Review of DM's Screen and Player's Guide

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DM's Screen and Player's Guide cover

Disclaimer I: I have seen in reviews that the content had "spoiler" ascribed to it. I feel that if you are reading a review, you invite that upon yourself. If you don't want "spoilers," why would you read a review of a product you do not own? I will not use the phrase of "Contains Spoilers" in my reviews, if you want a non-biased review that doesn't reveal content-look elsewhere.

Disclaimer II: The majority of this review is opinion; your actual enjoyment of this product should vary accordingly.

"... Verrik do not compose poetry or delight in song. Their ceremonies are the simplest of any race. They eschew showy displays and put little stock in appearance, because they know that appearances can be deceiving. Still, their unusual emphasis on function can lead to the creation of interesting forms..."
(from the Verrik racial description, p. 8)

WARNING SHOT:

Screens are lovely things, they hide secret plans from the players, keep the right charts nearby and for that "Dear Gods!" unplanned moment.

Arcana Unearthed's screens are good, but some items are misplaced.

Arcana Unearthed's DM's Screen and Player's Guide is a set of a 32 page book with a low-profile three panel screen, with some added charts and tables on the inside cover of the 32 page book (called the Player's Reference Card). The Guide is mostly uninspiring character sheets (11 bland sheets for each of the Arcana Unearthed classes, plus a "back side" for feats and skills) and the Open Game License and an ad for the Diamond Throne. Not that the other fifteen pages of stuff (not counting the credits and table of contents, that is) is bad, I just hoped for more.

The Guide features ideas and archetypes for using Arcana Unearthed characters, converting spells over to the Arcana Unearthed style (for both 3.0 and 3.5 was a nice touch), and discussions on the Arcana Unearthed races and viewpoints. This was the nicest part of the book, having some roleplaying ideas that could be handed to hard-pressed referees looking to expand their player's roleplaying habits.

At first inspection, the Player's Reference Card and DM's Screen balance well, and once the referee moves pass the awkward low screen, it should be smooth sailing into the campaign mindset. Until the referee looks back over and sees that the player's are trying to calulate the DCs for things that the referee should have in front of her.

The Reference Card has DC charts for several skills, alchemy, balance, climb, handle animal, search, intimidate and others. While this may seem fine, some player's may try to abuse this by becoming "Card Lawyers" when presented with a few challenges, instead of roleplaying it. Another problem with the Card is that the 32-page guide is stapled to it, and there are two charts (spellcraft and handle animal) that span the spine of the book, making it awkward to read the charts at a glance.

The DM's Screen also has its share of "huh?" items, items that would have been better suited for the player's Card. Weapons and armor charts appear on the DM's Screen where having more DC charts would have made better sense. It's not bad, if the referee just hoards the screen and card to themselves.

Overall, the Arcana Unearthed DM's Screen and Player's Guide isn't a bad product, just a toolkit for those trying to branch off into the new material from Arcana Unearthed. Several D20 System players should be able with this kit to better come to grips with what may have been a hard product to grasp (Arcana Unearthed) and possible take some new ides to their own gaming table (like converting racial levels for their home-brewed races).

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	Disclaimer I: I have seen in reviews that the content had "spoiler" ascribed to it. I feel that if you are reading a review, you invite that upon yourself. If you don't want "spoilers," why would you read a review of a product you do not own? I will not use the phrase of "Contains Spoilers" in my reviews, if you want a non-biased review that doesn't reveal content-look elsewhere. Disclaimer II: The majority of this review is opinion; your actual enjoyment of this product should vary accordingly.

	"... Verrik do not compose poetry or delight in song. Their ceremonies are the simplest of any race. They eschew showy displays and put little stock in appearance, because they know that appearances can be deceiving. Still, their unusual emphasis on function can lead to the creation of interesting forms..." (from the Verrik racial description, p. 8)

WARNING SHOT: Screens are lovely things, they hide secret plans from the players, keep the right charts nearby and for that "Dear Gods!" unplanned moment. Arcana Unearthed's screens are good, but some items are misplaced.

Arcana Unearthed's DM's Screen and Player's Guide is a set of a 32 page book with a low-profile three panel screen, with some added charts and tables on the inside cover of the 32 page book (called the Player's Reference Card). The Guide is mostly uninspiring character sheets (11 bland sheets for each of the Arcana Unearthed classes, plus a "back side" for feats and skills) and the Open Game License and an ad for the Diamond Throne. Not that the other fifteen pages of stuff (not counting the credits and table of contents, that is) is bad, I just hoped for more. The Guide features ideas and archetypes for using Arcana Unearthed characters, converting spells over to the Arcana Unearthed style (for both 3.0 and 3.5 was a nice touch), and discussions on the Arcana Unearthed races and viewpoints. This was the nicest part of the book, having some roleplaying ideas that could be handed to hard-pressed referees looking to expand their player's roleplaying habits. At first inspection, the Player's Reference Card and DM's Screen balance well, and once the referee moves pass the awkward low screen, it should be smooth sailing into the campaign mindset. Until the referee looks back over and sees that the player's are trying to calulate the DCs for things that the referee should have in front of her. The Reference Card has DC charts for several skills, alchemy, balance, climb, handle animal, search, intimidate and others. While this may seem fine, some player's may try to abuse this by becoming "Card Lawyers" when presented with a few challenges, instead of roleplaying it. Another problem with the Card is that the 32-page guide is stapled to it, and there are two charts (spellcraft and handle animal) that span the spine of the book, making it awkward to read the charts at a glance. The DM's Screen also has its share of "huh?" items, items that would have been better suited for the player's Card. Weapons and armor charts appear on the DM's Screen where having more DC charts would have made better sense. It's not bad, if the referee just hoards the screen and card to themselves. Overall, the Arcana Unearthed DM's Screen and Player's Guide isn't a bad product, just a toolkit for those trying to branch off into the new material from Arcana Unearthed. Several D20 System players should be able with this kit to better come to grips with what may have been a hard product to grasp (Arcana Unearthed) and possible take some new ides to their own gaming table (like converting racial levels for their home-brewed races).