The Inside Scoop on Gaming

As a GM, I get tired of having all the books either directed at me rather than the players, or designed for players but requiring me to read them carefully for things that won't fit in my games. That in mind, I hesitantly picked up a copy of Fading Suns' book on the nobility: "Lords of the Known Worlds." I was surprised and pleased with what I found.

LotKW is designed to be useful for players and GMs alike. That makes it akin to the AD&D players class handbooks, but better, since with LotKW, the GM doesn't have to read through kits with a red pen looking for those that would unbalance the game or just not fit. Instead of kits, Holistic has given us suggestions to help with characterization of PCs and NPCs. In fact, emphasis on character is where this book shines. The information on the noble houses does not impose on characterization, but rather adds to the background and atmosphere. The wealth of information on the major and minor houses is well written, making this a valuable resource for players and GMs alike. One thing that surprised and greatly pleased me, was the presentation of the major NPCs as interesting characters rather than stats. In fact, stats got left out entirely for them. The death of a major figure should be part of a major plot twist, not just a lucky blaster shot from a tough PC.

As usual, the book opens with a letter from Alustro, the questing clergyman. It's purpose is to present the outsiders' view of the nobility. It does that capably. Most of the book is devoted to the five major houses with each getting roughly 20 pages. The last two chapters cover the minor houses and the nobility of the three most prominent alien races open to players. Minor houses proved more interesting than a few of the major ones. Each house is given a history, roles, character ideas, and benefices and afflictions. History for the aliens is nearly non-existant. That's in another book. The section on the Obun further cements their role as the elves of space. They're peaceful, reserved, and in harmony with nature. Gag. At least the authors were able to work some Superman references into the Obun part.

The presentation conforms to the Fading Suns mold. Space black outer margins keep the page edges from looking smirched and improve the appearance. Art ranges from quite good to unremarkably average. A few of the moodier pieces smack of a World of Darkness product. That's not a bad thing, unless the Holistic crew was hoping to hide their background.

"Lords of the Known Worlds" is a good book, and one which all players and GMs running Fading Suns should have. The approach its authors took to characterization is admirable and definitely worth a look. Noble characters created with the help of this book will likely be deeper and more conducive to good role-playing.

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

Lords of the Known Worlds
Author: Bill Bridges and company Category: game Company/Publisher: Holistic Design, Inc Cost: $18.00 Page count: 136 ISBN: 1-888906-11-1 Capsule Review by C.H. Gallant on 03/28/98. Genre tags: none	As a GM, I get tired of having all the books either directed at me rather than the players, or designed for players but requiring me to read them carefully for things that won't fit in my games. That in mind, I hesitantly picked up a copy of Fading Suns' book on the nobility: "Lords of the Known Worlds." I was surprised and pleased with what I found. LotKW is designed to be useful for players and GMs alike. That makes it akin to the AD&D players class handbooks, but better, since with LotKW, the GM doesn't have to read through kits with a red pen looking for those that would unbalance the game or just not fit. Instead of kits, Holistic has given us suggestions to help with characterization of PCs and NPCs. In fact, emphasis on character is where this book shines. The information on the noble houses does not impose on characterization, but rather adds to the background and atmosphere. The wealth of information on the major and minor houses is well written, making this a valuable resource for players and GMs alike. One thing that surprised and greatly pleased me, was the presentation of the major NPCs as interesting characters rather than stats. In fact, stats got left out entirely for them. The death of a major figure should be part of a major plot twist, not just a lucky blaster shot from a tough PC. As usual, the book opens with a letter from Alustro, the questing clergyman. It's purpose is to present the outsiders' view of the nobility. It does that capably. Most of the book is devoted to the five major houses with each getting roughly 20 pages. The last two chapters cover the minor houses and the nobility of the three most prominent alien races open to players. Minor houses proved more interesting than a few of the major ones. Each house is given a history, roles, character ideas, and benefices and afflictions. History for the aliens is nearly non-existant. That's in another book. The section on the Obun further cements their role as the elves of space. They're peaceful, reserved, and in harmony with nature. Gag. At least the authors were able to work some Superman references into the Obun part. The presentation conforms to the Fading Suns mold. Space black outer margins keep the page edges from looking smirched and improve the appearance. Art ranges from quite good to unremarkably average. A few of the moodier pieces smack of a World of Darkness product. That's not a bad thing, unless the Holistic crew was hoping to hide their background. "Lords of the Known Worlds" is a good book, and one which all players and GMs running Fading Suns should have. The approach its authors took to characterization is admirable and definitely worth a look. Noble characters created with the help of this book will likely be deeper and more conducive to good role-playing. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 4 (Meaty)