| Game type: RPG
Core or Supplement: Supplement to D20 system
Publisher: Green Ronin
Medium: Softbound
Price: $19.95
Reviewer: Randall Constant Green Ronin, a company known for such D20 supplements as "The Book of the Righteous", and the "Master Class" series, is kicking off a new series of supplements called "Races of Renown". As its name implies, these books will deal with the various fantasy races of D&D. The first book in this series is "Hammer & Helm" (called H&H from here forward). H&H (if you couldn't guess) instructs on the various and sundry methods of role-playing Dwarves.
Personally, I feel that H&H is the best supplement on Dwarves since the old "Complete Book" put out by TSR for 2nd Edition AD&D. The book gives insight that can be helpful for traditional dwarven concepts as well as advice for non-standard Dwarven characters. This information is equally useful to both players looking to flesh out their PC's, and Game Masters building their own worlds. H&H also has a small pantheon that DM's should take a look at.
What I was most impressed with however, were the Feats and Prestige Classes. Both were very "dwarven" in nature, and yet managed to be original. That is no small feat considering that dwarves have been a staple of legends and fantasy writing for over a thousand years. They even managed to create wizardly classes that really feel right for dwarves. This is concept that I have always had trouble with (it just doesn't seem right) yet the Clanheart, Gemscribe, and Mage Smith are all good fits. If it tells you anything, I immediately wanted to create a Clanheart character after reading about them. It has been a long time since this twenty-year veteran was so quickly inspired by a class on its own merits.
Following the class section, there are new spells that are both flavorful and useful (without being broken). These are broken up into spell lists for applicable classes (handy). Of course there are also lists of dwarven equipment and weapons that finally exhibit the fact no one can craft like the mountain lords. There are also good magical items and siege engines.
The book ends with appendices typical NPC's of various classes. As a game master I really liked these lists as they can give you a detailed dwarven encounter in moments and can be easily tailored to the strength of a party or situation.
H&H is ordered in a very logical method, (and has a working Table of Contents) and easy to read and understand. The art is good and appropriate for page text. H&H is also "fluffless" and strait to the point. If I want fiction I'll buy a novel, I want info when I read a supplement. You will probably find that you will read strait through this book once you pick it up.
I would also like to make a point in mentioning OGL INTERLINK. Green Ronin along with Paradigm Concepts has decided to work with and not against each other in creating quality D20 material. Paradigm's "Races of Legend" and Green Ronin's "Races of Renown" will not overlap on races. They will coordinate their writing to put out complimentary but different races. Green Ronin's Hammer & Helm is joined by Paradigm's Lord's of the Peaks (a book on giants and also recommended). In fact when you place the two books together side by side their covers create a single piece of art. I think this form of cooperation is refreshing, and will benefit players.
Anyway, I would highly suggest picking up Hammer & Helm, and adding it into your role-playing experience. Playability: [[[[[
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Character Creation: [[[[[
Presentation: [[[[[ Randall Constant, 12/2/02 | |
