PDA

View Full Version : High 5e: Review, Resource, & Request Thread



Libertad
2020-04-19, 02:42 AM
Hello everyone. During my work on Odyssey of the Dragonlords I came up with the idea of reviewing third party 5th Edition sourcebooks. Much like the OGL of the 3rd Edition era, we have tomes ranging from professional writers with high production value to shovelware cash grabs. While many people are most familiar with WotC's work, I feel that it is remiss to ignore the many other sourcebooks out there, be they flying under the radar or are featured in Critical Role's next livestreamed session.

Before are a few of the products I seem interesting, offbeat, or weird enough to be review-worthy. While I have plans for reviewing some below, others should feel free to take up the mantle themselves.


Regular to Large-sized Sourcebooks

These include the industry standard, typically 160 to 400 pages.

https://i.imgur.com/9sOQVic.jpeg

Adventures From the Pot-Bellied Kobold: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/348700/Adventures-from-the-Potbellied-Kobold-15-Adventures-for-5E') A series of 15 short adventures.

https://i.imgur.com/qj92sDY.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/WiH1wHF.jpg?1

Adventures in Middle-Earth Corebooks: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/54/Cubicle-7-Entertainment-Ltd/subcategory/26369/Adventures-in-Middleearth-OGL') Part conversion of The One Ring, part building up original material on the 5e chassis, Adventures in Middle-Earth finally makes the DM of the Rings webcomic a reality.

https://i.imgur.com/jaVH7x5.png

The Adventurer’s Guide to Theria: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/322217/The-Adventurers-Guide-to-Theria--Volume-1-Ellara') A campaign setting based off of a livestreaming group’s D&D sessions.

https://i.imgur.com/WyPJJ8q.jpeg

Arcana of the Ancients: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/308497/Arcana-of-the-Ancients') A conversion of the technomagic items of Monte Cook’s Numenera to D&D.

https://i.imgur.com/8Ag7CQt.jpeg

Arcanis 5e Setting: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/234910/Arcanis-5E-Campaign-Setting') A 5th Edition conversion of the Arcanis setting.

https://i.imgur.com/w5tJ7hs.jpg?1

BEOWULF: Age of Heroes: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/340773/BEOWULF-Age-of-Heroes') A 1 player 1 GM setting in a mythical version of Early Medieval Britain and Scandinavia based on the tales of Beowulf. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?630271-Let-s-Read-Beowulf-Age-of-Heroes-(5e)')

https://i.imgur.com/kXWgCJ8.jpeg

Blue Rose Adventurer's Guide: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/328715/The-Blue-Rose-Adventurers-Guide') A 5e conversion on the notable queer-friendly romantic fantasy setting. Review. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?633609-Mini-Let-s-Read-The-Blue-Rose-Adventurer-s-Guide-(5e)&p=25109508)

https://i.imgur.com/EtgmT9U.png?1

Brancalonia Spaghetti Fantasy Setting Book: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/343891/Brancalonia--Spaghetti-Fantasy-Setting-Book-ENG') A campaign setting derived from Italian culture and media where the PCs are lovable scoundrels constantly looking for the next big job. Review. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?633555-Let-s-Read-Brancalonia-Spaghetti-Fantasy-Setting)

https://i.imgur.com/tA4EMuX.jpg

Esper-Genesis 5e Sci-Fi Core Manual: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/240798/Esper-Genesis-5E-Scifi---Core-Manual') A starfaring science-fiction setting.

https://i.imgur.com/vKT6mCT.png

Faerie Fire, a 5e Supplemental: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303267/Faerie-Fire-a-5e-Supplemental') A fey-themed bestiary with a 1980s neon aesthetic.

https://i.imgur.com/V6BVlsS.jpeg

GeneFunk 2090: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/295562/GeneFunk-2090-Core-Rulebook) A cyberpunk setting portraying a near-future dystopia where the proliferation (and abuse) in genetic engineering and biotechnology is just as prominent as traditional technology and cybernetics, and "genoism" of individuals who don't meet society's eugenic standards are yet another form of social inequality. Review by Nate_MI of RPGnet. (https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/lets-read-genefunk-2090.857262/)

https://i.imgur.com/EOvcXTV.jpeg

Grim Hollow: ('https://ghostfiregaming.com/?v=7516fd43adaa') A dark fantasy setting that got a notable bump from Critical Role. Currently available as a Campaign Guide and supplementary Player's Guide.

