This article originally appeared in d20 Weekly
Oathbound: Domains of the Forge
Published by Bastion Press
Written by Greg Dent, Jim Butler, and Todd Morasch
352-page color hardcover; $39.95
Oathbound: Domains of the Forge is a campaign setting for the d20 System. The book is similar in scope to the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting in that it has a large amount of setting material accompanied by additional character generation and other rules material, adventure ideas, and a complete introductory adventure. However, while the approach of the book may be similar, the setting itself is very different, having a feel much more like the classic Ravenloft and Planescape settings.
The book has color interior art. One of the main artists is Todd Morasch, who has a coarse style with emaciated-looking, gnarl-knuckled creatures and bold, wavy detail lines. Stephanie Pui-Man Law and a'lis (who does the cover illustration) are arguably the most talented contributors; their styles help create an eerie, otherworldly feel for the setting.
Oathbound is designed so that is can be used as a temporary or permanent diversion from a standard d20 System fantasy campaign. The world of Oathbound is called the Forge. Most of the adventurer-type characters in the Forge are drawn involuntarily from other worlds, and, reminiscent of Ravenloft, returning to the characters' home world is relatively difficult.
The central story behind Oathbound revolves around a realm of wondrous worlds created by a deity that drew the attention of other deities. Threatened by . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: September 25, 2002
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