There are some really cool ideas here, but they are hidden among far, far too many words. It looks like playtesting was just the author + one set of players, which is doesn't really suffice to figure out usability of the text or approachability of the content. Although the author pitches it as sandbox, it starts with a mandatory combat that reads like a TPK, then leads into an overwritten adventure path. Volume 1 feels like it doesn't stand on its own without volume 2, since (like a good sandbox!) there are ties between the locations. If the editor had been a lot more aggressive about trimming the first two volumes might have been combinable, which would make them more attractive. But for now, I don't see this as anything but a source of ideas and the sadness of a missed opportunity; reading 150 pages in (then skimming further) isn't enough to sell this over some other megadungeon or hexcrawl on my shelf.

I've been running games for more than four decades and this series is the greatest, most epic adventure I've ever seen.

Epic in size and scope, compelling lore, neat cartography.

Well written with good depth. A great addition to drop into your campaign or to start as its own long running campaign.

This series is no lark. This is a legitimately compelling world, campaign and setting that could carry an adventuring party for years. Rock solid story, personalities, dungeons, art, and cartography. Volumes 1 and 2 are two of the best RPG publications out there and Volume 3 is on the way. A must-own.

Great work and a gold seller!!

I like that this is a first part of a three part series. Cant wait for more!

Excellent and gameable. It will be a great tool when my characters tread the frozen north. Can't wait for volume 2!

writing is great, setting is great, art is awesome!

Ironically, a couple months ago I was kicking around ideas for running a campaign in a northern setting that mashed up Alaskan and Scandinavian lore with fantasy elements. Then, I saw reviews for this online and ordered it right away. I must say it's quite unlike anything else I've seen. The setting is developed in great detail, almost too much, with a rich history and backstory. There are gods, cults, and factions aplenty. The influence of classic pulp fantasy is strong, but it's also infused with generous references to 80s pop culture and fantasy.

The beginning adventure is a bit railroady and is probably the weakest part of the whole package, but it does allow the DM and players to get invested in the setting. From there it assumes more of a sandbox character. The subsequent chapters are full of adventure hooks of all types and power levels, meaning that, in true old school fashion, the characters can easily find themselves overmatched and end up dead. There's still a ton of lore to absorb here, but one can see that over time this will start reinforcing itself and adding depth to the world, building towards the megadungeon climax promised in the the upcoming third volume of this set.

All told, there are tons of interesting locations, NPCs, magic items, and new monsters here. The backstory is a bit convoluted and difficult to follow, but if run over a significant length of time, I think the pieces will fall into place and make for a very rewarding campaign. The level of detail is amazing and the setting itself really shines, becoming a character in itself. As importantly, this is designed for Old School Essentials Advanced and the writing is such that it makes full use of those rules and demonstrates how that game can shine in a long-term campaign. So if you're interested in investing in a campaign setting that is both unique and not over the top gonzo, but incorporates elements not found in your bog-standard European-derived fantasy, by all means check this out. You won't be disappointed if you're willing to put in the effort. I for one, cannot wait for the two follow-up volumes.

This campaign is BRILLIANT! You NEED to purchase Volume 1 TODAY! I purchased Gods of the Forbidden North: Volume 1 last week. The lore, the intro to OSR for newbies, and the way everything slowly builds is FANTASTIC!!! Buy Gods of the Forbidden North: Volume 1 NOW!!!

This campaign is BRILLIANT! You NEED to purchase Volume 1 TODAY! I purchased Gods of the Forbidden North: Volume 1 last week. The lore, the intro to OSR for newbies, and the way everything slowly builds is FANTASTIC!!! Buy Gods of the Forbidden North: Volume 1 NOW!!!

Backed this on a whim and so glad i did - really rich content and clearly created as a labour of love. Cant wait for the next volumes.

I have to say, this volume definitely gives me the feeling of a masterful work jam packed with great information! I'm currently prepping to begin a solo BX game, and this is just the world setting i need. Great work to the author and the artists! A very well put-together book.

Looks to be one of the truely great MegaDungeons when this prodcut is complete.

I haven’t been this excited about a product in a loooong time. I took a chance on backing this project and didn’t really know what to expect. Well, OMG. So many companies are releasing new game systems. But I think there needs to be more adventures for these systems. This book delivers on that.

Pulp Hummock’s maiden voyage into adventure publishing is nothing shy of spectacular. They managed to pull off the rare feat of an inaugural product delivering more—way more—than originally advertised: 3 volumes more. This work has all the virtues of a first book and little to none of its shortcomings. The writing is top notch, the layout is inviting, and it’s clear that no expenses were spared for the beautiful artwork. Ian Baggley, Gary Trow. So. much. talent.

“Eye of J’karra” is my favorite chapter (nice nod to Leigh Brackett). The narrative is really well done and pulls in the reader—long-time and new players alike. Loved the character creation—very video game-esque. So many new monsters, all of which come alive on the page. I had an urge to stroke King Karakal’s mane as I read about him. And it was refreshing to see a queen at the helm of the star-race. I can’t wait to run this game!