6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty Darn Good!, July 14 1999
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sorcerers Crusade Companion (Paperback)
If you're looking for a guide to explain the intricate game mechanics of this often arcane RPG, better look elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you're eager to start playing Mage: The Sorcerers Crusade but know diddly about the Renaissance (a not-inconceivable problem given the state of education nowadays), this book is what you need. In fact, I would suggest it for anyone needing info about this wonderful period of history. If only regular textbooks were this exciting & interesting! There is also a nice little essay on period fencing and dueling which I recommend highly to the incipient swashbuckler out there. You can do no wrong with this little gem in your Mage collection. Avanti!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful, May 12 2003
By A. Lee - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sorcerers Crusade Companion (Paperback)
The Sorcerers Crusade Companion is different when compared to other general RPG source books. This book does not contain a lot of game mechanics or new powers. It provideds all the necessary information to run a historically accurate Renaissance game. Everyday details such as fashion, food, behavior, and culture were all presented in just the right amount. The art of swordfighting, plants, famous Renaissance figures, and Umbrood were discussed in the core book but was elaborated here. Most importantly, the book discussed the other cultures of the world during the Renaissance and their beliefs. This opens a lot of doors for games involving explorers and diplotmats. This book is a must for the average gamer who knows little about the world during the Renaissance and would like to add some accurate historical flavor to their games that might otherwise end up like generic D&D adventures.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Basic principles for Renaissance roleplaying, Mar 12 2001
By Andrés Felipe Pabón L. - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Sorcerers Crusade Companion (Paperback)
For several of us players who love Mage: The Sorcerers Crusade but have had some trouble getting to "feel" life in Renaissance, this book is a must. It brings crucial information about life in Renaissance (what they ate, what they wore, how did they relate to each other), the most important reigns (Tuscany and Italy, Spain, England, etc.) and even the countries that the Age of Exploration has uncovered (or will uncover), such as Cathay (China), America and so on.
It's more intended towards ST than players, though (except for the first 2 chapters, which are a must for both players and ST), and it goes as far as describing Renaissance personalities, and giving some cool ideas about Scourgelings.
And excellent book!