Hi,

  This is obviously not a playtest but my reactions and thoughts.  In general, I think moves that are 99% always done aren't very interesting.  It's the choice and decision that makes things interesting...

  I feel that the Gnoll's Bard's talent is too good especially compared to the Human/Elf talents.  I think Gnoll bards would primarily end up using that move for every battle.

  I like the Gnoll Druid's talent.  I wonder if it'd be better to have it be a roll though so it can have some interesting side-effects/complications.  Otherwise, I imagine a Gnoll druid would chew the marrow of every fallen foe hoping hoping for a clue or hint of treasure.

  Just out of curiosity, why the half-orc and not just Orc? 
I think the Half Orc's Bardic talent may also be a touch overbalanced?  But then again, Bards only hit for 1d6?  Am I correct that the +1d4 just applies for his next attack and not the whole encounter?

  The Lizardsfolk Fighter's armour; does it stack w/ regular armor? 
The Lizardfolk wizard has too much leeway w/ the spout lore talent.  I'd set a limit on it as once per session otherwise you may as well treat every 7-9 as 10+.

  The talents I found most interesting were the Gnoll Druid, Half Orc Cleric, and Lizardfolk Paladin. 

Thanks for posting this.


 

YES!

Wow, I had thought about holding out for the physical book, but I'm happy w/ the PDFs now.  It's easier to read on computer or take it w/ me on iPad.

I'm looking at the Mage Playbook as well.  Do you have any experience running it?  It seems like a bit of work for the MC; even a 10+ has some sort of consequence to factor.  Not sure also how a 9th level Mage would cast a better spell than a 1st? 

I do like the creativity; but the focus benefit doesn't make sense?  When you cast a spell to which you have a focus, your benefit cannot be less than +1?  I assume most mages will have at least a +1 Int bonus. 

When you damage someone magically?  Do you just roll the d8 for the class? 

  Just my inclination, but I've found RPG healing to be more akin to video games.  It feels like the Cleric is dutifully recharging batteries after every skirmish.  In most fantasy fiction, the characters recover quickly from their scrapes and battles, but when they are healed by a cleric it is a miraculous thing. 

  I would honestly be in favour of allowing characters to recover nearly all lost HPs when they have a chance to breathe after a battle.  But when appropriate, give them busted ribs, wrenched joints, or a smashed ruin of a nose.  When the cleric calls upon his faith, it feels more significant. 

  From a rules standpoint, you free up the cleric from his healing duty.  You also free up the party from having to have a cleric.  This also allows the party to continue w/ fewer camps being made.  I suppose cure light wounds would then deal w/ sprains or minor tears.  cure moderate wounds could deal w/ broken bones, and cure serious wounds heal life threatening injuries like pneumothorax or a gangrenous limb.