Kalamar - first published 4e setting?!?

[Jack99]

Yep, this is a big sign that the GSL is a failure. I suspect Goodman Games will be going the same route.

A failure for whom? I doubt WotC feels that (atm). Maybe for us, but let's get real here., WotC is in it for the money, not for our fanboism or lack thereof.

 

[Mark Plemmons]

I've been yawning over Kalamar since before 3e. Imagine Greyhawk, but written in the style of a 1968 encyclopedia, and with less mind flayers.

Ah, but the 2E version was maybe half the size of the 3E and 4E versions. So that doubles your mind flayer quotient right there!

For those who missed it in the OP's post, there's a 16-page preview PDF you can download to check it out.

You'll see that I added some information on "how to read this book", as well as the pronunciation guide to help those of you who have trouble with foreign languages (see the Table of Contents).

 

[thundershot]

Ah, there's Mark.... I knew he'd show up eventually. Dude, hook us up with a new Goods & Gear!! (I know, I'm starting to sound like an echo..)




Chris

 

[theemrys]

Well, when I first got the Kalamar Campaign book for 3e years ago I was excited, but quickly became bored with it due to it's style... after a while though I really got into the setting (more to do with the other source books). When I went back to my campaign setting book I realized it's one of the best ones I've ever had. Sure, I don't find it a good one to sit down and just read cover to cover, but as a reference book when running a game, it's awesome!

I have had some of the best games I've ever run set in Kalamar (and my player's agreed). We didn't find the names a big deal and I loved the "realism" behind the geography. Also, the way the different cultures are setup feels "right" for some reason. I'm also a fan of "rare magic" settings where it's there and there are powerful items/casters, but they're not common or seen all the time. It really is a setting where the PCs get to be the heros.

Anyway, if you're interested in a setting which has lots to draw on but gives you lots of room to develop your own game, I highly recommend this setting.

 

[redcard]

I'm looking for a good setting to start a 4e game in.. I was thinking a bout upconverting Eberron, but I don't know a lot about that world.. would this be a good setting for a GM who's not used to using campaign settings and instead is used to doing homebrew worlds?

 

[theemrys]

I'm looking for a good setting to start a 4e game in.. I was thinking a bout upconverting Eberron, but I don't know a lot about that world.. would this be a good setting for a GM who's not used to using campaign settings and instead is used to doing homebrew worlds?

My personal opinion is that it depends on your style. If you like the idea of the setting and just want a wealth of background info to draw on, it can work really well. Given the details on different "human races" and politics and languages, it's really great. I love the idea that there are no separate pantheons for different races, yet each culture (or race) has their own names for the same gods.

All in all, I'd say if you're looking for a rich backdrop that you can pull as much detail from as you want, it's great.

 

[catsclaw227]

It's interesting how preferences vary. I personally love setting books with between 0 and 15% crunch. More than that is taking away valuable setting information. Yet some people seem to prefer "setting books" which are basically 50%+ crunch (like some 3E FR books), and I have a hard time understanding how those aren't just crunch books with a bit of fluff.

Actually, I have a preference to crunch-lite worlds. I really love the Pirate's Guide to Freeport and I have my heart lost in the (insanely) massive World of Khaas book of Arduin.

I have a lot of KoK books already, though knowing that they will be moving to 4e, it may make that part of my library a teensy bit more "available" to me when I mine for stuff for my 4e game.

I was mostly thinking that a book like this may be a reprint of 3e stuff reorganized and with the Atlas attached. If they add in some more crunch to help make the purchase of a 4e reprint of 3e material more easily digested by my wallet, then all the better.

 

[Mark Plemmons]

If they add in some more crunch to help make the purchase of a 4e reprint of 3e material more easily digested by my wallet, then all the better.

Well, if it helps, there are 43 new channeled divinity feats, and some rules suggestions (not statistics) on how to create new subraces for the elves, gnomes, hobgoblins, and other major humanoid races.

 

[Mark Plemmons]

I have a lot of KoK books already, though knowing that they will be moving to 4e, it may make that part of my library a teensy bit more "available" to me when I mine for stuff for my 4e game.

We'll still be supporting 3.5 for a bit, if for no other reason than we still have a couple of mostly rules free 3.5 PDF products that are nearly completed. And the 2E and 3.5e-compatible PDFs will remain on our webstore, of course.

 

[GeorgeFields]

IMO its a great snag if you're a fan of KoK and want a electronic version and the updates (ie. the full write-up on Half-Hobgoblin).

Exactly why I intend to get it.

Yes, they transport me to the Land of Syllables.

Tolkien got away with it because he was a professional. That doesn't mean YOU do.

And Kenzer & Co isn't professional?