So, talk to me about Kalamar

[kengar]

Looking at possibly playing in a KoK game and don't know much about the setting, etc. I prowled the kenzer boards a bit but was hoping for a less biased opinion. What's to like? What's not to like?

Are there special races and/or classes? I am not a "crunch" addict and dislike prestige/templating/etc., but variations from "Fighter, Wizard, Cleric, Thief" and "Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling" can be cool.

I'll be talking to the DM soon about his game specifics, but I was looking for some general impressions on the setting, thanks.

 

[Dirt]

You'll find Kenzer enthusiasts here as well!

Actually, I haven't played KoK myself, as I run a homebrewed campaign. I have been looking to play KoK though, primarily because I've found Kenzer & Company to be very accomodating to their customers - there are very few companies that command the loyalty of their customers the way that Kenzer does. I've played (and purchased) their Hackmaster products and have found their work to be superb. So, I'm looking forward to playing KoK as well...

 

[pogre]

If this is viewed as a hijack please forgive me.

Does anyone use the KoK modules without the campaign world? How much work is the conversion? In other words, how standard fantasy is KoK?

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

The worst thing I have ever heard anyone say about KoK is that the setting books can be kind of boring reading. I agree - I own the core book, but have never been able to read more than 10 pages at a time.

The setting is very standard fantasy. All the sourcebooks I have bought have been good, if a little dry. There is a lot of attention to detail, so if you like that, this setting may be for you.

The KoK Players Handbook was nice because it combined refererence elements from that book with the core books as only an "official" WotC book could do. Of course 3.5 throws a wrench in that former "completeness"...

Some optional rules for the stiing were fairly radical, like "anti-feats", but I don't remember hearing too many balance issues with their stuff.

Plus, Hobgoblins have an organized, dominant society - too cool.

And the best DM resource EVAR in the KoK ATLAS...

 

[Elf Witch]

I play in KOK game and I really like it. It has a lot to offer. It lends itself to lots of intrigue and unlike Forgotten Realms (which I like Too) it's canon is not being changed everytime a new book comes out. It gives DMs a lot of freedom to create what they want for the world.

Hobgoblins play an important part of the world and it does have some other classes like basarian dancer sort of like a martial artist who uses dance, infliltrator scout like spy, shaman, spellsinger and a few others. As well as some prestige classes. The core classes work fine though in our game no one is playing any of the classes from KOK they just add a little flavor.

A few other things I like about the game is the Gods yes their are a lot of them with a lot of names each region has it's own language so hence a differnt name for the god. (another thing I like) and their are no racial dieties like a god just for the elves. You spend language points on what you speak their is a trade tongue called merchant's tongue. I like the realism that not everone speaks the same language makes the mage who takes comp. Language or tongues really useful.

 

[Mark Plemmons]

Looking at possibly playing in a KoK game and don't know much about the setting, etc. I prowled the kenzer boards a bit but was hoping for a less biased opinion. What's to like? What's not to like?

Are there special races and/or classes? I am not a "crunch" addict and dislike prestige/templating/etc., but variations from "Fighter, Wizard, Cleric, Thief" and "Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling" can be cool.

I'll be talking to the DM soon about his game specifics, but I was looking for some general impressions on the setting, thanks.

Well, if you want to know facts about what's in the books (classes, races, etc), your best is still the KenzerCo boards, only because you'll be hearing from people who read and use the books on a regular basis.

Since everyone likes different things, though, just be sure to differentiate the facts from the opinions, and you should get lots of info.

If you haven't yet, you should prowl the many setting reference links at:

http://www.kenzerco.com/rpg/kalamar/index.php

That way, you can learn about areas of the setting without actually buying one of the books!

===
Mark Plemmons
Kenzer and Company
www.kenzerco.com
===