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Chivalry & Sorcery 5th Edition RPG. With the resurgence of interest in Old School Roleplaying and after years of development we are now happy to bring to print the 5th Edition of one of the Classic Role Playing Games. Streamlined rules, refining the time-tested core mechanics of previous editions into and intuitive elegant system for modern.
Designer(s) | Edward E. Simbalist, Wilf K. Backhaus |
---|---|
Publisher(s) | Gamestuff Inc |
Publication date | 2000, RedBook (Gamestuff) 2009, RedBook Phoenix edition 2011, RedBook Chimera edition 2012, RedBook Gorgon edition 2013, RedBook Manticore edition 2014, RedBook Hydra edition 2015, RedBook fork Troll-Head 2016, RedBook Minotaur edition |
Genre(s) | Fantasy |
System(s) | Custom |
The Red Book is a trade mark of Gamestuff Inc[1] and is an unauthorized edition of Chivalry & Sorcery (C&S) role playing game. Its name is from the red cover of the 1st official edition. All successive Red Book editions took the same design. Editions of Red Book after the first are named in addition to numbered: Phoenix (2nd), Chimera (3rd), Gorgon (4th), Manticore (5th), Hydra (6th) and Minotaur (7th). Red Book preserves the cover and typeface of the 1st edition of C&S. C&S was originally created in 1977 by two Canadian game designers, Edward E. Simbalist and Wilf K. Backhaus, and first published by Fantasy Games Unlimited[2] (FGU), an American editor. The 2nd edition was also published by FGU (1983), the 3rd by Highlander Designs[3] (1996) and the 4th by Britannia Game Designs (2000), an English editor.[4]
C&S: the Red Book[edit]
Published in 2000 by Wilf Backhaus and Hugh Tyreman. This free download pdf was published by Gamestuff Inc, a gaming company based in Camrose, Alberta.[5] C&S Red Book was a reprinting of the original 1977 edition of C&S with a larger typeface size and some minor additions.[6] It was produced under license from Wilf K. Backhaus, Maple Leaf Games Ltd[7] (the game company of Ed. Simbalist who died in March 2005), and Britannia Game Designs Ltd[8] (BGD) by Gamestuff Inc. At that time Simbalist and Backhaus officially parted since Wilf Backhaus did not take part in the writing of C&S4: the Rebirth.[9] This edition is the only authorized version even if its legality seem to be in question.[10] All successive versions are unlicensed and have the same cover as the first edition published by FGU in 1977[11] (see image above). Nonetheless the Red Book has been continuously updated by fans over the years and is available as a pdf.[12]
C&S RedBook 2: Phoenix[edit]
Published in 2009, this version appears to be based on Red Book. The work contains many unlicensed references to Middle Earth's Tolkien universe and it restores the Black Magick spells that disappeared since the 3rd edition.[13] The cover is a copy of the original 1st Book edition cover art.[14]
Changes made from the original C&S RedBook:
- 3 new classes (Spy, Inquisitor, Dark Knight)
- new clerical fighting orders
- plagues & diseases
- new weapons for monsters
- new drugs & poisons
- the inquisition
- the Opus Dei
- Druidism
- Druidic cults & Deities
- Elves, Dwarves & Hobbits lifestyles
- new spells & Black Magick
- the magicians part 3
- new magic weapons & armors
- new magic items
- extended monsters descriptions
- new monsters
- designing monsters
- Archaeron
C&S RedBook 3: Chimera[edit]
![Chivalry & sorcery pdf Chivalry & sorcery pdf](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125516034/733018123.jpg)
In 2011, another edition of 338 pages was released as a free downloadable pdf. This version contains the last writings of Wilf Backhaus, who died in October 2009[15] and the full supplement 'Arden', one of the nations in the Archaeron campaign of the designers of Chivalry & Sorcery that was first published by FGU in 1979.[16] This edition kept the original game's mechanics but focused on background material such as Demonology. At that time, an official 5th edition was still in development. When C&S Chimera was issued, BDG attempted to protect its trademarks.[17]
Changes made from C&S RB Phoenix:
- new elven races (Noldor: High elves, Sindar: Grey Elves and Nandor: Wood Elves)
- 2 new religions: paganism and wotanism
- the place a women in the feudal society
- the free companies
- the exorcist, new character class
- the saints
- churches of Evil for Dark Knights
- the Summoner, a new type of magician
- occult books
- backfire table
- symbols of guard
- circles of power and summoning
- spells of summoning
- Demonology: infernal origin, hierarchy in hell, the Watchers, possessions, Cardinal pacts
- Angelology: angelic hierarchy, angelic appearance, archangels, powers of angels
- the medieval cities
- new monsters
- the full supplement of Arden with original maps
C&S RedBook 4: Gorgon[edit]
One year after the release of C&S6, a new version of 489 pages was launched on the internet as a free downloadable pdf. This version was named C&S Red Book 4th to avoid confusion with the (then) future official 5th edition to come.[18] This edition kept the original game's mechanic and contains old/unpublished writings and articles of Ed. Simbalist, who died in March 2005, and Wes Ives,[19] a major contributor to the first edition of C&S. The full supplement 'Saurians', the world of intelligent dinosaurs that was published by FGU in 1979,[20] had been included in the appendix.
