Wizard Books

This boxed set represents the pinnacle of what the 5th Age should be about, and is a must for every narrator/DM that wants to adventure in the 5th Age. The Citadel of Light (the mystical organization Goldmoon created when she discovered the magic of the Heart in the 5th Age) is detailed in full, with enough adventure hooks and story ideas to keep even the most active campaign busy. More importantly, this supplement is written in an interesting way that allows readers to absorb it quickly without falling asleep from boredom. I highly recommend this product for both SAGA and Dungeons and Dragons.

Note: Many of the characters in CoL are also used in Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's War of Souls trilogy, the first book of which is Dragons of a Fallen Sun.

Based on the Dungeons and Dragons Online PC game, this book takes a very detaled look at the inner workings of the only civilized town on the wild continent of Xendrik. Don't let the civilized part fool you, though. Stormreach can be as dangerous as the ruins, jungles, and desert which surround it.

Keith Baker (creator of the Eberron campaign setting), and the other authors of this book delve deeply into the various factions, dragonmarked houses, criminal elements and religions which make the city come alive. The map is somewhat intuitive, as well, and the artwork, as always for Eberron products, is stunning. A creative DM, however, could flesh out much of this information on his or her own given enough time. This book is intended more for DMs who need a quick reference for parties who base their adventures in Stormreach while exploring Xendrik. The only complaint is, once again, the absence of an index to quickly reference various NPC names or places.

The introduction takes a look at the history of Stormreach, as well as the demographics, stories, and the impact of The Last War. The introduction also includes twenty quick adventure ideas a DM could use in a pinch.

Chapter 1: Life in Stormreach examines the architecture, law and order, the art scene, festivals, and details on the districts and wards of the city. A nice color map is included that could easily be scanned and printed for player use. Those of you familiar with D&D Online will recognize the Harbor and Marketplace, but other areas present on the online game, such as the House districts are absent from the book. However, the House enclaves are clearly marked and explined in detail.

Chapter 2: Power and politics covers the Storm Lords, The Coin Lords, foreign powers, Dragonmarked Houses, criminal organizations, militias, religions, and The Emerald Claw. NPC stats and motivations are included, as well as side notes and stories which add a little flare to each group.

Chapter3: Members Only provides details on various groups that the players may become interested in joining. These groups are: The Bilge Rats - Criminal organization; The Blackwheel Company - military contractor; Bloodbound of the Red Ring - gladiators, mostly slaves; Cabal of Shadows - "troubled souls" non-good aligned; Covenant of Light - good aligned, Silver Flame or Path of Light worshipers; Crimson Codex - studious group, hopes to renew Galifar and avoid war; Guardians of Rusheme - druidic hill giants; Hollow Shards - con artists, illusionists; Iron Watch - warforged. Affiliations and requirements are given for each group, as well as a few bonus feats.

Chapter 4: Beyond the City discusses the cultures of Xendrik such as the Drow, giants, Yuan-Ti, and threats. This chapter also describes what a party could expext if heading inland and in need of guides. The Wayfinder Foundation is examined, as well as some legendary Xendrik monsters.

Chapter 5: Urban Adventures contains just what you think - urban adventures. There are seeds and scenarios for various adventures within (and beneath) the city itself.

Overall, this book easily earns its five stars simply for the content itself. Anyone running a Xendrik adventure, and pressed for time as a DM, should spend the $29.95 just to have a quick reference and adventure ideas within the city. I would deduct half a star if I could, however, for the lack of an index to quickly reference names and places.

Enjoy Stormreach!

Translated into Latim by C. J. Hinke and George Van Buren. For either the serious Oz collector or anyone interested in children's literature translated in Latin. Hic finitur fabula cuius titulus "Magus Mirabilis In Oz," quam scriptsit L. Franciscus Baum, picturis ornavir Gulielmus Wallace Denslow.

The Compleat Alchemist is a very good book for those who wish to create their own magical items. It covers everything from minor potions to making constructs and humonculi (sentient creatures grown in vats). The only limit is the PC's own imagination. I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoy going in depth in their own magical research. I use it all the time in my own campaign worlds.

