Rules Archive
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![Pathfinder Second Edition Core Rulebook (PF2) The core rules for the second edition of Pathfinder clock in at 642 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page inside of front cover, 2 pages ToC, ¾ of a page SRD, 2 pages advertisement, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 634 ¼ pages of content, so let’s take a look! So, Pathfinder Second Edition. I believe I should first specify where I’m coming from: I’m a huge fan of the first edition. Heck, I’ve reviewed literally thousands of PF1-books. I’ve also spent a lot of time with Pathfinder Playtest, and had complaints regarding that book that rendered me rather conflicted about the second edition. Opening the second edition’s covers, we […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PZO2101-115x115.jpg "Pathfinder Second Edition Core Rulebook (PF2)")
Pathfinder Second Edition Core Rulebook (PF2)
Posted on September 13, 2019 | No CommentsPathfinder Second Edition Core Rulebook (PF2) The core rules for the second edition of Pathfinder clock in at 642 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page inside of front cover, 2 pages ToC, ¾ of a page SRD, 2 pages advertisement, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 634 ¼ pages of content, so let’s take a look! So, Pathfinder Second Edition. I believe I should first specify where I’m coming from: I’m a huge fan of the first edition. Heck, I’ve reviewed literally thousands of PF1-books. I’ve also spent a lot of time with Pathfinder Playtest, and had complaints regarding that book that rendered me rather conflicted about the second edition. Opening the second edition’s covers, we […] -
![Star Log.EM: Jury-Rigging Rules (SFRPG) This installment of the Star Log.EM-series clocks in at 7 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 2 pages of SRD, leaving us with 3 pages of content, so let’s take a look! After a brief and flavorful introduction, we begin with one of the most-requested components in SFRPG; a staple of particularly grittier scifi/science-fantasy, and something I *really* wanted to see: Rules to jury-rig items. A handy table collates objects and related skills – and these skills can be sued to temporarily fix broken or destroyed objects. A successful skill check allows you to temporarily ignore the broken condition, with skill checks that are particularly successful increasing the duration that the item […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/247045-115x115.jpg "Star Log.EM: Jury-Rigging Rules (SFRPG)")
Star Log.EM: Jury-Rigging Rules (SFRPG)
Posted on January 24, 2019 | No CommentsStar Log.EM: Jury-Rigging Rules (SFRPG) This installment of the Star Log.EM-series clocks in at 7 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 2 pages of SRD, leaving us with 3 pages of content, so let’s take a look! After a brief and flavorful introduction, we begin with one of the most-requested components in SFRPG; a staple of particularly grittier scifi/science-fantasy, and something I *really* wanted to see: Rules to jury-rig items. A handy table collates objects and related skills – and these skills can be sued to temporarily fix broken or destroyed objects. A successful skill check allows you to temporarily ignore the broken condition, with skill checks that are particularly successful increasing the duration that the item […] -
![Star Log.EM: Boarding Rules (SFRPG) This Star Log.EM-installment clocks in at 8 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1.5 pages of SRD, 1 page blank, leaving us with 3.5 pages of content, so let’s take a look! We begin this supplement, as has become the tradition with this series, with a brief note on the tradition of boarding and consequences in the Xa-Osoro system. After that, we begin with, no surprise there, the boarding rules. Docking or Landing a starship are concisely defined as new Piloting tasks, but invading a space station or enemy ship is another deal. One of the options here would be to breach a starship’s hull: When hitting a starship with a […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/242828-115x115.jpg "Star Log.EM: Boarding Rules (SFRPG)")
Star Log.EM: Boarding Rules (SFRPG)
Posted on November 23, 2018 | No CommentsStar Log.EM: Boarding Rules (SFRPG) This Star Log.EM-installment clocks in at 8 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1.5 pages of SRD, 1 page blank, leaving us with 3.5 pages of content, so let’s take a look! We begin this supplement, as has become the tradition with this series, with a brief note on the tradition of boarding and consequences in the Xa-Osoro system. After that, we begin with, no surprise there, the boarding rules. Docking or Landing a starship are concisely defined as new Piloting tasks, but invading a space station or enemy ship is another deal. One of the options here would be to breach a starship’s hull: When hitting a starship with a […] -
