After spending just over a page discussing the importance of having unique villains in a role-playing game, and then about as much time explaining how orcs can be used to fill that antagonist role, Reality Deviants Publications' "A Touch of Evil: Antagonists in Your Campaign, Vol. 1: Orcs" wastes little time presenting six NPCs that can inserted into any role-playing game or campaign. (And for DMs that need a little help, sidebars are included providing several suggestions for how to best utilize these characters and pit them against a party of PCs.)

Don't discount this book as just another NPC collection. As a DM, I pride myself on being able to create my own NPCs for my games, so I very rarely look at pre-generated villains, but at least two of these orcs (one is technically an orc/half-dragon, while one is technically a half-orc) are incredibly tempting to use in an upcoming game. Each one of these characters can be used in one-shot style games or, with a little tweaking and imagination (and maybe a little sidebar advice); they could all individually find their way into a campaign. (Or, as in the case of the aforementioned orc/half-dragon, could become the campaign itself.)

Don't expect a treatise on orc history or culture here. Instead, this product focuses solely on individual villains who just happen to be orcs. These NPCs were created keeping their orc heritage in mind, but as individuals, they provide the biggest threat to your PCs.

Each of the NPCs is given a brief history. As a DM, I wish all the players I've had at my game table over the years put this much flavor and thought into their character backgrounds. These orc NPCs could have all been boring and bland (they're orcs, after all), but writers David Jarvis and Chris Swenson have given each one depth, personality and purpose. The accompanying artwork by Jason Walton fits oh-so-well, and completes the pictures of these orcs perfectly. (Jason Walton also provided the cover artwork along with co-writer David Jarvis.)

Overall, I would recommend this supplement. It's a quick read with lots of information about its subjects, and has given this DM at least one idea for an upcoming game or two.<br><br> <b>LIKED</b>: Ease of instant use, well presented material, well written and planned<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: Some of the orcs here are magic-users, yet there is very little orc-specific magic material listed<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Satisfied<br>

This is the first of the ?A Touch of Evil? supplements designed to add depth to the villains in a campaign, this volume deals with those perennial favorites, orcs. It begins with a brief discussion of the role of villains in a campaign, this is good but could have been expanded. A look at orcs follows with an emphasis on how to use them as enemies, again this just brushes the surface. This is a shame as the authors seem to have a clear idea of a specific orcish culture and physiognomy which seems to be very interesting.

The six characters presented range from CR 4 to 12 and cover a wide range of character types including spell casters and even an orcish wizard. Each character is given goals and a place in (or outside of) orcish society making them easier to work into an adventure or campaign arc.

If you use orcs in your campaign and need some leaders and skilled characters for them, this is an excellent resource.<br><br><b>LIKED</b>: Interesting characters with good hooks.<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: The art was not how I envision orcs but not bad.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Acceptable<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Satisfied<br>

Liked this product. noticed it reference a dragon as one of the half orcs parents. Hopefully we get to see that as an Antagonists series book.<br><br><b>LIKED</b>: Easy to use. quick with great personalities that you can throw into a campaign with any of the fantasy settings. great suggestions on what to do with the characters in your campaign. great layout. the art reminds me of palladium fantasy.<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: No high level NPCs.

No big equipment. No locations or organizations. This is probably because the book is specifically about these NPCs.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Satisfied<br>