Zobeck Gazetteer (OGL) PDF

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This introduction to the Free City of Zobeck showcases its clockwork magic, its gearforged PC race, and many highlights of the city, such as the Kobold Ghetto. Includes a beautiful city map and other distinctive elements of the setting.— Clockwork Magic and the kobold ghetto.

Clockwork magic is just what it sounds like: a school of new spells and creatures related to automatons and golems. The gazetteer defines the school with 32 new spells and a discussion of clockwork devices.

The kobold ghetto is a dimly-lit and dangerous place that comes alive by night, and that guards its privileges jealously. Learn who rules and what schemes the kobolds are honing behind the walls of their city-within-a-city.

For good measure, the Gazetteer includes the Gearforged PC race, a set of practical and strange city locales, a little bit of history, and five new clockwork monsters.

As a gazetteer-size treatment of the city, it provides enough that the shared world can truly be shared, without overwhelming a DM who wants to match the city to their own homebrew setting.

48 pages. Cover art by Malcolm McClinton.

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Pure Steampunk

5/5

I would say this is worth every penny. From the clockwork magic and gear domain, to the various new kobold traps, this product never falters in its presentation. Wolfgang is a great designer and an aficionado of steampunk. Zobeck is a unique location, and I can't wait to use it in my games.


Clockwork and kobolds and treachery...oh, my!

5/5

Disclaimer note: I was a senior patron and I contributed to the Zobeck Gazetteer. Take that for what it’s worth.

Zobeck weighs in at 50 pages, subtitled “an introduction to the free city.” It has some very pretty cover art and then dives into the material—the first half covers an overview of the city’s history, its notable districts and important locations, its guilds, and its gods. Nothing is done to an extreme depth, but there is enough meat here to really get you hungry for Zobeck, and easily provide a mental image of the city with all its exotic trappings. Short summaries provide a general outline of important characters and places, permitting a GM to customize the locales as needed and a lot of adventure hooks means it’s simple to tie into an existing game. On a particular note, the full-page map of the city is gorgeous.

The second half details a new playable race, the Gearforged—more of a soul tied to a construct form, a-la Full Metal Alchemist than the living constructs of a certain lighting-rail setting, or the near-droid Cogs of OGL Steampunk—then continues to give the crunch for clockwork oriented skills, devices, and creatures. I like the artwork for the various creatures, particularly Robert Scott’s almost surreal Watchman and Weaver. Clockwork magic receives a decent share, providing the Gear Domain and 26 new spells from level 1 to 9 for arcane and divine casters

Like all of the Open Design projects, it has a variety of designer’s notes scattered through the sidebars. I always enjoy these notes for the insights they provide and possible tweaks I could utilize later. The layout and art suits the material well, with a heavy gear motif and a lot of classic artwork that helps keep the theme.

Overall, this is a product that has a lot to offer and hints at the potential of future offerings. You won’t go wrong adding this particular clockwork gem to your campaign world.



Maybe this would be obvious if I was more familiar with Kobold Quarterly, but what rule system is this for?


Fraust wrote:
Maybe this would be obvious if I was more familiar with Kobold Quarterly, but what rule system is this for?

OGL generally indicates a d20/3.5 system compatibility.

Scarab Sages RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

D&D 3.5/d20

EDIT: Ninja'd. 20 secs Lil... you're fast on the gun! ;)

Dark Archive

Is this the first book in a series of Zobeck-Gazetteers? I have no doubt in its quality, but reading the description, it seems that these are just two aspects of a larger city.

Liberty's Edge

Absinth wrote:
Is this the first book in a series of Zobeck-Gazetteers? I have no doubt in its quality, but reading the description, it seems that these are just two aspects of a larger city.

I don't know if it is a stand alone or if there will be more, but I just got (and read through) my artist copy of the PDF yesterday and it is very well done. It has a lot of cool info in it - I would recommend it to just about anyone. Wolfgang seems to only put out great stuff and this looks to be no different. Interesting content and nice production quality.

Oh, and to the earlier poster that mentioned not being that familiar with Kobold Quarterly ... I would VERY much recommend that you check out an issue or two. Erik Mona has called KQ "the spiritual successor to Dragon magazine" and that's pretty much on the mark.

The Exchange Kobold Press

I'm very, very happy with how this one turned out, and it is a splendid first pass at the city NPCs, locales, history, magic, etc. While the description emphasizes the clockwork magic and the kobolds, those are the two elements that the project patrons wanted most material on. So, they got it.

Personally, I think of it as Gazetteer #1, and would be delighted if there were more down the road sometime. That depends on how this one does, of course.

Dark Archive

I just noticed, that this is an PDF. Is there a chance for a print version in the future?

Liberty's Edge

Absinth wrote:
I just noticed, that this is an PDF. Is there a chance for a print version in the future?

There is a print version as well - I'm thinking that Paizo is only selling the PDF? Check out http://www.koboldquarterly.com/ for info on both versions ...