Changes made from C&S RB Chimera:
- the Nephilims: a new race
- skills
- the medieval castle
- crimes & punishments
- torture during the Middle age
- the Herald
- Fighting orders organization
- a Warrior Monk Day Planner
- Holy relics
- The Blessings of the Valar
- Ogham
- White Magick
- Witchcraft Organisation
- Demon weapons & Demon armors
- creating a medieval world
- customs of feudal society
- playing evil
- the full supplement Saurians
C&S RedBook 5: Manticore[edit]
In June 2013, a new version of 666 pages was released as a free downloadable pdf. Like the boxed set of the official second edition of Chivalry & Sorcery published by Fantasy Games Unlimited (FGU), this version is divided into three core rulebooks,[21] followed by appendices.
- Book 1 discusses character creation, skills, virtues and flaws, experience and advancement.
- Book 2 discusses combat, feudal age, tournaments, castles, warfare and monsters.
- Book 3 discusses magick, magical combat, demons, angels and the pantheon of Middle Earth (unlicensed by the Tolkien estate).
The appendices contain expansions, modules and supplements published by FGU.Despite the fact that all redbook editions bear the logo of FGU, Scott Bizar, the CEO of the company claims he has nothing to do with them, and since Backhaus' death in 2009, the editors remain anonymous.[22] A group calling itself the 'Loyal Order of Chivalry & Sorcery Revival Team' began making announcements on behalf of Red Book editors.[23] Originally, Wilf Backhaus founded the LOCS in September 1996 as a mean of keeping alive interest in C&S.[24]
Changes made from C&S RB Gorgon:
- a new race: the Half-elven
- the Nordic Barbarians
- Paladins & Dark knights
- the agricultural year
- heraldry for monsters
- seals
- army organisation
- how to play a vampire
- the Nordic magick users
- the ancient runes
- new spells
- The DragonLord and The Songsmith: 2 modules for C&S[25]
![Chivalry & sorcery pdf Chivalry & sorcery pdf](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125516034/432392836.png)
C&S RedBook 6: Hydra[edit]
Published in May 2014 this new version of 864 pages was released on the internet and is divided into 9 books:[26] This version contains two extensions never published by FGU although long ago advertised: 'Crusaders', a supplement covering the time of the Crusades in the Holy Land; and 'King Arthur', the mythic England of Arthurian legends. As well as writings of Isaac Bonewits about the C&S magick system.
Hydra was organized in nine books.
- book 1: the great campaign (180 pages)
- book 2: the book of chivalry (158 pages)
- book 3: the book of sorcery (146 pages)
- book 4: warfare (34 pages)
- book 5: crusaders (80 pages)
- book 6: king Arthur (86 pages)
- book 7: Saurians (66 pages)
- book 8: the campaign book (80 pages)
- book 9: the appendices (22 pages)
C&S: World of the Troll-Head[edit]
In August 2015, a new fork of Original C&S RedBook was available. This edition of 235 pages is an adaptation of OC&S1 and OC&S2 with a few enlightenments, expansions and houserules. The book provides rules for creating characters in the feudal realms of the Troll Head: a vast continent where many different cultures live.[27]Unlike editing RedBook, both authors Jean-Marc Pinaud and Guy-Franck Richard did not remain anonymous. They offer to download these version on the website that propels their online campaign called Galapiat.[28]
C&S RedBook 7: Minotaur[edit]
One year after the release of C&S Troll-Head, a new RedBook version called Minotaur was published online as a free downloadable pdf.[29] This edition totaled 964 pages divided into 11 chapters:
- book 1: the great campaign (160 pages)
- book 2: those who pray (90 pages) - NEW -
- book 3: the book of chivalry (98 pages)
- book 4: the book of sorcery (126 pages)
- book 5: Creatures Bestiary (86 pages) - NEW -
- book 6: warfare (36 pages)
- book 7: crusaders (100 pages)
- book 8: king Arthur (86 pages)
- book 9: Saurians (66 pages)
- book 10: the campaign book (80 pages)
- book 11: the appendices (22 pages)
References[edit]
- ^basic facts from 1998 Corporate Registry for Gamestuff Inc. - Alberta, Canada
- ^FGU's website
- ^Highlander Designs on rpggeek
- ^BGD Official facebook page
- ^citation from Wilf Backhaus about C&S Red Book
- ^C&S Red Book published by GameStuff Inc.
