I recently bought the pdf, owning the print edition since it was in print. While the text is clear and selectable, the artwork is so badly scanned to be partly undiscernable, and the gorgeous full-color map in the middle of the book is reproduced in b/w only, which was a disappointment. So while the fuctionality to be expected in a pdf is there, the overall quality leaves much to be desired. Thus, only three stars for the pdf.
I just got this book today, and browsed through it. It has descriptions of african-feeling human and demihuman races and cultures, modified base classes, theme-fitting prestige classes, spells, feats, skills, equipment, magic items, monsters and a short description of a continent. If you plan an african campaign, this book has something for everyone - I guess that current Serpents Skull AP could be a good target for this book. It is written for 3.0, though, so it needs some work to fit it to the PF rules. Still, highly recommended, and at the current sales price of 10 $, doubly so!
The artwork, layout and overall production values are as good as in the other modules, but the content shows its origin as a design contest of sorts. Traps and encounters with partially strange or even illogical connections, and an overall adventure that sells the cool ideas for the setting short. The presentation of the "seven swords" was somewhat disappointing to me. Some very good ideas, but too little is made from them. I would have expected more from this, especially after the good D1 and W1.
This adventure is very well written. It has a logical and easy understood background, villains with motivations that are fathomable in their context (at least to the DM), and an interesting setting overall. The story itself is not just another dungeon stomp, and has consequences of the players choices integrated beyond the obvious.
It has possibilities beyond the adventure itself and could easily be a basis for a campaign or at least part of a campaign.
The paper itself is glossy yet sturdy, the cover should take some wear. The illustrations and maps are good and helpful.
All in all, I recommend this adventure highly.
After reading all the reviews praising the ´zine, I just had to buy it, and was not disappointed.
The Ecology of the Derro did a great job explaining their madness and their outlook on life. The gods seem to hint at the Cthulhu mythos, which is a nice idea.
The Monster Table is ok, but an explanation is needed - which books are referenced, and why are these the best monsters?
Titivillus - what I liked most is the thorough explanation of his motivations. The Ink Devils are a very nice touch. I´m not so hot for game stats, as they eat a lot of space, but they are a necessary evil (pun intended).
The ideas for non-monetary rewards are helpful, as a gold mine for ideas - exactly what I would want from a gaming magazine.
The Interview was interesting, if quite long. I like to hear what industry professionals have to say beyond the articles they write - as long as it relates to gaming.
The piece on tripping was interesting and got really into the rules details - useful stuff.
The Far Darrig is an interesting race, but there is a bit too much rules details and a little too less details on the race for my tastes.
The overview of the Free City of Zobeck is an obvious appetizer for more to come, and does its job well.
Overall, I rate this at four stars. A few minor points keep me from five stars
