This is a review of Arcana Unearthed. It is from the point of view of a gamer who wanted a different magic system and more flexible character classes.
Summary: I think AU is the best OGL product that has been release this year. It beats out any D20 product as well. For my money I received more bang than with the 3.5 PHB.
Pre-release expectations:
1. Presented as a variant PHB. Meaning: all you need is the AU hardcover. Meaning: some (possibly a significant) amount of SRD content in the initial release.
2. All new races (apart from humans). These were all given a broad overview, so I know what was coming.
3. All new classes. Each class was given some preview time as well. I knew what each one was going to be like (in general).
4. Some new feats, skills, and equipment. Some hints were given.
5. A new magic system which was previewed as well in, mostly, general terms. You got the feel, if not all the details.
6. Some idea on what was to be involved in using AU ideas in your home campaign. The language was subjective, so I took it subjectively (i.e., with a grain of salt)
7. Artwork and layout were also previewed. The fact that it was to be black and white was released as well.
Delivery of my expectations. Spot on. Since I thoroughly researched this product before purchase, I had no burst bubbles.
Specific points:
Price to page count: I was not exactly pleased with the price at first. But after seeing performing my own research of how much a hardback costs to produce, I calmed down
Artwork: Ho-hum. I care very little for cover and interior art. In fact I am not much of an art fan. Besides, when I PLAY my nose is not in the book. I am paying attention to the game my DM, and my fellow players. That said their are a few pieces I liked in the book.
SRD content: There was a lot of SRD content. But, since it is a variant PHB, meant to be used alone, this not a problem. The less b ook I have to lug around the better. Most of the SRD material follows 3.0 conventions. Since I (mostly) prefer 3.0 over 3.5, this was a good thing. But if 3.5 is you bag, then adopting those elements in not a problem.
New Content:
Races: It is hard for me to get excited about divergent races in a game. I usually play humans. I always have. So this section was the least exciting for me. What I did like was the availability of options. Tiny size. Flight. Large size. Natural weapons. Real magic affinity. All cool. Nothing problematic in their implementation as there are trade offs to consider.
Classes: What I really like about the classes in general was their versatility. Most had either a healthy dose of bonus feats and/or a choice of class features. One exception that sticks out is the greenbond. I would like all the classes to have this versatility, that was not the case. No big deal.
Skills: Not a whole lot new here, just a slightly different presentation of some of the familiar skills. I liked that sneak was made into a single skill, combining move silent and hide. I was hoping to find the 3.5 knowledge skill presentation, but was disappointed when it wasn't there. But I can easily fix that.
Feats: Also a very cool chapter. The "XXXX Mage" feats are all cool options and add flavor to you caster. The division of feats into regular, ceremonial, and talents, is a good control to the benefits some offer.
Equipment: I liked the now weapon and armor templates. I must have said "that's cool" more times when looking through that chapter, that any other, apart from the magic and spells chapters. I especially liked the armor choices. All good options, your wallet and your class abilities are your only real limitations.
Magic and Spells:
This is what I really got the book for, I have to admit. I have been aching for a magic system that offers a large amount of flexibility while using all the familiar DnD elements. I have seen a lot of magic systems that folks say are balanced but are usually not. Or they make me have to use all new spells and mechanics. I was please that the AU magic system used familiar d20 mechanics, but presents them rearranged.
I can use my magic much more creatively, and have little of the "well I don't have that prepared, I have to wait until tomorrow" unheroic uninspiring dulness that is the regular dnd magic system.
In AU if I want to switch out readied spells, I can do that without waiting until the next day. If I want to blast a bad guy, but it happens to be immune to acid, sonic, and electricity then it is no big deal. The damage type for most spells that do element/energy -based damage can be chosen on the fly.
All spell altering effects in the game are applied on the fly, so the caster has ultimate control over his magic.
This flexibility comes at a price: Most spells seem to be slightly weaker than their 3.x counterparts. With the things a caster can do on the fly, it comes out pretty much even in my opinion. With one caveat:
Low level AU casters are better at dealing out damage that low-level DnD casters. But this a good think IMHO.
Having played a multitude of casters over the years, I learned that I needed to hide behind the more beefy guys, and lead from a distance. I had to wait to be effective over the course of a whole day's adventuring. In AU a low level caster can have the same effectiveness as any other low level character without outshining them, or causing those pesky "balance" issues.
Overall Impression:
Considering what I wanted AU for, and AU to be. It is an outstanding product. There are some things I don't necessarily agree with, but this is the case with EVERY DnD product I have bought to date.
Compatability Issues: I have encountered none in play yet. As I didn't convert to 3.5, it was a small matter.
