Hacklopedia Flip-Through Video

While my review of KenzerCo's Hacklopedia of Beasts is still forthcoming (two different bouts of sickness and a hurricane have delayed it), I do have something new for those interested. Jolly filmed a flip-though video of the book so you can all get a peek inside!

Want to See What a Quality Product Looks Like?

Just in case you wanted to see what a quality print product looks like here are some pictures of the Advanced Hackmaster monster book, The Hacklopedia of Beasts.

Those who are familiar with the Aces & Eights core rulebook will be familiar with the type of quality pictured above, a level which I have never seen replicated in an RPG book.  

Well at least until now. 

Some are saying that this book outstrips even the Aces & Eights book for production value, but I'll need to have the book in my hands to attest to that.  Regardless, this shows that Kenzer & Co are committed to providing the gamer audience the very highest quality product.  Doing so has come with its share of adversity, from delays in publication to complaints about the high cost of the product, but in the end those who love RPGs, love Kenzerco's work, and are willing to pay a premium for a premium product are going to be more than satisfied. 

Hackmaster has come a long way from being a joke system in a comic strip, to a parody of D&D, to a system that stands on its own two feet and puts forth a host of innovations.  Despite the greatness of the new edition there are still those who think of Hackmaster as only a joke name and for that reason the good folks over at Kenzerco made this little poster...

The Hacklopedia is slated for release July 6th, carries a price tag of of $59.99 and can be ordered through Kenzerco's website. 

KenzerCo raising Price of Knights of the Dinner Table

After six years Kenzerco has been forced to raise the price of their much loved comic series Knights of the Diner Table.  Based on the small writeup on their website it seems that they are uncomfortable with this price increase, but have been backed into a corner financially and forced to if the magazine is to continue.  Because Kenzerco, like many business thrives on repeat customers, or in their case subscribers, they are offering a chance to lock in the currant price for anyone who picks up or extends a subscription prior to March 1. 

I don't think this is going to cost Kenzerco much business.  Price increases are inevitable.  Yes a dollar an issue is kind of a big jump, but there hasn't been a price increase in six years.  In the end I think the dedicated fans Jolly and the rest have built up over the years are willing to pay more to see their beloved magazine, one that has outlived both Dragon and Dungeon magazines, survive. 

Advanced Hackmaster Player's Hanbook Video

Fans of Hackmaster have been (im)patiently awaiting the release of Kenzerco's Advanced Hackmaster.  Yes, we had Hackmaster Basic to wet our appetites, but I think we've long been ready for the main course!   The Hacklopedia of Beasts, the Hackmaster Bestiary, is already avilable in PDF with a print copy to follow in March, but how long will we have to wait for the all important Player's Handbook?  I don't know.  What I do know is that the book looks amazing, just like the Hacklopedia.  I know because Revil recently sent me a video that Jolly Blackburn posted of him working on the PHB.

Watch live video from KODT LIVE on Justin.tv

Gorgeous.   I don't know what else to say, I just love the look.  I'm very glad they are going with the same look as the Hacklopedia, both because it looks amazing and because I prefer a certain amount of continuity as far as look and layout go. 

Get the First Piece of Advanced Hackmaster Today

Kenzerco is now accepting Pre-Orders on the first part of AHM, the Hacklopedia of Beasts.  Though the physical book won't be out until sometime in the spring, anyone who pre-orders the book will immediately be able to download a PDF copy to hold them over.  Those who spring for the early version need not worry that their PDF will be anything less than a complete version of the book.  Any changes, additions, or alterations to PDF will be made available via subsequent download at no additional cost. 

This product is expensive, but the quality of the book really makes it worth it in my opinion.  Those who have the hardcover Aces & Eights have an idea of the kind of quality I'm talking about.  The print version of the book will be a full color, leather bound hardcover book 384 pages long.  I can't wait to get my hands on the real book, but until then I love being able to have a PDF copy to tide me over. 