https://i.imgur.com/7g4PejC.jpg?1

Koryo Hall of Adventures: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/350882/The-Koryo-Hall-of-Adventures-RPG-Campaign-Setting') A campaign setting inspired by Korean history, mythology, and folklore. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?632369-Let-s-Read-The-Koryo-Hall-of-Adventures')

https://i.imgur.com/fM15uop.png

Legacy of Mana Campaign Setting: A world where magic is a natural resource of the planet, and the reign of an anti-magic evil empire is disrupting the natural order. Review. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?623771-Let-s-Read-Legacy-of-Mana/)

https://i.imgur.com/EhIbHIF.jpeg

Midgard Heroes Handbook for 5th Edition: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/236914/Midgard-Heroes-Handbook-for-5th-Edition') a collection of new races, class archetypes, spells, and optional subsystems for Kobold Press’ Midgard campaign setting.

https://i.imgur.com/Ac2yGng.jpeg

Midgard Worldbook: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/237360/Midgard-Worldbook-for-5th-Edition-and-PFRPG) A Central/Eastern European influenced setting where masked gods take on multiple identities, ley lines form the foundation for magical kingdoms and extraplanar roads, and the most powerful country is dominated by the reptilian races. Review. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?556536-Let-s-Read-Midgard-World-Book)

https://i.imgur.com/ulndya8.jpg

Mini-Dungeon Tome for 5th Edition: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/246650/MiniDungeon-Tome-5th-Edition') A collection of bite-sized dungeons perfect for an evening one-shot.

https://i.imgur.com/nlLRSuU.jpg?1

Monsters of Murka: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/309974/Monsters-of-Murka-Campaign-Setting-5e') A meme-influenced parody setting derived from modern American pop culture.

https://i.imgur.com/BDbDjJS.jpg?1

Primeval Thule Campaign Setting: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/168149/Primeval-Thule-5e-Campaign-Setting') You got my Conan in my D&D!

https://i.imgur.com/xPsuDyj.jpg

Rocket Age Corebook: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/280772/Rocket-Age-5e--Core-Rulebook') A pulp-flavored retro-future campaign setting.

https://i.imgur.com/4QK8TpZ.jpeg

Runewild Campaign Setting: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/309298/The-Runewild-Campaign-Setting') A dark fairy-tale themed forest setting.


https://i.imgur.com/E5P7s8U.jpg?1

The Seas of Vodari: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/308461/The-Seas-of-Vodari-5E') A nautical swashbuckling-themed setting with lots of anime-style artwork. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?631509-Let-s-Read-Seas-of-Vodari')

https://i.imgur.com/26LXDdo.pnghttps://i.imgur.com/ZLo1O9B.png

Spheres of Power (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/347139/Spheres-of-Power-5e) & Spheres of Might: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/347954/Spheres-of-Might-5e) Conversions of Drop Dead Studios’ notable Spheres system to 5th Edition! Review. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?634811-High-5e-Spheres-of-Power-amp-Might-for-5e&p=25148933)

https://i.imgur.com/FqTwNdE.jpeg

Supers & Sorcery: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/338169/Supers--Sorcery--5e-Campaign-Setting') Costumed vigilantes in medieval fantasy. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?629836-Let-s-Read-Supers-amp-Sorcery')

https://i.imgur.com/hJit2Sx.jpg?1

Tales of the Old Margreve for 5th Edition: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278090/Tales-of-the-Old-Margreve-for-5th-Edition') An update to a level 1 to 10 pseudo-AP taking place primarily in a Grimm's Fairy Tales styled forest.

https://i.imgur.com/HD8BLzf.jpeg

Ultimate Kingdoms (5e): ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303697/Ultimate-Kingdoms-5E') A domain management system for 5th Edition.

