Review of Lone Star

[EltonRobb]

After playtesting the book, I did a review of Lone Star. I hope you all find it enjoyable.

[Curbludgeon]

Looks good! An all Lone Star mutant game set in Kansas seems like it would be less swingy than a lot of other approaches.

[Grazzik]

A simple, but correct assessment of IMO probably one of the best books PB ever put out.

There is so much more in the book than what is included in the review, though.

• There is a random trait/ability table that can be used to make a PC, not just mutants, a bit more unique and add a minor buff

• There is setting detail galore to flesh out what is still a relatively underpopulated region, despite a few growing communities or established city states

• Doesn't lean too heavy on Texas tropes, but they are there if it fits your campaign

• There is the crucial detail that there are few LLs in the area meaning it is not exactly a magic-rich area, an important factor for any mages passing through

• The artwork is well done compared to some other books and includes decent maps

• Establishes a tone of hovercycle culture, which makes sense given the terrain

• Clarifies rules regarding ferals and freeborn

• Lots of NPCs (though PB needs to provide more low-mid level reoccurring NPCs who could play a bigger role in early stage campaigns)

To be fair, some criticisms include:

• It still feels like it is only scratching the surface of what could be a complex and unique region

• More info about day to day life in various LS communities would add flavor... a Ciudad Juarez-esque treatment of Lone Star City, Worth, Houstown and/or the Dallas Ruins would have been AWESOME

• A lot of reprinted content - makes sense to give the book a sense of completeness, but takes up a lot of space

• The role genetic science plays in the CS could have been expanded more... like details on the briefly described agro-industrial, healthcare, or uniquely Rifts applications. Psi-X Aliens and Xiticix Killers are good starts, but... what we all want to know is whether giant mutant cattle taste like BBQ?