The cover of this 96-page TORG supplement is subtitled, "Dark Hunters from a Dying World" and shows a pterodactyl-like creature holding aloft a bony staff. A volcano erupts behind him, spilling lava down into a rocky canyon. Pretty interesting stuff, and after reading it, I was pleasantly surprised.
Ravagons describes the principal inhabitants of Tz'Ravok, a world "battered by volcanic eruptions and constant storms." Due to the harsh nature of their planet, the ravagons have developed the ability to manipulate "possibility energy," perhaps best described as recognizing and capitalizing on free will. While Tz'Ravok has less possibility energy than earth, the dying planet has forced the ravagons to compete for survival; only the most powerful ravagons live to be adults. In TORG, where possibility energy is critical in the war for reality, the ravagons have an immense advantage. The part they play in that war is what makes this supplement especially interesting.
Subsequent chapters detail the world of Tz'Ravok, then go on to the ravagons themselves, their physical and mental characteristics, their society and history. Ravagons are closely tied to their world through "Irishantism," a savage religion whose principle tenet is "only the strong deserve to survive." Their involvement in Orrorsh and other realms in the Possibility Wars is also explained, along with ravagon abilities and magic, prominent individuals, a bestiary of creatures found on Tz'Ravok and rules for creating a ravagon character. Six character templates are provided for players to use as guidelines; these provide background information as well as personality notes and general outlook.
The GM may wish to keep players in the dark when he first introduces the ravagons, and so I have left out details regarding their involvement on earth and Orrorsh. Even so, a player character ravagon would make an interesting addition to a group of Storm Knights once the ravagons have been established.
I was impressed with the amount of useful information in this short supplement. The writing was evocative, if somewhat melodramatic in places, and the ravagons -- a race of beings who are ruthless yet honorable -- make an engaging addition to the TORG cosm. I especially enjoyed the section on "The Named," ravagons who have achieved status. The author managed to sketch a diverse group of alien personalities, while simultaneously tying them to the political, ethical and religious dilemma within the TORG universe. The layout is fine, and the interior art good, if a bit cartoonish.
I did find myself wishing for an adventure. The material is ideal for an introduction to this strange race, and there are plenty of scenario hooks that can be developed, but I'd have liked a concrete roleplaying application. Here's hoping that West End develops this world a step further by releasing more adventures set in Tz'Ravok.
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