https://i.imgur.com/jUOQP6Z.png

Unbreakable Volume 1: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/306865/Unbreakable--Volume-1') A group of authors from East and Southeast Asian nations and backgrounds who got together to write a series of adventures showcasing folklore, monsters, and other fantasy elements from their respective societies. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?618754-Let-s-Read-Unbreakable-Volume-1&p=24707383')

https://i.imgur.com/b1DaEgg.jpg?1

Witchcraft: Magic of Hereva: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/291872/Witchcraft-Magic-of-Hereva-5e') An unofficial adaption of the setting of Pepper & Carrot, a public domain webcomic. Review by Amnestic of GiantITP. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?632815-Witchcraft-Magic-of-Hereva-a-5e-supplement-review-readthrough)

https://i.imgur.com/b1Rg7cz.png

Witch + Craft: A 5e Crafting Supplemental: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303301/WitchCraft-a-5e-crafting-supplemental') A sourcebook of “domestic magic” spells and rules options.

https://i.imgur.com/CLGIisI.png

The World of Alessia Campaign Primer: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/310566/The-World-of-Alessia-Campaign-Primer') A science-fantasy space opera setting.


Splatbooks:

These are far smaller, ranging from anywhere from a few pages to 64 at most.

https://i.imgur.com/lWhgRDm.jpg?1

5e: HARDCORE MODE: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303156/5e-HARDCORE-MODE') A series of house rules for making 5th Edition harder in an old-school spirit. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?611882-Let-s-Read-5e-HARDCORE-MODE')

https://i.imgur.com/HIBV9JS.jpg]

Ancestry & Culture: An Alternative to Race in 5e: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/314622/Ancestry--Culture-An-Alternative-to-Race-in-5e') A book that seeks a compromise between the bioessentialist “all dwarves know how to dodge giants” and making race not matter by providing new rules separating the two. That way, one can mix and match to have an elf raised in human communities, a hero of mixed gnome-tiefling heritage, and guidelines for converting existing races into the new system.

https://i.imgur.com/qaNGrYe.jpeg

The Blood Hunter: ('https://www.dmsguild.com/product/301641/Blood-Hunter-Class-for-DD-5e-2020')Matt Mercer's Witcheresque monster hunter class. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24491331&postcount=8')

https://i.imgur.com/zz1Wn7H.jpg?1

Call to Arms: The Warlord: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/264030/Call-to-Arms-The-Warlord') Creator of Shadow of the Demon Lords brings the 4th Edition class to 5th Edition. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24484386&postcount=2')

https://i.imgur.com/RS0YKMM.jpeg

The Caretaker Warlock: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/251622/Baby-Bestiary-Caretaker-Warlock-5e')A warlock whose patron is an adorable monster who can grow into a more powerful one. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24493503&postcount=9')

https://i.imgur.com/DBIIBdN.jpg?1

The Channeler: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/260162/The-Channeler-5e-Compatible-Class') Do you like Jojo's Bizarre Adventures? Do you like the Persona series of video games? What if we made a class based off of these series' supernatural companions? Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24489496&postcount=6')

https://i.imgur.com/R0RchPA.png

Defenders of the Wild: The Warden: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/276304/Defenders-of-the-Wild-The-Warden') A 5e conversion of the martial nature class. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24494364&postcount=10')

https://i.imgur.com/fVsDx1h.png

Eat the Rich: Revolution! ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/319663/Eat-the-Rich-Revolution') A series of adventures with anti-capitalist themes.


https://i.imgur.com/W1L2EF6.jpg?1

Five Torches Deep: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/264584/Five-Torches-Deep') Do you like OSR retrolclones? Do you like 5th Edition? WHAT IF WE GOT CRAZY AND COMBINED THEM?! WOAAAAAH! Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?612067-High-5e-Five-Torches-Deep')

https://i.imgur.com/1FWwLZi.jpg?1

In the Company of Dragons: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/176505/In-The-Company-of-Dragons-5E') Playable dragons for 5e (based off an earlier Pathfinder book). Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24485883&postcount=3')

https://i.imgur.com/mb8q8oC.jpg?1

The Mistwalker: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/241129/The-Mist-Walker--5e-Class') D&D YouTuber dude turns his homebrewed Ravenloft class into a professional product. A mobile gish who uses the Mists to teleport around the battlefield, confounding their foes. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24487436&postcount=4')