- ^Maple Leaf Games Ltd in Dudley, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- ^Brittannia Games Ltd in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- ^Review of C&S4: the Rebirth
- ^'the agreement' from Steve Turner, CEO of BGD
- ^A Review of Chivalry and Sorcery, 1st Edition
- ^Shannon Appelcline (2011). Designers & Dragons. Mongoose Publishing. ISBN978-1-907702-58-7.
- ^Chivalry and Sorcery 3rd Edition, and Gamemaster's Handbook
- ^Picture of Gorgon edition cover
- ^Wilfried Karl Backhaus
- ^the feudal state of Arden
- ^Official announcement of Mr Steve Turner, BGD Managing Director
- ^C&S Redbook schedule
- ^C&S contributor
- ^the world of the Saurians
- ^FGU's C&S 2nde edition
- ^official statement from Brittannia Game Designs
- ^the LOCS Revival Team on G+
- ^the defunct official LOCS web site
- ^review of The DragonLord and The Songsmith
- ^The 9 covers of Hydra edition
- ^C&S Troll-Head announcement
- ^the Gapaliat campaign powered by C&S Troll-Head
- ^Minotaur announcement
External links[edit]
- Gamestuff Inc. homepage link broken as of 08:07, 15 December 2017 (UTC)
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Red_Book_(C%26S)&oldid=931906143'
The Elves Companion(affiliate link) for Chivalry & Sorcery was originally published for Chivalry & Sorcery 3rd Edition in 2000. Note that I am reviewing it with a view for its use with Chivalry & Sorcery 5th Edition.
The Elves Companion is available from DriveThruRPG as a scanned PDF from the printed original. Although the scan is very clear and the book is easily readable, it has not been OCR’d. This means you can’t keyword search the PDF nor copy and paste from it nor use other text manipulation tools. That said, the 58-page PDF is only $4, less than scans of old D&D modules (which are, generally, OCR’d). So this is far from a modern, hyper-functional PDF like the C&S 5th Edition PDF (previously reviewed here). As you’d expect given its age, the interior is all black and white, laid out much like Chivalry & Sorcery: The Rebirth was laid out – which was very much how most non-WoD RPGs looked before Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition. It does print out nicely and with much less ink than the lavish 5th Edition PDF though!
If you can get past these cosmetic and format issues, though, the content is rather worth it. These elves are not your typical D&D elves. The Elves Companion combines Celtic mythology with a sprinkling of other sources, and grounds the Elven Nation in the sort of concrete terms you expect to find in a roleplaying game sourcebook. The “assumed setting” of the Elves Companion is the same assumed setting as Chivalry & Sorcery itself – our own world during the medieval period. Marakush-specific material is also included – but as an appendix (and a sidebar on page 20). Elven society is presumed to exist on the fringes of human society in the medieval world – generally confined to deep forests, where the elves may actually be the source of legends like Robin Hood. Elves deal more easily with pagan human societies than with the humans of the Abrahamic religions. It can be challenging, at times, to imagine how elves could dwell even in the forests of medieval Western Europe, but I think this is caused by our modern perspective on the world as intrinsically observable and thus knowable. In the medieval world, “civilisation” was not ubiquitous – it was bounded by city walls, erected against a wild and hostile world, and the deep, dark forests were impenetrable and alien. If the peasants tell stories of elves in the forest, perhaps their tales are true?
