[RPG]: Dread: The First Book of Pandemonium (Unrated Edition), reviewed by Tom B (3/4)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/13/13752.phtml

Thomas Bagwell's Summary:

<b>Dread: The First Book of Pandemonium</b> is an excellent pick for a demon-hunting blast ‘em up game -- simple mechanics, graphic but effective magic, and highly original and evocative demons to track down in a modern setting. It is hurt somewhat by organizational issues.

Go to the full review for more information.

[Rafael Chandler]

Hi, Tom,

Thanks for the terrific review! I think you really nailed what Dread is all about. I'm not sure, but I think you're the first critic of this new edition who also reviewed the first edition (what, five years ago?). It's really interesting to read your thoughts about the evolution of the game.

I agree with the points you've made about organization. Obviously, there's a lot that I could have done differently. I'm still learning about layout and organization.

A minor clarification: if you roll multiples, you actually add the value rolled to the number of instances. So if you roll 3,6,6 then you have rolled two 6s, and you get an 8 (6+2). If you roll a 2,8,8,8,9, you've got three 8s, which means an 11 (8+3). It's all in section 2.1.4 on page 32.

Another minor point: Pent is a sourcebook that contains several ready-to-run scenarios, and it will be released in a few weeks. Spite is the Second Book of Pandemonium, and contains information about angels, zealots, government agents, and a number of other adversaries. I'm looking to release Spite before the end of the year.

Thanks for the kind words about the spells, demons, and scenarios! Those are really the heart of Dread (along with the low-drag rules, which I've been stripping down over the past five years). And again, I really appreciate the time it took to write such a thorough review!

If anyone has any questions about the game, I'm more than happy to answer them here.

-- Rafael

[Dave Blewer]

I have a question...

Where can I buy this?

[Rafael Chandler]

Hi, Dave!

You can order the book (in hardcover or softcover) from Lulu.

Link: http://stores.lulu.com/pandemonium

If you're not familiar with Lulu, I've got a description of their service here: http://www.dread-rpg.com/store.html

Feel free to ask if you've got any questions or concerns.

Thanks!

-- Rafael

[Tom B]

Originally Posted by Rafael Chandler

A minor clarification: if you roll multiples, you actually add the value rolled to the number of instances. So if you roll 3,6,6 then you have rolled two 6s, and you get an 8 (6+2). If you roll a 2,8,8,8,9, you've got three 8s, which means an 11 (8+3). It's all in section 2.1.4 on page 32.

Drats. You know...I knew that, and that was how I ran it. Somehow that error escaped my proofread before I submitted it. Sorry about that.

Another minor point: Pent is a sourcebook that contains several ready-to-run scenarios, and it will be released in a few weeks. Spite is the Second Book of Pandemonium, and contains information about angels, zealots, government agents, and a number of other adversaries. I'm looking to release Spite before the end of the year.

Yeah...I wasn't sure exactly what was in them, just that they were Dread-related. I mis-remembered the details. So, Spite is the book with angels...definitely want to see that one.

Thanks for going to the effort of publishing such a fun game.

[Mordren II]

Originally Posted by Tom B

There are about 82 spells, and each player needed to go through them and decide on the ones that best fit their character. A summary listing of spells and effects would be helpful as a handout to speed things up.

You're absolutely right. Luckily Rafael has already thought of this and provides one on the website

http://www.dread-rpg.com/downloads.html

It is in the "Gaming Materials" download and groups spells into their basic function (Offensive, Defensive etc) to make things fast and easy.

[Rafael Chandler]

Originally Posted by Tom B

Thanks for going to the effort of publishing such a fun game.

My pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Originally Posted by Mordren II

You're absolutely right. Luckily Rafael has already thought of this and provides one on the website

Good call!

Of course, you can also photocopy the quick-reference lists on pages 68-69, but as you noted, they're available in PDF, and it's easier to print that out instead.

-- Rafael

[Tom B]

Originally Posted by Mordren II

You're absolutely right. Luckily Rafael has already thought of this and provides one on the website

http://www.dread-rpg.com/downloads.html

It is in the "Gaming Materials" download and groups spells into their basic function (Offensive, Defensive etc) to make things fast and easy.

Actually that was helpful and we did use it. You know gamers, though. The summary spell descriptions weren't quite detailed enough. Also, a summary isn't always enough when picking spells to do cool, awesome things. You want to know the mechanics of it and how it gets used in the game. There was much poring over of spells.

[Rafael Chandler]

Originally Posted by Tom B

The summary spell descriptions weren't quite detailed enough. Also, a summary isn't always enough when picking spells to do cool, awesome things. You want to know the mechanics of it and how it gets used in the game. There was much poring over of spells.

Good news. The first issue of Crux (a publication of Dread-related material, written by the fans, similar to The Rifter) will be released in the next couple of weeks. Among other things, this issue includes spell cards, created by Anthony "Ars Mysteriorum" Holtberg. There are fifteen cards on each page (you have to photocopy them and cut them out), but they serve as an excellent resource for GMs and players alike. They include the category, duration, range, and a concise description of the effects.

In brief, this is exactly what your players were asking for!

More info about Crux: http://www.dread-rpg.com/crux.html

-- Rafael