WizarDru
Adventurer
Actually, it arrived a couple of days ago, and I've been absorbing it ever since. What is it?
Why, it's none other than A Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe, quite possibly the best supplement I've purchased since the core books and Manual of the Planes.
This is, quite simply, the book that I'd been waiting 20 years for someone to write. And it's really good. But don't just take my word for it, ask Monte Cook, who gave it a 10.
What is it? It's a study and explanation of the Western European feudal system, from the ground up, with an emphasis on how it would work in the context of the core D&D world. It states assumptions on how the world would differ from the existing historical context, and has plenty of charts, tables and interesting information to choke a horse. It's concisely written, and not boring, IMHO.
Better yet, there are excellent plot hooks and explanations of how many conventions could be introduced into a game. It discusses how PCs might acquire lands and titles, and the inherent pitfalls associated with same. It discusses the dispersion and dispensation of NPCs. And that's little more than the first chapter. There's a huge section on the Medieval city, the interaction of towns, titles and rights that I'd never even heard of. (for example: who knew that the local lord could fine you for having sex out of wedlock?)
The discussion of how the legal system works at the manor/castle level was very interesting, too. I didn't realize that some places had jury systems going that far back, or that (while success was unlikely) you could, in some cases, contest a local lord's decision.
And, to show how gutsy jgbrowing actually is, the book concludes with A TEST. Brilliant, if you ask me. Oh, did I mention that it's 100% open content? 'Cuz it is.
Currently, you can only order it in print directly from Expeditious Retreat Press. And if you're a DM, YOU REALLY SHOULD. Go buy it. Now. I mean it. Really. I'm doing you a favor, here.
Why, it's none other than A Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe, quite possibly the best supplement I've purchased since the core books and Manual of the Planes.
This is, quite simply, the book that I'd been waiting 20 years for someone to write. And it's really good. But don't just take my word for it, ask Monte Cook, who gave it a 10.
What is it? It's a study and explanation of the Western European feudal system, from the ground up, with an emphasis on how it would work in the context of the core D&D world. It states assumptions on how the world would differ from the existing historical context, and has plenty of charts, tables and interesting information to choke a horse. It's concisely written, and not boring, IMHO.
Better yet, there are excellent plot hooks and explanations of how many conventions could be introduced into a game. It discusses how PCs might acquire lands and titles, and the inherent pitfalls associated with same. It discusses the dispersion and dispensation of NPCs. And that's little more than the first chapter. There's a huge section on the Medieval city, the interaction of towns, titles and rights that I'd never even heard of. (for example: who knew that the local lord could fine you for having sex out of wedlock?)
The discussion of how the legal system works at the manor/castle level was very interesting, too. I didn't realize that some places had jury systems going that far back, or that (while success was unlikely) you could, in some cases, contest a local lord's decision.
And, to show how gutsy jgbrowing actually is, the book concludes with A TEST. Brilliant, if you ask me. Oh, did I mention that it's 100% open content? 'Cuz it is.
Currently, you can only order it in print directly from Expeditious Retreat Press. And if you're a DM, YOU REALLY SHOULD. Go buy it. Now. I mean it. Really. I'm doing you a favor, here.
All of which is a long way towards saying Yes, in the pretty near future, once I catch my breath.
