The Inside Scoop on Gaming

This review was originally written in 1994. It is being republished "as is."

Taking the Citybooks one step further, Flying Buffalo has released the first in a series of full-fledged cities for any roleplaying system. This time around, however, instead of describing specific sites within a city, the entire region is detailed. The 95-page supplement gives overviews of 21 "cities, villages and exotic locations" that can be plunked down in any setting, or used in conjunction with the other Citybooks. Like them, the fantasy setting is predominant, although with some tinkering the locations could be modified.

Each city Map is keyed to a two- or three-page description, some of which include ideas for adventures. The keyed entries are short, but are constructed to give a sense of place as opposed to giving detailed information about every inhabitant. Samples range from a fairly standard trade center to a floating island inhabited by a winged race.

By definition, a generic supplement lends itself to the lowest common denominator, and it's difficult to walk the fine line between something usable in any system and something dull and uninteresting. For the most part, Maps manages to overcome the obstacles, although there are also a few duds.

The more fantastic entries include Roos Havanos, the floating island; Magewar, a city that exists in four separate, sometimes overlapping, realities; and Phantom Hollow, a city built into the roots of an immense tree. More mundane, yet just as interesting, are the Citadel of the Corsair Kings, a hidden pirate stronghold and Calambre, a city dominated by a religious and (it is hinted) corrupt government. The few entries that fall flat are Hepplewhite's Circus, a curiously ordinary big top and the forgettable Royal Palace and Gardens. Author Debora Wykle makes up for those however with Hoveltown, a village of intriguing vagrants and Faerie Hill, an infrequently appearing gateway to magical realms.

Necropolis deserves special notice as well; the description is unique in that it provides plans for the city both at the height of power and again years later, in ruins.

Maps is a nice addition to the Citybook series, providing a handy jumping point from which to create scenarios. The shotgun approach works for the most part, and despite a few less than inspiring descriptions, there's a good deal here to wake up the old muse.

Maps: Cities
Maps: Cities Capsule Review by Gilbert Pili on 07/08/02 Style: 3 (Average) Substance: 4 (Meaty) Maps is a nice addition to the Citybook series, providing a handy jumping point from which to create scenarios. Product: Maps: Cities Author: Various authors Category: RPG Company/Publisher: Flying Buffalo, Inc. Line: Citybooks Cost: $9.95 Page count: 95 Year published: 1993 ISBN: SKU: Comp copy?: no Capsule Review by Gilbert Pili on 07/08/02 Genre tags: Fantasy	This review was originally written in 1994. It is being republished "as is." Taking the Citybooks one step further, Flying Buffalo has released the first in a series of full-fledged cities for any roleplaying system. This time around, however, instead of describing specific sites within a city, the entire region is detailed. The 95-page supplement gives overviews of 21 "cities, villages and exotic locations" that can be plunked down in any setting, or used in conjunction with the other Citybooks. Like them, the fantasy setting is predominant, although with some tinkering the locations could be modified. Each city Map is keyed to a two- or three-page description, some of which include ideas for adventures. The keyed entries are short, but are constructed to give a sense of place as opposed to giving detailed information about every inhabitant. Samples range from a fairly standard trade center to a floating island inhabited by a winged race. By definition, a generic supplement lends itself to the lowest common denominator, and it's difficult to walk the fine line between something usable in any system and something dull and uninteresting. For the most part, Maps manages to overcome the obstacles, although there are also a few duds. The more fantastic entries include Roos Havanos, the floating island; Magewar, a city that exists in four separate, sometimes overlapping, realities; and Phantom Hollow, a city built into the roots of an immense tree. More mundane, yet just as interesting, are the Citadel of the Corsair Kings, a hidden pirate stronghold and Calambre, a city dominated by a religious and (it is hinted) corrupt government. The few entries that fall flat are Hepplewhite's Circus, a curiously ordinary big top and the forgettable Royal Palace and Gardens. Author Debora Wykle makes up for those however with Hoveltown, a village of intriguing vagrants and Faerie Hill, an infrequently appearing gateway to magical realms. Necropolis deserves special notice as well; the description is unique in that it provides plans for the city both at the height of power and again years later, in ruins. Maps is a nice addition to the Citybook series, providing a handy jumping point from which to create scenarios. The shotgun approach works for the most part, and despite a few less than inspiring descriptions, there's a good deal here to wake up the old muse.

Maps: Cities