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Bred for Battle $2.99
Average Rating:4.9 / 5
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Bred for Battle
Publisher: Schwalb Entertainment
by Jason C. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 02/20/2023 20:06:09

I feel every GM must make a decision when they look at books like this one. The core Shadow of the Demon Lord system is well written, well balanced, and has more than enough options for any player. The Demon Lords Companion adds some additional options that fit well within the core book and probably should have just been in the core book to begin with. But, when you add a book like this one to your game, you will need to consider that it isn't as play tested as the core material and can bring some unbalance to your game. Players will generally love having the additional options, but there are bits to be wary of before adding it to your game. I can't say that it doesn't have its uses however as some of these provide solid alternatives and they add a bit more theme and choice to the Warrior Path, which is the Novice Path that has the least amount of variation in the core rulebook.

This book adds new Novice Paths that are alternatives to the Warrior. They are more specialized in scope and could be compared more to specific fighting styles for a Warrior. Here are my thoughts on each.

Armiger - (3 of 5 Stars) - Every game system "splat"-book must have a mounted variant. Limited in scope, I find this Path of little value. It isn't broken however.

Barbarian - (5 of 5 Stars) - This Path makes sense and takes away some of the versatility of the Warrior and adds thematic alternatives. Neither stronger nor weaker, just different. This adds that wilderness or uncivilized changes without sacrificing core functions. Excellent design.

Brawler – (3 of 5 Stars) – This one is ok. It doesn’t bring any unbalance, but it isn’t particularly different either. The changes are there and could be used to match a character’s personality/backstory better.

Enforcer – (2 of 5 Stars) – This is the first of the Paths in this book where I question the balance. Against a heavy defense target, you have a strong method to bolster your offense. Against a weaker defense target, it doesn’t really suffer any limitations. It also has a notable impact on encounter design from a very early level. Any GM can work around this for sure but why add the headache.

Gallant – (4 of 5 Stars) – This Path uses a design that followed a very similar structure to how the Barbarian was designed. It fits a middle of the road niche between the Warrior and the Rogue, creating a few minor limitations that fit thematically without unbalancing either of its alternatives. Great design.

Hunter – (5 of 5 Stars) – This Path got some inspiration from the design of the Gallant but ramped up the thematic element similar to how the Barbarian was designed. It works and provides a ranged focused character a better starting point that is more representative of their style. Excellent design.

Monk – (4+ of 5 Stars?) – This one I’m not sure about. If I had a player interested in it, I would have to put more thought into it. One thing is for sure, it is significantly different than the core Warrior Novice path. The Martial Arts ability means you are going to see a lot of special attacks, and the Stunning Strike ability means there are going to be some crazy swings in fights. I’d have to see how it played but I think maybe I like it, maybe.

Soldier – (4 of 5 Stars) – This one takes the Priests Shared Recovery ability and then splashes on some teamwork and Tactical abilities, exactly what I would expect from something called Soldier. Well done mechanics make this one a plus in my book. Great design.

Spellguard – (2 of 5) – The problem with this Path is there really isn’t a reason to take the base Warrior over it. As has been said, it’s the min/max option of choice as it gives the best options from both the Novice paths (Warrior and Magician). As a player, hell yea, it’s the option of choice. At the cost of some health (which I realize isn’t nothing) but you can attack and cast a spell every round, and you get the same amount of power as a Magician. This one could be salvaged but really needs to be downgraded a little before it plays fairly with the others.

As with any supplement, you may get more or less value out of it depending on how you feel about these Novice Paths. For me, even without the ones I didn’t like, the others were worthwhile. Is it worth the $3 microtransaction, I hesitantly say yes, but grab it on sale if you can.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Bred for Battle
Publisher: Schwalb Entertainment
by Joshua W. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 03/20/2020 03:56:34

An expansion of the warrior novice path that is essential for anyone who wants to build a martial character in SotDL. Whether you want to play a monk and punch people, a soldier and gain and provide benefits from and to those around you, an armiger and exemplify mounted combat, or a spellguard and start arguments over whether or not you're overpowered, you'll find what you need herein.

10/10 would buy again.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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