[AdventureAWeek.com] Underworld Races: Ahool!


Product Discussion


The Underworld Races and Underworld Classes books are starting to roll out, folks, and the first up is the ahool!

Terrifying bat-men in the endless caves of Aventyr's subterranean Underworld, this book has it all: complete racial options for the ahooling, a monster class to evolve into a full ahool, prestige classes for masters of sonic energy and primal power, alongside new gear, magic items, feats and spells! Everything within has been beautifully illustrated by Jacob Blackmon, and math-wiz Julian Neale got his hands into the mix for the creation of the ironsinger prestige class—not a book to be missed!

Check it out on Paizo's store and prepare yourselves for a subterannean invasion as more of the Underworld Classes & Races join the fray in the weeks to come!


MikeMyler -
I received an email with part of a product code to download this new book, but the download code does not seem to work. Was this a hoax from the internet or is the code just not correct?


Thedmstrikes wrote:

MikeMyler -

I received an email with part of a product code to download this new book, but the download code does not seem to work. Was this a hoax from the internet or is the code just not correct?

This was certainly not a hoax! Did it specify what website to use the code on? Could you e-mail me directly at mike (at) adventureaweek.com with specifics?


FWIW, I logged into Drivethrurpg and it told me it was an invalid code and I think I know why. The email I have setup for Drivethrurpg is different than the email I use for Kickstarter.

INVALID DISCOUNT URL: CHECK NOTIFICATION FOR EXPIRATION DATE AND CUSTOMER


thanks all-
I only got an invalid code notification and it was through DrivethruRPG, the one listed in the email. It was the same place I got all my other goodies for the KS without incident. I mostly posted here for awareness, I will send a message from my email.


Sethvir wrote:

FWIW, I logged into Drivethrurpg and it told me it was an invalid code and I think I know why. The email I have setup for Drivethrurpg is different than the email I use for Kickstarter.

INVALID DISCOUNT URL: CHECK NOTIFICATION FOR EXPIRATION DATE AND CUSTOMER

I'm getting Thedmstrikes in order; have you got your copy worked out, Sethvir?


I was able to successfully download mine using the link provided in my email.


MikeMyler wrote:
Sethvir wrote:

FWIW, I logged into Drivethrurpg and it told me it was an invalid code and I think I know why. The email I have setup for Drivethrurpg is different than the email I use for Kickstarter.

INVALID DISCOUNT URL: CHECK NOTIFICATION FOR EXPIRATION DATE AND CUSTOMER

I'm getting Thedmstrikes in order; have you got your copy worked out, Sethvir?

I did. I just had to setup the email address I use for Kickstarter on Drivethrurpg and redeem it that way.


@Sethvir and @AerynTahlro: awesome! Let us know what you think of the ahool when you've had a chance to peruse the book! :D


The following is Feedback, NOT criticism

Fluff
There is a surprising amount of history/fluff provided at the start, packing a compact history of the races into just a few pages. After that, the description of the race, including society and abilities are nicely detailed, even providing a bit of an explanation as to how an ahooling could be an alignment other than chaotic evil (and how other ahools/ahoolings may react to that).

Race Info
Racial stats look fine; without breaking out my Advanced Race Guide, I would guess that the race rings in around 14-15 points. One of the bits of information that was left out, though, is regarding the interactions between different moss cavern societies. Meaning, are they territorial? Do they constantly fight with neighbors and push to absorb more land (and start another round of 'survival of the fittest')? How does one society view ahoolings from another?

Racial Archetypes
The racial archetypes honestly confused me a bit until I realized that they weren't actually racial archetypes -- they are archetypes for the racial class, "Fledgling Ahool". This section should have its location adjusted.

Favored Class Options
These seem to work fine. I'm surprised that the Ranger's bonus options doesn't include the natural attacks available to the Ahool,

Items
The new moss items are different (in a good way) and look like they will be fun to use. Pricing seems about where it needs to be.

Racial Feats
The racial feats were interesting and added some extra flavor. I didn't have time to fully review them, but I did find the special for Vicious Bite to be interesting. I like the idea that there is a specific flavor-backed result of a fumble, but it feels like the added math might be a bit of a headache for the player and GM.

Fledging Ahool Racial Class
The Fledgling Ahool racial class was an interesting touch. First time I've seen a 'racial class' before. I was a little surprised that Will was a good save over Fort, as the impression that I had on the race was that they were physically stronger as compared to mental strength. I also was a little confused by the Claws being a Secondary weapon, as Claws are typically a Primary. Lastly, the ability boosts and defenses come very quickly and are an intense jump in power by level 5. Gaining +2 to all physical stats, Blindsense, Sonic resist (although to be fair, Sonic doesn't show up often in most campaigns, I'm sure it shows up more in RotD though based on the Ahool's abilities), spell resistance, etc.
Bottom line, I have concerns at first glance of the overall power level (if you playtested this and found it performed equally to standard classes then ignore the concern) that lead me to wonder if this would be better suited as a PrC.

From a RAW/literal standpoint (I'm not trying to be obtuse), Ahool Apotheosis lists that "the PC gains", rather than "They gain". I make this point because as-written, some might argue that an NPC can't gain this ability.

Ironsinger PrC
The synergy between the Fledgling Ahool and the Ironsinger PrC was well done and makes it look to be both a fun and a unique play experience.

Tl;DR
Very well written book. Provides just about all of the information needed to create an Ahool PC with an appropriate backstory.


AerynTahlro wrote:

The following is Feedback, NOT criticism

Sounds like an endorsement to me! :D

Everything in the Underworld line got extensively playtested. The ahool was one of the tougher nuts to crack (mostly due to the wings more than anything else; full flight before 5th level is a no-no) but I think we pulled it off.

THANK YOU for the feedback (although please, criticism is welcome as well!) I'll see about getting the racial archetypes moved, but that's their "placement" in PRD format so I think it might be stuck. Your ARG guesstimate is pretty close to the mark too!

Fledgling Ahool is a bit of a railroad, I admit. You give up a lot in the end game and end up having an extremely unique and versatile high-level character, but never get access to any full class abilities (which is too bad). A 5th level wizard and an ahool are on pretty even ground all told—aww I'm babbling and about to give away the secrets of the ahool!
I'm pleased with how it rolls out. Let's say that. :)
E-mailed the layout person about Ahool Apotheosis wording too. Thanks!

vis-a-vis Moss Caverns: Unfortunately I couldn't get an Underworld map worked out, mostly because it is a massive place. The ahooling are, by the nature of how their settlements (and nearby kin) evolve, very secretive about the location of their homes and rarely share that information.
Somewhere in the Dracoprimia adventure path (coming out soon: Disaster in Drak'kal, the first adventure, is in layout) an ahooling moss cavern will play a part. A full ahool moss cavern is in Rise of the Drow though!

I am elated by your response (and how this came out!) — THANK YOU AGAIN for your feedback! Throw down some criticism (I can take it!) or maybe leave this is a review with one of the distributors if you can spare a minute. Super pleased that these terrifying bat-men are getting a warm reception. :D

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