This instalment of ECS, written by the excellent cartographer of the series, Richard Biggs Jr., starts with 3 maps of the burial vaults, thankfully without any annoying letters or map-keys. As always in the ECS-series, we get a concise IC-introduction to the location in question and this instalment is no different in that regard.
The introduction explains the concept, a series of short inter-connected adventures designed to occupy an evening’s play, centred around the Great City (mapped in beautiful detail by 0one Games) and somehow connected to a significant event. Which of course, is not yet explained, even to the GM!
The plot is fairly straight forward. Aric, a half-elf with a psionic talent that allows him to communicate with metals of all kings, is sent on a mission to the dessert by Nibenay, ruler of the city of the same name.
This pdf by Rite Publishing is 41 pages long, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page SRD, 2 pages advertisement. That leaves 37 pages of content.
Recently I arrived home and found a big envelope. Inside there was an 11 x 14 inch gaming mat from the Wounded City range. I kid you not if I say my jaw dropped. I was seriously and instantly delighted with the mat.
Herein is presented an unusual and atmospheric place to explore. As usual, 0one Games’s technical ability shines with especial mention due to the ‘water’ overlay, showing what you’d see of this sunken city from above the water – anyone who’s gone diving or even snorkelled will appreciate how different things look from above and below water!
Cold City, from Contested Ground Studios, is one of the most innovative RPGs I’ve played in a long time. I was first attracted to it by its setting, namely Berlin in 1950, at the beginning of the Cold War. It mixes the suspicion and politics of the early Cold War with the ‘weird science’ of an alternative WW2, quite a popular trope these days.
For the daring and adventurous, there are many lost cities to explore. They are in the Himalayas, the ever-shifting sands
In the outcast city of Kaer Maga, your business is your own, and no ware is too dangerous or taboo
Providing material that will empower the GMs and player’s imagination is probably the best way to keep a game alive
