Earthdawn

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Summary: THE ULTIMATE ROLE-PLAYING GAME ALL CATEGORIES
Review: Buy it, play it, feel it! FASA takes you to a new dimension in fantasy role-playing. Get it while it's still available!!! The thing that makes Earthdawn so special is that it captures all the elements that is needed from a cutting-edge role-playing game. Mystique, adventure, unexplored frontiers, lurking evil powers, conspiracies etc. FASA has made the land of Barsaive come to life unlike anything I've ever experienced before (and belive me, I've been around!). From the bottom of my heart I urge you to buy this product and join me, and many more around the globe, in the gaming experience of a lifetime!

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Summary: Is anybody out there?
Review: Earthdawn deserves more stars than can be granted on this scale. It is simply the best role-playing game I have ever had the pleasure to play or to GM. If you role-play, make up a wish list for everything you want in an RPG then buy this book, you'll find its all there and more. I can't believe that systems this good can go out of print because not enough of us took the time to try it.

Rating:
Summary: fantastic... if you can find the book and willing players
Review: Earthdawn was FASA's brilliant attempt for an original roleplaying game in a fantastic sword and sorcery (and more sorcery) fantasy settings.

The game's premise is that the different civilizations are returning to surface life after 400 years of living in underground citadels. Their ancestors had fled to these citadels to escape an invasion of monstrous beings that had been brought by the rising tide of magical energies in the world.

The setting is rich, with tremendous roleplaying potential. Player characters may interact in the re-emerging governments and politics. They may serve as diplomats or warriors in nation disputes over land that has been unclaimed for centuries.

The setting also provides the best justification for ancient ruins and dungeon-searching adventures of any system I have encountered. An unknown number of citadels were overcome by the invading creatures during the 400 year period and even more were lost when their inhabitants attempted to return to the surface too soon. Players may be contracted to clear out the caves, or search for an artifact. The book offers a listing of several common foes, including soldiers of the different races but also several variants of the evil supernatural beings that have been left behind in their species' recent exodus.

The character races feature standard fantasy faire: orks, humans, elves, dwarves, trolls, and also some added variety with a lizard/human race, a species of rock men, and faeries.
The professions are even better, with over 10 to choose from. Each profession uses magic in accordance with its associated skills, from warrior abilities for toughening skin to thieving skills to make the person nearly undetectable.

The only drawback to the system is the complexity. There is a steps/ranks table for handling all skill uses (including spells and combat), and I have no complaints for it. But character advancement becomes complicated because of the character customization. However, I personally view the trade-off as more than worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: fantastic... if you can find the book and willing players
Review: Earthdawn was FASA's brilliant attempt for an original roleplaying game in a fantastic sword and sorcery (and more sorcery) fantasy settings.

The game's premise is that the different civilizations are returning to surface life after 400 years of living in underground citadels. Their ancestors had fled to these citadels to escape an invasion of monstrous beings that had been brought by the rising tide of magical energies in the world.

The setting is rich, with tremendous roleplaying potential. Player characters may interact in the re-emerging governments and politics. They may serve as diplomats or warriors in nation disputes over land that has been unclaimed for centuries.

The setting also provides the best justification for ancient ruins and dungeon-searching adventures of any system I have encountered. An unknown number of citadels were overcome by the invading creatures during the 400 year period and even more were lost when their inhabitants attempted to return to the surface too soon. Players may be contracted to clear out the caves, or search for an artifact. The book offers a listing of several common foes, including soldiers of the different races but also several variants of the evil supernatural beings that have been left behind in their species' recent exodus.

The character races feature standard fantasy faire: orks, humans, elves, dwarves, trolls, and also some added variety with a lizard/human race, a species of rock men, and faeries.
The professions are even better, with over 10 to choose from. Each profession uses magic in accordance with its associated skills, from warrior abilities for toughening skin to thieving skills to make the person nearly undetectable.

The only drawback to the system is the complexity. There is a steps/ranks table for handling all skill uses (including spells and combat), and I have no complaints for it. But character advancement becomes complicated because of the character customization. However, I personally view the trade-off as more than worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: A very good game and a well made book
Review: FASA has made a great game here. The rules are explained well andcan be easily understood for the most part. The only bad thing that I found about this book is the fact the it only shows the disciples up to 8th circle

Rating:
Summary: A refreshing approach the fantasy role playing genre.
Review: FASA has produced a winner in the fantasy role playing department. A clear and concise combat system and solid magic system with the same flavor that permeats all other FASA role playing games. There is a multitude of player character races and classes to suit the most hardy of adventurers. Earthdawn supports a unique system of legend points as opposed to the staple experience points in other games. It is a welcome addition and ties in well with the game's overall story of the continental exploration of Barsaive after a 400 year event called 'the Scourge'. The only gripe I have is that there should be rules and powers for circles higher than the 8th circle, which is basically a measure of fame and experience of a player's character. All in all a very enjoyable game and worthy of the FASA logo it carries.

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Summary: FASA's Brilliant Fantasy System : EarthDawn
Review: FASA's EarthDawn RPG system is till now, the most balanced system that I have played. EarthDawn manages to mix and integrate two opposite requirements, where most systems only have one: The game is both easy to play, and still leaves many many options open to the GM to decide and make the game complex and intriguing. It takes time to understand the Attribute/Step Mechanism, but after that, the game is running easily. The game, in contrast to other systems, is based on the fact that all the characters are adepts, hence using magic. No more AD&D style games, where only magicians could enjoy the benefits of Magic, but everybody can now. The principle is that all characters use magic to enhance their powers ( Talents ). None magical powers also exists, and are called skills. Talents, skills and attributes are being bought during the game, so the player sees his character developing during the campaign , and can be better prepared to face the challenges of the GM. The EarthDawn World is filled with magic and monsters, and with the excellent background story, this game is a winner.

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Summary: Not only is it the greatest RPG but it's BACK!!!!!!!
Review: For all you Earthdawn fans out there who don't already know this great game has been picked up by Living Room Games and they'll be releasing a 2nd edition starting this Spring. You can reach Living Room Games website at http://www.lrgames.com be sure to keep an eye out for them. Let's all rejoice in the return of the greatest RPG ever and continue to give Earthdawn our full support.

Rating:
Summary: Simply the best.
Review: How can I say this with out making a sweeping statement. I can't!!! Simply the best RPG there is. Nothing else needs saying.

Rating:
Summary: Simple yet complex
Review: I had not been roleplaying rpg's in awhile until a friend of a friend told me about Earthdawn, and how great it was. Great it is! The mechanics of gameplay are all based essentially on a single step table that makes the game easy and complex. Overall a worthy addition to any fantasy roleplaying enthusiast. Only problem is Earthdawn is out of print! so get it while it lasts - (or get the main rulebook and create your own!)