Bastion Press News

[Jim Butler]

COLUMN

The Bastion Press website has a new column this week, penned by longtime industry veteran Kevin Melka. You can see what Kevin has to say about the industry (and THAC0, and Cyborg Commando, and others), by visiting:

http://www.bastionpress.com/column.htm

OATHBOUND: ARENA

Oathbound: Arena ships from the printer next week, so make sure to visit your favorite local gaming store and order your copy now. With so many d20 products coming out each week, retailers need your help now more than ever in planning what products they bring into your store.

For more information on Arena, check out:

http://www.bastionpress.com/Oathbound/arena.htm


TORN ASUNDER: CRITICAL HITS
The glowing reviews keep rolling in for Torn Asunder.

"Torn Asunder represents the first product of its kind that I have seen for d20. Not only are the rules innovative, but they are also simple and do not require a clumsy dismantling of mechanics such as Hit Points like other "Grim and Gritty" d20 adaptations do. This book is a must for groups that are looking for a more "realistic" and potentially devastating combat system." --Bradford Ferguson at Silven Crossroads

"The book uses standard two column layout and makes good use of white space. Text is well laid out and not crunched up. The art is another strong point of the book with some artist apparently having a love affair with the demonic Kyton, illustrating both the magic item Cloak of the Kyton with it's animated chains and a full page illustration of a Kyton in combat against a master of the two handed sword. The book makes good use of numerous OGC from several publishers, integrating it almost seamlessly into the whole so that you're never jarred from the reading by different writing styles. Total Score: 4 (out of 5)." -- Joe G. Kushner at ENWorld

"It offers a quick, easy, system to add detail to injuries in combat, but without going to extremes that would make it unplayable or unwieldy. A-" -- Jeremy Reaban at RPG.Net

"Torn Asunder: Critical Hits definitely adds a dangerous edge to combat – which, in my opinion, has always been missing. Real risk of permanent, debilitating injury now threatens characters and may cause them to re-think the act of charging into battle. As a deterrent or incentive, Torn Asunder does a great job of expanding rules that have long been subject to the GM’s whim and/or house rules. 9.0 (out of 10)." -- Kithmaker at Mortality

"If you want rules for critical hits then there's every reason to go out and buy Torn Asunder. Score: 4 (out of 5)." -- Gamewyrd at ENWorld

For review links, an art preview, and other information about Torn Asunder: Critical Hits, visit:

http://www.bastionpress.com/Products/torn.htm

 

[HellHound]

As another old curmudgeon of gaming, that column was a lot of fun to read.

(Oh yeah, and I *just* put my Cyborg Commando boosk back in the collector box and then stored that ina storage box labelled RPGs that is moving down to the basement in the next few days... it is carefully cushioned between the 3.0 Core Rules Books on one side and my 2nd Edition Gamma World material).

 

[tensen]

As another old curmudgeon of gaming, that column was a lot of fun to read.

(Oh yeah, and I *just* put my Cyborg Commando boosk back in the collector box and then stored that ina storage box labelled RPGs that is moving down to the basement in the next few days... it is carefully cushioned between the 3.0 Core Rules Books on one side and my 2nd Edition Gamma World material).

Wow. Cyborg Commando. I had that game. I think I still do. But I never actually tried playing it.

 

[HellHound]

Only game I own that spends a LARGE portion of the rules discussing the mechanics and statistical analysis of the new die mechanic used in the game.

Although I -still- find the mechanics less arcane than the ones from K.A.B.A.L., which requires the use of scientific calculators to determine hit chances in combat...

 

[JeffB]

Interesting column up until the point he talks about meeting "Jarl the Frost Giant".

He best go dig his copy of G2 out and a dictionary to look up what "Jarl" means

 

[Darrin Drader]

Interesting column up until the point he talks about meeting "Jarl the Frost Giant".

He best go dig his copy of G2 out and a dictionary to look up what "Jarl" means

Yes, I think most of us are aware that Jarl is the term used for a giant king. However, from the usage of the word in the title and, frankly, the limited understanding of the youngsters playing those early TSR mods, it's easy for both the DMs and the players to make the assumption that Jarl is a proper name and then remember it that way. I wasn't even aware it isn't a name until a few weeks ago when I blew the dust off that old book and read it again.

 

[Cergorach]

Actually, a Jarl is a medieval Scandinavian chieftain or nobleman. People should know their history a bit better...

[edit]
And i should know my foreign languages (english) a bit better... ;-)
[/edit]

 

[JeffB]

I don't know Darrin, I remember when that mod hit the shelf. I was about 8 years old, and I never even thought twice about. And I'm just a dumb Redneck (transplanted now to NY)

 

[DaveMage]

And "Jarl" is a great Scrabble(tm) word!

 

[pogre]

Another slight correction to the column: Gen Con was moved to Milwaukee in 1985.

edit: I'm not really wound that tight - It's just that 1984 was my 1st GenCon and I remember Kenosha fairly well. I hate getting old...