![Ultimate Vehicles: Vehicle Creation Rules (SFRPG) This massive supplement clocks in at 64 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page ToC, 1 page foreword, 1 page SRD, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 58 pages of content, so let’s take a look! This review was moved up in my reviewing queue as a prioritized review at the request of my patreons. So, this book has a rather impressive goal – making vehicle creation truly modular. Vehicle, for this purpose, does not mean using Small or Tiny spacecrafts as submersibles, etc. The book focuses on vehicles that are somewhat “smaller”, and rules-wise, use hit point mechanics as opposed to hull points. Each size is assigned […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/243874-115x115.jpg "Ultimate Vehicles: Vehicle Creation Rules (SFRPG)")
Ultimate Vehicles: Vehicle Creation Rules (SFRPG)
Posted on July 4, 2018 | No CommentsUltimate Vehicles: Vehicle Creation Rules (SFRPG) This massive supplement clocks in at 64 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page ToC, 1 page foreword, 1 page SRD, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 58 pages of content, so let’s take a look! This review was moved up in my reviewing queue as a prioritized review at the request of my patreons. So, this book has a rather impressive goal – making vehicle creation truly modular. Vehicle, for this purpose, does not mean using Small or Tiny spacecrafts as submersibles, etc. The book focuses on vehicles that are somewhat “smaller”, and rules-wise, use hit point mechanics as opposed to hull points. Each size is assigned […] -
![Star Log.Deluxe: Aging Rules (SFRPG) This extra-long installment of the Star Log-series clocks in at 14 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 3 pages of SRD, leaving us with 9 pages of content, so let’s take a look! So, after a brief introduction to the subject matter, we begin with defining age categories, a component I found puzzling in its absence from the Starfinder core rulebook. This pdf seeks to remedy this gap and provide mechanically-relevant consequences of age. The pdf recognizes 8 age categories: Infant, toddler, child, adolescent, young adult, mature adult, old adult, and venerable adult. Mental and physical age category usually are identical, but don’t have to be. Each age category has […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/228996-115x115.jpg "Star Log.Deluxe: Aging Rules (SFRPG)")
Star Log.Deluxe: Aging Rules (SFRPG)
Posted on June 18, 2018 | No CommentsStar Log.Deluxe: Aging Rules (SFRPG) This extra-long installment of the Star Log-series clocks in at 14 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 3 pages of SRD, leaving us with 9 pages of content, so let’s take a look! So, after a brief introduction to the subject matter, we begin with defining age categories, a component I found puzzling in its absence from the Starfinder core rulebook. This pdf seeks to remedy this gap and provide mechanically-relevant consequences of age. The pdf recognizes 8 age categories: Infant, toddler, child, adolescent, young adult, mature adult, old adult, and venerable adult. Mental and physical age category usually are identical, but don’t have to be. Each age category has […] -
![B/X-Essentials: Core Rules (OSR) This rule-set clocks in at 37 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page inside of front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page ToC, 2 pages of SRD, 1 page index, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 29 pages of content, laid out for 6’’ by 9’’ (A5). So, what is this about? First things first: This was moved up in my reviewing-queue due to me receiving a print copy of the book. My review is primarily based on the premium print version of this book, though I have taken the pdf into account as well. So, this is Basic/Expert-gaming (for the uninitiated, that’s where the “B/X”comes from); you may know the rules from […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/220726-115x115.jpg "B/X-Essentials: Core Rules (OSR)")
B/X-Essentials: Core Rules (OSR)
Posted on February 15, 2018 | No CommentsB/X-Essentials: Core Rules (OSR) This rule-set clocks in at 37 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page inside of front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page ToC, 2 pages of SRD, 1 page index, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 29 pages of content, laid out for 6’’ by 9’’ (A5). So, what is this about? First things first: This was moved up in my reviewing-queue due to me receiving a print copy of the book. My review is primarily based on the premium print version of this book, though I have taken the pdf into account as well. So, this is Basic/Expert-gaming (for the uninitiated, that’s where the “B/X”comes from); you may know the rules from […] -
![Strange Stars Game Program (OSR) The OSR rules-book for Strange Stars clocks in at 37 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page ToC, 1 page advertisement, leaving us with 34 pages of content, so let’s take a look! This review was move up in my review-queue as a non-prioritized review at the request of my patreons. Now, this is the rules-companion book for the system neutral Strange Stars-book – and as far as OSR-rules goes, it employs my favorite rules-set for space adventures, namely Sine Nomine Publishing’s excellent and deservedly acclaimed Stars Without Number. As you can glean, provided you’re familiar with SWN, the task of converting the rules material to another OSR-system is relatively […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/204693-115x115.jpg "Strange Stars Game Program (OSR)")
