Reviews of Martial Flavor
Reviews of Arcane Flavor
Reviews of Martial Cultures: the Sijara
Reviews of Martial Cultures: Arytis
Reviews of Martial Cultures: the Ikanoi
Reviews of the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack
Reviews of the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack II
Reviews of the Treasure Hoard Generator Pack
Reviews of the City Builder Generator Pack
Reviews of the Character Builder Generator Pack
Reviews of Tavern Tables
Reviews of Martial Flavor
Here are some reviews of Martial Flavor, Chaotic Shiny Productions' debut product. Dungeon Brew's Review:
"This book belongs on your digital bookshelf"
If you have a martial character, or you plan on playing one then this book belongs on your digital bookshelf. The sheer number of new feats and powers and other goodies contained therein means you WILL find something of use even if you never use the martial traditions that are linked to them. As just one example you can easily mine out the entire mounted combat tidbits (like the Mounted Fighter talent and the list of racial rider feats) and use them as is. As for GMs, since the GSL came out I've purchased my fair share of products, and I haven't seen many that come to the level of dedication, balance, and just plain cool things to put in your game. The text is well written and evocative, the sidebars are placed well and are informative. Here's the gist of things, if I was to write about all the great things in this lengthy pdf I would have to go on for pages, because there is so much great material contained within.
- Read the full review by Francis at Dungeon Brew
Dice Monkey's Review:
"I can't praise this book enough"
These are cultures that can be dropped into literally any campaign setting and used as is, simply incorporating in the history of the world to make it match their specific culture. ... If you are playing 4e right now, I can't praise this book enough. It's got everything you need to introduce new and fascinating cultures to your current game.
- Read the full review by Mark at Dice Monkey.
Spirits of Eden's Review:
"These cultures can serve as good inspiration"
Because of the relatively light-on-rules nature of the book, it could serve as a useful tool for people playing other editions of D&D as well. Ultimately whether you buy this book or not really depends on what you feel about buying RPG setting and story material. These cultures can serve as good inspiration for you and your players. If you like setting material, system be damned, then this book is right up your alley. If you only want it for the 4e powers, you already know what your opinion of this book is. Personally I had a rather good time of reading it, so I recommend it.
- Read the full review by Wyatt at Spirits of Eden.
Living Dice's Review:
"Utility for any 4e campaign that needs some fresh ideas"
Editing is clear and the writing style easy to read. The layout is also very well done. There are no power cards for the powers in the PDF, but it comes in a separate download included with the purchase. There is also an included printer friendly version of the PDF in black and white and no color art.
A preview of Chaotic Shiny's upcoming Martial Cultures supplement comes with the download as well.
I enjoyed this supplement and think it has utility for any 4e campaign that needs some fresh ideas for cultural backgrounds.
- Read the full review by Trask at Living Dice.
NEUROGLYPH Games's Review:
"The five backgrounds ... add some real flair to any Dungeons & Dragons 4e Campaign"
I enjoyed Martial Flavor by Chaotic Shiny Productions quite a lot, and I really think that the five backgrounds, particularly the Ikanoi and the Legions of Arytis, could add some real flair to any Dungeons & Dragons 4e Campaign. The Author did an excellent job of adding Power, Feat, and Class Feature options which would enhance a Character’s development without being unbalancing. And there is plenty of “fluff” material to allow a Player to create mannerisms of speech, dress, and attitudes to satisfy any die-hard role-player.
- Read the full review by the Editor-in-Chief of NEUROGLYPH Games.
NewbieDM's Review:
"A great mix of cultures ... each one unique and different"
The strength of the book, in my opinion, isn’t really in the mechanical aspects of the cultures, but more so on the fluff. This is not to say that the mechanics are bad, but not having playtested them, I can’t obviously judge them too harshly, or give them too much praise, I can however comment on the fact that they do not look too unbalanced. Hannah has created a great mix of cultures though, each one unique and different from the other, and on that alone, the book has worth. They can obviously also be translated to other games using only the fluff. Good stuff.
- Read the full review at NewbieDM.
The Most Unread Blog's Review:
"It is easy to take these cultures and drop them into a different game"
The interesting part about this book, is that it is weighted more towards fluff than crunch, meaning that its easy enough to take these cultures and drop them into a different game system if you so chose.
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The author does a great job giving important details to the cultures, while providing information in broad enough strokes that a) you can drop it into your game easy enough and b) she doesn't bore you to death.
- Read the full review by Tommy at The Most Unread Blog on the Internet.
Game Knight's Review:
"A great resource"
If you're looking for some interesting crunch for your world, I'd definitely recommend that you take a look at Martial Flavor from Chaotic Shiny Productions at RPGNow. It's a great resource and I look forward to reading more in future products about the various cultures!
- Read the full review at Game Knight Reviews.
