Since its release, The Seventh Seal RPG has gathered quite a sizeable fan base and high ratings amongst websites dedicated to roleplaying games. A few weeks ago, Prophets (gamemasters) and players have been given an new tool which introduce new elements to enhance their gameplay.
The Sentinel’s Bible is the second accessory released for The Seventh Seal RPG following the Prophet’s Shroud Gamemaster’s Screen. Although designed with players in mind, I would recommend Gamemasters to carefully monitor the information contained in the supplement, as some of it is best for players to discover through gameplay.
The Sentinel’s Bible, written by Rob Baxter, Edwyn Kumar, Scott Mitchell and Joseph Nassise is 96 pages. It introduces new elements to The Seventh Seal game which in several places leaves the reader wanting more.
The supplement opens with The Journal, a collection of notes written by Joshua Cable, a Sentinel first introduced in the core rulebook. Presented as a short story, a skilled Prophet could easily craft an entire adventure on its content. The graphic design of this section is worth notice as it is presented as a real diary written by a man whose life is suddenly turned upside down, not as narrative pages of a RPG product.
The Introduction presents the contents of the pages that follow as well as a short glossary of important game terms.
Chapter One: Tragic Hero is a must read for players and gamemasters alike. It illustrates the dangers that Sentinels must face once cast out of normal society by the machinations of the Legion. Another useful part of the chapter is the list of suggested books and movies which provides source material to help develop the Sentinel’s world.
The second chapter, Chosen Elect, provides players with several new Background Templates, a handful of Benefits and Detriments, as well as three new Celestial Orders based on the Archangels Jeremiel (whose Chosen are able to wage war against the Legion in the mysterious spirit world), Raguel (gifting his warriors with insight unavailable to mortals), and Suriel (who reigns over the domain of death). Although all of these new Celestial Orders are interesting additions, I would suggest limiting their use to NPC’s and make them available to experienced players.
The next chapter, Grace Exalted, introduces the new Divinities used by the Celestial Orders described in the previous chapter. New Rites of Arcana and a section on Places of Power are introduced, which not only present rules governing their use in the game but also present examples of specific Consecrated and Hallowed Grounds.
Chapter Four: Time of Uncertainty provides the Legion’s main motives appearing in the Prophecy scenarios based in this epoch of the game as well as elements of horror that can be introduced. Another great addition included is a listing of symbols from Judeo/Christian mythology and their meanings which Prophets can use to enhance the Prophetic Revelations witnessed by their players. The only complaint about this part of the book is its length. This chapter was too short for my taste, as I’d would have liked the topics presented herein to be detailed a bit further.
The fifth chapter, Legion’s Bane, provides Sentinels with new weapons to battle the minion of darkness. It contains now only detailed description of Exorcism used to expel evil spirits tormenting the souls of those possessed, but also the Seven Sacraments, Holy Artifacts and their relative game mechanics. What I found lacking was a more diverse selection of artifacts. The authors bring out the big guns such as the Holy Grail, Spear of Destiny and the Ark of the Covenant which in my opinion should not be available in every game session.
Brothers in Arms is the last chapter of the book. It contains information about the potential allies that players may encounter in their war against the Adversary, from lone Sentinels, agents of the Jesuit Order, Chaldean Magi (guardians of ancient power) and the spirits of Martyrs. Although very well written, this chapter left me with wanting more. I can only hope that the groups presented here will be described with further detail in upcoming supplements.
The book closes with a reproducible Exorcism Tracker and information about the official Seventh Seal newsletter available at the Creative Illusions’ website (www.creativeillusionsonline.com).
Although presented as a player’s source book, the Sentinel’s Bible will also be of use (perhaps even more so) to Prophets. It is a must have supplement for creating scenarios and portraying the Sentinel player character. One thing is certain, the Anointed have been given weapons that may tip the scale of the war against the Legion in their favor . . . at least until the release of LEGION: Book of the Damned!
