sell me on ghostwalk

[darkbard]

so, this product falls into the category of things i'm on the fence about. i'm much more interested in a dark and gritty game these days: one dominated by humans with all their flaws; where it rains much of the time [potentially with occasional magical [or magic-impairing] effects]; dominated by urban grit; where crows are harbingers of death [appearing at combat scenes, occasionally as foreshadowing before a conflict, etc.]; where disease and crime and rats and other vermin run rampant; where firearms go side-by-side with sword and spell; where resurrection magic is rare. basically, i've been fixating upon a dark[er] version of the iron kingdoms, with lots of influence from the atmosphere of the crow movies and things of that ilk. from what monte cook has released so far about his arcana unearthed, i'll probably include many elements from that as well [classes, magic system, not races though].

so, with the whole focus on becoming a ghost right after death [i.e. death is not really a penalty any more, etc.] i had immediately dismissed ghostwalk ... except that it is written by two great designers whose work i love. and that it includes details on a city setting which is something i'm always interested in. and that including some element of the dead among the living is not totally at odds with the crow-influences i'm keen on.

my questions: from what i've described, will ghostwalk disappoint me or provide additional stuff that fits the mood of my game? how detailed is manifest and does its atmosphere and specifics fit what i'm describing? any other details in this vein are certainly welcome. thanks.

 

[apocalypstick]

Play Wraith: The Oblivion instead. It's much better than Ghostwalk, and can be converted to a fantasy milieu with a microscopic effort if that's really what you want to do with it.

The Shadowlands are pretty fantastical all by themselves, though, IMO.

Really. Ghostwalk is... well... pretty sucky.

edit: i can't type.

 

[GravyFingerz]

If you don't buy Ghostwalk, a WoTC representitive will be there shortly to beat you

 

[Sejs]

Go to a used book store, buy Wraith the Oblivion for like 7 bucks, then go see a movie, or get a nice meal.


There are better ways to spend your money. Ghostwalk ain't one of them

 

[TiQuinn]

my questions: from what i've described, will ghostwalk disappoint me or provide additional stuff that fits the mood of my game? how detailed is manifest and does its atmosphere and specifics fit what i'm describing? any other details in this vein are certainly welcome. thanks.

I don't think Ghostwalk is what you're looking for. You could mine it for ideas, but it's certainly not a dark, gritty setting.

 

[darkbard]

thanks folks. you just saved me a small bucket of cash [rpg products run on the expensive side [like everything else] in japan].

edit: now, what's up with this wraith the oblivion dillyo?

 

[TrubbulTheTroll]

Sorry - can't sell you on that book. Not the best hardcover out there. Ghostwalk should've been an undead version of Savage Species.

 

[Kerrwyn]

Wraith was published by White Wolf (Vampire, Werewolf, etc.) about five or six years ago. It wasn't the best system from what I understand, but it was supposed to be pretty fun and the powers were pretty cool. You could probably pick it up in a used book store for five or six buck.

 

[jaults]

    How interesting... While I agree that Ghostwalk doesn't have a lot of what you are looking for, I found it a very evocative setting and ruleset. Manifest is reasonably detailed and the rules for ghosts fit well into D&D (which, I don't think, W:tO would). So I guess my opinion is that it may not be for you, but it is a well written and designed book...

    Jason

 

[Tzarevitch]

    How interesting... While I agree that Ghostwalk doesn't have a lot of what you are looking for, I found it a very evocative setting and ruleset. Manifest is reasonably detailed and the rules for ghosts fit well into D&D (which, I don't think, W:tO would). So I guess my opinion is that it may not be for you, but it is a well written and designed book...

    Jason

I both agree and disagree.

"Well written and designed", it is, "evocative", it is not. It actually is amazingly bland for a setting that features ghosts and the afterlife so heavily and it most certainly isn't worth its hefty price tag. I agree with the sentiment that you should go find a copy of Wraith: The Oblivion and adapt it to your setting.

Tzarevitch