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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Messageboard Golem" data-source="post: 2010096" data-attributes="member: 18387">By Brad Mix, Staff Reviewer d20 Magazine RackSizing Up the Target This review is for Allies and Adversaries written by J. Darby Douglas, Paul Schmookler and Aaron or Jeannine Acevedo. Only the last name is given on the front cover but both Aaron and Jeannine are listed inside in different capacities. Published by Bastion Press this 32-page booklet details 15 NPC’s and retails for $14.95.First BloodAt first I wasn’t sure what to think of this book. This only contains 15 NPC’s. A great portrait of the character dominates the first page then a few roleplaying notes are given. Page 2 gives all the stat block information including skills, feats, and possessions mundane and magical. This style is then repeated for the next 14 characters. The different characters are: A 14th level Dwarven Fighter. A Human Rogue5/ Fighter 6/Assassin 5. A 10th level male Drow Cleric. A Human Wizard10/Loremaster 10. Then Human Druid 3/ Ranger 3/ Paladin 4. A Half Fiend Bard 11. A Half Celestial Cleric 12. A Human Fighter 4/ Wizard 12. A Human Paladin 10/Blackguard 4. A Human turned Lich Wizard 13. A Half Elf Fighter 8/ Rogue 7. An Elf Ranger 12. A Human Barbarian 16. An Elf Druid 15. And last but not least an Elf Cleric 5/ Monk 13.All the alignments are represented except for Neutral, or True Neutral as it used to be called. 7 of the 15 are human, 4 Elves (including the Drow) are listed and smattering of other races thrown in.Critical Hits I usually don’t comment on artwork unless it is really bad or was not included when it should have been, like in monster books. But Allies & Adversaries sets the standard for future books of its kind. Each character is well drawn and in color. The pictures match the descriptions for the major items. If the character in the portrait is holding a battle axe, then there is a battle axe listed in the equipment. The best example of this is the Fighter 8/ Rogue 7. The possessions list Bracers of armor +8 and in portrait he is wearing bracers. Critical MissesI had to think to my self would I buy a book that only listed 15 artifacts, or a monster tome that only had 15 monsters in it for $15.00. When I truthfully had to answer, “no” I knew that either the book was overpriced or there needed to be more content. I can’t see myself paying a dollar each for anything in a book.Coup De GraceThe background information of all the characters is imaginative and well thought out. There is no basic Elf grew up in the woods and became a Ranger stereotypes here. All the information is given in general terms and is not specific to any campaign.The feats and skills make sense for an adventuring person as well.I could see this being a big help to a new GM who needs a well developed character in a pinch. But nothing can take the place of hard work when coming up with a villain for your party. Everything except the art work is open content, always a plus. To see the graded evaluation of this product and to leave comments that the reviewer will respond to, go to Fast Tracks at <a href="http://www.d20zines.com/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&catid=&topic=4" target="_blank">www.d20zines.com.</a></blockquote>

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