Elena Erasmi
Before starting this review of Drakonia, I want to thank Gamers Hunter Edizioni for providing us with a digital copy of the game rules. It is a classic fantasy RPG, which we will soon learn about in detail.
If after reading the review you are interested in purchasing it, you can find it on their website in a paper version at the price of 25 euros, while the digital version costs 5 euros.
Drakonia Review: the Breakdown of Contents
The manual has 112 pages divided into 21 chapters, which we can discover in the index at the beginning of the volume.
It is certainly not a manual that aims to summarize the contents, on the contrary, it describes each rule in the smallest detail, also providing us with examples of how to apply it. In one of the first chapters, the one on gaming terminology, we are shown how the example boxes are used.
As we can see in the two images, a brown box is used for further information on the mechanics or game suggestions. In the boxes with the red border, however, we find examples of the application of the mechanics.
Layout and Aesthetics of the Volume
The choices regarding layout and font are optimal; the manual overall appears very simple and the light background allows us to read it without any effort. The double column is suitable for presenting content. For a product of this type I would have preferred a more varied graphics section, with more colorful and less generic illustrations.
The abundant use of tables also makes the manual easy to consult; For every need, there is a reference table available. What you see in the image below, for example, is the level advancement table; for each amount of experience points, it shows the corresponding level and rank.
Review of Drakonia: Adventurers and Missions
The very first chapter that the manual offers us (after having explained the game terminology) is the one that illustrates how to create the Adventurers, the protagonists of our stories.
The classes to choose from are Warrior, Trickster, Sage and Sorcerer. For each one we are provided with different information and the appropriate equipment. We are offered different types of armour which can be divided into basic and special, based on the type they will absorb a different amount of damage. In addition to the normal equipment, we are presented with a long list of weapons and possibly the necessary ammunition.
All adventurers have the same characteristics: Prowess, which is skill in battle, Intelligence, which corresponds to charisma and willpower and finally Speed, which is the speed of adequately solving a problem.
Clearly each adventurer will be assigned other scores such as Impact and Protection Points.
After having explained to us how each character’s sheet is made up, the manual guides us in creating this. Optionally he will give us the opportunity to paint his portrait and write his story.
On Mission with Drakonia
The narrator, who is called the Grand Master, has the task of making the missions fun and never banal; furthermore, clearly, he must know how to choose when to apply the various rules.
What you can see in the image below is a tactical map. This can be drawn on the spot or prepared in advance to allow players to understand the situation they are about to face. Each square corresponds to a 1.5 m square and only one creature can stand there.
During missions, adventurers will move across maps, facing different locations. One particular rule that is emphasized is diagonal movement. In fact, this is only possible if the adjacent squares common to the starting square and the arrival square are free. At each turn, the adventurer can make a horizontal and/or vertical movement of a number of spaces equal to his Prowess value.
The tests are faced by rolling one or more d6s based on their difficulty. The number of dice to roll and how to read the result based on the difficulty can be seen in the table below.
Review of Drakonia: The Battles
The fights in Drakonia are explained to us in just over 10 pages.
First, unless there is a surprise, the initiative order is established. This is calculated by subtracting 1d6 from the Quickness score. Subsequently, we go in descending order. One round of combat equals 10 seconds in the game world.
During the turn, the player can choose to take a move action alone or combined with a combat action. Clearly, in addition to movement and attack, other actions can be performed:
- Retreat: to do so you must reach an Escape Box with a move action;
- Maneuver: an action that can be performed to gain an advantage in subsequent turns;
- Defense: A creature that goes into defense cannot perform other actions;
- Casting and Recalling a Spell: this action can only be performed by Sorcerers and Enchanters.
When a combat or throwing action is successful, Impact Points, called PI, must be calculated. The Protection (P#) that defends the target is determined by its nature and the armour it is wearing. Impact Points are calculated even if no weapons are used.
We are then shown the use of magic and a grimoire that we can consult. Attempting to cast a spell requires one turn, during which the caster cannot take any other actions. To obtain a Success, an Intelligence check is made to which the degree of complexity of the spell is added as a penalty. The Sorcerer’s Grimoire contains destructive, psychic, special spells, and witchcraft rituals.
Finally, we are explained how to assign experience points and how to manage the death of the character. In fact, while waiting to use a new character, the player can manage NPCs and monsters.
Conclusions of the Drakonia Review
The keyword for Drakonia is certainly simplicity. It is a complete manual with all the rules necessary to play and the price is also suitable for the type of product. Personally, I would have focused more on the graphics section of the manual. The wealth of tables is certainly fundamental for the player and the master, especially the novice ones.
This manual does not contain a setting, which will emerge in other volumes; instead, it has a Glossary and a Bestiary which prove to be useful and extensive.
I recommend this product to anyone who wants a simple-to-use regulation and many appendices to include everything you need.
