NkEnNy
11-14-2007, 11:10 PM
Hi everyone,
As this is my first post on the forum I guess I might introduce myself. I go by the handle NkEnNy, I've been playing roleplaying games for ages, I'm pretty much addicted to Exalted setting and I've just discovered the "Burning Wheel".
Quick intro
I first read about the Burning wheel as a off-comment on the rpg.net forums. These lead to an interview (with the creator I believe) and a review of the game system. At the time I simply noted its existence behind my ear, and then promptly forgot about it.
Three days ago I was browsing my local hobby stores book shelves. And lo and behold, there was a shelf set aside for "The Burning Wheel". After some thought I discarded the Exalted Manuals of Power: Sidereals book I was holding and decided to pick up the dual packaged Rule Book and Character Burner.
The Burning Wheel
I went home and read through the books in a semi organized fashion. I skipped some chapters, read them later, re-read others, and generally made a big mess of things. This is how I read RP books, and I suspect I'm not the only one.
The Burning Wheel (revised 3rd edition?) is definitely a cool, dynamic, and above all captivating beast. After my first read-through I simply felt compelled to write my initial observations.
I LIKE the Burning Wheel.
- Though a rather rules heavy system, its easy to learn!
- The Belief and Instinct mechanics are something we've played with for years, just never codified. Brilliant!
Difficult to use Book.
- Personally I found the Rulebook to be rather rules heavy, and at times hard to navigate. This can partially attributed to its physical size, limiting presentation options; but I cannot help but believe that some additional polish would have smoothed out wrinkles.
- My first impression was that the author had just cheerfully described what was at the foremost of his mind at the time of writing.
- After reading through it a few times there did seem to be something of a system to this madness however. :wink:
- Particularly the scripted combat system, though dramatic, seems to slow things down. Must be a mess with more than two contestants too.
Heavy on the Metagaming
- I find this the most essential character of the game system, but might be hard to adapt to.
- I suspect that it will require a fair bit of 'impulse' culling to adapt the previously cultivated table-top instincts.
Monster Burner
The story doesn't end there however. Having found myself generally impressed by the sheer audacity and charm of the game. (as well as its robust mechanics) In addition to having played around with the (generally) pleasurable aspects of Character Burning. I went ahead an acquired the Monster Burner.
I can only say that this book contains all the things I hoped it might. It is amazingly refreshing to see a "Monstrous Manual" -type compendium that actually deals with Monster building, culture, and play-integration Rather than just trying to fill a book with seemingly endless variations of well-worn myths.
Class A work.
Burning Empires
Admittedly it was the very attractive "Burning Empires" book which originally caught my attention. A rather hefty (import) price tag stayed my hand, but after reading through the core system; I decided to go for it. (and Both Iron Empires comics (first comics I've bought all year))
I must say this book blew me away. All the stumbling rules, the 80s style artwork, and somewhat cumbersome formatting was gone. This is truly most refined and polished product, and one of the most welcome surprises in table-top RPGing I've seen all year.
A game which can only really be described as narrative wargaming, a strong setting, stunning artwork, and polished rules. I can hardly wait to try GMing it.
Final Words
Though the rule themselves stand very well on their own. One cannot help but comment:
Will there be additional supplements for Burning Empires? (perhaps to follow the directions as defined in the comic books.)
Am I the only one who sees the Warhammer 40k potential of this ruleset? (particularly considering the frankly awful rules GW are planning to use ofr the 'official' release.)
While I recognize the drama inherent in the "Scripted" Duel of Wits and Combative engines. I cannot but want for ways to simplify these. Perhaps some sort of playing card system as player aids?
Burning Wheel, particularly as presented in the Burning Empires setting shows its maturity. It is easily up there with the Big20, and WW's D10. I'm eagerly anticipating more books in this line, and can't wait to actually try it on the table. (next weekend I think)
As this is my first post on the forum I guess I might introduce myself. I go by the handle NkEnNy, I've been playing roleplaying games for ages, I'm pretty much addicted to Exalted setting and I've just discovered the "Burning Wheel".
Quick intro
I first read about the Burning wheel as a off-comment on the rpg.net forums. These lead to an interview (with the creator I believe) and a review of the game system. At the time I simply noted its existence behind my ear, and then promptly forgot about it.
Three days ago I was browsing my local hobby stores book shelves. And lo and behold, there was a shelf set aside for "The Burning Wheel". After some thought I discarded the Exalted Manuals of Power: Sidereals book I was holding and decided to pick up the dual packaged Rule Book and Character Burner.
The Burning Wheel
I went home and read through the books in a semi organized fashion. I skipped some chapters, read them later, re-read others, and generally made a big mess of things. This is how I read RP books, and I suspect I'm not the only one.
The Burning Wheel (revised 3rd edition?) is definitely a cool, dynamic, and above all captivating beast. After my first read-through I simply felt compelled to write my initial observations.
I LIKE the Burning Wheel.
- Though a rather rules heavy system, its easy to learn!
- The Belief and Instinct mechanics are something we've played with for years, just never codified. Brilliant!
Difficult to use Book.
- Personally I found the Rulebook to be rather rules heavy, and at times hard to navigate. This can partially attributed to its physical size, limiting presentation options; but I cannot help but believe that some additional polish would have smoothed out wrinkles.
- My first impression was that the author had just cheerfully described what was at the foremost of his mind at the time of writing.
- After reading through it a few times there did seem to be something of a system to this madness however. :wink:
- Particularly the scripted combat system, though dramatic, seems to slow things down. Must be a mess with more than two contestants too.
Heavy on the Metagaming
- I find this the most essential character of the game system, but might be hard to adapt to.
- I suspect that it will require a fair bit of 'impulse' culling to adapt the previously cultivated table-top instincts.
Monster Burner
The story doesn't end there however. Having found myself generally impressed by the sheer audacity and charm of the game. (as well as its robust mechanics) In addition to having played around with the (generally) pleasurable aspects of Character Burning. I went ahead an acquired the Monster Burner.
I can only say that this book contains all the things I hoped it might. It is amazingly refreshing to see a "Monstrous Manual" -type compendium that actually deals with Monster building, culture, and play-integration Rather than just trying to fill a book with seemingly endless variations of well-worn myths.
Class A work.
Burning Empires
Admittedly it was the very attractive "Burning Empires" book which originally caught my attention. A rather hefty (import) price tag stayed my hand, but after reading through the core system; I decided to go for it. (and Both Iron Empires comics (first comics I've bought all year))
I must say this book blew me away. All the stumbling rules, the 80s style artwork, and somewhat cumbersome formatting was gone. This is truly most refined and polished product, and one of the most welcome surprises in table-top RPGing I've seen all year.
A game which can only really be described as narrative wargaming, a strong setting, stunning artwork, and polished rules. I can hardly wait to try GMing it.
Final Words
Though the rule themselves stand very well on their own. One cannot help but comment:
Will there be additional supplements for Burning Empires? (perhaps to follow the directions as defined in the comic books.)
Am I the only one who sees the Warhammer 40k potential of this ruleset? (particularly considering the frankly awful rules GW are planning to use ofr the 'official' release.)
While I recognize the drama inherent in the "Scripted" Duel of Wits and Combative engines. I cannot but want for ways to simplify these. Perhaps some sort of playing card system as player aids?
Burning Wheel, particularly as presented in the Burning Empires setting shows its maturity. It is easily up there with the Big20, and WW's D10. I'm eagerly anticipating more books in this line, and can't wait to actually try it on the table. (next weekend I think)