First Impressions:
Part two of the "Under a Harrowed Moon" trilogy is picked up by "Savage
Passage." The Dime Novel series continues the half-story/half-module
pattern we've come to expect with a section on converting Deadlands
characters to the Werewolf.
Content:
I was a little surprised at the short story: this has been the first one
to delve into serious character development. It was somewhat unsettling
to hear self-doubt trickling out of the normally stolid Ronan Chantry. I
found it refreshing and did a lot to enhance the feel of the supplement.
Even if this is the only lasting result of the Pinnacle/White Wolf team-up
it will have been worth it.
If you've read the first supplement, "Savage Bedfellows," you know that
the module is set Monument Valley, Arizona. Here the players are trying
to stop the rogue garou Billy Stormwalker from ripping a hole in the
dimensional fabric between the Savage West and the Weird West.
Not much different from "Strange Bedfellows" except for Black Spiral
Dancers, the lack of manitous and other spirits, and the unusual weakening
of the Blessed. All in all, this module is expected to be a real pain in
the caboose for the players. In all honesty, this particular module will
be much easier for Savage West characters than Deadlands characters.
Evaluation:
It is not recommended that groups start off with"Savage Passage" as you
will be jumping right into the middle of the plot. It's not impossible,
but will require some form of GM hijinks for Werewolf players and some
rather incredible gymnastics by Deadlands Marshals to get the party to the
Savage West and back again.
I found "Savage Passage" to be superior to it's predecessory "Strange
Bedfellows" on many counts. The NPC's were given far more attention and
are given proper names and some background. The story's a bit more
complex and involves a few more hair-raising encounters. There was even
a functional map of a key complex.
There was a significant amount of attention given to the Deadlands to
Werewolf conversion rules, but this was a lot easier. The Savage West
doesn't have the massive spiritual energy that the Weird West does, so
most folks find themselves at something of a loss. Even the Mad
Scientists are at a loss to create new devices without their manitou-muse.
For the most part, all it takes is converting a few stats and scratching
out large sections of the character sheet.
Conclusions:
Overall I found "Savage Passage" to be an enjoyable supplement. The $4.95
coverprice does nothing to hurt my opinion of this module. My only
recommendation is that eager GM's might want to wait for the third and
final installment of the "Under a Harrowed Moon" series since this
supplement will leave you intrigued and with a handful of unresolved
issues. Since Pinnacle has been pretty good about meeting their
deadlines, so it should be in stores by the end of the month.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 3 (Average)
