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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Messageboard Golem" data-source="post: 2008602" data-attributes="member: 18387">Before I begin, I'd like to address some people here that question my objectivity in regards to my favorite setting, the Scarred Lands. While it may seem I countance no wrong with SL or the Sword and Sorcery Studios team, this is far from the truth. For example, I'm like a lot people that wanted to have the Penumbral lord's spell list be +1 per level instead of a separate listing. Another thing, is yes, like many of you, I was dissappointed with the quality of work on the first product by them. BUT my initial and continued enthusiam remains for two reasons. One, if a product must get better, it has to have support of those that want it. Otherwise it just falls on it's face and no one cares. Secondly, to have a hope for change means speaking out. Thus with that out of the way, I'm ready to make my review of Mithril.Mirthil is a sourcebook detailing one of the best remaining strongholds of good in the Scarred Lands. It's history revolves around that of it's patron's creation, the Mithril Golem. A source of reverance and awe, this wondrous piece of machinary and magic has become a symbol for Mithril for all times.  The book has seven chapters, each detailing the various nuanaces of the city in some fashion. The introduction speaks of the Golem as it's role as protector is what keeps the majority of the titanspawn away. Chapter one discusses the law enforcement issues, the weather effects and some of the enviroment, especially that of the Blood Sea. This chapter I felt was pretty good precusor to what is to come, but what helped it even more was the entry on the gods. Since this is the home to one of Corean's creations, (Corean the LG god of Paladins, chivilery and crafting), Corean is venerated above others, even though the schism between the Cult of the Golem and Corean's faithful grows. But what attracted me is that of the Dark Gods. They are venerated but not overtly worshipped. To the everyday Mithrilian, only two gods matter, that of Corean and his Mother, Denev, since her representitives have helped to save the city much of the time. Though the other gods of good are more than welcomed, the one that bring trouble like Enkili and especially the Tolerated (as the Dark Gods are called) are only barely welcomed at times.Chapter 2 deals with the history of both the Blood Sea and the surrounding areas of Mithril. Much of this was good and gave some idea of a history of the city. Overall, it was more facsinating to read about the Beacon towers and of course the history of Hornsaw's hags. Chapter 3 deals with the city itself, and divides itself between the wallless and occasionally lawless docks along the Blood Sea, called Harbor Town and the wall might of the Temple City, where the Golem dwells. While there's a lot to get into, I think I'll just highlight my favorites. Mirt Thassel, the de-facto leader of the Cult of the Golem, his home and self are readily detailed here. The Champion's Playhouse, where the newly performing troupe is usually in debt, The Guild of Shadows, the place were all arcane users (sorcerers and wizards) are registered and trained to help with Mithril defense. The West Gate, where a paladin sorceress of the Mithril Knights guards against all incursions. The Museum of the Blood Sea, where they keep a monstrous blood sea whale called the Demon Whale over head. And finally the Penumbral Pentagonal Ruins, where Dar'Tan and his cronies used to hang out. The Temple city has more...but really on the shrines to the Dark Gods and homes of might heroes like Barconius and the leader of the city, Emili Derigesh lives and works. Chapter 4 deals with the world outside of Mithril and this is where the book shines as it goes into some good detial about places like the former home of Gest Ganet,  plus the rumored place of the new Penumbral Pentagon. That plus details on the local island chain as well as details about the various titanspawn that permate the plains of Lede as well the Keldar Mountains and the Hornsaw Forest, make this a very satisfying addition.Chapter 5 details possible scenarios/adventures for the party to have in and around Mithril. My two favorites had to deal with Dar'Tan and Gest Ganest's help in finding a lost civilization. Regardless of that, these adventures are fine way of giving the players perspectives on the various levels in and around Mithril.Chapter 6 has some ideas about the various character classes, at least for clerics and Paladins. The newest thing they have is the Mithril Knight. It's a little overpowered but since this is a city where a God made his mark, it's a little understandable but not entirely excuseable. Chapter 7 has more details about the famous personages like Barcionius, his allies like the senior adjunct of the Veshian Vigils, and also info on one of the more prestigious/ruthless trading families, the Asuras. But for me, it was real treat to read over about Dar'Tan and his plans, plus some of his operatives like the now disguised Shan Tioz, who is working as one of the theives in the city. Dar'Tan though is probably my favorite villian since he strikes without warning but never without due caution or planning. So overall this a good book. There were some minor glitches, like in the personages section, parts of it were misplaces or misused. Another thing was layout itself, which I felt could have benefited from a pull out map or two. In any case, the maps for Mithril and the surrounding areas weren't too shabby but I have seen better. Even so, what sold me on this book wasn't the errors, but the depth and realism in the city, especially dealing with the gods, the adventures offered, and the characters themselves. I hope that I can see an improvement for maps when they do more city work, but until then I guess it will have to be black and white. I do recommend this book for those SL fans out there BUT also for those looking for a city with some good characteristics in it. Mithril is definately a place to have some adventures, especially many times over.</blockquote>

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