Close
Close
Browse Categories
$ to $
 Publisher















Osmond Ward $7.26
Publisher: Connor Heighton
pixel_trans.gif
by Ellen D. [Verified Purchaser] Date Added: 12/29/2020 18:44:59

First thing's first: I like this TTRPG, and I think if you like magitech you will too, although it definitely needs some deep proofing. If a lack of polish to good ideas will bother you, I do not recommend this book to you. But I have a lot of feelings and thoughts about this SRD, and I have recorded them largely in the order that I read them.

  1. I like the idea of taking disadvantages to skills in addition to advantages, it makes for a more rounded and believable character whose flaws have a mechanical consequence.

  2. There are a lot of skills, and with the ability to stack advantages on skills, it means you will likely be rolling unskilled rather often.

  3. The grit system is interesting in that it allows players to take greater control of their rolls. At first glance, it might be a little convoluted to remember how much each grit action costs, but that is something I would have to play to test.

  4. The three action system seems versatile, and is an interesting take on a multi-action economy.

  5. Perhaps I am simply coming at this from a Savage Worlds perspective, as that is my preferred system, but Osmond Ward has a lot of positive similarities to SWADE. Disadvantages are like Hindrances, Grit is similar to bennies, the potential for three actions to be taken per round of combat, and Abilities which are similar to Edges. I feel as though someone familiar with Savage Worlds would find a lot to work with in Osmond Ward, and that is a good thing.

  6. I know this book hasn't gone through complete copy editing yet, but I would like it if lists of things, such as the Abilities, were ordered alphabetically.

  7. A nitpick thing: I would like it if the map (which is very cool!) had a scale on it.

  8. I was surprised to realize that the planet where the game takes place is in a solar system with other inhabitable planets. It could make for a nice addition to the game if players were ever interested in taking their quests and adventures to the stars.

  9. I appreciate the blurb at the beginning of character creation indicating that races are not innately hostile to each other, and peoples of varying cultures, genders and sexualities, and disabilities could find representation and safety in this world.

  10. The shining heart of this book is its section on playable races, where beautiful art and vivid description lend a lot of life to the other text. I would recommend moving this section closer to the front so that readers see it sooner and spark their imaginations.

  11. The section on spells is very fun and feels fresh, with each school of magic being reasonably represented in its number and power of spells. Although I believe the section on high magic could be expanded to include spells from the Utilia and Terra schools as well.

  12. I think this book could benefit from being divided into a player's section and a game master's section.

Overall, I think this ttrpg shows a lot of promise, and could even be used as a setting document for other systems if one so wished to use it. Its strengths are in its creativity and inventiveness with abilities, races, spells, and items. The book could use a bit more fleshing out in terms of worldbuilding for its game masters, and a sample or initial storyline for GMs to follow would not go amiss. In total though, I would definitely play this game, and could easily see myself porting it as a setting for Savage Worlds.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Creator Reply:
Hey! First of all, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate the kind words, and I appreciate that you took the time to write them. Secondly. Personally, i highly agree that this system is unpolished. With time, and as i come out with 1.5, i hope to be able to afford someone capable of reviewing it all for me. Money’s a bit tight right now but soon! As for savage worlds, ive never personally played it so its surprising that it seems to share similarities, but i think thats pretty cool. Ill probably give it a look and play sometime.

Anyways. Thanks again!

-C
pixel_trans.gif
pixel_trans.gif Back
You must be logged in to rate this
pixel_trans.gif
Osmond Ward
Click to show product description

Add to DriveThruRPG.com Order

0 items
 Gift Certificates