Creative Mountain Games Comments...

[NeghVar]

Over the last few months I have had the opportunity to playtest several Creative Mountain Games projects. The projects I have playtested include; Focus Jalston (a setting book detailing the port town of Jalston and the villages around it), Whispering Woodwind (a module set both inside and outside of the town of Jalston), and Blessing in Disguise (module set wholly in Jalston).

I have to say that these are some of the best thought out, and richly detailed books I have seen.

In Focus Jalston shops in town have detailed notes describing it and the people that work in it (these townspeople are statted out as well). Personalities and attitudes are described, costs for wares are provided, and the town is given structure. I really like the fact that Jalston is loaded with adventure hooks. Both scenarios, Whispering Woodwind and Blessing in Disguise, are begun from interacting with npc's in Jalston. Something else that really stands out is the detail that Mark has instilled into his NPC's. The townspeople are detailed and really given a life of their own.

Whispering Woodwind starts in Jalston then leads the characters out into the outlying villages and wild surrounding Jalston. I believe it is designed with 4 players between levels 1-4. Not wanting to provide too many spoilers (except - watch out for the mad flutist that flutes), I will suffice to say that we came very close to meeting one of the module's objectives (which we figured out after a few twists and turns).

Blessing in Disguise is set in Jalston and does a great job of familiarizing the PC's with the town proper and it's inhabitants. This module is designed for 4 players at level 3 but scaled for levels 1 to 5. As with Whispering Woodwind the adventure can be scaled for both lower and higher level PC's. This adventure showed me that the town guard should not be trifled with (the rest of the group faired better than me). I like the fact that each one of these scenarios directs the PC's to a portion of town they may not have investigated before.

You will also find on CMG's website several freebies; Toeffrun Creation Myth, Locus - Jalston, Culture Class "County Clergy", Group Combat, and Culture Class "Trundlefolk". Go download these now...if you haven't already...and read them! If you have already downloaded and read them...how about some comments?

Also check out the chat tonight with Mark from CMG at 8pm Central (9pm Eastern, 6pm Pacific, 2am London, 3am CET).

Here's CMG's web address- http://www.creativemountaingames.com

 

[Nightfall]

I would have liked the chat Creative. But I wasn't there for all of it.

 

[Shadeus]

I've also had a chance to playtest some of Mark's material as well. If you listened to the chat last night, you will know that he has a background in acting and directing. It's obvious in his portrayals of characters. The town of Jalston is phenomenal. It's alive and breathing. The level of detail is amazing so DMs have a good feel for what's in and around the town.

NeghVar's description of a Blessing in Disguise is very accurate. During the course of the adventure, you really get a feel for the town (and why dwarf cleric's shouldn't take on the town watch). Which is exactly what its purpose is.

And if you haven't read Creative Mountain's Toeffrun Creation Myth, you are really missing out. If you want to create a mythology for your campaign, this is how to do it. It is a great pool of information for DMs to generate campaign ideas. In addition, its a key piece of player information to aid in roleplay. It would explain the animosity between the Archaics and the Supernals, or why your priest of the Blessed Shield is willing to risk his life to save another.

 

[Synicism]

I'm in total agreement thus far. While I haven't had the opportunity to read all of the stuff on the CMG website, the writing is very good and Jalston is a well constructed, well thought out town. Wish I could say more about it, but been busy lately, and haven't had much time to read gaming books of any sort.

 

[CTD]

This thread made me look, and I have to say that I really like the idea of the 'Culture Class'.

It is much more useful for me and my campaign to have a few more NPC classes to cover different little things that NPC's might be doing than it is to have another 20 prestiege classes.

Not everything has to be an option for players, back in the day of AD&D 1E I remember a lot of 'player classes' in Dragon that were better off for NPC's than PC's. It's a boon to the game to make them a bit more unique and focus their abilities without making them competetive with a real PC.

 

[annadobritt]

I have downloaded all of those available, but haven't had a chance to sit down and read through them. Hmm. Should get some more ink for my printer too. Rather read it printed up than staring at the screen. I do that enough as it is.

But I have to say I really love the maps! They are excellent!!!

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hi all!

I am of the opinion that the Locus: Jalston is easily among the best written d20 material available!

Not only great writing but the thought invested in the structuring of the various products is equally refreshing (clearly seperating the player and DM information) in its simplicity.

If you haven't checked it out yet I suggest you do so now.

 

[alsih2o]

i, personally have found the jalston materials very useful.

nothing like a fully fleshed out town for use or inspiration. and the price is just right

 

[reapersaurus]

I enjoyed exploring his Jalston town until he pulled the plug on the adventure.

The detail and map was quite refreshing, and creative.

 

[William Ronald]

The Toeffrun Creation Myth and Jalston are quite good.

Mark, did you get my review of the creation myth?