If you have read Volume 4 "Ascended Master Instruction" by Beloved Saint Germain published by Saint Germain Press, you may begin to finally understand what He is saying on page 60 of that Great Book, when you turn the pages of the most Wonderous "Comte De Gabalis." Is it any wonder the Comte is considered to be none other than Francis Bacon--after feigning death--and continued to teach the Sacred Sciences. And this Francis is the one who transcended death itself and accepted a new name which means "Holy Brother" or "Sanctus Germanus" -- that is, Saint Germain! This is attributed to His Royal Majesty, and just as He used the pen name of "William Shakespeare" to pen the plays, he may have likewise, used the supposed author of this text as a filler. In fact, this manuscript was first published anonymously in 1670 and there was no record of an author or the name deVillars until later. Nevertheless, the Book is a True Art in Rosicrucian lore, in which contain such Truths, that every theologian, teacher, parent& child would do well to heed. One days they will and shall. Mary Baker Eddy remarked on the subnatural state of marriage, and this book explains why. It explains why the world is in the condition that it is & more importantly, how to get out of it. Some of the most Sacred Knowledge lies herein. You may obtain this or another reprinted edition by Health Research Books which is recommended. There are also books that were printed in 1913 and 1922 that are often available. All contain a commentary by Lotus Dudley which resides on the opposite side of the original text -- so make note of that. If you ever felt there was more to Life than what meets or is visible to the eye, than this book might make you quite merry... More importantly, it may be that the Gnomes & Gnomides, Nymphs, Sylphs & Sylphides, and Salamanders have found a friend who they can not only assist but present themselves. Happy Reading!

Conan Unchained! is an AD&D (1st edition) module for character levels 10-14. It is set in Robert E. Howard's world of the Hyborian Age, and is designed for use with four pre-generated characters: Conan, Nestor, Juma, and Valeria (though other characters can be substituted). The adventure itself pits the characters against an evil magic-user who has taken control of a Turanian city.

As a real bonus, this module contains information on running a campaign set in the Hyborian Age. Rules are given for "luck points" and fear factors. Also, information is given on the use of spell casters.

This module is absolutely a masterpiece. It is very well written, and has a lot of "goodies." If you can get this work, then do so!

An entirely fascinating historical account from the former Reichbank president, during periods of extreme national crisis. Dr. Schact's amazing successes are now a 'classroom example' in methods of managing a national economy, worldwide.

Even the family history of his Americanized name is fascinating and unusual.

Dr. Schact was dismissed by Hitler in 1939, later imprisoned by the Gestapo and National Socialists for implication in the July 20th, 1944, bombing attempt on the Reich Chancellor, and then also tried by the Allies at Nuremberg, where he was acquitted! He reports several direct conversations at meetings with Hitler, which are vital to the historical record now.

As a prisoner, he was sent to the infamous Dachau: "Later that evening we arrived in the courtyard of Dachau Camp... When at last we were unloaded from the van the Lieutenant Colonel in command -- a master craftsman from Munich -- received us with the utmost courtesy. He apologized for being unable to find us suitable accomodation... The treatment and the food were good. The Schuschnigg family installed their radio and we listened to the news regularly every afternoon over coffee."

Having been moved to numerous Nazi and Allied prison camps, he writes about the post-war American camp, near Oberursel: "These conditions were the worst I had experienced in any of my prisons.... Even on my admittance to the Nuremberg prison I was treated most discourteously by the American Prison Governor, Colonel Andrus."

Dr. Schact's account and short observations of Goering and the other unfortunate captives in the Allied dock at the Nuremberg trials is absolutely gripping.

This book is a 'must read' for modern readers/professors/teachers/students of history, economics, business management, political science, and international finance.

Highly recommended.

Hjalmar Schacht has been reviled by many as the man who financed Hitler's plan for world war. In fact he was tried at Nuremberg for that very thing. But he was acquitted (by the skin of his teeth!). Here he presents his view of what he accomplished as President of the Reichsbank (at two different times) and as Minister of Finance -- and why he quit. Although autobiographies of those who knew Hitler and worked with him are generally self-serving to acquit themselves of blame, Schacht's is one of the most believable. For those of us who know nothing of the machinations of world economics, this book is a fascinating, and easy to read, presentation.

While most consider Fisher's Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits to be his classic, I believe this book to be superior. The timing of the book is outstanding. Written at the bottom of the '73-'74 bear market, Fisher makes a case to buy stocks. A quote from the introduction makes this clear. "This book will, I hope, throw light on whether the problems that helped produce the recent bear market have created a condition where stock ownership is just a trap for the unwary or whether, as in every prior major bear market in U.S. history, they have created a magnificent opportunity for those with the ability and the self-discipline to think for themselves and to act independently of the popular emotions of the moment." Fisher goes on to state the many factors which make a great company. Being on Wall Street for 12 years, I have read many investment books, most of which are quite lacking. Along with his work done in 1980, Developing An Investment Philosophy, this is a must read for serious investors, and should be required reading in business schools.

A great romp for those who liked to get up in the wee hours of the morning and discuss the subtleties and abstractions which drive the human imagination.