem there. That's all the lettering or decoration on the cover. Not even the title repeated on the spine. Pretty bold that, but maybe not considering that most folks won't have another book of this size with no title on their shelves. The binding looks good, although as noted in an earlier review, it seems glued, and time will tell. The length is amazing, I count 861 pages (and a few blank pages for notes at the end - does anyone ever use those?). I would guess that this is the largest single RPG volume ever published. The font and margins are not so bad either. I compared it to a few other supplements from Wizards and Kenzer and the font size may be one setting higher on the word perfect scale (not noticable unless compared). The margins may be a little bigger than other industry books (although this may be good if you plan to take notes). In terms of text density, the book has very few large illustrations (other than page size maps), so the larger margins and font may all balance out in the end. Editing/Grammer: I am sorry, but I'm pretty poor at picking these things out. If it is glaring or really badly written, I'd note the problem, but I'm not and English/Lit kind of guy, so if you are picky about these things, I can't help you. That said, I didn't see any glaring grammer or editing problems here. Art: I'm pretty much a drooling monkey when it comes to art too. There is some, all black and white. They probably could have used more since the book introduces a lot of the Arduin races (no stats, or picture) and dieties. Maps: Very nice, lots of 'em. All black and white. Delving Deeper: Does anyone else remember the Arduin Grimores from the 70's? Yes, I am dating myself as a member of the AARP (Association of Ancient Role Players). I remembered them only because of some neat sounding player character races (that I would never use) and a critical hit chart (that I used to the point of memorizing). Well, Arduin was also a setting. All of the David Hargrave's notes have been brushed off and polished up by Emporer's Choice. An earlier reviewer went into detail about what is in the book, so I want summarize my impressions and recommendations. 1) I personnally think this is a great addition to a DM's library, and it does what the publishers set out to do; create an emersive, detailed, role-playing fantasy setting. Also, for you old timers, there is the tinge of early D&D weirdness. Things like having a spaceship land in the middle of you castle seem right in line with and are supported by, the setting. 2) This said, *WARNING* - this book is all about the "flavor" or "fluff" (or whatever the boards are calling it these days). This is a rules nuetral book! There is plenty of setting info, city and country details, new dieties, new player races and new monsters - just not stat-ed out for you. Obviously, before bringing these to a d20 game, the DM will have a little work to do. 3) One of the disappointments, for me, was the Arduin critical hit charts are not in this book. Now there are some in the very back, but they are more like event and product availablility charts. This IS in keeping with the rules nuetral context (so its back to ebay for me). Bottom Line: What do I want out of a review? Should I buy this product or not. My opinion is that it depends on the person. If you hate "fluff" and love game mechanics, then save your money, this product will only infuriate you. If you love "flavor", richness of setting, or don't mind doing a little work adding some new ideas to your game, then seriously consider the $60 expense for this jewel. [/QUOTE]
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