Door-Stoppers

Typically around 500 pages or more.


https://i.imgur.com/BZem5z1.jpg?1

City of Brass: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/266871/City-of-Brass-5e') A level 1 to 20 adventure path revolving around the titular planar metropolis. Is actually a 5th Edition conversion of a 2007 3.X city sourcebook, but with expanded adventure material and new color artwork. Review. (https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/mini-lets-read-city-of-brass-2020-or-how-not-to-do-fantasy-arabia.882560/)

https://i.imgur.com/A8XHWtb.jpeg

Legendary Planet Adventure Path: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/308722/Legendary-Planet-Adventure-Path-5E') A 1st to 20th Level sword and planet style adventure path.

https://i.imgur.com/qwR13VK.jpeg

Manastorm: World of Shin’ar (5e): ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/225892/Manastorm-World-of-Shinar-5e') A high-magic setting where magical radiation surrounds the inhabited planet.

https://i.imgur.com/uhhvKBv.jpg?1

Odyssey of the Dragonlords: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/285960/Odyssey-of-the-Dragonlords-Adventure-Book') An Ancient Greek-flavored setting and adventure path from two of Bioware's most notable game designers. Review. ('https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?610109-Let-s-Read-Odyssey-of-the-Dragonlords')



What the Hell is This, War & Peace?!

Self-Explanatory.

https://i.imgur.com/y7CTXuR.jpg?1

Dark Obelisk Adventure Path: ('https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/307242/Dark-Obelisk-Adventure-Path-Quarantine-Edition') Notable for being the longest sourcebook for well, any D&D/D20 game by sheer pagecount in the thousands. More notable for its length than anything else. This is an undertaking only a rare few can do.

LudicSavant
2020-04-19, 04:10 AM
It would be nice indeed to know which third party things are actually worth a look. Here's hoping for good quality reviews to come.

MrStabby
2020-04-19, 04:51 AM
I have to say the City of Brass appeals somewhat as a setting.

The trouble is you run into problems like in Avernus with a lot of fire immune enemies. Probably a bit less restrictive than Avernus as you have less magic resistance... still, what a place to have such an expansive adventure.

Libertad
2020-04-27, 04:06 AM
Odyssey of the Dragonlords is finished. For a breather I'm going to review the 5e class mini-sourcebooks next!

Libertad
2020-05-05, 05:32 AM
Given that I'm nearing the end of the class mini-sourcebook marathon review, I figured to post another product I found interesting.

https://i.imgur.com/b1DaEgg.jpg?1

Witchcraft: Magic of Hereva: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/291872/Witchcraft-Magic-of-Hereva-5e) An unofficial adaption of the setting of Pepper & Carrot, a public domain webcomic.

Libertad
2020-05-07, 06:53 PM
Review for 5e: HARDCORE MODE is up! (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?611882-Let-s-Read-5e-HARDCORE-MODE)

Trask
2020-05-08, 12:36 AM
Primeval Thule has a lot of great ideas, but they feel half baked when applied to D&D 5e. It feels like the setting basically ignores the reality of high magic D&D and probably would have been better off taken a page from Adventures in Middle Earth's book and creating their own classes based on 5e chassis.

And speaking of that wonderful book, I will sing the praises of Adventures in Middle Earth forever. Excellently put together, there are some hiccups and head-scratchers here and there where I feel like Cubicle 7 didn't quite get how 5e mechanics work (like a feature saying that you can use it when an ally is brought to 1/5 of their HP...how do I even track that?) but in general it all feels really nice and very in keeping with middle earth flavor while playing nice, and even adding to, the 5e game (the way they handle resting is something many 5e DM's with gripes about constant long rests would do well to steal for their own games, in middle earth or no). One of the best third party supplements IMO and the one by which others trying to hack the 5e rules should be judged.

