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Tsar Rising is an interesting module for the D20 system. Based in the kingdom of Torassia, a mythical land with roots from Russian folkore, the adventure follows a band of adventurers who unknowingly become embroiled in the political upheaveal of the country when the Tsar is reported to have died in battle against an army of undead soldiers. With the Tsar is missing and presumed dead, a power vacuum opens up and several contenders grasp for power. The Tsar's sons (who are rumored to have abandoned him to die) as well as his senoir advisor are all grasping for power, meanwhile an outside force is shaking things up and manipulating events while the PC's are trying to help the Tsar's bodyguard return to the capital and discover the truth of the Tsar's fate. All of this is during the worst winter Torassia has ever seen. The plot of the module is very good, a little history provided in the module set the background up nicely and my players were ready to dive in. Low magic is the order of the day, sorcerers an clerics are rare but that only lends to their overall power in the game. The villian of the story has both a good means and a motive for what he does and its not as in-your-face as many antagonists. My players were constantly trying to figure out who or what was "setting them up". Creativity, intelligence and cunning are more powerful than a sword or fireball in this adventure. Overall a most enjoyable time was had by all. I give it an "A".

TSAR RISING
TSAR RISING Playtest Review by William Travis on 14/01/02 Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 4 (Meaty) Good storyline interesting characters and settings. Interesting new monsters and equipment. Product: TSAR RISING Author: Michael Tresca Category: RPG Company/Publisher: Monkeygod Enterprises Line: D20 system Cost: 13.95 Page count: 60 Year published: 2001 ISBN: 0-9708094-5-X SKU: MKY 1107 Comp copy?: yes Playtest Review by William Travis on 14/01/02 Genre tags: Fantasy	Tsar Rising is an interesting module for the D20 system. Based in the kingdom of Torassia, a mythical land with roots from Russian folkore, the adventure follows a band of adventurers who unknowingly become embroiled in the political upheaveal of the country when the Tsar is reported to have died in battle against an army of undead soldiers. With the Tsar is missing and presumed dead, a power vacuum opens up and several contenders grasp for power. The Tsar's sons (who are rumored to have abandoned him to die) as well as his senoir advisor are all grasping for power, meanwhile an outside force is shaking things up and manipulating events while the PC's are trying to help the Tsar's bodyguard return to the capital and discover the truth of the Tsar's fate. All of this is during the worst winter Torassia has ever seen. The plot of the module is very good, a little history provided in the module set the background up nicely and my players were ready to dive in. Low magic is the order of the day, sorcerers an clerics are rare but that only lends to their overall power in the game. The villian of the story has both a good means and a motive for what he does and its not as in-your-face as many antagonists. My players were constantly trying to figure out who or what was "setting them up". Creativity, intelligence and cunning are more powerful than a sword or fireball in this adventure. Overall a most enjoyable time was had by all. I give it an "A".

TSAR RISING