The elves themselves are related to the faeries of Celtic mythology, but they are doomed by the Blight, a product of human progress at the expense of the Earth. Their bloodlines have become impure, leaving only a handful of increasingly inbred “True Elves” as their ultimate ruling class, who sit on top of a hierarchical society, rarely if ever seen by the the “Half Blood” (as distinct from half-elven) majority, the great unwashed of the Elven Nation. The Half Blood proletariat are supervised by the Noble Elves, who serve as the gentry and bourgeoisie of the Elven Nation, underneath the Pure Blood True Elves. Even the Half Bloods are higher than the Lost Bloods, the contemptible excommunicates who have committed such unthinkable crimes as breeding with humans (creating half-elves), or working for humans. This hierarchical elven society is profoundly different from the societies of the increasingly generic elves of modern D&D, and most other fantasy roleplaying games. Unlike the elves of many modern “high fantasy” settings, the elves of the Elves Companion feel genuinely non-human.
Although largely a sourcebook, and written for another edition at that, the rules in the Elves Companion seem generally compatible with Chivalry & Sorcery 5th Edition. Many of the character creation modifications in the Elves Companion, and elf-specific tables for social class, build, father’s vocation etc appear in the 5th edition book itself. The expanded rules and tables for elven longbows appear to be 5th edition compatible too. It is a little unclear to me whether the rules point for half-elves (p31) which appear in the Elves Companion still apply in 5th edition though – it seems that creating a half-elf in 5th edition is more or less the same as creating a human character, but the player selects the “Fey Blood” special ability/talent. The other “rules points” which appear throughout the Elves Companion seem largely 5th edition compatible. Most significantly, the Elves Companion adds the Wardens Mage Mode and Elven Mage Mode, which are referred to in the 5th edition PDF for elven characters but do not appear there. Appendix A contains new vocations, and unless I have overlooked a skill or two which has been revamped, these appear to be completely compatible with 5th edition. Appendix B contains a bestiary of creatures associated with the elves, and though the stats for these creatures are presented differently from the Bestiary chapter in the 5th edition PDF, the necessary stats seem present and I am fairly confident these creatures could easily be used in a 5th edition game. This concludes the “new rules” for 5th edition content in this sourcebook, although there is also Appendix C which adds rules for creating elven characters in Chivalry & Sorcery Light.
The Elves Companion concludes with two scenarios, one set in Marakush, and the other set in medieval Europe (in northern Scotland specifically). These are both brief scenarios (1.5 pages long each), intended for elven player characters, which makes sense given the book they appear in. Both present a hook in the form of a mission bestowed upon the party by a noble, and then barebones details of the journey and adventure which follows. Both seem serviceable and potential good starts for a longer elven campaign. In the scenario set in Scotland, I could see the potential to have human (or even dwarf) player characters join the elven party during the course of the adventure, although I am not sure I really see “mixed” parties working in the historical setting as well as they might in Marakush or other fantasy worlds.
In fact, after reading the Elves Companion, and seeing how “alien” elven characters are from a human perspective, I do wonder how well they would fit into a predominantly human adventuring party. Modern D&D simply assumes a mix of player character races is normal in an adventuring party, and if we are honesty we must concede that modern D&D doesn’t trouble itself terribly with helping us suspend disbelief as to how an extremely heterogeneous adventuring party could be formed or function. Most adventuring parties are hardly forged in response to apocalyptic circumstances like the Fellowship of the Ring in D&D – most typically, the characters are presumed to know each other beforehand and/or meet in a tavern. This hardly seems satisfying or consistent with the verisimilitude Chivalry & Sorcery strives for. Having read the source material in the Elves Companion, I find it difficult to believe that most elves would mix with humans to any considerable extent – only the Lost Bloods would seem to me to make an appropriate member of an adventuring party in the D&D mould. This isn’t a drawback or a problem from my perspective – frankly, one of the main appeals to me of Chivalry & Sorcery is a more grounded, believable fantasy world, and insofar as “adventuring parties” should even exist in such a world, they would be largely culturally and socially homogeneous. However, I know that many of my gaming friends have a strong aversion to homogeneity amongst player characters – they want to play a variety of different races in particular, and I am still not sure how I will facilitate that as a Chivalry & Sorcery Gamemaster.
At $4, the Elves Companion is an outstanding value purchase, even though it is a “flat” PDF constructed from a scan. If you are planning on running a Chivalry & Sorcery game in medieval Europe or Marakush, the Elves Companion is an essential purchase. If you are building your own world for Chivalry & Sorcery with your own “bespoke” elves, then it is still worth reading the chapters about character creation from the Elves Companion so that you can better understand the elven character generation rules in the main book, which will help you better understand how to customise them to achieve your design objectives. It has certainly given me a lot to think about in terms of my own world-building.
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