Mark Plemmons Interview

RPG Blog II recently interviewed Mark Plemmons of Kenzerco.  He had plenty to say about Hackmaster, Aces & Eights, and Kenzerco as a comapny.  I highly recomend you check it out. 

Hackmaster Basic Spell Cards

CEBrown over at the Kenzerco boards has created some spell cards for HMB.  Though they are a work in progress I highly recomend you head over and check them out. 

More Frandor's Keep Support

Support continues on Kenzerco's recently released Frandor's Keep.  Check out these overhead maps supplied by Jolly.

This first shot is of the view from Reylfor's tower.  It gives some great detail that you just don't get from the overhead maps.

This map here is of the middle bailey.  It's a great aid to give your players as they are exploring this section of the keep. 














The guys over at Kenzerco were also nice enough to supply high res versions of these that can be downloaded.  Here is the tower view and here is the middle bailey map.  More great aids for what is already an amazing product.  As I said in my review of Frandor's Keep, I highly recommend this product and it will only get better as more and more supporting content is released.  I'll keep you informed as more updates become available.

Mysterious Shrine

Kenzerco has continued to offer more free suppliments to Frandor's Keep.  The most recent addition is Mysterious Shrine, an adventure opportunity in the area of the Keep.  As it is 100% free you have nothing to lose, so head on over and check it out!

Frandor's Keep Review

I've finished reading Kenzerco's most recent Hackmaster release Frandor's Keep, and as promised here is the review.  I'll try to walk the fine line of keeping things spoiler free while giving in depth information to those of you on the fence about buying this product.

Chapter One: Introduction

Not much to say about this.  It includes a quick little narrative, has an introduction, explains how the book is to be used, etc.  They also mention the downloadable content and introduce the little icon that denotes when DLC is available on a topic or graphic.   

Chapter Two: The History of Frandor's Keep

As the tittle indicates this chapter deals principally with the history of the Keep.  It includes information on why the keep was built and the various events that have surrounded its bloody history.  The history is interesting and well thought out, but is closely tied to Hackmaster's Official setting of Kalamar.  That having been said, it wouldn't be too difficult to move the Keep and the surrounding area to your own setting while keeping most if not all of the history intact.     

Chapter Three: The Earldom of Reyifor

This chapter deals with the Earldom that the keep is found in.  Details on local towers, geographical information, rivers, and roads are all available here.  Areas later featured in adventures are given a brief overview here.  A quality map of the Earldom is included in this chapter. 

Chapter Four: In The Vicinity

Chapter four presents the area immediately around the Keep.  Another great map in this chapter provides a more detailed view of the few miles around the keep.  This chapter introduces both major geographic features, such as The Shelf, as well as important man made sites, like the nearby Quarrytown. 

Chapter Five: Quarrytown

Quarrytown is a rock quarry turned seedy town.  Those unable or unwilling to reside in Frandor's Keep live here.   The map of Quarrytown is a bit different from the others presented in the book, but no less useful.  A vast number of rumors and NPC knowledge information is presented in this chapter.  Each important building and person is gone into with a good deal of depth.  One of FK's more interesting antagonists is intorduced here.  His group, the Ravens, make excellent and cunning adversaries for the PCs.  Quarrytown is an excellent addition that provides an alternative to the orderly environment of the Keep. I love the detail in this chapter, though unwary PCs will most certainly not.  

Chapter Six: The Palisade

Chapter six is short and deals with the Palisade just outside the Keep where the Smithy and Stables are found.  There is a map of the interior of the Palisade, but there isn't much to it.  Info on guards stationed in the Palisade can be found in this chapter as well as information on the Stable Master, Markin Binsaro.