Libertad
2020-05-08, 03:32 PM
Primeval Thule has a lot of great ideas, but they feel half baked when applied to D&D 5e. It feels like the setting basically ignores the reality of high magic D&D and probably would have been better off taken a page from Adventures in Middle Earth's book and creating their own classes based on 5e chassis.

And speaking of that wonderful book, I will sing the praises of Adventures in Middle Earth forever. Excellently put together, there are some hiccups and head-scratchers here and there where I feel like Cubicle 7 didn't quite get how 5e mechanics work (like a feature saying that you can use it when an ally is brought to 1/5 of their HP...how do I even track that?) but in general it all feels really nice and very in keeping with middle earth flavor while playing nice, and even adding to, the 5e game (the way they handle resting is something many 5e DM's with gripes about constant long rests would do well to steal for their own games, in middle earth or no). One of the best third party supplements IMO and the one by which others trying to hack the 5e rules should be judged.

I definitely plan to review AiME, but it's 2 core products amounting to 380 pages, so I may save such a review for later.

Libertad
2020-05-11, 12:40 AM
Review for Five Torches Deep is up! (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?612067-High-5e-Five-Torches-Deep)

Libertad
2020-09-04, 05:47 PM
It’s been a while since I posted in this thread or reviewed something from this list. But it’s been a few months and in that time I saw quite a bit of new books pop up as well as older ones that passed me by. I decided to make a new post rather than add these to the OP for various reasons: the first is that some forums I posted this thread on disallow editing of posts beyond a certain date. The second is that it’s less work on my part. Yes, I know I’m lazy.

But without further ado, here’s 16 more products that caught my eye:

https://i.imgur.com/jaVH7x5.png

The Adventurer’s Guide to Theria: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/322217/The-Adventurers-Guide-to-Theria--Volume-1-Ellara) A campaign setting based off of a livestreaming group’s D&D sessions.

https://i.imgur.com/HIBV9JS.jpg]

Ancestry & Culture: An Alternative to Race in 5e: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/314622/Ancestry--Culture-An-Alternative-to-Race-in-5e) A book that seeks a compromise between the bioessentialist “all dwarves know how to dodge giants” and making race not matter by providing new rules separating the two. That way, one can mix and match to have an elf raised in human communities, a hero of mixed gnome-tiefling heritage, and guidelines for converting existing races into the new system.

https://i.imgur.com/WyPJJ8q.jpeg

Arcana of the Ancients: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/308497/Arcana-of-the-Ancients) A conversion of the technomagic items of Monte Cook’s Numenera to D&D.

https://i.imgur.com/8Ag7CQt.jpeg

Arcanis 5e Setting: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/234910/Arcanis-5E-Campaign-Setting) A 5th Edition conversion of the Arcanis setting.

https://i.imgur.com/fVsDx1h.png

Eat the Rich: Revolution! (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/319663/Eat-the-Rich-Revolution) A series of adventures with anti-capitalist themes.

https://i.imgur.com/tA4EMuX.jpg

Esper-Genesis 5e Sci-Fi Core Manual: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/240798/Esper-Genesis-5E-Scifi---Core-Manual) A starfaring science-fiction setting.

https://i.imgur.com/vKT6mCT.png

Faerie Fire, a 5e Supplemental: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303267/Faerie-Fire-a-5e-Supplemental) A fey-themed bestiary with a 1980s neon aesthetic.

https://i.imgur.com/A8XHWtb.jpeg

Legendary Planet Adventure Path: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/308722/Legendary-Planet-Adventure-Path-5E) A 1st to 20th Level sword and planet style adventure path.

https://i.imgur.com/qwR13VK.jpeg

Manastorm: World of Shin’ar (5e): (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/225892/Manastorm-World-of-Shinar-5e) A high-magic setting where magical radiation surrounds the inhabited planet.

https://i.imgur.com/EhIbHIF.jpeg

Midgard Heroes Handbook for 5th Edition: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/236914/Midgard-Heroes-Handbook-for-5th-Edition) a collection of new races, class archetypes, spells, and optional subsystems for Kobold Press’ Midgard campaign setting.

