Publisher: Troll Lord Games
The world of Aihrde spins upon an earth-like axis of ancient civilizations where good and evil have struggled for countless years. It is a world that bears the markings of its past; where ancient evils slumber, stained with the power of eldritch wizardry; where gods dwell in bejeweled halls of wonderment, worshiped by men and women of all creeds; where dragons live in great dens of heaped treasure; where the new stands upon the ruins of the old in beds of ancient glory.
Codex of Aihrde: A Review
Introduction
In this review, I will share my thoughts and opinions on the title: Codex of Aihrde, a fantasy role-playing game setting that is compatible with the Castles & Crusades system. I will give an overview of the book’s content, its strengths and weaknesses, and its value for gamers and storytellers. I will also provide some links where you can find more information or purchase the book online.
Content
The Codex of Aihrde is a massive tome that contains everything you need to know about the world of Aihrde, a fantasy setting that has been developed by Troll Lord Games for over 20 years. The book is divided into two main parts: The Andanuth and The Almanac.
The Andanuth
The Andanuth is the history and mythology of Aihrde, from its creation by the All Father to the present age of 1197, after the fall of the Horned God Unklar. It covers the major events, conflicts, and characters that shaped the world, such as the War of the Gods, the Rise and Fall of Empires, the Age of Darkness, and the Age of Light. It also explains the cosmology, metaphysics, and magic of Aihrde, such as the Planes of Existence, the Runes of Power, and the Codex of Creation.
The Almanac
The Almanac is the gazetteer and atlas of Aihrde, covering its geography, climate, flora, fauna, peoples, cultures, religions, politics, and magic. It describes the various regions, realms, cities, and landmarks of Aihrde, such as the Frozen Northlands, the Great Green Sea, the Kingdoms of Ursal and Erling, and the City of Inzae. It also introduces the various races, factions, organizations, and personalities that inhabit Aihrde, such as the Elves of Erde, the Dwarves of Aufstrag, the Knights of Nolomar, and the Witch Queen.
The book also includes several appendices that provide additional information on topics such as time, calendar, weather, languages, and more.
Strengths
The Codex of Aihrde is a stunning work of art and imagination. The book is full of beautiful illustrations, maps, charts, and tables that bring the world to life. The writing is clear, engaging, and evocative. The authors have created a world that is both familiar and original, drawing inspiration from various sources such as Norse mythology, Celtic lore, Arthurian legend, Tolkien’s Middle-earth, and more.
The world of Aihrde is a complex and dynamic one, where ancient evils lurk in the shadows, where gods and mortals interact in mysterious ways, where magic and technology coexist in harmony or conflict, and where heroes and villains shape the course of history.
The Codex of Aihrde is not just a sourcebook, but a storyteller’s guide. The book is filled with adventure hooks, plot ideas, secrets, mysteries, and legends that invite the reader to explore the world and create their own stories. The book also encourages the reader to make the world their own, by adding their own details, modifying existing ones, or creating new ones. The book provides guidelines and suggestions on how to do so, as well as examples of how the authors have done it themselves.
Weaknesses
The Codex of Aihrde is not without its flaws. The book is very dense and heavy, which can make it hard to read or carry around. The book also contains some typos, inconsistencies, and errors that can be confusing or distracting. Some parts of the book are more detailed than others, which can create gaps or imbalances in the information available. Some aspects of the world are more original than others, which can make some elements seem clichéd or derivative.
The Codex of Aihrde is also very specific and tailored to the Castles & Crusades system, which can make it difficult or incompatible to use with other systems or genres. Some rules or mechanics may not translate well or require adaptation or conversion. Some concepts or themes may not suit every taste or preference.
Value
The Codex of Aihrde is a must-have for any fan of fantasy role-playing games. It is a comprehensive and versatile resource that can be used with any system or genre. It is a world that can inspire countless adventures and campaigns for years to come. It is a world that can challenge and reward both players and game masters alike. It is a world that can become your world.
The Codex of Aihrde is available in both print and digital formats. You can purchase it online from [Troll Lord Games] or [DriveThruRPG]. You can also find more information and resources on the [official website] or the [Facebook page].
Conclusion
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Codex of Aihrde to anyone who loves fantasy role-playing games and storytelling. It is a book that will immerse you in a rich and detailed world that you will never forget. It is a book that will spark your imagination and creativity like never before. It is a book that will make you a better gamer and storyteller.