Chapter Seven: Frandor's Keep

By far the largest chapter in the book, Chapter Seven deals with Frador's Keep itself.  The detail here is exquisite.    It breaks down each section of the keep and offers in depth information of people, buildings, and even the history of the section.  The map gives you an idea how much larger and detailed FK is than the old Keep on the Borderlands.  A number of smaller maps of each section offer a three dimensional view of the Keep's various sections.  One of my favorite maps is called "Elevations at the Keep" which is on page 45.  It really gives you a three dimension picture of the keep and shows you just how high those towers are compared to things in the middle bailey.  Like this map the whole chapter just flat out rocks.  This is the reason I bought the book, and believe me I was not disappointed. 

Chapters Eight though Eleven

These chapters provide the various adventure opportunities in and around the Keep.  I don't want to say too much here because it would spoil things for players and GMs alike.  The adventures range in length from very short single encounter opportunities to much longer multi-encounter full dungeon adventures.  Some adventures are straight forward requiring the PCs to go and deal with the problem in a typical violent fashion, while others are far more complex giving the players multiple options for success and/or involving moral or political choice.  There is a very good mix to ensure that things don't get monotonous and your players will be able to focus on the types of adventures that they enjoy.  These adventures provide the PCs with more than enough experience to reach level five, as promised. 

Appendix: New Rules 

This section includes rules for a new monster.  I won't say which one for spoiler reasons, but I will say that it comes with a good bit of info on the creature, a picture, and a stat block.  The rest of the information provided in this section is a compilation of the various rules and info presented in Knights of the Dinner Table and the various Hackjournals.  Rules provided cover Mounts, and expanded equipment list that includes trade goods, a new skill (Jewelery Making), Proficiencies, New Quirks and Flaws, and details on both Poison and Disease.  I love the decision to put this info in the book as there is no guarantee that anyone who purchases FK would subscribe to either KoDT or HJ.   Even those that do will likely find it useful to have all of the information compiled in once place for easy reference. 

NPC Quick Reference Chart

I love this chart.  With so many NPCs it can be difficult to keep track of them.  This chart makes it infinitely easier to do so.  It lists the NPC by location in the keep, and it also lists their Sex/Race, Location, Position, Information Known, Places Frequently visited, Associates, and the faction to which they belong.  Did I mention I love this chart?

The Good

Just about everything.  Frandor's Keep offers a lot for a reasonable price.  At $24.99 it provides you and your group with an entire HMB campaign and leaves the GM with very little work to do.  This is the best suppliment I have bought in a very long time.   

The Negative

This book has very little down side to it.  If I had to levy some complaints against it I guess I would start with page 95.  Now, there isn't anything wrong with the content on page 95, my problem is with the lack of it.  The entire right hand column is completely blank for some reason.   Normally if there isn't enough text at the end of a chapter it would be filled up with pictures, but here there is absolutely nothing but empty space.  Page 130 features the same problem, with the right hand column being empty for lack of content. 

Some of you may wonder why I don't list among the negative elements the fact that Frandor's Keep is a softcover book, as I have been critical of many soft cover publications, especially Hackmaster 4th edition's core rulebooks, in the past.  My answer is that this book costs $24.99, if it were hardcover that would have increased the cost around 10 dollars.  Though there is a lot of content in the book, certainly enough to get characters from level 1 to level 5, it will not be used nearly as much as a core rulebook.  Thus, I usually prefer softcover modules and supplements as it keeps the cost down.  I would always prefer core rulebooks be in Hardcover.  Now I may grumble about Hackmaster Basic being softcover because mine is already falling apart, but with a price tag of $20 it's hard to grumble too loudly. 

Overview

Frandor's Keep is an extremely strong product, with a wealth of content and a reasonable price tag.  Kenzerco already has some of the promised online content available.  With more on the way it's safe to say that this product will only increase in quality and support in the coming months.

Kenzer and Company could have just created a nice little homage to the original Keep on the Borderlands, more in the vein of their 4th edition parody, but they chose a higher path.  They chose to stay true to the feel of the original while creating something new and innovative.  This product doesn't rest on its laurels, it get's up and charges forward down the path of progress.  This is the kind of product that sparks the imagination and sends out a siren's song to those who's hearts crave adventure.  In short, it is a product that original Keep on the Borderland's author, Gary Gygax, would have loved.