Summary: I think AU is the best OGL product that has been release this year. It beats out any D20 product as well. For my money I received more bang than with the 3.5 PHB.
Pre-release expectations:
1. Presented as a variant PHB. Meaning: all you need is the AU hardcover. Meaning: some (possibly a significant) amount of SRD content in the initial release.
2. All new races (apart from humans). These were all given a broad overview, so I know what was coming.
3. All new classes. Each class was given some preview time as well. I knew what each one was going to be like (in general).
4. Some new feats, skills, and equipment. Some hints were given.
5. A new magic system which was previewed as well in, mostly, general terms. You got the feel, if not all the details.
6. Some idea on what was to be involved in using AU ideas in your home campaign. The language was subjective, so I took it subjectively (i.e., with a grain of salt)
7. Artwork and layout were also previewed. The fact that it was to be black and white was released as well.
Delivery of my expectations. Spot on. Since I thoroughly researched this product before purchase, I had no burst bubbles.
Specific points:
Price to page count: I was not exactly pleased with the price at first. But after seeing performing my own research of how much a hardback costs to produce, I calmed down
Artwork: Ho-hum. I care very little for cover and interior art. In fact I am not much of an art fan. Besides, when I PLAY my nose is not in the book. I am paying attention to the game my DM, and my fellow players. That said their are a few pieces I liked in the book.
SRD content: There was a lot of SRD content. But, since it is a variant PHB, meant to be used alone, this not a problem. The less b ook I have to lug around the better. Most of the SRD material follows 3.0 conventions. Since I (mostly) prefer 3.0 over 3.5, this was a good thing. But if 3.5 is you bag, then adopting those elements in not a problem.
New Content:
Races: It is hard for me to get excited about divergent races in a game. I usually play humans. I always have. So this section was the least exciting for me. What I did like was the availability of options. Tiny size. Flight. Large size. Natural weapons. Real magic affinity. All cool. Nothing problematic in their implementation as there are trade offs to consider.
Classes: What I really like about the classes in general was their versatility. Most had either a healthy dose of bonus feats and/or a choice of class features. One exception that sticks out is the greenbond. I would like all the classes to have this versatility, that was not the case. No big deal.
Skills: Not a whole lot new here, just a slightly different presentation of some of the familiar skills. I liked that sneak was made into a single skill, combining move silent and hide. I was hoping to find the 3.5 knowledge skill presentation, but was disappointed when it wasn't there. But I can easily fix that.
Feats: Also a very cool chapter. The "XXXX Mage" feats are all cool options and add flavor to you caster. The division of feats into regular, ceremonial, and talents, is a good control to the benefits some offer.
Equipment: I liked the now weapon and armor templates. I must have said "that's cool" more times when looking through that chapter, that any other, apart from the magic and spells chapters. I especially liked the armor choices. All good options, your wallet and your class abilities are your only real limitations.
Magic and Spells:
This is what I really got the book for, I have to admit. I have been aching for a magic system that offers a large amount of flexibility while using all the familiar DnD elements. I have seen a lot of magic systems that folks say are balanced but are usually not. Or they make me have to use all new spells and mechanics. I was please that the AU magic system used familiar d20 mechanics, but presents them rearranged.
I can use my magic much more creatively, and have little of the "well I don't have that prepared, I have to wait until tomorrow" unheroic uninspiring dulness that is the regular dnd magic system.
In AU if I want to switch out readied spells, I can do that without waiting until the next day. If I want to blast a bad guy, but it happens to be immune to acid, sonic, and electricity then it is no big deal. The damage type for most spells that do element/energy -based damage can be chosen on the fly.
All spell altering effects in the game are applied on the fly, so the caster has ultimate control over his magic.
This flexibility comes at a price: Most spells seem to be slightly weaker than their 3.x counterparts. With the things a caster can do on the fly, it comes out pretty much even in my opinion. With one caveat:
Low level AU casters are better at dealing out damage that low-level DnD casters. But this a good think IMHO.
Having played a multitude of casters over the years, I learned that I needed to hide behind the more beefy guys, and lead from a distance. I had to wait to be effective over the course of a whole day's adventuring. In AU a low level caster can have the same effectiveness as any other low level character without outshining them, or causing those pesky "balance" issues.
Overall Impression:
Considering what I wanted AU for, and AU to be. It is an outstanding product. There are some things I don't necessarily agree with, but this is the case with EVERY DnD product I have bought to date.
Compatability Issues: I have encountered none in play yet. As I didn't convert to 3.5, it was a small matter.
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Thanks volcivar. Your review has helped me make my decision as to whether or not to purchase Arcana Unearthed. I'm off to Amazon to grab my copy now.
