|
I've been looking forward to this sourcebook since the launch
of the Conan RPG, and often speculated on the nature of its contents. Mongoose Publishing had already given us the Quintessential
Barbarian I & II - both excellent and very comprehensive resources for roleplaying barbarians in d20 games. What more
could possibly be said?
I expected a Gazetteer, Sourcebook and Gaming Guide to the Northlands: Cimmeria, Asgard, Vanaheim,
Hyperboria. Perhaps the Border Kingdom and the frozen tundras far north of the Vilayet.
What Hyboria's Fiercest: Barbarians,
Borderers and Nomads delivered was much greater than anything I anticipated. For starters, it radically redefined the Hyborian
Age barbarian concept. Though there are certainly barbaric cultures, barbarians can be from almost anywhere, even Stygia and
Shem! Wherever there is harsh wilderness, Barbarians may be found. Wherever there are borders... Borderers. This creates countless
fascinating possibilities for the Hyborian roleplayer.
Secrets of the Fierce gives you new Skills and Feats
as well as lots of useful information on surviving - nay, thriving - in extreme and unforgiving terrain.
Abroad in Hyboria further hones your survival skills by tackling each environment and its challenges seperately.
Not
tough enough yet? You will be after mastering Fierce Feats such as Extreme Might and Savage Cleave. If you really want to
unnerve your enemies choose Teeth Gleaming!
Joining the Fray gives you many extra fighting options, some universal,
others regional. Cimmerian Power, Hyperborean Stone Warrior Style and Pictish Stalking Cat Style are some examples.
My
favorite section is By Mighty Thews, which introduces many barbaric multiclass options with a distinct Hyborian flavor.
Variant rules (which brilliantly redefine multiclassing) are also provided for those craving even more variety in their game.
Do you aspire to be a Shaman? A Harrower? A War Chief? Now you can by following these savage career paths.
The last
two chapters By Honed Senses and By Beastly Union provide the same range of options to Borderers and Nomads.
I'm
impressed! Phenomenally much so. What more can I say? This is a powerful and wonderful gaming tool and Hyborian resource.
And
I can still look forward to Mongoose Publishing's eventual Gazetteer, Sourcebook and Gaming Guide to the Northlands: Cimmeria,
Asgard, Vanaheim, Hyperboria. Perhaps the Border Kingdom and the frozen tundras far north of the Vilayet (Hint! Hint! Hint!).
|
