ROME - Life and Death of the Republic

[Trifletraxor]

BRP Rome is a historical campaign setting focusing on the city and culture of Rome, from its legendary founding in 753 B.C., to the end of the Republic in 27 B.C. To a Roman, rome was the centre og the world, and the provinces merely places to conquer and reap taxes from.

Since this is a historic setting, most of the information has been carefully researched to be as accurate as possible, drawing on archaeological and historical theories available. Throughout the entire manuscript are inserted dozen of quotes from Republican authors which illuminate Roman life of that era in the voices of those alive at the time. Some supernatural and mythological elements have been included in the Magic and Creatures chapters to provide for Game Masters desiring a mythic campaign. The setting is full of exciting possibilities due to its early mythology, and the later political chaos.

The book contain rules for character generation, information about the society, culture, mythology and religion, magic rules, detailed information about the city of Rome, the games, the legions and a historical timeline, in addition to several dozen scenario plot seeds. A sequel, Veni, Vidi, Vici - Four Adventures for Rome, has also been published.

220 pages. The author is Pete Nash. Published June 2009 by Alephtar Games.

If you own Rome - Life and Death of the Republic, please consider helping your fellow members by rating it or writing a review.

[Akrasia]

I just received this in the mail from Lulu today (I took advantage of their 'HOHOHO' sale).

My immediate impression is very positive. It looks packed with information. And, although set during an earlier era, it should compliment Cthulhu Invictus nicely (I hope).

Also, it's cool to have an A4 sized book.

However, I have two small issues with the formatting. First, the inner margins are too small -- i.e., the text is too close to the binding. This isn't a huge problem -- everything is readable -- but it doesn't look nice. Second, the paragraph formatting alternates between 'unjustified' (most text) and 'justified' (most quotes). Personally, I think that all text should be justified. In any case, it should consistently be one or the other. All IMHO, of course.

Sorry for the nitpicks. As I said, this looks like a very high quality product, and I look forward to reading -- and eventually using -- it!

[Pete Nash]

My immediate impression is very positive. It looks packed with information. And, although set during an earlier era, it should compliment Cthulhu Invictus nicely (I hope).

Yes it should provide a lot of cultural and social background, along with many interesting historical events on which to pin scenarios.

Also, it's cool to have an A4 sized book.

It helps to squeeze in a higher word count!

However, I have two small issues with the formatting. First, the inner margins are too small -- i.e., the text is too close to the binding. This isn't a huge problem -- everything is readable -- but it doesn't look nice. Second, the paragraph formatting alternates between 'unjustified' (most text) and 'justified' (most quotes). Personally, I think that all text should be justified. In any case, it should consistently be one or the other. All IMHO, of course.

The quotes were formatted that way for emphasis, so that you can locate the passage quicker if scanning the page, and it breaks up the flow of the quite dense text. I like it because it captures the attention of a casual browser and sucks them straight into the subject with a paragraph or two.

Sorry for the nitpicks. As I said, this looks like a very high quality product, and I look forward to reading -- and eventually using -- it!

Tastes vary of course, but if this the worst of your nitpicks, I think I'm a very happy man indeed! :lol:

Thanks for the comments Akrasia. Perhaps after you finish reading it you could post something nice about Rome on your blog? :thumb: Does anyone else have any (re)views which will help out the production team at Alephtar Games, or my own future projects?

[Akrasia]

...
Thanks for the comments Akrasia. Perhaps after you finish reading it you could post something nice about Rome on your blog? :thumb:

Sure, most likely in late January (I will not have a chance to read it until then).

[Pilous]

Hello

Yes, A4 is far better than US letter! :-D


>However, I have two small issues with the formatting. First, the inner margins are too small -- i.e., the text is too close to the binding. This isn't a huge problem -- everything is readable -- but it doesn't look nice. Second, the paragraph formatting alternates between 'unjustified' (most text) and 'justified' (most quotes). Personally, I think that all text should be justified. In any case, it should consistently be one or the other. All IMHO, of course.≥

Yes the inner margins was my error. Rome was my first time with a 200 page moloch, I have forgotten that this problem could have rised ;-)
Luckly redeability isn't compromised by this...
Also I would like have used a bit fewer clip arts and more “fresh” illustrations. But the deadline was hellish (and the clip arts give it a “historical” flavour
For the change in justifications it is a voluntarly choice, to break the main text from the quotations (as Pete says)

Thank you for the positive comments
;-)

Dario

[ghoyle1]

Hi there,
I haven't doine more than browse through this book yet, but I'm very impressed. This is one of my favorite periods of history. I'm a big fan of John Maddox Roberts' SPQR series, which is also set during this time period, and it will be a wonderful inspirations for a Rome campaign.

Good luck with this and future supplements!

Guy

[JDemlow]

Hi all! First time posting.

I just picked this one up and am going to be using it to GM for the first time. Really looking forward to it! It is my favorite period in history, and I'm planning on running a campaign during the second Punic War. If anyone has any advice, I would love the input!

[rust]

I have just downloaded BRP Rome, and from what I have seen so far I am almost convinced
that it is by far the best historical supplement I have ever seen - Congratulations.

My only problem is that it is a little difficult to read on the screen, especially the black on grey
quotes in the margins.

[Pete Nash]

I just picked this one up and am going to be using it to GM for the first time. Really looking forward to it! It is my favorite period in history, and I'm planning on running a campaign during the second Punic War. If anyone has any advice, I would love the input!

I'd suggest keeping combat to a minimum, perhaps using it as the climatic conclusion to some scenarios - a battle or assassination attempt for example. BRP can be lethal and healing wounds takes time. Using long distance travel or campaigning seasons can help pace the adventures so that PCs have time to recover.

If you know your history, the 2nd Punic War can be a fantastic basis for lots of internecine feuding amongst the senate members, and political intrigue between Rome and its wavering client city-states. So I'd suggest focussing on the ambitions, stupidity and treachery of the leading figure of the time - lots of roleplaying and political manoeuvring, with the PCs starting as loyal clients before being tempted (or driven) to seizing power for themselves. Throw in the occasional battle to keep the combat junkies happy and some sea voyages which narrowly survive bad storms, pirates or Punic fleets.

Realistically the greatest danger in the campaign shouldn't be Carthage, but the military incompetance or self-seeking aspirations of their own side... assuming the party are Romans of course!

[Pete Nash]

I have just downloaded BRP Rome, and from what I have seen so far I am almost convinced
that it is by far the best historical supplement I have ever seen - Congratulations.

Thanks Rust! Of course I'm only reponsible for the writing, it was the rest of the team (Dario, Paolo and co.) who did such a fantastic job of layout and locating/providing better art. Although it maybe a little difficult to read on screen, I personally think it was their production values which made this a top-notch supplement. As a physical book, the clarity of layout is excellent.