https://i.imgur.com/ulndya8.jpg

Mini-Dungeon Tome for 5th Edition: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/246650/MiniDungeon-Tome-5th-Edition) A collection of bite-sized dungeons perfect for an evening one-shot.

https://i.imgur.com/xPsuDyj.jpg

Rocket Age Corebook: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/280772/Rocket-Age-5e--Core-Rulebook) A pulp-flavored retro-future campaign setting.

https://i.imgur.com/4QK8TpZ.jpeg

Runewild Campaign Setting: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/309298/The-Runewild-Campaign-Setting) A dark fairy-tale themed forest setting.

https://i.imgur.com/HD8BLzf.jpeg

Ultimate Kingdoms (5e): (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303697/Ultimate-Kingdoms-5E) A domain management system for 5th Edition.

https://i.imgur.com/jUOQP6Z.png

Unbreakable Volume 1: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/306865/Unbreakable--Volume-1) A group of authors from East and Southeast Asian nations and backgrounds who got together to write a series of adventures showcasing folklore, monsters, and other fantasy elements from their respective societies.

https://i.imgur.com/b1Rg7cz.png

Witch + Craft: A 5e Crafting Supplemental: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/303301/WitchCraft-a-5e-crafting-supplemental) A sourcebook of “domestic magic” spells and rules options.

https://i.imgur.com/CLGIisI.png

The World of Alessia Campaign Primer: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/310566/The-World-of-Alessia-Campaign-Primer) A science-fantasy space opera setting.

Libertad
2020-09-10, 12:44 AM
Endzeitgeist reviewed Witch+Craft on RPGnet. (https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/18/18750.phtml)

Libertad
2020-09-12, 01:12 AM
Starting my Unbreakable review here. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?618754-Let-s-Read-Unbreakable-Volume-1)

Lyracian
2020-09-12, 06:40 AM
There is some interesting stuff on here. I really like the sound of Odyssey of the Dragonlords so think I will pick that up. Should go well with stuff from the Theros book.


Having just tried to follow the link I found Adventures in Middle-Earth is no longer available. After some searching I found there was licencing issues.
https://www.cubicle7games.com/unexpected-tor2-update/

Libertad
2021-04-10, 09:09 PM
Since I'm back in the reviewing game, I'm going to add more entries I found!

https://i.imgur.com/7g4PejC.jpg?1

Koryo Hall of Adventures: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/350882/The-Koryo-Hall-of-Adventures-RPG-Campaign-Setting) A campaign setting inspired by Korean history, mythology, and folklore.

https://i.imgur.com/EtgmT9U.png?1

Brancalonia Spaghetti Fantasy Setting Book: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/343891/Brancalonia--Spaghetti-Fantasy-Setting-Book-ENG) A campaign setting derived from Italian culture and media where the PCs are lovable scoundrels constantly looking for the next big job.

https://i.imgur.com/w5tJ7hs.jpg?1

BEOWULF: Age of Heroes: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/340773/BEOWULF-Age-of-Heroes) A 1 player 1 GM setting in a mythical version of Early Medieval Britain and Scandinavia based on the tales of Beowulf.

Libertad
2021-06-07, 08:42 PM
My review of Beowulf: Age of Heroes. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?630271-Let-s-Read-Beowulf-Age-of-Heroes-(5e))

My (currently in-progress) review of Koryo Hall of Adventures. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?632369-Let-s-Read-The-Koryo-Hall-of-Adventures)

Libertad
2021-06-10, 04:31 AM
https://i.imgur.com/26LXDdo.pnghttps://i.imgur.com/ZLo1O9B.png

Spheres of Power (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/347139/Spheres-of-Power-5e) & Spheres of Might: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/347954/Spheres-of-Might-5e) Conversions of Drop Dead Studios’ notable Spheres system to 5th Edition!

Can’t believe I forgot to post them there.

Libertad
2021-06-11, 08:25 PM
I completed a review of City of Brass. Due to the content discussed (real-world religion mostly), I cannot post it on GiantITP.

