RPGnet
 

Conspiracy X: Exodus

Author: Dakan & Emmert
Category: game
Company/Publisher: Eden Studios
Cost: $18.00
Page count: 128
ISBN: 1-891153-05-X
Capsule Review by John Snyder on 03/10/99.
Genre tags: Science_fiction Modern_day Space Conspiracy
Thanks to RPG.NET for the Exodus Sourcebook.

Exodus is the third and final installment in the Conspiracy X "Alien Trilogy". This book is overflowing with information, insight and a cross-section of Saurian society.

The book has two different covers, check the Conspiracy X website (www.conspiracyx.com) and decide which one you like the best. I personally find myself drawn to the 'mean-looking-alien' cover.

The book opens with a HERMES download; a little something to get your alien juices flowing. Then the Dreamspeakers are introduced. They are like the 'good guys' of the Saurian world. The Dreamspeakers are allowed as a player character. While I personally wouldn't allow it; it is called Conspiracy X after all, it is an option that may really change the direction and feel of your campaign.

The Dreamspeakers use 'spells' but only they call them "songs" and they use them while the sleep, hence the clever name. A list of their powers rounds out this section.

The book then jumps into the general history of the Saurians and the tribes that made the most difference in Saurian history. Each Clan is subjected to a one page write-up with excellent art to emphasize their differences. Eventually the Saurian society breaks down and some serious trouble ensues.

The next part of the book goes into the biology, specific clan motives and ideologies. There are also stats presented for a generic member from each clan i.e., Gna-Tall War Tech, Kath-Yal Nobles, Croll Warriors, etc.

The following chapter gives the reader a look at the Saurian technology. New equipment is always a favorite for gamers, and this is no exception. There are various space-craft, anti-gravity devices and plenty of weapons.

The book closes with an adventure. While the adventure isn't really deep or highly conspiratorial, it could be modified, expanded upon and dropped into an existing campaign without too much trouble. The PCs could benefit Aegis with some serious Saurian Technology. This adventure also lets the PCs in on the fact that their is some strife within the Saurian community.

The layout and artwork is excellent! The computer/photographic pictures of the Saurians almost makes one wonder if Christopher Shy had actual Saurian models to work with!

This is a solid addition to the Conspiracy X line and gives the Saurians a much needed third dimension. They are no longer the 'reptilian bad-guys'. Now they're the 'reptilian-bad-guys-who-have-a-history-and-feel-like-a-living-breathing-part-of-the-Conspiracy X-world'.

This book is also a good lead-in to the Extinction RPG that Eden is preparing. That game will feature an all-out war for Earth by the Saurians. No more sneakin' around! It should be interesting.

Style: 5 (Excellent!)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

[ Read FAQ | Subscribe to RSS | Partner Sites | Contact Us | Advertise with Us ]

Copyright © 1996-2009 Skotos Tech, Inc. & individual authors, All Rights Reserved
Compilation copyright © 1996-2009 Skotos Tech, Inc.
RPGnet® is a registered trademark of Skotos Tech, Inc., all rights reserved.