Masque of the Red Death

[Master of the Game]

Has anyone seen a copy of the Arthaus version of Masque?

I loved the old setting, but I can't find any reviews of the new book, and the one person I talked to about it said that it needed serious errata, and isn't being supported at all.

Anyways, I ordered a copy of it, but I'm concidering canceling the order, and I was hoping someone else has read it and could give me a quick review.

 

[der_kluge]

I think "lukewarm" is the general consensus of it. I'd read some reviews of it.

There are no reviews of it here, but here are two reviews at rpg.net
http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_3550.html
http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_375.html

I think after reading comments on it, and reviews, I decided not to get it. I was a big fan (still am) of the original boxed set.

 

[Kanegrundar]

I picked it up, thumbed through it, and put it back. I would have likely bought it if they would have used the D20 Modern setting instead of basing it off of D&D, which never seemed to fit to me.

Plus, after not really liking any of the new Ravenloft stuff (it's OK, just not as good as the original material), I'm pretty leary about plunking donw money on any Arthaus stuff before I get a good review or I'm able to try it in game.

Kane

 

[DMH]

I have it and the box set. There are a few (just a few) nifty things like the masques for monsters (like being able to affect memories to hide from the human population), but overall, meh. There are way too many classes and some have fairly useless (the doctor has one class ability for all 20 levels). The history is about the same and pages are wasted on clothing styles of the time (a reference to a book with the information would have been better).

I do hope there will be supplements, however. Now that the stupid stuff is done with, a series of locations of Gothic Earth would be very cool.

 

[Master of the Game]

I think "lukewarm" is the general consensus of it. I'd read some reviews of it.

There are no reviews of it here, but here are two reviews at rpg.net
http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_3550.html
http://www.rpg.net/news+reviews/reviews/rev_375.html

I think after reading comments on it, and reviews, I decided not to get it. I was a big fan (still am) of the original boxed set.

I read those, but unfortunately I think they are reviews of the original set, and the one I'm thinking of getting came out last year.

I did find some review at The Fraternity of Shadows a Ravenloft fan page, and they were mixed at best. The people who liked it seemed to be willing to look past the flaws, while thus people who wanted a good product were unimpressed.

I think I'll hold off hoping for an official errata or second edition. Thanks for the help/input.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I own the D20 treatment but don't really like the way it is done, however it is a start. Used in conjunction with D20 Past and Grim Tales, it can really shine.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Also, I believe that ArtHaus will be publishing Masque of the Jade Dragon sometime this year. If it is treated the same way MotRD is, then I will not be purchasing it.

 

[der_kluge]

I read those, but unfortunately I think they are reviews of the original set, and the one I'm thinking of getting came out last year.

I did find some review at The Fraternity of Shadows a Ravenloft fan page, and they were mixed at best. The people who liked it seemed to be willing to look past the flaws, while thus people who wanted a good product were unimpressed.

I think I'll hold off hoping for an official errata or second edition. Thanks for the help/input.

Crap, you're right! I could have swore I saw reviews of it somewhere...

 

[Klaus]

Not using D20 Modern rules is what hurt MotRD most. But the fluff and the Gamemastering tips are still good.

Plus hey, I got to illustrate a chink of it!

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

Not using D20 Modern rules is what hurt MotRD most.

Yep, that's what made me pass on it. If I'm going to have to convert anyway, I'll just stick with the old box set for "fluff" and use the D20M engine for the "crunch".