Strange Stars Game Program (OSR)
Posted on October 6, 2017 | No CommentsStrange Stars Game Program (OSR) The OSR rules-book for Strange Stars clocks in at 37 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page ToC, 1 page advertisement, leaving us with 34 pages of content, so let’s take a look! This review was move up in my review-queue as a non-prioritized review at the request of my patreons. Now, this is the rules-companion book for the system neutral Strange Stars-book – and as far as OSR-rules goes, it employs my favorite rules-set for space adventures, namely Sine Nomine Publishing’s excellent and deservedly acclaimed Stars Without Number. As you can glean, provided you’re familiar with SWN, the task of converting the rules material to another OSR-system is relatively […] -
![Everyman Minis: Sleeping Rules This Everyman Mini clocks in at 7 pages,1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page advertisement, 1.5 pages of SRD, leaving us with 2.5 pages of content, so let’s take a look! Okay, so we begin with a brief recap of the terms “rest”, “sleep” and “unconscious(ness)” in the context of the PFRPG-rules – handy to realize the distinctions when you’re not already an expert designer. After this recap, we take a look at sleep required for characters – and then move on to concise rules for Sleep Deprivation, which tie in smoothly with Horror Adventure’s sanity system (or any other sanity system you choose to employ) – the rules are based on […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/207048-115x115.jpg "Everyman Minis: Sleeping Rules")
Everyman Minis: Sleeping Rules
Posted on September 22, 2017 | No CommentsEveryman Minis: Sleeping Rules This Everyman Mini clocks in at 7 pages,1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page advertisement, 1.5 pages of SRD, leaving us with 2.5 pages of content, so let’s take a look! Okay, so we begin with a brief recap of the terms “rest”, “sleep” and “unconscious(ness)” in the context of the PFRPG-rules – handy to realize the distinctions when you’re not already an expert designer. After this recap, we take a look at sleep required for characters – and then move on to concise rules for Sleep Deprivation, which tie in smoothly with Horror Adventure’s sanity system (or any other sanity system you choose to employ) – the rules are based on […] -
![Lamentations of the Flame Princess Weird Fantasy Roleplaying Core Book: Rules and Magic (OSR) This massive core rule book clocks in at 176 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page inside of front cover, 2 pages of editorial, 2 pages of ToC, 1 page SRD, 1 page inside of back cover, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 167 pages of content, so let’s take a look! This review is based on the version of the rule book that *does* have the artwork. Wait, before we do, a general disclaimer: This book has an 18+ mature content warning. Now personally, I wasn’t offended by any imagery here, but your mileage may vary. The artworks contained herein feature copious […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/117262-115x115.jpg "Lamentations of the Flame Princess Weird Fantasy Roleplaying Core Book: Rules and Magic (OSR)")
Lamentations of the Flame Princess Weird Fantasy Roleplaying Core Book: Rules and Magic (OSR)
Posted on September 8, 2016 | No CommentsLamentations of the Flame Princess Weird Fantasy Roleplaying Core Book: Rules and Magic (OSR) This massive core rule book clocks in at 176 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page inside of front cover, 2 pages of editorial, 2 pages of ToC, 1 page SRD, 1 page inside of back cover, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 167 pages of content, so let’s take a look! This review is based on the version of the rule book that *does* have the artwork. Wait, before we do, a general disclaimer: This book has an 18+ mature content warning. Now personally, I wasn’t offended by any imagery here, but your mileage may vary. The artworks contained herein feature copious […] -
![Fifth Edition Options: Optional Rules & Mechanics (5e) This massive book clocks in at 79 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page of SRD, 1 page advertisement, leaving us with 75 pages of content, so let’s take a look! So, what is this? Basically, this is a huge selection of variant rules for 5e that you can drag and drop in your game. We begin with alternate methods of ability score generation, with grid, dice pool, point-buy that goes up to 18 from the get-go and alternate ability arrays. Rolling 4d6, dropping the lowest and having the GM do the same and then dealing with the devil behind the screen is also mentioned. There is also […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/186685-115x115.png "Fifth Edition Options: Optional Rules & Mechanics (5e)")
Fifth Edition Options: Optional Rules & Mechanics (5e)
