James Maliszewski

This is an excellent portable, details light, science fiction role playing system. I say details light, as many of the mechanics and ideas are abstracted. The dice mechanic is based on 2d12, unlike other systems that use a multitude of different dice, tables, and other things to arbitrate actions, rulings, etc.

I have started playing this setting, going on about a year now. I have found it to be a good base for casual play, with the ability for more serious expansion and development. I am looking forward to leveraging more of the ideas that I read about.… (mer)

I have followed and been aware of Dwimmermount when James was running this homegrown campaign, and sharing the details on his blog. I was excited when he decided to do a Kickstarter to publish the material. After a long wait, the material was published, and I have enjoyed reading through the Labyrinth Lord edition of the book. I also have the illustration book and map book, which enhance the enjoyment and utility of the main material.

Dwimmermount is more than a mega-dungeon. It is a world, a rules extension, and a epic story. I have enjoyed reading the material, and coming to understand that great amount of work that was done to create this product.

I particularly enjoyed the last few levels of the dungeon, and then reviewing again the history, and the many tools to make the experience a living experience. I really like the idea of the rival adventuring parties, and also the factions throughout the dungeon.

I look forward to using this product in my own gaming.… (mer)

This book is a player's aid intended for use with the Scarred Lands campaign setting, focused on the ranger and rogue character classes for the 3rd edition D&D game. Although the book is written with the Scarred Lands setting in mind, there is enough material here that is adaptable for use in other settings that even those who are not using the Scarred Lands will find material they can file the serial numbers off of and use elsewhere.

The book is more or less divided into three sections. The first covers rangers: giving a general background for rangers in the Scarred Lands setting, describing a number of ranger oriented organizations, and giving thumbnail descriptions of some prominent rangers in the setting. This section also has some guidance for adjudicating some outdoor hazards and some particularly dangerous terrain. The second section describes the history of rogues in the Scarred Lands, some roguish, mercantile, and assassin organizations, a set of rules concerning contacts, and a guide to a variety of roguish character types. These first two sections, except for the tiny amount of rules concerning terrain and contacts, is mostly fluff focused on the Scarred Lands setting and most of the material would have to be substantially modified to use for any other purpose. For those using that setting, this section provides valuable background and character development information, for those not using the setting, this section is less useful.

The final third of the book is focused on game rules: new feats, new prestige classes, new equipment, and new spells. Most of the feats are of general use, and of the eleven prestige classes, eight could be easily converted to other settings, the last three (Black Thorn Ranger, Blood Sea Pirate, and Brother of the Crimson Temple) less so, but still possible. The added equipment and spells are also mostly suitable for general use. For those who use the Scarred Lands setting and are going to play a character who is a ranger or rogue, or are running a game in which rangers or rogues feature prominently as allies or enemies, this section is invaluable. Those not running or playing a game set in the Scarred Lands will find the material in this portion of the book quite useful as well.

Overall, the Player's Guide to Rangers and Rogues is a well-written, useful volume for those using the Scarred Lands setting. It is still somewhat useful for those who are not albeit slightly less so for them.… (mer)