The Inside Scoop on Gaming

Well, he said he'd never do it. Every time the issue was raised, Phil Brucato said he'd never do a book on playing Nephandi.

And strictly speaking, he didn't do it here. But damn, he makes the dark side look...good?

Understandable, anyway. A lot of space is dedicated to the reasons why a mage - or mortal - would turn to Infernalism. Since I often use Nephandi in modern-day White Wolf games, Mage and otherwise, this is a real bonus. The book isn't written like a tradition book, which helps. It treats a touchy subject with a great deal of sobriety and responsibility, which was more than some of the Black Dog line did, even though those books are ostensibly for adults only (I did my best in Giovanni IV!)

Anyway. This book reminds me why I love Mage so much - clear, easy to read, enough history and setting material to balance out some nasty rotes and Talismans. All in all, if you plan on bringing the Fallen into any White Wolf chronicle, give this book a read. Nephandi are scary, but scarier when you understand their side of the story.

If, however, you want to play a Nephandus, also give the book a read. It should convince you not to.

Matt

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Infernalism: Path of Screams
Author: Phil Brucato Category: game Company/Publisher: White Wolf Line: Mage: The Sorcerer's Crusade Cost: 19 Page count: 142 or so Capsule Review by Matt on 10/13/99. Genre tags: Fantasy Horror	Well, he said he'd never do it. Every time the issue was raised, Phil Brucato said he'd never do a book on playing Nephandi. And strictly speaking, he didn't do it here. But damn, he makes the dark side look...good? Understandable, anyway. A lot of space is dedicated to the reasons why a mage - or mortal - would turn to Infernalism. Since I often use Nephandi in modern-day White Wolf games, Mage and otherwise, this is a real bonus. The book isn't written like a tradition book, which helps. It treats a touchy subject with a great deal of sobriety and responsibility, which was more than some of the Black Dog line did, even though those books are ostensibly for adults only (I did my best in Giovanni IV!) Anyway. This book reminds me why I love Mage so much - clear, easy to read, enough history and setting material to balance out some nasty rotes and Talismans. All in all, if you plan on bringing the Fallen into any White Wolf chronicle, give this book a read. Nephandi are scary, but scarier when you understand their side of the story. If, however, you want to play a Nephandus, also give the book a read. It should convince you not to. Matt Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

Infernalism: Path of Screams