Wolfgang Baur wrote:


I'm very, very happy with how this one turned out, and it is a splendid first pass at the city NPCs, locales, history, magic, etc. While the description emphasizes the clockwork magic and the kobolds, those are the two elements that the project patrons wanted most material on. So, they got it.

To add to what Wolfgang said,

I was one of the many patrons on the Project. The scope of Zobeck was so large that it was really hard to pick and choose what to ask Wolfgang to focus on. Speaking for myself, but trying to get a sense of what the other Patrons were interested in- I think we were trying to get those elements of Zobeck that were unique. That we could not draw upon from other settings.

As the Project evolved, there might have been a feeling that were elements that were equally as flavorable and special. Perhaps those elements weren't recognized as such, until the process was already well under way and it wasn't feasible to reconsider what to emphasize.

There were a lot of choices, and we couldn't have everything.. at least not the first time around.

I'm sure we'll see another Gazetteer someday, and those elements so thoroughly covered already will give way to other facets.

I think this product will be hot.. and the frequent tie-ins with KQ columns, it puts many puzzle pieces into place to present Zobeck as a cohesive and playable setting.


I picked up a copy and have gone through bits of it that sparked my interest. I have plans to go through it more thoroughly, but from what I can tell it's a wonderful piece. I run a home-brew city-based game, and I already have plans of incorporating many aspects of the book. The street-trap are interesting, deadly, even humors at times and above all a great way to add danger to a city-setting.

The clockwork domains/spells have a bit of a clever spin, but nothing earth shattering mechanics-wise - which in my opinion is a good thing. It makes it easy to incorporate with a few tweaks.

Over all I think, it's an inexpensive, quality piece brimming with clever ideas that I'm excited to delve more into.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Marc Radle 81 wrote:
Absinth wrote:
I just noticed, that this is an PDF. Is there a chance for a print version in the future?
There is a print version as well - I'm thinking that Paizo is only selling the PDF? Check out http://www.koboldquarterly.com/ for info on both versions ...

Wolfgang says we'll have the print edition next week.

Scarab Sages RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32

Vic Wertz wrote:
Wolfgang says we'll have the print edition next week.

Damn I wish I had have known that before I bought the .pdf. :(

I much prefer Print Editions.
Unfortunately with the crappy exchange rate it means I am not gonna pay for it again. That's a bit of teh suck.


As a note, the costs for the print edition are "at cost" for patrons. Right now, there are many patrons, but the numbers are small compared to big outfits like Paizo. Unless he's found a different deal with the fine folks here, print copies come from Lulu.com.

That said, please also check out Tales of Zobeck, the companion volume! Edited by Mike McArtor, it has eight different adventures written by patrons and by luminaries such as Wolfgang Baur himself. It has a nifty adventure by Ed Greenwood! What's not to like? :)

The Exchange Kobold Press

Much as I love Tales of Zobeck, that one was commissioned as a private project by its patrons. It won't be made available here, and the print copy for that one will be only through Lulu for patrons, correct.

Gazetteer is on press and will be available here soon.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Vic Wertz wrote:
Wolfgang says we'll have the print edition next week.

D'oh! Wolfgang did *not* tell me that—I was confusing it with something else. Sorry!


Well, since I was completely wrong about that, what's the print price for the Zobeck Gazetteer please?


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens Subscriber

I wrote a Zobeck Gazetteer Review. Being a patron I will admit I'm a little biased though.


I do believe I've been given an art credit that I didn't deserve; I'm listed as an interior artist, but I don't see anything that I produced in the pdf.


James Keegan wrote:
I do believe I've been given an art credit that I didn't deserve; I'm listed as an interior artist, but I don't see anything that I produced in the pdf.

You WERE in the Gazetteer, and then I ended up moving your piece to Tales of Zobeck without updating the credits. Mea Culpa!


It is worth the money!

I was a patron for Tales of Zobeck and this one.

And, for my part, I hope to get more Zobeck Gaz soon!

And to echo what Watcher said, some parts sounded very interesting and unique and yet the more Wolfgang was talking about the project, the more I found myself wishing we had more room and more topics that could be covered!

Patrick

The Exchange Kobold Press

The print edition is available at the KQ store for $15.95. Normally I wouldn't point to the KQ site when we're right here at Paizo, but the snows here in the Seattle area have prevented it getting into the Paizo library. The materials are available, but the weather and Paizo's holiday schedule have meant they're a bit behind.

Given the success of the first one, I'm thinking we'll do a second, possibly slightly longer Gazetteer in 2009. It is competing against a number of other projects, including a Pathfinder RPG Open Design, a 4E Open Design, KQ, and others, but we'll be covering more Zobeck magic and setting material soon, definitely.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

Is Paizo going to offer the print version of Kobold's guide to game design? I'd like to order them both at once.

The Exchange Kobold Press

Matthew Morris wrote:
Is Paizo going to offer the print version of Kobold's guide to game design? I'd like to order them both at once.

Yes, absolutely. Volume 1 is already available at Paizo, and Volume 2 should be available here in January.

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

Wolfgang Baur wrote:
Matthew Morris wrote:
Is Paizo going to offer the print version of Kobold's guide to game design? I'd like to order them both at once.
Yes, absolutely. Volume 1 is already available at Paizo, and Volume 2 should be available here in January.