Reviews of Arcane Flavor
Reviews of Arcane Flavor, the sequel to the much-loved Martial Flavor. Game Knight's Review:
"Definitely pick up a copy"
Arcane Flavor offers some very unique combinations of magic and culture to keep you and your players hopping for a while. Once again, Hannah Lipsky has hit another one out of the park. If you’re looking for magical ideas for your world, definitely pick up a copy when it becomes available at RPGNow!
- Read the full review by Fitz at Game Knight Reviews
Reviews of Martial Cultures: the Sijara
Reviews of Martial Cultures: the Sijara, a book about the nomadic wanderers who think YOU'RE the one that's cursed. Life and Times of a Philippine Gamer's Review:
"Lends much-needed flavor to the standard fantasy rpg campaigns"
Overall, Martial Cultures: The Sijara is a dense, well-written, and interesting book that lends much-needed flavor to the standard fantasy rpg campaigns out there. I'd definitely recommend it for GMs or even players who are looking to lend more depth to their settings.
- Read the full review at Life and Times of a Philippine Gamer.
Reviews of Martial Cultures: Arytis
Reviews of Martial Cultures: Arytis, a book about the militant city of Arytis. Dice Monkey's Review:
"Definitely pick this up"
A simple but effective map of the city, as well as information about important NPCs wraps up the book, featuring an actress, smith, city hero, really bad legionaire, cheif justice, a few council members, as well as the leader of the city. All very well thought out and intriguing.
If you have been looking at picking up this book, and still aren't sure, I highly recommend it. Right now, for the next couple of days, you can even get this book in the Gamers Help Haiti bundle! Definitely pick this up.
- Read the full review by Mark at Dice Monkey.
Reviews of Martial Cultures: the Ikanoi
Reviews of Martial Cultures: the Ikanoi, a book about the people of ice and legend. NEUROGLYPH Games's Review:
"An amazing job of creating the little details"
There is just an vast abundance of "fluff material" in this supplement which can allow a Player to create and portray a truly unique, dynamic Ikanoi Character.
The Author does an amazing job of creating the little details which make a fantasy society “feel” real, ranging from Ikanoi naming schemes and ancestral worship, to their unique dress and body tattoos.
- Read the full review by the Editor-in-Chief at NEUROGLYPH Games.
Reviews of the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack
Here are some reviews of the Kingdom Builder, Chaotic Shiny Productions' first generator pack. Stargazer's Review:
"A great tool for GMs"
Overall the Kingdom Builder is a great tool for GMs, either for preparation or at the game table. As I’ve mentioned before the tool is pretty easy to use, the interface is clean and it even runs great on netbooks (which is definitely a plus). When I think about it, it could be possible to create a whole campaign setting just using this toolbox. That’s definitely something I have to try out in the near future. But even if you just need some inspiration, the Kingdom Builder is a great resource.
- Read the full review by Michael at Stargazer's World
Neuroglyph's Review:
"A very nifty tool for any Dungeon Master's computer"
Overall, the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack is a very nifty tool for any Dungeon Master’s computer, and of particular use to and DM trying to break into world-building. Even for those campaigns using pre-packaged "official" settings, the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack can offer the ability to develop nations or even whole continents not detailed by the original authors, allowing for greater exploration possibilities by Player-Characters.
- Read the full review by the Editor-in-Chief at Neuroglyph Games
Spirits of Eden's Review:
"A product like this is long awaited"
Chaotic Shiny is well-known for its many generators, so a product like this is long awaited. While opening up a web browser is not exactly inconvenient, having a bunch of generators in one place is a lot better an option, so the Kingdom Builder from Chaotic Shiny is a neat little thing. At $3.95, I think it's worth the expense if you need a quick little source of inspiration, especially for sandbox campaigners.
- Read the full review by Wyatt at Spirits of Eden
Stargazer's Review:
"A great tool for GMs"
Overall the Kingdom Builder is a great tool for GMs, either for preparation or at the game table. As I’ve mentioned before the tool is pretty easy to use, the interface is clean and it even runs great on netbooks (which is definitely a plus). When I think about it, it could be possible to create a whole campaign setting just using this toolbox. That’s definitely something I have to try out in the near future. But even if you just need some inspiration, the Kingdom Builder is a great resource.
- Read the full review by Michael at Stargazer's World
Reviews of the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack II
Here are some reviews of the Kingdom Builder II, which brings more kingdom-creating options to your table. Dice Monkey's Review:
"A definite must-have"
In all, the Kingdom Builder is a definite must-have for anyone trying to come up with their own kingdoms, and those who could use a little help coming up with various hooks and NPCs.
- Read the full review by Mark at Dice Monkey
Gothridge Manor's Review:
"Probably the best one yet"
It's no secret that I am a fan of Chaotic Shiny's products. I did reviews for Tavern Tables and Treasure Hoard Generator, both excellent tools to add to a GMs arsenal. I'm here to tell you the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack II is probably the best one yet.
Like all of Hannah's generators this one very simple to use and provides an amazing amount variety. It uses a nine tab strip across the top to find what you are in most need of to complete your kingdom. And like her other generators you can print and save your results. It generates a lot of good stuff so you're going to want to.
