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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. 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.
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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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