Drew said:How does the book handle aspects of the setting that haven'te been covered in the novels? Are there any spoilers? Are there any parts that seem glossed over so as to not spoil the books (the true nature of the lord of light, for example)?
Also, does the book assume you're playing during the time of the novels, or some other time period?
Finally...can you give me some stats for the undead creatures from north of the wall?![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
The setting sticks to the events of the first Novel, and covers background detail leading up to that novel. From my reading there isn't anything not already covered in the books, although having the history of the last 12,000 years summarized in one place is nice. Basically, events of the first book are covered, and the history found in the first three is provided, but there are no "spoilers" ... unfortunately.
The book makes the assumption your playing during the time of the novels, or in the time leading up to the novels. There are few places where it discusses the setting outside of what has been presented in the novels.
They present both the Others and the Wights in the bestiary. I'm actually surprised that they aren't presented as being more powerful than they are, considering how they are seen in the novels.
Wights are 4HD with a -1 Init, AC of 9 and Base attack/Grapple of +2/+5. They do 1d8+3 damage on a slam. They also have most Undead traits and possess the cold subtype. What is interesting is that the severed limbs of a wight will continue fighting once dismembered. (Limbs get severed on a critical)
Rules for Reputation and Influence are quite cool, and I love how the Defects rules make your character more customizable AND canon-ready. For example, your Dothraki barbarian can take a defect that removes the armor proficiency and compatibility he'd normally get from his class (assuming Man-at-Arms or Raider) and take an extra feat or several extra skill points instead. If you want your Noble or Maester or Septon character to suck with weapons, but get something in return, the game allows that to happen too. Very very cool.