Posted on July 29, 2016 | No CommentsFifth Edition Options: Optional Rules & Mechanics (5e) This massive book clocks in at 79 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page of SRD, 1 page advertisement, leaving us with 75 pages of content, so let’s take a look! So, what is this? Basically, this is a huge selection of variant rules for 5e that you can drag and drop in your game. We begin with alternate methods of ability score generation, with grid, dice pool, point-buy that goes up to 18 from the get-go and alternate ability arrays. Rolling 4d6, dropping the lowest and having the GM do the same and then dealing with the devil behind the screen is also mentioned. There is also […] -
![The Genius Guide to Variant Multiclassing Rules This massive Genius Guide clocks in at 44 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page ToC, 1 page editorial/SRD, 1 page advertisement, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 39 pages of content, so let’s take a look! Basically, each character in this system can choose a secondary class at 1st level and train in said class throughout the character’s career without giving up levels. Instead of the feats gained at 3rd, 7th, 11th, 15th and 19th level, the respective character gains class features from the secondary class. If used in conjunction with regular multiclassing, the character may not multiclass into this secondary class. All right, in order to make this […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/156181-115x115.jpg "The Genius Guide to Variant Multiclassing Rules")
The Genius Guide to Variant Multiclassing Rules
Posted on November 19, 2015 | No CommentsThe Genius Guide to Variant Multiclassing Rules This massive Genius Guide clocks in at 44 pages, 1 page front cover, 1 page ToC, 1 page editorial/SRD, 1 page advertisement, 1 page back cover, leaving us with 39 pages of content, so let’s take a look! Basically, each character in this system can choose a secondary class at 1st level and train in said class throughout the character’s career without giving up levels. Instead of the feats gained at 3rd, 7th, 11th, 15th and 19th level, the respective character gains class features from the secondary class. If used in conjunction with regular multiclassing, the character may not multiclass into this secondary class. All right, in order to make this […] -
![13th Age Core Book Disclaimer: I received the hardcover for 13th Age for the purposes of writing an unbiased, critical review. This following review reflects my endeavor to do so. The review is based on the hardcover of the 320 page book – I do not own the Pdf, so I can’t comment on that format. In order to review this book, I have playtested this system, though I did so with the expansion 13 True Ways as well – when appropriate, I will comment on that and yes, said book’s review is coming soon as well. Without further ado – this is a d20-based system and as such, you will see a lot of familiar AND unfamiliar ground. […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/118994-115x115.jpg "13th Age Core Book")
13th Age Core Book
Posted on June 12, 2015 | 2 Comments13th Age Core Book Disclaimer: I received the hardcover for 13th Age for the purposes of writing an unbiased, critical review. This following review reflects my endeavor to do so. The review is based on the hardcover of the 320 page book – I do not own the Pdf, so I can’t comment on that format. In order to review this book, I have playtested this system, though I did so with the expansion 13 True Ways as well – when appropriate, I will comment on that and yes, said book’s review is coming soon as well. Without further ado – this is a d20-based system and as such, you will see a lot of familiar AND unfamiliar ground. […] -
![Feats Reforged: Vol. I – CORE Rules The first book of TPK Games‘ ” Feats Reforged”-series is 40 pages long, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page SRD, leaving us with 37 pages of content, so let’s take a look, shall we? We all have encountered the issue – there just are some throw-away feats that simply become useless over the levels (or are useless in the first place and are only taken as a prerequisite for another feat or a PrC) – this is what this pdf seeks to change: Herein, we get the feats from the core-rules, reforged towards providing scaling benefits throughout the levels. Let’s for example take the utterly bland +2/+2 to […]](http://nerdtrek.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/119715-115x115.jpg "Feats Reforged: Vol. I – CORE Rules")
Feats Reforged: Vol. I – CORE Rules
Posted on January 16, 2014 | No CommentsFeats Reforged: Vol. I – CORE Rules The first book of TPK Games‘ ” Feats Reforged”-series is 40 pages long, 1 page front cover, 1 page editorial, 1 page SRD, leaving us with 37 pages of content, so let’s take a look, shall we? We all have encountered the issue – there just are some throw-away feats that simply become useless over the levels (or are useless in the first place and are only taken as a prerequisite for another feat or a PrC) – this is what this pdf seeks to change: Herein, we get the feats from the core-rules, reforged towards providing scaling benefits throughout the levels. Let’s for example take the utterly bland +2/+2 to […]
