13th Age Monthly: Echo and Gauntlet (13th Age)

This installment of 13th Age Monthly clocks in at 8 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial/SRD, leaving us with 6 pages of content, so let’s take a look!

So, what do we get this time around? Well, it is no secret that demonic corruption spreads like a plague across the Dragon Empire, held in check by the dubious methods of the Crusader – herein, we are introduced to two of his more refined weapons, the first of which is the eponymous Echo: A bleak hellscape of post-apocalyptic ruins, this desolate place allows for the sifting through time, adding a tangible 4th dimensional element to narrative structure, one further developed by inspiring notions – what if the Crusader actually came back in time from the future? Where did the echo originate? Can the PCs perhaps use its power to undo a glaring error in judgment, as PCs are prone to make?

The dimension and its iconic imagery is chock-full of narrative potential that is simply inspiring – after all, we know how the Crusader loves fashioning tools and weapons from foes…so what he can do with the echo…your own fantasy is literally the only limiting factor here, for within the Echo’s eternity, the Ebon Gauntlet’s members are reforged into something different, something deadly – and thus 5 sample soldiers and adversaries are provided, including nastier specials that deserve the name – including advice on how to use the Ebon gauntlet’s dire forces.

Oh, and if that is not enough, additional suggestions regarding the involvement of other icons do add further dimensions to the glorious array of potential shown here – and yes, two brief, fluff-centric adventure-locales are provided as well with the Ebon Citadel and the Bleak Pit – yup, they’re as cosy as you’d expect them to be!.

Conclusion:

Editing and formatting are top-notch, I noticed no significant glitches. Layout adheres to 13th Age’s 2-column full-color standard and the pdf provides neat artworks in full color. The pdf has no bookmarks, which is a slight comfort-detriment.

Michael E. Shea and Rob Heinsoo deliver a surprisingly inspired pdf here – yes, this installment may be a bit on the short side of things, but oh boy did I enjoy reading every line of it: The prose is captivating in just the right way, the concepts are fitting and the pdf actually adds a thoroughly unique dimension to the Crusader that makes the very icon infinitely more interesting and compelling – which is quite a feat in my book! My final verdict will clock in at 5 stars + seal of approval.

You can get this great little pdf here on OBS!

Want the whole subscription? You can get that here on OBS!
Endzeitgeist out.

Comments