- Read the full review by Tim at Gothridge Manor
NEUROGLYPH Games' Review:
"Well worth picking up"
Hands down, the Kingdom Builder Generator Pack II is a worthy successor to the first generator pack, and offers additional world-building content which the first generator lacked. Even for already established "official" game settings, such as the Forgotten Realms or Eberron, the generators in KBGP II can still be used to enhance the play experience by adding much needed details like changes in fashion trends, random events, and standing armies for nobles and cities not given full details in the sourcebooks. And the conspirator generator is a useful tool for almost any Dungeon Master, particularly if heroes fall off the campaign plot track and end up meeting NPCs in areas not quite intended to be visited yet! With Kingdom Builder Generator Pack’s modest priced of only $3.95, this assortment of randomizers is well worth picking up to enhance almost any campaign.
- Read the full review by Michael of Neuroglyph Games
Reviews of the City Builder Generator Pack
Here are some reviews of the City Builder. NEUROGLYPH Games's Review:
"Helpful in world-building"
City Builder Generator Pack is a very cool compilation of random generators for game masters to add some excellent details to city adventures or for city building. It’s very easy to run, provides some nifty output, and is helpful in world-building, adventure creation, or even for just quick random details at the gaming table when the players occasionally run of the "beaten path".
- Read the full review at NEUROGLYPH Games.
Stargazer's World's Review:
"Definitely get a copy"
The City Builder sets you back mere $3.95 and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. But I doubt this guarantee is actually needed. It’s a great piece of software for a very reasonable price. If you like random generators you should definitely get a copy of the City Builder Generator Pack!
- Read the full review by Michael at Stargazer's World.
Reviews of the Character Builder Generator Pack
Here are some reviews of the Character Builder. The Geek Life Project's Review:
"Perfect for an on the fly NPC"
So what is the Character Builder? Here is what it is not. It is not a character generator. You don’t get a pile of numbers or a stat block for whatever rules system you happen to be playing. What Character Builder gives you is a system neutral outline of a character. This is perfect for an on the fly NPC or if you want to create a list of local bar patrons just in case you might need them. It gives the outline of the character’s opinions, beliefs, passions and background enough to role play an interesting encounter or act as a seed for an adventure.
- Read the full review at The Geek Life Project.
Life and Times of a Philippine Gamer's Review:
"I would highly recommend this"
The Character Builder Generator Pack is a neat program that does exactly what it says on the tin. The generators are great seeds for plot hooks and interesting interactions to go with the characters that they come up with make it a very useful thing to have. I would highly recommend this for new GMs and those like me who don't have that much time in their hands anymore, and it's priced well into impulse buy territory at $3.95 or roughly Php 170.00
- Read the full review at Life and Times of a Philippine Gamer.
Reviews of the Treasure Hoard Generator Pack
Here are some reviews of the Treasure Hoard, Chaotic Shiny Productions' treasure generator pack. Gothridge Manor's Review:
"The best treasure generator available"
A quick math question: What do you get when you add a treasure generator and Chaotic Shiny Productions? Answer: Treasure Hoard Generator Pack, the best treasure generator available. This is not hyperbole, nor puffery. I've tried several online treasure generators, and all have their merits, but lacked the depth to keep me interested. Hannah "Swordgleam" Lipski has developed a treasure generator that any GM will be thrilled to have in their arsenal.
- Read the full review by Tim at Gothridge Manor.
Neuroglyph's Review:
"Create really interesting and unique treasures"
Treasure Hoard Generator Pack offers a chance for Dungeon Masters to create really interesting and unique treasures to offer to their Player-Characters, and are likely to both entertain and spark role-playing amongst the group. I could easily see Players wanting to keep certain strange and unusual items found in some of these hoards to decorate their homes, or keep as little mementos of their campaigns.
- Read the full review by the Editor-in-Chief at Neuroglyph Games
Newbie DM's Mini-Review:
"This product is really, really neat"
This product is really, really neat. It generates all sorts of treasure in 4e style parcels. ... For $3.95, the price isn’t bad, in fact it is very generous, and the product works rather nicely. I recommend it.
- Read the full mini-review at Newbie DM
Reviews of Tavern Tables
Reviews of Tavern Tables, a pdf full of dice tables for rolling up a tavern that is another one of our great free products! Gothridge Manor's Review:
"A great little supplement"
I found this fun little product free on RPGNow. If you get a chance it is well worth a look no matter what genre you're playing. Tavern Tables has a series of random tables to help a GM pull together a tavern in a few rolls. The first two tables (d100) are to name the tavern. The first table is the adjective and the second is the noun. An example I rolled was "The Mournful Stableboy". Sounds like a Monty Python skit. A simple mechanism that can create 1000s of names.
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My recommendation is get Tavern Tables. It's a great little supplement. Oh, and did I mention it's free. Hannah "Swordgleam" Lipsky of Chaotic Shiny Productions did a great job. Give their webpage a look and download Tavern Tables.
- Read the full review by Tim at Gothridge Manor.
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