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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WizarDru" data-source="post: 2009924" data-attributes="member: 151">Heroes of High Favor: Half-Orcs is the second release from <a href="http://www.badaxegames.com/" target="_blank">BadAxe Games</a>, the publishing label for Ben Durbin, better known as Wulf Ratbane to ENWorld regulars (and author of <a href="http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102" target="_blank">Wulf's Story Hour</a>, one of the most popular Story Hours at ENworld).  I should qualify this review that I purchased this title on the strength of reviews of BadAxe's previous release, HoHF<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f600.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D"  data-smilie="8"data-shortname=":D" />warves, as well as general curiousity.The first thing of note about this release is its size.  Larger than a paperback, but smaller than the standard magazine-sized format of most RPG supplements, the supplement immediately stands out as different from the majority of releases.  I actually like the format, but I could easily see how some might not prefer it.  The size is not reflective of poor print quality, however, and I was quite pleased with the binding and paper.  More noticably, the format is the most likely reason that HoHF:HO comes with a scant $9.95 price tag, making it a tasty morsel in today's world of $20+ classbooks (which is not to say I disparage those prices...merely that it's refreshing to buy a supplement that isn't as expensive).The cover, artwork and overall visual style is clean and well-done.  The artwork, done by Andrew Hale, is always relevant to the text, and fun to look at.  It offers the necessary spice to liven the text, without detracting or distracting from it.  It is my hope that he also illustrates the other books in this series, as he is a serious asset.  Unlike many d20 publishers, there are no prerequisite shots of hlaf-naked women strewn throughout the book, nor is the text spaced unusually or with an unusually large font to fill space.  Everything in the book serves a purpose, and the book is exactly as long as it needs to be, no more and no less.Now to the content itself: the meat and potatoes of the book (and the central conceit of the entire HoHF series) is to take a particular PC race, and then focus specifically on their favored class.  In this case, it's the Half-orc barbarian that benefits.  The book benefits from such a tight focus, as it is able to devote it's attention solely to variations on the theme, but introduces enough concepts to keep it fresh.  Not an easy task.  To be clear, the book makes it clear in no uncertain terms: this is a player's option book.  It also specifically notes that you'd best be talking to the DM if you actually want any of this content to make it's way to the gaming table.The content includes:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">New Feats:  Most of the new feats are either feats for a barbarian to enhance his rage, or for specific variants of some of the new content included in the book, such as Craft Savage Weapon.  On the whole, there was nothing here that set of my DM early-warning system (with the exception of the Orcish Rage feat, which I was uncertain of...until the author pointed out a comparison with WOTC's own Extra Rage feat, and I felt more comfortable with it). </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"> New Skills and uses for existing ones:  This is always a potential stickler for me, as it has the serious danger of messing up existing content much more than new feats.  I actively encourage the use of more skills in D&D.  Nothing outrageous here, but the introduction of a new use for Animal Handling (more in a moment) as well the option to craft "Savage" weapons. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">New Rules/Mechanics:  I'll admit it, I wasn't expecting much here.  Because of that, I was very pleasantly suprised not only to see new material, but that is was both creative and original.  A whole new set of mechanics for Animal Husbandry and selective breeding showed me that there's always room for new concepts within the game.  The "Savage" equipment variants (i.e. equipment that is quicker and cheaper to make, but not as sturdy) worked well, too...and remained balanced. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">New Prestige Classes:  Often, this section is the meatiest of a supplement, and the most poorly thought out, usually in favor of 'cool concepts' over good design.  Not so, here.  The prestige-classes (and presumably this is the pattern for the series) are all the extension of a half-orc barbarian multiclassing with each one of the core classes, and being taken to an extreme.  So, for example, the half-orc barbarian/bard can become the Agitator, while the half-orc barbarian/sorceror can become the Wyrd.  One class, the Moulder (H-O BAR/DRD) specifically breeds...things, using the new husbandry rules.   </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Gaming Advice:  Arguably, the section on how to play a barbarian should be required reading for anyone considering playing a barbarian.  I know that it was read aloud at my gaming table, and it probably will be at yours, too.</li> </ul>Durbin's writing style is light-hearted and amusing, and that goes a long way to making this an enjoyable read.  Even so, there is no wasted space here.  It's all worthwhile mateial, and Durbin gives his topic the royal treatment.  The half-orc barbarian is a savage, nasty fellow, as presented here, and Durbin shows how to make him nastier.In short, I would highly recommend Heroes of High Favor: Half-Orcs, both to DMs and players.  The new content is equally useful for PCs and NPCs, and will most likely be welcome within most games.  It manages to bring some fresh concepts to the table, and presents them in an entertaining fashion.  Couple that with the attractive design and inexpensive price, and you've got a winner.</blockquote>

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