Kobold Quarterly #21 is here (and it has been for
some weeks, damn my lack of time!). The magazine opens with a new base class,
the Shaman. This is a spontaneous divine spellcaster loosely based on the
druid. It’s simple, easy to understand, yet flavorful. I love it, specially
give the fact that I always missed a shaman class for my D&D/Pathfinder
(and no, the druid isn’t a shaman).
The next articles is An Ecology of the Succubus. In the last years I rarely have time to
read (and to use) the extra material provided by the various “Ecology of…” articles. However, I was
greatly impressed by this one; it was not only an enjoyable reading but it also
addresses the theme of sex and the Infernal in a mature and engaging (if somewhat
disturbing) way, providing various hooks and plots for the evil-minded
Gamemaster. Oh, and this is a 4E article, with a few extra powers at the end.
“It’s a
Mystery!” is David Zeb Cook’s article about turning religion into something
more unique and engaging. It’s another excellent piece, that addresses ancient
religions in an intelligent and relevant way, asking some really relevant
questions (“What’s the goal of a religion?”
for example) and providing solid examples and game hooks.
“Clerical
Conflicts” is a Pathfinder article that offers divine spellcaster dilemmas (basically,
small personal quests or hooks) based around famous archetypes (the Chosen One,
the Forsaken, the Reluctant Marty etc), and include a small mechanical effect
for each character. It’s a different and very specific, and it may not suit
everyone (the various mechanics are clearly narrative-driven and vary, in
power, from Character Traits-status to high level spells).
This Quarterly’s Howling Tower (Steve Winter’s
column) is about monotheism and its absence in Pathfinder and D&D. It’s a
great theme; one I hoped to see properly addressed a long time ago.
Unfortunately, Winter barely touches the subject, instead using the theme to
explain the various types of worship (animism, henotheism, pantheism etc.) and
why monotheism is such a hard topic. A missed opportunity in my opinion, but
one that can be amended with a second article.
“Divine
Archetypes”, by Stefen Styrsky of Advanced Feats fame, for Pathfinder,
provides new archetypes (for the Sorcerer, Gunslinger, Fighter and Ranger
classes), new evolutions (for the Summoner), traps and 3 new feats. A usual, great
stuff!
This Quarterly’s interview – “Fun Happens Here” – is with Bill
Slavicsek, well-known legend of the RPG industry (that doesn’t require further
introductions I hope).
The AGE System keeps its traditional presence
on the Kobold’s pages – “A Background in
Magic” has rules for Alchemists, Druids, Illusionists and Seers.
“Nine
Treasures of Deep Midgard” is a short Pathfinder article with new items
from underdark cultures. These items are simple, yet flavorful and fun (or deliciously
macabre) – we have dark elf currency, bottled sage heads, derro message gearbox
(my favorite!), among other interesting things.
“Saints
of Mavros” is another Midgard-based article (again for Pathfinder),
detailing 2 of that deity’s 20 saints. First cool thing about it: one saint is
Lawful Neutral, the other is Neutral Evil. I just love Midgard’s approach to
gods – distant entities and forces beyond alignments. Second cool thing: one of
the saints is a ghoul! Midgard religions have an authentic ring to them, maybe
because of their ambiguity and mystery (and I hope the authors keep it that
way).
“White
Tongue, Black Heart” is disgusting (besides disturbing) and may be too much
on the trash side for my tastes (unless you like body-horror stuff), but it
makes a great trait for NPC villains – or to scare the hell out of an
unfortunate player (oh, and it’s for Pathfinder).
“The
Shadow Lodge Insurgency” is a Golarion setting article about a sinister conspiracy
inside the Pathfinder Society. Since I never played a Pathfinder Society
scenario, I was in the dark about the whole thing (it seems to be linked to a
major plot). Actually, although I like the Pathfinder Society’s role inside
Golarion (a framework for campaigns), I totally hate the idea behind their
ruling body – the Decemvirate. They’re basically your classic circle of NPC
jerks, created exclusively to frustrate the PCs. Also, from reading “The Shadow Lodge Insurgency” I’m
sinister reminded of the worst NPC-ruled periods of the Forgotten Realms – a bad
omen.
“Dead
Tolls and Honest Challenges” closes this issue by detailing the most common
bandit bands around Zobeck’s roads. As usual, this 1-page article packs a lot
of punch, dripping with adventure ideas.
And that’s all folks! Is Kobold Quarterly #21 worth
its GP price? Definitely! Either the Shaman class or the 3 Midgard articles are
worth the price alone and all are easily adapted to any Pathfinder/3.5 setting.
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