13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential for your Xendrik campaign, February 19, 2008
This review is from: City of Stormreach (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Eberron Supplement) (Hardcover)
Based on the Dungeons and Dragons Online PC game, this book takes a very detaled look at the inner workings of the only civilized town on the wild continent of Xendrik. Don't let the civilized part fool you, though. Stormreach can be as dangerous as the ruins, jungles, and desert which surround it.
Keith Baker (creator of the Eberron campaign setting), and the other authors of this book delve deeply into the various factions, dragonmarked houses, criminal elements and religions which make the city come alive. The map is somewhat intuitive, as well, and the artwork, as always for Eberron products, is stunning. A creative DM, however, could flesh out much of this information on his or her own given enough time. This book is intended more for DMs who need a quick reference for parties who base their adventures in Stormreach while exploring Xendrik. The only complaint is, once again, the absence of an index to quickly reference various NPC names or places.
The introduction takes a look at the history of Stormreach, as well as the demographics, stories, and the impact of The Last War. The introduction also includes twenty quick adventure ideas a DM could use in a pinch.
Chapter 1: Life in Stormreach examines the architecture, law and order, the art scene, festivals, and details on the districts and wards of the city. A nice color map is included that could easily be scanned and printed for player use. Those of you familiar with D&D Online will recognize the Harbor and Marketplace, but other areas present on the online game, such as the House districts are absent from the book. However, the House enclaves are clearly marked and explined in detail.
Chapter 2: Power and politics covers the Storm Lords, The Coin Lords, foreign powers, Dragonmarked Houses, criminal organizations, militias, religions, and The Emerald Claw. NPC stats and motivations are included, as well as side notes and stories which add a little flare to each group.
Chapter3: Members Only provides details on various groups that the players may become interested in joining. These groups are: The Bilge Rats - Criminal organization; The Blackwheel Company - military contractor; Bloodbound of the Red Ring - gladiators, mostly slaves; Cabal of Shadows - "troubled souls" non-good aligned; Covenant of Light - good aligned, Silver Flame or Path of Light worshipers; Crimson Codex - studious group, hopes to renew Galifar and avoid war; Guardians of Rusheme - druidic hill giants; Hollow Shards - con artists, illusionists; Iron Watch - warforged. Affiliations and requirements are given for each group, as well as a few bonus feats.
Chapter 4: Beyond the City discusses the cultures of Xendrik such as the Drow, giants, Yuan-Ti, and threats. This chapter also describes what a party could expext if heading inland and in need of guides. The Wayfinder Foundation is examined, as well as some legendary Xendrik monsters.
Chapter 5: Urban Adventures contains just what you think - urban adventures. There are seeds and scenarios for various adventures within (and beneath) the city itself.
Overall, this book easily earns its five stars simply for the content itself. Anyone running a Xendrik adventure, and pressed for time as a DM, should spend the $29.95 just to have a quick reference and adventure ideas within the city. I would deduct half a star if I could, however, for the lack of an index to quickly reference names and places.
Enjoy Stormreach!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Stormreach will be a player favorite in your campaign., January 15, 2012
This review is from: City of Stormreach (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Eberron Supplement) (Hardcover)
Aside from being the featured city from DDO, it is also the second most prominent city in the Eberron setting after Sharn. So, it is worthwhile to acquaint yourself with its inner workings, and if you are planning anything in or around Xen'drik, then it is essential. This book handles that for you like a champ. From the geography to the prominent local races to the politics and intrigue, background and current events, this book really gives a great accounting for the scope and breadth of the City of Stormreach. You will feel very familiar and comfortable with this part of the Eberron setting after reading this book, and it will likely provide you with plenty of inspiration for your campaign as well. I highly recommend this book. It is well written and will make your world of Eberron a better place to adventure in.
Enjoy!
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1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Horrible navigation an reference, December 23, 2009
This review is from: City of Stormreach (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Eberron Supplement) (Hardcover)
The information in the book is mediocre but well written. There are no references that I could find of Stormreach in any other Eberron book (Such as ECS), so making an adventure while utilizing the available information proves difficult, especially with only 2 other known cities on the continent (Xen'Drik), which are found in the "Explorer's Handbook." A lot of description is fun for one or two time gaming, but planning for travel from Taer Valestas (for example) with no geographical reference to Stormreach is impossible, so a long-term campaign requires more imagination than one might think after purchasing this book.
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