Instead you can read it here! (https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/mini-lets-read-city-of-brass-2020-or-how-not-to-do-fantasy-arabia.882560/)

Libertad
2021-06-12, 12:38 AM
So I'm going to finish Koryo first, but after doing City of Brass I'm debating whether to review Brancalonia or Spheres of Power & Might next. The Spheres books are such that they'd be best reviewed together rather than separately, but in comparison to Brass shouldn't be too hard.

Here's the Strawpoll for voting. I'll check the results after one week of this posting to determine a final result. (https://www.strawpoll.me/45387581)

Libertad
2021-06-17, 06:31 PM
3 more entries!


https://i.imgur.com/9sOQVic.jpeg


Adventures From the Pot-Bellied Kobold: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/348700/Adventures-from-the-Potbellied-Kobold-15-Adventures-for-5E) A series of 15 short adventures.


https://i.imgur.com/kXWgCJ8.jpeg


Blue Rose Adventurer's Guide: (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/328715/The-Blue-Rose-Adventurers-Guide) A 5e conversion on the notable queer-friendly romantic fantasy setting.


https://i.imgur.com/EOvcXTV.jpeg


Grim Hollow: (https://ghostfiregaming.com/?v=7516fd43adaa) A dark fantasy setting that got a notable bump from Critical Role. Currently available as a Campaign Guide and supplementary Player's Guide.

MaxWilson
2021-06-17, 07:20 PM
I completed a review of City of Brass. Due to the content discussed (real-world religion mostly), I cannot post it on GiantITP.

Instead you can read it here! (https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/mini-lets-read-city-of-brass-2020-or-how-not-to-do-fantasy-arabia.882560/)

Hmmm. Thanks for posting this. I wasn't aware Frog God had done this. Thanks for the review--I think I'll probably buy a copy and mine it for ideas. I love Efreets and elementals!

Would love to see some more attention devoted to Sandy Petersen's Cthulhu Mythos for 5E. That is hands-down the best 5E product I own (with Rising From the Last War and Exploring Eberron as the runners-up).

Nefariis
2021-06-18, 12:37 PM
In your first post, can you make a table at the top that has all the books you have/haven't reviewed, your status on the review (in process/completed/haven't started), the link to the review, and maybe the publisher's link?

It's going to be really hard to dig through this thread for books/links.

Libertad
2021-06-18, 09:33 PM
In your first post, can you make a table at the top that has all the books you have/haven't reviewed, your status on the review (in process/completed/haven't started), the link to the review, and maybe the publisher's link?

It's going to be really hard to dig through this thread for books/links.

Including all of that is a very tall order. As to why I posted that way, I have such a thread on various websites, RPGnet being one of the most-trafficked. However that site doesn't allow for the editing of posts after 2 weeks, forcing me to include the updates in new posts. Fortunately I did some work and included all of the books in my later posts in the OP, alphabetized in their relevant sections, and links to DTRPG (or relevant storefront) along with my reviews! I'll be putting new entries into the OP from now on, as it will be easier in the long run, so thank you for the suggestion.

Otherwise, I hope that the refurbished OP's appreciated!

Libertad
2021-06-20, 11:47 PM
Earlier today I just finished my review of Koryo Hall of Adventures.

Looking back, it's been a year and two months since I started this idea. Barring a delay or two I'm still going strong, and I'm proud of the work put into this. To everyone who's been following along, thank you for your continued interest! :)

Kol Korran
2021-07-03, 05:01 PM
Hey, I just wanted to thank you for the excellent work you are doing! The reviews are thorough, well organized, interesting, and I appreciate your own comments, including the remarks about potentially offending/ disturbing content.

I started reading your reviews since the Vikings themed campaign (Unfortunatley I forgot it's name) even before this project, then Midgard, five torches deep, and just recently I've finished reading about Oddysy of The Dragon Lords. It takes me time, as I am a thorough reader, but alas... with very little spare time to read...

I know some commented about your posts being long, but I think they are well written, and a delight to read! And I'd hazard to say that you are probably giving good publication (and a fair one!) to many products who would otherwise be missed by people who have less time to sift through the bewildering multitude of products out there.

