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The second section is for game masters and covers the topics
very well. The section assumes no experience on the part of
the game master. Starting from this point, the book builds
upon the basics presented in the rulebooks. Topics include
starting up a group, the style of play, the gaming environment,
handling the session including recapping, playtime, and
backgrounds. Special attention is given to the very first gaming
session.
The game master section segues smoothly into the adventure
itself. Throughout the rest of the book, there is more game
master information interspersed with the adventure. This text
addresses situations that could occur in the associated
adventure text. The adventure is presented in the semi-official
format. Each encounter is named, has an associated encounter
level, provides both game master only text as well as “boxed
text” to be read to the players.
The adventure deals with the frontier town of Solitude,
situated on the border with the orc territories of Kruggsh. All is
not well in Solitude as the orcs are preparing to attack using a
secret weapon. Our heroes are to find out what is going on
and stop it – while being disguised as Orcs. The book also
contains hooks for further adventures to continue with what
has been started.
VALUE
BASICS
Orcfest is a 95-page soft cover book published by Fast Forward
Entertainment. The front and back covers are full color but the
illustrations inside are black and white. This book presents a
starting adventure for new players of Dungeons and Dragons
3 rd edition. In addition to the adventure, Orcfest includes
information for first time players and dungeon masters on how
to run adventures. The retail price is $19.99.
BETWEEN THE COVERS
This book is divided into three main sections: player’s guide,
game master tips, and the Orcfest adventure.
The players guide section covers everything a novice needs to
know beyond what is covered in the basic rulebooks. Topics
covered include what it takes to be a good player, a short
analysis of the main character classes, as well as suggestions
on buying equipment. In addition, this guide covers other
areas of the game not addressed in the basic books. There are
tips and hints for interacting with NPC’s, getting the most out
of an adventure, as well as a list of do’s and don’ts for
exploring your first dungeon. After these tips, the rest of the
player’s guide is composed of a detailed discussion of the
combat rules. This discussion covers almost all aspects of
combat, and includes a discussion of tactics for facing various
common battle situations such as the single large monster and
a horde.
Fast Forward has done a good job with this publication. They
have addressed a part of the hobby that many have ignored –
that of the completely novice group. I’ve been playing RPG’s
since back in the seventies (yes, the original D&D boxed set)
and learned how to do things along the way like everyone else.
In that time, I’ve seen some new players that start out all
excited about the game get quickly disillusioned and drop it
because no one set out to show them how its done.
For the more experienced players, Orcfest is a good adventure
and well worth the cover price. It is an interesting take on the
usually plot of “orcs attack the village” and offers much that
the experience player will enjoy. On top of that, there is
enough information in the player and game masters guide that
experienced players can use to improve their games.
Personally, my favorite adventures to play and to run are those
at lower levels. I much more enjoy worrying about two orc
sentries as a first level fighter than a type VI daemon as a 20 th
level wizard. Much of this has to do with the limited availability
of options that require the players to be more resourceful. On
that level, Orcfest provides an interesting setting that will truly
challenge the players who have to get by on 20 gps for their
party.
I look forward to running this adventure with our regular group
who has grown bored killing hordes of critters backed up by
one major underworld leader. I think that the orc disguise
portion of the adventure will lead to some great role-playing
and less die rolling.
WWW.FASTFORWARDGAMES.COM