Sorry i meant the gazetter and vol 2, I already have vol 1.

Hate paying for the PDF and the Print separately (that's why I subscribe) but Zobek for some reason doesn't read well on the screen, so I want the dead tree.

The Exchange Kobold Press

Matthew Morris wrote:
Sorry i meant the gazetter and vol 2, I already have vol 1.

The print Gazetteer was delivered to Paizo just before the snows hit, but hasn't made it into the store listings yet.

Volume 2 has likewise been uploaded to the Paizo store already (but the staff is on holiday, so the PDF is available at KQ.com or other venues for now). The print edition of Guide to Game Design Volume 2 should be in the Paizo store in mid-January.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Wolfgang Baur wrote:

The print Gazetteer was delivered to Paizo just before the snows hit, but hasn't made it into the store listings yet.

Volume 2 has likewise been uploaded to the Paizo store already (but the staff is on holiday...)

Hopefully we'll be able to solve both of those problems on Monday.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Wolfgang Baur wrote:
The print Gazetteer was delivered to Paizo just before the snows hit, but hasn't made it into the store listings yet.

It's now available!


Now, is there any indication where Zobeck might be in Golarion???

I mean Paizo and Wolfgang work closely together...seems a perfect fit...eh?

The Exchange Kobold Press

Funny you should mention that....

If you read between the lines in the Pathfinder Chronicles campaign setting, you'll see that it is in the River Kingdoms.

Or so I like to think, anyway. Where would you put it?


Ah makes perfect sense, I'll have to get it. I love Steampunk stuff, and this will fit perfectly in the River Kingdoms, thanks Wolfgang.

Scarab Sages

Adventure Path Charter Subscriber
Xaaon of Korvosa wrote:
Ah makes perfect sense, I'll have to get it. I love Steampunk stuff, and this will fit perfectly in the River Kingdoms, thanks Wolfgang.

Cool! My question answered w/out asking.

Scarab Sages

Adventure Path Charter Subscriber

Is there anywhere I can get a color map?

I received the print edition and the content is wonderful. The only disappointment is a black&white map that is hard to read the key on the left hand side.

The Exchange Kobold Press

Indeed you can! There's a full-size and full-color Zobeck map available from Gamerprinter.


Wolfgang Baur wrote:

Funny you should mention that....

If you read between the lines in the Pathfinder Chronicles campaign setting, you'll see that it is in the River Kingdoms.
Or so I like to think, anyway. Where would you put it?

I would merge Zobeck with the "near-independent

trading city of Hajoth Hakados", in Numeria, with the gearsmen being one model of Automatons of Numeria or have Zobeck replace wholesale the town of Pitax in the River Kingdoms or Restov in Brevoy.


Hm. Restov. Hadn't thought of that one. Have to go reread that entry.

Scarab Sages

I'm working on a Steampunk adventure right now, still in the mental stages at the moment...but the gears are turning ;)

definitely going to be using Zobeck as part of it...


Nuts. Restov is not in PC:CS. Is it detailed in a supplement? Oh wait. I see. Pitax isn't either. Good idea. Take undetailed places and drop Zobeck into them.

Sidenote: Is it just me, or could you turn Skywatch in Brevony into Skynet with constructs to get a Zobecki-Pathfinder Terminator-esque game?


Is it just more, or is it that, just within a year of Wizards abondoning 3.5, some of the best ideas are emerging? Magic is becoming more flexible and varied, as opposed to the older ways basede upon a novel that assumed that human mastery of magic was weak.

Dark Archive

are there plans for re-releasing this in PFRPG format? i am working on a clockworks game in the mana wastes and would love to use Zobeck's.


Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Lost Omens Subscriber

No, but the currrent project is the Midgard setting book. It will be for Pathfinder and I'm sure at least some of the mechanics will get converted. If you like Zobeck you should become a patron.

Dark Archive

deinol wrote:
No, but the currrent project is the Midgard setting book. It will be for Pathfinder and I'm sure at least some of the mechanics will get converted. If you like Zobeck you should become a patron.

by being a Patron, do I get access to some of Zobeck's stuff? I read the Midgard Patron benifits but it doesnt state anything about Zobeck specifically. I sm probably missing something.

[edit] I just noticed my copy of Sunken Empires says its Zobeck Gazzeteer IV. Now I am wondering what 1-3 is...

The Exchange Kobold Press

Zobeck Gazetteer #1 is the book this thread is about.

Zobeck Gazetteer #2 is Dwarves of the Ironcrags (also 3.5/OGL, also available here at Paizo).

Zobeck Gazetteer #3 is the Imperial Gazetteer, AKA the Gazetteer of Ghouls and Vampires, possibly available at Paizo.

#4 is Sunken Empires, as you said.

As a patron of the Midgard project, you'll see a fair bit of basic Zobeck information in that campaign setting when we design the Crossroads region, but it's not a deep dive into the Zobeck lore. Happy to provide more details on the patron forums any time, though.

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