Ring Side Report: RPG Review of Abaddon: The Angel in the Void

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Product– Abaddon: The Angel in the Void

System– Demon Lord Engine

Producer– Schwalb Entertainment

Price–  $4.99 here https://www.drivethrurpg.com//product/545187/abaddon-the-angel-in-the-void?affiliate_id=658618  

TL; DR– I’m intrigued by this level of hell.  97%

Basics- Who are you among the saved?  Abaddon is a new setting for the Demon Lord Engine.  It’s a far-flung future post-apocalyptic setting.  Let’s break it down.

Base Mechanics- Like Demon Lord?  Then you know this.  The big difference is the d666 system.  What this means is roll 3d6 and use the numbers to pick from a random table.  Not bad, but you can’t have a Schwalb system without a little bit of satanism!

This is an intro book, so it’s helpful, but it’s just the intro to the world.

Mechanics or Crunch: The big question for mechanics is Do you want Future Demon Lord?  If you want guns in your fantasy, then you will enjoy this.  The mechanics don’t really change, but that’s not bad, as Demon Lord is a tight system that’s fast.  5/5

Theme or Fluff– This setting focuses on a city where angels keep humans safe, but they are unknown.  The angels look like H. R. Geiger decorated the Sistine Chapel, but I expected nothing less from Schwalb.  The town where the angels make food, but the food doesn’t have flavor.  Humans are allowed to do anything, but not mess with the angels’ business.  And, the angels are letting a select few humans exit the town to explore the wastes after the demon destroyed things a long time ago.  You get to play the explorers in this world.  That’s solid stuff right there.  5/5

Execution: This is a good intro, but it’s missing pieces.  Its got a good layout, but it needs more art.  There is one angel picture, and that’s enough to keep you up at night.  The world is described, but needs more.  There is a solid intro adventure that will kill a few players.  Then again, I also have my one major gripe- no pregens!  I know Demon Lord makes characters in about 3 minutes, but give me six to hand to my friends with no prep.  It’s small things, but it would help.   4.5/5
Summary: This intro has solid information, but misses a few things.  I like the world that is built.  The history is good, but vague enough to be filled in later.  The locations will be similar, but warped by time and hell itself. The system is one I like and one that will always be fun and fast to play.  The book is good, but here it misses a few pieces.  Give me pregens and a bit more art.  That said, if my issue is the pieces that are not here, you’ve done the job of intriguing me enough to get more.  97%

Ring Side Report: RPG Review of Pathfinder Society Scenario #5-07: Sewer Dragon Crisis

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Product– Pathfinder Society Scenario #5-07: Sewer Dragon Crisis 

System– Pathfinder 2nd Ed

Producer– Paizo

Price–  $5.99 here  https://store.paizo.com/pfs-scenario-5-07-sewer-dragon-crisis/ 

TL; DR– A handshake or a slaughter, your choice.  100%

Basics- Ok, we screwed up.  What do we do to fix this?  The Sewer Dragons backed the Pathfinders, and they paid a HEAVY price.  Now, your job is to help the friends we left along the way.

Mechanics or Crunch:  This is a fun adventure, and it changes based on what the players do.  This adventure has one mandatory combat.  If you are a combat monkey, you can choose violence. If you are social, you can also get your way.  It also has a skills section, so the skills person gets a chance to shine as well.  It’s a good mix.  5/5

Theme or Fluff– This adventure will take two hours or five hours.  There is little in the middle.  The story is solid, but a combat team will struggle and end up killing lots of things.  That’s fun.  If you are a social butterfly, this is much shorter, as you convince enemies to back down and corrupt people to do their jobs.  It’s fun, but if you have a mixed team, some people will not get exactly what they want.  5/5

Execution:  Ah, classic Paizo layout.  I love the older style.  Pictures for the monsters.  Stat blocks and an easy-to-read adventure all make this a solid adventure.  5/5

Summary:  This can be a feel-good adventure or a slaughter.  Either can be fun if you want it.  I loved running this one, and my players had a blast too.  Choose your team well, and you will too.  100%