GaryCon This Weekend

GaryCon 2010 will be taking place this weekend.  Every year I lament that I can't go to various convention and though I hope this is the year I finally break the GenCon barrier I know that GaryCon isn't going to happen for me. 

Though I'll be missing out others will be attending what is by all accounts one of the best weekends of gaming available.  Dave Kenzer has said that his team plans on running three to six Hackmaster Basic and Hackmaster Advanced games. 

Sigh...

Well maybe next year.  But those of you who are going this year I encourage you to pounce on a Golden Opportunity to play Hackmaster Advanced... and then tell me all about it!  Yes that's right, I am serious.  If you come back from GaryCon with a cool story and/or info on Hackmaster Advanced I invite you to email me and fill me in.  Maybe it will make me less disappointed at missing out. 

Safe trip to those heading out!

Frandor's Keep Has Arrived!

No reason to beware the Ides of March this year!  Frandor's Keep was waiting for me on my doorstep when I arrived home today, two days earlier than its scheduled release date.  I already begun to delve into the book and I am quite impressed with what I've found.  The maps and the details of the Keep and its inner workings are fantastic.  I'll post a longer review when I've had a chance to read through the whole book, but my initial reactions are very positive.

There are a number of previews and bonus downloads available through Kenzerco's website so head on over and take a look for yourself.  The Keep map in particular is great and will really bring back memories for those who loved the original B2: Keep on the Borderlands and the map of the Keep found therein.

A Hidden Gem

I played Hackmaster 4th edition, but I never served as GM.  HM4 is something of a bitter sweet memory to me, one that I haven't discussed to date.  I do plan on discussing some of my group's experience with the game, and the horror stories of our time in the trenches, but not today.  Today I want to talk about something I've only recently become unaware of.

How Amazing the Hackmaster 4th Edition GameMaster Guide is.

The reason I didn't know is because, as I mentioned above I never GMed.  Unlike D&D where we all had a copy of all 3 books (much to my chagrin) the GM forbade us to bring or even own a copy of the GMG of any of the HoBs (Hackolepdia of Beasts).  That was one of the few decisions I can say I was really in line with for that campaign.  By ensuring that none of us had access to those books it really helped maintain and air of mystery about the game, something I really enjoyed.  But years removed from the game I happen to stumble on my copy of the GMG that I had purchased when Kenzerco ran their bundle deals and decided to give it a look. I was very glad I did.

The GMG has so much information packed into it that I couldn't help but be blown away.  This is a book I think I'll keep on hand any time I am running a game, regardless of the system.  Aside from mining info from their HM4 specific rules like spells and training, there are numerous charts such as their expansive critical hit and critical miss tables to be taken advantage of.  On top of that already valuable information they have generic information about everything ranging from Horses, to forms of government, to types of punishment used in medieval societies. The treasure chapter goes outside the confines of HM4 and talks generally of currency, taxes, and types of merchants.  I think my favorite might be chapter 10: GameMaster Procedures.  This chapter deals generally with being a GM and all the pitfalls and difficulties one might face from record keeping to arguments and complaints.

Because their deal with WoTC expired Kenzerco can no longer sell the vast majority of their 4th edition material.  However, you can still purchase the GMG and other Hackmaster products through Amazon vendors.  Prices at the moment start at $13.08 used and $34.90 new.  I recommend GMs of all systems pick up a copy, there is great information for everyone in there. 

  

This Week in Gaming News

Here is some random gaming news from around the universe for you folks today.

March has finally arrived.  That is important because this is the month when HBO is scheduled to make its determination on their 'A Game of Thrones' production.  They will either opt to turn it into a full series or nip it in the bud.

Yeah... I'm hoping for the former.

