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When given a single non-choice like that I makes me want to rebel and do a game where the Guilds are in the background. It provides the absolute minimum details for a single small area (that may or may not be representative of the entire world) and assumes I'm playing a Guild-focused game. I like to have a choice, to find some small side area to make my own, or small reference that enflames my imagination.
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Meanwhile, also I prefer to make my own choices over what I find most interesting in a setting. Or is that localized to their holdings, and the technology seen as proprietary "Guild secrets"? To me that's essential information as it informs how I describe the setting, the potential weaponry of enemies, and even the setpieces of encounters. Is it found everywhere with arc lamp streetlights, flying ships, and trains.
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Likely necessitating the purchase of additional books.Īs a small example, the Izzet League is a Guild of magic/steampunk inventors-as seen by the cover illustration-but I have no idea how widespread their technology is. I never felt like I was given enough information to understand the world and I would either have to invent large swaths of the setting (defeating the purpose of paying $50 for a campaign setting product) or do further research. While I could play or run in the setting with what I was given, I never felt like I was given enough information to manage the setting or accurately portray it, let alone present it as a living place. I desperately wanted this product to be good.īut as I read Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica I found myself left with more questions over the world than I had answers. In general, I'd much rather have a cool product I can praise than to be right. WotC has proven me wrong a few times, surprising me with products I was sure I'd be indifferent towards while I was initially hesitant (and vocally so) I was prepared to be proven wrong and fall in love with the setting. However, I am a junkie for neat campaign settings, and every time I read one I end up thinking of two or three campaigns I want to run in that world. I wasn't coming into the product with established affection. 1 out of 5 rating for Guildmasters Guide to RavnicaĪs a non-Magic fan, Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica was always going to have to work to selling me on the setting.
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