I wanted to like this product but I simply can't. First, let's start with general mechanics. The document is a Word Document not a PDF. Who does that anymore? The margins are not set correctly so I have a jumbled mess. The whole idea of using PDF is to get the formatting on a level playing field so that your word processor doesn't mangle it. Secondly, within the Word document are obvious grammatical mistakes that Word is blaring loud and clear to me. Why couldn't the author fix those?? By the way, that's another advantage of PDF, it won't grammar check so the consumer can't see that.

Next, we get to the dungeon itself. The concept is great, which is why I purchased this in the first place but the execution is nothing more than seemingly random monsters put in places that don't make sense. I have been gaming for over 35 years and I definitely remember the time when this was acceptable but that day and age has long since passed and like it or not, there needs to be some logic to monster placement in dungeon crawls these days.

Last, we have hand drawn maps on graph paper. Like the other reviewer, I agree that it takes courage and fortitude to hand draw maps but for a product in this current environment I think we need more than pen and paper drawings. Especially when those drawings even have erasure marks. Like the other reviewer said, this could be helped by inking the finished map so that you can't see it was done with a pencil.

I wanted to like this as I said, but there just isn't much to like. I'm sorry.

I give this 5 stars but I can't help but be curious as to why this didn't come with backs. The detail is amazing as always and I used one of the plainer covers as my back so it served me well but this would be an even stronger product with backs. Either way, these templates are fantastic.

The detail on these templates is just amazing. They scale perfectly in my word processor and when printed look almost three dimensional. You can't go wrong with these templates.

These, just like all the others I've purchased, are absolutely stunning! They are very easy to work with as well. I use them in an MS Word clone and they work great every time. Great work!

This application has huge potential! The complete lack of documentation is not helpful at all but the program is relatively intuitive once you realize the flow of the interface. I must admit that I did not view the Tutorial video before writing this and will modify my review if the tutorial answers all my questions. The free version is extremely limited but it has me interested enough to at least purchase Character Law and see what we have.

Let me say that I agree with several of the other reviewers in that I feel humbled to even be able to review this new magazine. My roots go back to 1979 when Advanced D&D was just coming out and this first issue took me right back there. The style of the magazine immediately hearkens back to the first few Volumes of the old Dragon magazine. The artwork even triggered old, buried memories of when I first started gaming.

That said, I also would like to respectfully disagree with those reviewers that said there was little content. I have been reading gaming magazines for over 30 years and this was truly the very first issue of ANY magazine that I read cover-to-cover. I can't wait to see what's next and what direction the magazine truly takes.

I would also like to say that I am fairly certain that newer, younger gamers will not agree with this assessment. There was a strong resonance of nostalgia that would be missed by the younger readers. That is not a slam, just a fact. I feel very fortunate to be one of those older gamers and I am greatly encouraged with the surge of younger players. Let's face it. If we don't have "new blood' as it were the hobby would die a sad, slow death.

Bottom line, the artwork, the content and the promise of more in the future lead me to rate this 5/5.

Wow!... that is the first word that comes to mind as I read through this guide for the first time. First of all, to see new products for my most beloved of all Campaign Settings was almost more than I could stand but then to see the absolutely gorgeous layout my jaw continued its drop to the floor. The guide is truly for the players meaning that it gives nothing away as to the dirty secrets of Kulthea that could potentially spoil it for the players. It gives information on the Heavens, the Essaence (the flow of magic that permeates the world), Geography, Gods and Religion, Races, History, Powers of Note, and finally Languages.

It gives enough information to be informative but also (hopefully) leaves the players intrigued and hungry for more. It is well paced, well written as we've come to expect from T.K. Amthor, and fresh. The fresh aspect is particularly amazing to me simply because this campaign setting has been around since roughly 1989 and I have been a collector of every product from that date onward. And to see something new that feels fresh is a true testament to the writing skills of the author.

Finally, I cannot say enough about the layout. The illustrations are absolutely lavish and of the utmost quality. The presentation is hugely above average and very visual making it a joy to just peruse.

If it sounds like I'm gushing, well, I'm guilty as charged. You simply will not be disappointed with this product.

This PDF is simply wonderful! The world of Roil is super rich in history and absolutely chocked full of detail. It is clear that this world has been with the author for a long time and lots of love and care have gone into this product. The maps - especially the greyscale ones - are super detailed as well.

The more I read in this setting the more I want MORE supplements. You simply can't go wrong buying this product.

I must also say that the customer support from this company is beyond measure. There is a mailing list that you can join that sends out little tidbits of campaign information every week or so. I, having joined this bandwagon late in the game, was missing many of the mailings. I emailed Brian to see if I could get the back issues. Within 20 minutes I had ALL the backissues plus a thank you from him. Now that's service!!!

This PDF is simply wonderful! The world of Roil is super rich in history and absolutely chocked full of detail. It is clear that this world has been with the author for a long time and lots of love and care have gone into this product. The maps - especially the greyscale ones - are super detailed as well.

The more I read in this setting the more I want MORE supplements. You simply can't go wrong buying this product.

I must also say that the customer support from this company is beyond measure. There is a mailing list that you can join that sends out little tidbits of campaign information every week or so. I, having joined this bandwagon late in the game, was missing many of the mailings. I emailed Brian to see if I could get the back issues. Within 20 minutes I had ALL the backissues plus a thank you from him. Now that's service!!!

A fine product and a much needed change of pace for my gaming group. It's a classic mystery with a twist that really caught my group off guard. If you're looking for a dungeon crawl this isn't it.

However, if you're looking for an opportunity to have some excellent roleplaying and using brains rather than brawn to solve an adventure look no further.

Moreover, the adventure is short and should be able to be played out in one night - two at the most. It is a great little side-trek to put in between large adventures.

And for those wondering if combat is totally ommitted, fear not. There are a few encounters one of which is hugely challenging.

The maps are totally gorgeous and definitely of the highest quality. The artwork could use some help. The character drawings are slightly cartoonish and really don't work for me. But, artwork is a highly subjective thing to be judging. You may love the look.

This is definitely worth the price and you won't be disappointed in the quality. Enjoy!