The Inside Scoop on Gaming

This is one of those books that should be right up there as a Core Reading for Werewolf, along with Book of the Wyrm, Book of the Weaver, Ways of the Wolf, Axis Mundi and Umbra: Velvet Shadow.

The book opens, as do many of them, with a "Legend of the Garou," the requisite fiction for the book. This one details the birth of a perfect metis cub and continues on to set the tone for the entire book. The fiction is well written.

Next we have the Introduction, which, as usual, tells how to use the book and lays out the theme of the book in plain detail. Here we learn that this is not only a book about the heavens, but a book detailing the Apocalyptic omens that have come to pass of late, including what the Garou believe to be eye of the Wyrm itself opening in the Umbra (whom they name Anthelios). This section is rounded out with a lexicon.

Chapter one begins with (another) rehashing of the basic makeup of the Garou cosmmology; moon bridges, moon paths, Airts, the weaver's web, the Aetherial Realm. Nothing really new there. However, the next part of this chapter is the part that really shines. It details the Incarnae that embody the planets (and moon, sun and asteroid belt) of the solar system, and their realms. Also, for each Incarna there is information on taking them as pack totems. Each of the Incarna has their own motivations, personality and desires, as it should be. Also, a section for each of the Realms is included detailing some of the dangers that might be found there. Yes, there's even a mirror of Gaia (Earth) here. I found this section to be rather lively and a darned good read, all around. And if you think that all of the planetary Incarna work together, you're wrong.

Chapter two gives various astrology systems. While this may seem a little extraneous to some Storytellers, I found this section a great tool. But, then again, I like a LOT of detail. The section describes a Garou created Astrology, an alternate Garou astrology created by the Stargazers and includes a section on Chinese astorlogy. Like I said before, extraneous to some, useful to me.

Chapter three is all about storytelling omens, signs and portents. It starts off with a reprint of the Prophecy of the Phoenix (with footnotes added that should give tons of story ideas) and explores the new omens of Anthelios and the Perfect Cub. The next portion of this chapter gives information on storytelling and use of omens and prophecies, but this was nothing that we haven't really seen before.

Chapter four is an adventure. Those who know me know that I will usually immediately brush off any pre-published adventures, but this one is loose and flexible enough that, were I to run Werewolf again, I might just start off with this adventure. It's an interesting adventure full of some good plot hooks that could go several ways and delves into the Perfect Cub and protecting (or destroying?) her. Enough fun could be had with this one for several adventures.

As a Storyteller, I often love to find new stuff to throw at my players and let them use. When I got to chapter five, I was expecting a couple of new Gifts, maybe some new Fetishes. What I found was a BUNCH of new Gifts (levels 1-5 for each of the planetary Incarna), a few new Rites, some totally new Merits and Flaws and a reprint and revision of the Planetary Aspects Merits and Flaws from the old 1st ed. Werewolf PG. There are also some cool Fetishes and Talens here, including two new Klaives.

The last section, the Appendix, details the Sept of the Stars, an Umbral Caern and a few other NPCs which can be stuck whole cloth into any Chronicle involving the Sept of the Stars or the Aetherial Reaches.

Interspersed through the book is some excellent artwork, as the art for Werewolf tends to be. All in all, get this book! It is so utterly cool.

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

Rage Across the Heavens
Author: Jackie Cassada and Nicky Rea Category: game Company/Publisher: White Wolf Line: Werewolf Cost: 19.95 Page count: 144 ISBN: 1-56504-309-X SKU: WW3110 Capsule Review by Prince Nightchilde on 11/05/99. Genre tags: Modern_day Space	This is one of those books that should be right up there as a Core Reading for Werewolf, along with Book of the Wyrm, Book of the Weaver, Ways of the Wolf, Axis Mundi and Umbra: Velvet Shadow. The book opens, as do many of them, with a "Legend of the Garou," the requisite fiction for the book. This one details the birth of a perfect metis cub and continues on to set the tone for the entire book. The fiction is well written. Next we have the Introduction, which, as usual, tells how to use the book and lays out the theme of the book in plain detail. Here we learn that this is not only a book about the heavens, but a book detailing the Apocalyptic omens that have come to pass of late, including what the Garou believe to be eye of the Wyrm itself opening in the Umbra (whom they name Anthelios). This section is rounded out with a lexicon. Chapter one begins with (another) rehashing of the basic makeup of the Garou cosmmology; moon bridges, moon paths, Airts, the weaver's web, the Aetherial Realm. Nothing really new there. However, the next part of this chapter is the part that really shines. It details the Incarnae that embody the planets (and moon, sun and asteroid belt) of the solar system, and their realms. Also, for each Incarna there is information on taking them as pack totems. Each of the Incarna has their own motivations, personality and desires, as it should be. Also, a section for each of the Realms is included detailing some of the dangers that might be found there. Yes, there's even a mirror of Gaia (Earth) here. I found this section to be rather lively and a darned good read, all around. And if you think that all of the planetary Incarna work together, you're wrong. Chapter two gives various astrology systems. While this may seem a little extraneous to some Storytellers, I found this section a great tool. But, then again, I like a LOT of detail. The section describes a Garou created Astrology, an alternate Garou astrology created by the Stargazers and includes a section on Chinese astorlogy. Like I said before, extraneous to some, useful to me. Chapter three is all about storytelling omens, signs and portents. It starts off with a reprint of the Prophecy of the Phoenix (with footnotes added that should give tons of story ideas) and explores the new omens of Anthelios and the Perfect Cub. The next portion of this chapter gives information on storytelling and use of omens and prophecies, but this was nothing that we haven't really seen before. Chapter four is an adventure. Those who know me know that I will usually immediately brush off any pre-published adventures, but this one is loose and flexible enough that, were I to run Werewolf again, I might just start off with this adventure. It's an interesting adventure full of some good plot hooks that could go several ways and delves into the Perfect Cub and protecting (or destroying?) her. Enough fun could be had with this one for several adventures. As a Storyteller, I often love to find new stuff to throw at my players and let them use. When I got to chapter five, I was expecting a couple of new Gifts, maybe some new Fetishes. What I found was a BUNCH of new Gifts (levels 1-5 for each of the planetary Incarna), a few new Rites, some totally new Merits and Flaws and a reprint and revision of the Planetary Aspects Merits and Flaws from the old 1st ed. Werewolf PG. There are also some cool Fetishes and Talens here, including two new Klaives. The last section, the Appendix, details the Sept of the Stars, an Umbral Caern and a few other NPCs which can be stuck whole cloth into any Chronicle involving the Sept of the Stars or the Aetherial Reaches. Interspersed through the book is some excellent artwork, as the art for Werewolf tends to be. All in all, get this book! It is so utterly cool. Style: 5 (Excellent!) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

Rage Across the Heavens