Some delightfully wicked devices that look like they'd be at home in a fantasy steamworks setting, or a setting where undead figure prominently (at least, that's what I'm using them for). Make a sequel to this, another Dozen Necro Machines.<br><br><b>LIKED</b>: Much more interesting than yet another collection of necromantic spells. These fun toys are for everyone to play with! It only will cost your soul. (heh heh heh)<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>

Another fantastic addition to the series. These are truly cool and original, and can make a formidable villain or NPC look downright wicked. Very well done, as usual. <br><br><b>LIKED</b>: Exceedingly original ideas. Very clean presentation, plenty of detail, not much wasted space, and good editing. <br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: I have no negatives on this one. <br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Excellent<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>

This was well worth my time and money. I'm using it in my new Campaign.<br><br><b>LIKED</b>: The variety of items and the snippet of history were good.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Acceptable<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Satisfied<br>

Having enjoyed A Dozen War Trophies as much as I did, I decided to try out A Dozen Necromantic Machines...or is it A Dozen Necromantic Devices? The titles says "Machines", the introduction says "Devices". I prefer the latter, as the word "Machines" actually almost turned me off the product, fearing that it was either modern or steam-punk in nature, which doesn't float my boat. However "Machines" is how it's listed in RPGNow so I'll assume that is what it is supposed to be. Anyway, suffice to say that this product is about a dozen items of a necromantic nature.

Appearances - This product is in landscape format, which I'm notorious for despising. Such a fact doesn't bother me so much in such a short product, though, as there's very little chance that I'd bother printing it out as a whole rather than simply cutting and pasting what I intended to use from it to usual stat blocks and treasure references I print in preparation for my games. There is no art, just thick black borders running down both sides of each page to waste the ink of anyone who actually does print it out. The text layout is very tasteful and easy to read.

Content - In addition to the twelve necromantic devices, this product also contains a new alchemical material (Caoutchouc), a new type of metal (Grave Steel), and a new spell (Legion of Zombies). The devices are all fairly cool and don't really have as much of a technology feel as the introduction seems to think, a few exceptions aside. My personal favorites include the Shadow Flask, the Grail of Zombies, and the Devouring Engine. Much awesomeness. The new alchemical material isn't too interesting, but Grave Steel is interesting and the Legion of Zombies spell should be a part of any self-respecting necromancer's repertoire.

In Conclusion - At barely more than a buck in price, this is a must have for any DM who makes use of necromancers as villains and several of the items aren't terribly illogical for PC use if they can get past the dark nature of their magic. The only way this product could have been better is if some of the more mundane devices like the Ghoul Stone (a rock that explodes with a paralyzing gas) were left out in favor of more story inspiring devices like the Grail of Zombies. As it is, this product is a four star one that only fails a five star rating by inches.

Good products as always, useful to spark the little grey cells for evil ideas.