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As many other gamers have, I have struggled to find a good Africa-like, dark continent, to add to my role playing worlds. South of the Sun describes the Africa we know as if the medieval views of it were correct. Although it is not awash in elves, orcs and such, it makes a nice fantasy Earth setting for adventure out of the Euro-norm.

Prester John rules here, a christian king among pegans. There are primitives, highly advanced sorcerer/conjurors, refugees from Carthage and a few fantastic beasts. The book describes cultures, politics, tensions, history, intentions and personalities throughout the continent. The medieval science of its isolation is explaned by the equator being closer to the sun than anywhere else. The "belt of fire" is nearly impassable, even the oceans boil at that latitude.

Maybe it's me, but I found this book as dry to read as all of the Ars Magica materials I have seen. That doesn't take away from the content. There are some interesting adventures to be had in these lands of Prester John. Unfortunately it's a $14 gamble as to whether you'll find it useful. I found mine reduced to $5, for that it's worth a look to fantasy, historical, pulp and dimension/time travel gamers.

Style: 2 (Needs Work)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)