hacknslash
First Post
Title: “A TOUCH OF EVIL. ANTAGONISTS IN YOUR CAMPAIGN VOL.1: ORCS”
Type: Generic d20 supplement in electronic pdf format
Author: David Jarvis and Chris Swenson
Pages: 16
Price: $3,95
Editor: Reality Deviant Publications
1st edition, 2005
www.realitydeviants.net
This is the first e-book of the editor, which started the series of NPCs anthologies, nicknamed “Antagonists”. The first page analyzes the logic behind the series and attempts to comprehend at a philosophical level, what is defined as “evil”. Using examples of Man’s history, such as the Crusades or the demolition of the wild American frontier, to be exploited by pioneers and colonists, it becomes evident that the term “evil” is relative. It is not necessarily associated with the metaphysical level. The saying “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” epitomizes this point of view. This prologue does not attempt a thorough analysis (such as in “EVIL” by AEG for example), but it becomes clear, how important for any rpg story is the existence of a villain with depth of character, motivations and attributes such as being convincing and real. A brief prologue, with enough ideas and material to generate a think tank to any self respecting and imaginative role playing fan. It is not a detailed textbook on “How to create” antagonists, but it is a text with concentrated knowledge that applies not only to all the titles of the series but to every creative spirit, that considers role playing its hobby.
A brief mention to orcs follows the prologue. A single page cannot of course exhaust the issue, but manages to focus to central and popular aspects of the orc physiognomy and nomenclature, in order to exact useful conclusions and ideas with practical values. These can find application in the invention of convincing orcish antagonists. More specifically, special consideration is given to strong stereotypes, which drive the orcs’ social structure, the hierarchy which is imposed by bodily might and the inherent religionism of orcs. These are elements, which favor the development of powerful warriors, ruthless, charismatic and natural leaders.
The way these NPCs are presented, follows the pattern: brief description of the NPCs, his/her story background, a box of game statistics and game attributes and the tactics he follows during an encounter or a battle. A simple and functional motif, while it is positive that the company develops and completes it in later titles of the series.
The overall result is brief but practical. Six orcish characters, who do not merely await to die at the hands of the player characters, but characters with a story, a personality, motives and a role in a quality role playing game.
A dangerous ranger, with his wolf as his only companion, drifts without a homeland, searching for legendary treasures of a dwarven lost mine. Ideal for characters of low to mid level, which can be used either as an antagonist or as an ally.
An orc thief, exiled from his tribe, because of his thieving acts, has found a new family in the face of a roving gang. A character which can intermingle with the player characters very easily. The only negative element of this entry is that no information is given for the gang.
An unusual female orc wizard with love for knowledge of new magic lore and strong tendencies to gain power. A dangerous and mysterious member of her tribe, a fact that makes her, especially useful in an intrigue campaign, involving even orcish player characters.
A half-orc, barbarian cleric, rejected from birth by his tribe, has found a new meaning in his life to a demon who presents himself as a god and uses the zealous half orc as a pawn to further its own plans. The ritual murders of men and orcs and the small sect which the half – orc has started to develop, is a sure factor to attract the characters’ interest. A course, which will eventually lead them to meet the demon. More information could be given for the magic artifact which was given to the half – orc priest.
A ruthless shaman, which has managed to evolve into the spiritual leader of his tribe, using both mystical power and his charisma, plans to gain control of all the orcish tribes in the area. A dangerous and leader figure, which constitutes a challenge to every heroic adventurer.
Finally, a horrible and unnaturally powerful warrior, half orc and half dragon, full of hatred and love only in causing mayhem. A bulldozer of destruction, a trademark for every hack & slash rpg.
Overall, an interesting and quality assortment of orc characters, useful for every fantasy campaign. It fulfils its role as brief, simple, useful and easily applicable accessory for story tellers.
The artwork is comprised of black and white images of sufficient quality. The game statistics of the NPCs, seem balanced and believable, though they have not been playtested by the reviewer. The only bug seems to be some excess magic items especially to low level non player characters of the anthology.
The price does not surpass reasonable limits (although the reviewer had the honor to receive a complementary copy by the editor). It is my wish, to see more titles in this series, which would be even fuller and with a greater number of quality antagonists.
