This article originally appeared in Pyramid #19

Pyramid Pick

The Fantasy Role-Playing Gamer's Bible

Published by Prima Publishing
Written by Sean Patrick Fannon
$19.95

Mr. Fannon worries early on in this book about whether he is up to the task of writing a "bible" for roleplaying gamers. He realizes that the task is Herculean; there is so much variety in the field that to try to capture it in one comprehensive volume is difficult at best, and at worst, impossible. He needn't worry, though. He acquitted himself admirably.

You see, he realized that this "bible" should not be a textbook-like collection of dry facts about roleplaying, but instead a friendly, jumbled potpourri of useful stuff related not only to what roleplaying is and how it came about, but how to actually go about doing it. The tone is casual, informed, often humorous (though sometimes he tries too hard to be funny), and impartial. If you've never played a roleplaying game before, but are interested in it, this approach is very helpful.

Newbies are treated early on to an extensive discussion of how to form a gaming group, where to find players and game masters, and how to arrange busy schedules to make time for games. There is information about where to get roleplaying games, what kind of atmosphere and locations are best and what kind of "extras" you'll need when you play. These sections give a nice (and accurate) feel for what actually goes on during a gaming session. Finally, the author includes a special plea to players to take on the difficult task of . . .

This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.



Article publication date: May 1, 1996

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