So, just wanted to commend you on your work, to let you know it is well apprciated, and thank you! Keep up the good work! Even if I (and I assume others) don't often comment, I am sure there are a lot of readers, who enjoy, learn and are inspired by your reviews.

So, mucho thanks! :)

Libertad
2021-07-04, 01:55 AM
Hey, I just wanted to thank you for the excellent work you are doing! The reviews are thorough, well organized, interesting, and I appreciate your own comments, including the remarks about potentially offending/ disturbing content.

I started reading your reviews since the Vikings themed campaign (Unfortunatley I forgot it's name) even before this project, then Midgard, five torches deep, and just recently I've finished reading about Oddysy of The Dragon Lords. It takes me time, as I am a thorough reader, but alas... with very little spare time to read...

I know some commented about your posts being long, but I think they are well written, and a delight to read! And I'd hazard to say that you are probably giving good publication (and a fair one!) to many products who would otherwise be missed by people who have less time to sift through the bewildering multitude of products out there.

So, just wanted to commend you on your work, to let you know it is well apprciated, and thank you! Keep up the good work! Even if I (and I assume others) don't often comment, I am sure there are a lot of readers, who enjoy, learn and are inspired by your reviews.

So, mucho thanks! :)

The book you're thinking of is the Northlands Saga Complete. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?554680-Let-s-Read-The-Northlands-Saga-Complete)

I do recall you commenting on that thread a while ago. I'm glad you found it (and these future reviews) fun reads! :) I'm still quite pleased to say that the Northlands Saga is one of the best campaigns I've ran in a while, and my gaming group still remembers it fondly.

The campaign I ran for it has been over for quite some time, but we wrapped it up in The Daughter of Thunder & Storm. The climactic battle against Althunak's last hurrah and chosen vessel felt much more thematically appropriate than the Broken Shieldwall whose "not-Ottomans from the secret desert country" came out of nowhere. I actually combined the Huun invasion with the Fimbulwinter, where they were a third party taking advantage of the Northlands' disarray...only for their Emperor to be frozen and smashed to pieces by Althunak. I made a new final boss where the PCs fought the god amidst the City of Trotheim after freeing Hengrid Donarsdottir from Althunak's influence.


I'm unsure of how many sales these reviews moved, but what I can say is that quite a bit of them got thousands of unique pageviews across multiple sites. Some are merely in the low hundreds per site, but Odyssey of the Dragonlords is my most well-read; that one was 30k views each on RPGnet and EN World. And Midgard Worldbook was roughly half that. I can't always predict what books will get views or generate conversations, but I have noticed that my reviews of well-known books or ones which are highly critical like with City of Brass tend to generate more traffic than usual.

Tanarii
2021-07-04, 01:06 PM
I recommend 05R's Into the Unknown

Libertad
2021-07-09, 06:46 PM
Brancalonia and Blue Rose are done (Review links are in the OP)!


I recommend 05R's Into the Unknown

My last few O5R books have left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I understand that not all publishers are alike, but I'm a bit reluctant to delve into this sub-category again unless it has something really innovative. Also that series is not one but several books, none of which I own, so if I ever do review them it'll be a long time from now.

Amnestic
2021-07-10, 04:02 PM
I did a readover/review of Witchcraft: Magic of Hereva (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?632815-Witchcraft-Magic-of-Hereva-a-5e-supplement-review-readthrough).

Libertad
2021-07-10, 06:29 PM
I did a readover/review of Witchcraft: Magic of Hereva (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?632815-Witchcraft-Magic-of-Hereva-a-5e-supplement-review-readthrough).

That's a great and thorough review. If you're willing, I'd love to link it as a review and give you proper credit, on this site and the others I posted this project on: RPGnet, ENWorld, the Gaming Den, and here.

Amnestic
2021-07-11, 03:27 AM
Sounds fine to me!

Libertad
2021-07-15, 06:12 PM
Nate_MI did a Let's Read of Genefunk 2090, a biopunk setting, on RPGnet back in 2020. ('https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/lets-read-genefunk-2090.857262/')

Reposted here with permission.