Type: Generic d20 supplement in electronic pdf format
Author: David Jarvis and Chris Swenson
Pages: 16
Price: $3,95
Editor: Reality Deviant Publications
1st edition, 2005
www.realitydeviants.net
This is the first e-book of the editor, which started the series of NPCs anthologies, nicknamed “Antagonists”. The first page analyzes the logic behind the series and attempts to comprehend at a philosophical level, what is defined as “evil”. Using examples of Man’s history, such as the Crusades or the demolition of the wild American frontier, to be exploited by pioneers and colonists, it becomes evident that the term “evil” is relative. It is not necessarily associated with the metaphysical level. The saying “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” epitomizes this point of view. This prologue does not attempt a thorough analysis (such as in “EVIL” by AEG for example), but it becomes clear, how important for any rpg story is the existence of a villain with depth of character, motivations and attributes such as being convincing and real. A brief prologue, with enough ideas and material to generate a think tank to any self respecting and imaginative role playing fan. It is not a detailed textbook on “How to create” antagonists, but it is a text with concentrated knowledge that applies not only to all the titles of the series but to every creative spirit, that considers role playing its hobby.
A brief mention to orcs follows the prologue. A single page cannot of course exhaust the issue, but manages to focus to central and popular aspects of the orc physiognomy and nomenclature, in order to exact useful conclusions and ideas with practical values. These can find application in the invention of convincing orcish antagonists. More specifically, special consideration is given to strong stereotypes, which drive the orcs’ social structure, the hierarchy which is imposed by bodily might and the inherent religionism of orcs. These are elements, which favor the development of powerful warriors, ruthless, charismatic and natural leaders.
The way these NPCs are presented, follows the pattern: brief description of the NPCs, his/her story background, a box of game statistics and game attributes and the tactics he follows during an encounter or a battle. A simple and functional motif, while it is positive that the company develops and completes it in later titles of the series.
The overall result is brief but practical. Six orcish characters, who do not merely await to die at the hands of the player characters, but characters with a story, a personality, motives and a role in a quality role playing game.
A dangerous ranger, with his wolf as his only companion, drifts without a homeland, searching for legendary treasures of a dwarven lost mine. Ideal for characters of low to mid level, which can be used either as an antagonist or as an ally.
An orc thief, exiled from his tribe, because of his thieving acts, has found a new family in the face of a roving gang. A character which can intermingle with the player characters very easily. The only negative element of this entry is that no information is given for the gang.
An unusual female orc wizard with love for knowledge of new magic lore and strong tendencies to gain power. A dangerous and mysterious member of her tribe, a fact that makes her, especially useful in an intrigue campaign, involving even orcish player characters.
A half-orc, barbarian cleric, rejected from birth by his tribe, has found a new meaning in his life to a demon who presents himself as a god and uses the zealous half orc as a pawn to further its own plans. The ritual murders of men and orcs and the small sect which the half – orc has started to develop, is a sure factor to attract the characters’ interest. A course, which will eventually lead them to meet the demon. More information could be given for the magic artifact which was given to the half – orc priest.
A ruthless shaman, which has managed to evolve into the spiritual leader of his tribe, using both mystical power and his charisma, plans to gain control of all the orcish tribes in the area. A dangerous and leader figure, which constitutes a challenge to every heroic adventurer.
Finally, a horrible and unnaturally powerful warrior, half orc and half dragon, full of hatred and love only in causing mayhem. A bulldozer of destruction, a trademark for every hack & slash rpg.
Overall, an interesting and quality assortment of orc characters, useful for every fantasy campaign. It fulfils its role as brief, simple, useful and easily applicable accessory for story tellers.
The artwork is comprised of black and white images of sufficient quality. The game statistics of the NPCs, seem balanced and believable, though they have not been playtested by the reviewer. The only bug seems to be some excess magic items especially to low level non player characters of the anthology.
The price does not surpass reasonable limits (although the reviewer had the honor to receive a complementary copy by the editor). It is my wish, to see more titles in this series, which would be even fuller and with a greater number of quality antagonists.
