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This is the third edition of this book and, with the popularity of AEG's 7th Sea, it couldn't be more timely. If you are looking for a resource on Swashbucklers for your game, whether you use GURPS or not, there is plenty of historical imformation here. However those running GURPS campaigns are sure to get the most out of these pages. The information on TL4 ships and firearms, already a standard part of GURPS Compendium II, is given more ample space here. Although I would have liked more specs on the various sailing ships of the times, that is a minor complaint.

If you get seasick on the water there is always the chapter on France in the 1700's. [Editor's note: The chapter on France is set in the 17th century--which is the 1600s, not the 18th century (the 1700s). Thanks to Bryan Maloney for noticing this.] If you ever pictured yourself as one of the three musketeers, here is the perfect background for those adventures. Full of historical detail, this chapter can be used by anyone who wants to play a game in this setting. It was a wise choice to focus in on eighteenth century France, even though I wish there could have been space for more detailed backgroung on other swashbuckling locals. However I suspect that GURPS Voodoo will be a nice companion book for those who want to explore the carribian isles.

The cover painting, by Don Maitz is excellent, setting the proper mood for the over the top, larger than life adventures that swashbucklers bring to mind. The interior artwork, by Donna Barr is eye catching and dynamic, adding flavor to the text, in much the same way as the cover. There is a free, loose and humorous feeling to her drawings that is as right as Douglas Fairbanks laughing at the spanish soldiers in his silent film "The Mark of Zorro."

With books like this one, Steve Jackson Games continues to set the standard for supplemental RPG material. I am already planning out my next campaign around this book. And maybe I'll add an Arabian Nights flavor with the material in GURPS Arabian Nights, because, to me, the best part of this material is the freedom to combine it in different ways to create exciting campaigns.

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

GURPS Swashbucklers
Author: Steffan O'Sullivan Category: game Company/Publisher: Steve Jackson Games Line: GURPS Cost: 19.95 Page count: 128 ISBN: 1-55634-394-9 SKU: 6019 Capsule Review by Smilodon on 02/02/00. Genre tags: Historical	This is the third edition of this book and, with the popularity of AEG's 7th Sea, it couldn't be more timely. If you are looking for a resource on Swashbucklers for your game, whether you use GURPS or not, there is plenty of historical imformation here. However those running GURPS campaigns are sure to get the most out of these pages. The information on TL4 ships and firearms, already a standard part of GURPS Compendium II, is given more ample space here. Although I would have liked more specs on the various sailing ships of the times, that is a minor complaint. If you get seasick on the water there is always the chapter on France in the 1700's. [Editor's note: The chapter on France is set in the 17th century--which is the 1600s, not the 18th century (the 1700s). Thanks to Bryan Maloney for noticing this.] If you ever pictured yourself as one of the three musketeers, here is the perfect background for those adventures. Full of historical detail, this chapter can be used by anyone who wants to play a game in this setting. It was a wise choice to focus in on eighteenth century France, even though I wish there could have been space for more detailed backgroung on other swashbuckling locals. However I suspect that GURPS Voodoo will be a nice companion book for those who want to explore the carribian isles. The cover painting, by Don Maitz is excellent, setting the proper mood for the over the top, larger than life adventures that swashbucklers bring to mind. The interior artwork, by Donna Barr is eye catching and dynamic, adding flavor to the text, in much the same way as the cover. There is a free, loose and humorous feeling to her drawings that is as right as Douglas Fairbanks laughing at the spanish soldiers in his silent film "The Mark of Zorro." With books like this one, Steve Jackson Games continues to set the standard for supplemental RPG material. I am already planning out my next campaign around this book. And maybe I'll add an Arabian Nights flavor with the material in GURPS Arabian Nights, because, to me, the best part of this material is the freedom to combine it in different ways to create exciting campaigns. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 4 (Meaty)

GURPS Swashbucklers