In other ASIF news March 16th is the release date for Warriors.  Warriors is a collection of short stories by a number of talented authors, paramount among them ASIF author George R. R. Martin.  GRRM's contribution, aside from editing the entire book, is the third installment of his Dunk and Egg series, "The Mystery Knight."  These short stories are prequels to the regular series and have some very subtle and interesting links to the main tale.

Finally, not to get people's hopes up, GRRM posted on his website the other day that, "The Meereenese Knot may be fraying, just a little. But don't quote me on that."

Oops.

In Hackmaster news Kenzerco announced that its highly anticipated product, Frandor's Keep would be shipped this week, two weeks earlier than promised.  However, due to shipping issues stemming largely from the terrible weather much of the country has been having as of late, it will ship next week.  This is still a week earlier than expected, so I'm not complaining! 

I preordered FK so once I've had a chance to read through it you will certainly hear my opinion of it.  I can tell you that my expectations are extremely high.  Now this is usually not a good idea, especially when it comes to movies (Damn you Spiderman 3!!) but I have faith that this is one product that will deliver.

Finally, today happens to be my Birthday.  Eh... I'm getting old.  What did I get myself?

Frandor's Keep, of course. 

Do You Love the Fighter? Prepare to Love Him More!

"I ignore all the signs of impending danger, because I'm a Fighter and not some crappy Ranger!"

For years the fighter has been under appreciated! When the Mage got his own theme song I couldn't help but wonder when the Fighter was gonna get some love. It was a long wait, but now the wait is over!

You may have heard the song if you watched Jolly's Frandor Keep Flipthough video I posted. He was nice enough to provide a link to the website where the song can be downloaded FREE.  The Song is called Fourth Level Fighter and if you haven't heard it prepare to be blown away because it is awesome.

Advanced Hackmaster News

 

While I was gone having the happiness drained out of my like a Fighter surrounded by Wraiths, there was some interesting news on the Advanced Hackmaster Front.

On the topic of the Bestiary Guide (the Hackmaster Monster Manual) Dave Kenzer, the owner of Kenzerco said, "If I were running a company, I'd make sure the product came out by origins." That's good news. It also means that things will be extremely busy over at Kenzerco as they have Frandor's Keep being released in March and Bestiary being released no later than June. I hope this doesn't prevent them from releasing the PHB at or before GenCon. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Another more immediate update I have for you is the release of Jolly's ranged combat aid card. It's a great tool to keep track of everything from range increments to ammo. Download it here.

Frandor's Keep Encore

I know, I know... I said I was leaving.  But I couldn't take off without showing you this.  It seems Jolly over at Kenzerco took a video of him flipping the soon to be released Frandor's Keep, the Hackmaster version of Keep on the Borderlands.

Just when I thought I couldn't get any more amped for this product...

Hackmaster Website Levels Up

Kenzerco has updated their Hackmaster website.  Though their former site was fully functional I find this new look to be much better.  Head over and check it out!

HMB Combat Example

I came across a PDF of Hackmaster Basic's Combat Exaple chapter online.  I didn't even realize that Kenzerco was hosting this on their website.  For those who don't know, the Combat example chapter is a sort of Demo for HMB's combat system as told throught a narrative featuring the Knights of the Dinner table.  It is both funny and entertainning while at the same time giving an excellent example of the fluid combat offered in HMB. 

For those of you who haven't picked up the book and are on the fence about it you should check it out here, I think you'll like what you find. 

Hackmaster Basic now Available in PDF!

Though based on my last post at one of our readers doesn't enjoy his PDF products, I thought I would let anyone who does know that Hackmaster Basic is now available in PDF!  The asking price is 14.99 for the PDF which is a $5.00 savings over the 19.99 charged for the physical book.  For those who want to get both at the same time Kenzer has a deal for you as well.  You can purchase both the physical copy and the electonic copy for $29.99 which is $5.00 less than purchasing them seperatley. 

Do I personally think that if you purchase the book you should get the PDF copy for free?  Sure!  But that isn't very capitalist, nor very likely so head on over and pick up for PDF copy today!