The Moons of Arksyra
From: Hypernova Games
Reviewed by: Ron McClung
The Moons of Arksyra is a new d20 World Book/Adventure PDF from Hypernova Games.
PDF formatted d20 supplements are definitely a risky and somewhat “touch-and-go” area of publishing. Frankly, there is more cr*p out there in PDF format than anything else for d20. However, every once in a long while, a PDF comes along that is inspiring and makes you wish it was in printed format. For me, The Moons of Arksyra was one of those PDFs. Between the impressive art and the inspired ideas, I just wish I could get this without printing 122 pages on my own. It’s versatility and originality are very attractive.
From the page # 7: “ In a distant solar system, nine moons circle a green-hued gas giant called Arksyra”
Background: First off, the setting is in a solar system and not just some endless land. That alone attracted me immediately. As I read more, it was the richness of its background, the complexity of its politics, and the vastness of its depth that drew me in further. Most of the action takes place on the moons of the gas giant, four of which are inhabitable. All four of these moons are connected by the mysteriously magical Ghiharan Towers, which allows for travel between them. A whole host of races, including humans, inhabit the moons. All four moons are diametrically different from one another in the way of topography and weather – from the temperate Inswar to the arctic Tir-Vak.
After a short description of each of the four habitable moons, and their uninhabitable sisters, Moons goes into a detailed mythology and history of the moons, solar system and all its turbulent past. The mythology is rich with gods and goddesses, betrayal and darkness, tragedy and triumph, all the while creating a universe and a system rich in magic and intrigue. The mythology reads like an ancient tome, telling the tale of creation, the birth of Arksyra, the creation of the towers, the birth of the races and the coming of the evil Eledin (evil chaotic race). The author spends a lot of time on the mythology of the Moons – a total of 8 pages initially are dedicated to the story of the pantheon’s creation, its battles, and its connection to Arksyra, the moons and the races that inhabit it. On top of that, there are 13 more pages closer to the end dedicated to religion and astrology.
Following the Mythology is the History portion, rich in war and rebellion. Politics, racial nations, and long standing warring factions throughout this history shaped the moons as they are ‘today.’ The moons ‘now’ are heading into a new age where Magic is fading and new technologies – like gun powder – are taking over. The history goes through the five eras or ages, explaining the growth of Magic, how it was learned by the people through the gods, and now how it is fading. From the Three Empire War on Inswar and the new threat of the Eledin, there is plenty of background history for a GM to play with, while at the same time it’s general and ambiguous enough in places for a GM to add his own work.
From the website: “ … the Moons of Arksyra are home to many unique races and strange creatures… ”
There are interesting additional races for the players to explore: the cat-like Ky-Bril, the dwarven- like Rowkarans and the elf-like multi-colored N’miri. Along with humans, these species dominate the four moons. The Ky-Bril (+1 Equivalent Character Level race) are quite cool, but I’ve always been partial to feline races. They can shapeshift from a bipedal form to a quadruped form and are an honorable warrior race. The N’Miri are like elves with a superiority complex, but there are three sub-species with each having a different color skin.
Towards the middle of the PDF is an extensive explanation of the Gods and Demi-Gods, and their relations to the Arksyra moons. Included is a “family tree” of the Gods and DemiGods, which I found a nice touch. Also included in this area is an amazingly detailed description of the Astrology of the setting. I know I haven’t seen too many fantasy setting books, but of the ones I’ve seen, they have not gone into this kind of detail before. I was impressed with this section. It consists of ways to determine your character’s Birth Sign and Rising Sign. This can all be linked to an astrological influenced campaign in ways I have not seen in many settings.
System: The system is d20. Additional to the d20 system, the material includes prestige classes, new firearms rules, and a couple of new skills to accommodate the new firearms. There is a short section addressing the core classes and prestige classes in this universe, followed by 4 new prestige classes. I am not sure why Aim and Gun Handling were added as new skills when other d20 systems handle them through a special combat action and a feat (respectively), but that’s something one can take or just leave out.
To go along with the Firearms Rules are new weapons. Because this is set in a technological progression that’s roughly post-Renaissance time period, the firearms are primarily muzzle-loading black powder guns. Also, there are several new melee weapons unique to the Moons.
Amazingly enough, there are no added Feats.
In addition to the existing magic system, there is the effect that magic fading away has on spell casters. Magic is easier closer to the towers. Other places have a depletion rating that forces the spell caster to make an additional roll before casting a spell. I am not always in favor of additional rolls, but it is the simplest way to go about it.
Along with the additional gods are additional Clerical Domains which are listed at the end of the Religions section. The Astrological section also adds in new rules for Enhancement and Opposition bonuses based on the players Rising and Birth Sign vs. the current rising and active sign. I felt that this was a cool idea, although it might be a hassle for a GM to keep up with.
Also, there are a whole host of creatures new to the setting as well as a listing of Monster Manual creatures and where they are commonly found on the moons. This adds to the completeness of the product.
Layout: What stands out to me is the art – in my opinion, one word – “fantastic!” It’s a well laid out PDF with great art throughout. The racial picture of the Ky-Bril are simply awesome and so are the creature pictures. The art within the Mythology and History are like hieroglyphics from an alien world and gives you the feeling this was a well thoughtout culture. The art between the sections is colorful and inspiring. The art is one of the reasons I wanted this PDF to be in print.
The only thing that is missing is at least adventure nugget ideas of some kind. However, with any kind of imagination, a GM should be able to come up with something.
In conclusion, there are many reasons I like this setting supplement. Primary of those is that it’s not your typical fantasy setting – spread out across 4 moons orbiting a giant. This supplement has the potential to bridge into other genres, like the science fantasy of FFG’s Dragonstar. With a little creativity a GM can even carry this over to d20 Star Wars. I like the versatility and uniqueness to it. It is also visually stimulating with art that accentuates its uniqueness. This a self contained setting book, well written and thought out. I recommend this supplement to anyone that wants something different out of the D&D game.
For more details on Hypernova Games and their new d20 World Book/Adventure PDF “The Moons of Arksyra” check them out at their website http://www.hypernovagames.com, and at all of your local game stores.
The Moons of Arksyra
From: Hypernova Games
Type of Game: d20 Setting Supplement
Written by: Eric Schafer
Contributing Authors: Muffy Montemayor, Sharon Riggs, Brian Story,
Graeme Davis
Game Design by: System: Wizards of the Coast / Setting:
Graeme Davis, Muffy Montemayor, Brian Story
Cover Art by: Ravi Zupa
Additional Art by: Brian Bearly, Matt Campbell, Steve Chesworth, Zach
Levinson, Leslie Minnis, Eric Schafer, Nate Wheeler, Ravi Zupa
Number of Pages: 112
Game Components Included: PDF File
Game Components Not Included: D&D 3.5 Core Rulebooks
Website: www.hypernovagames.com
Reviewed by: Ron McClung