Today we offer you a preview of Argentum Res Novae, the setting for D&D5e that takes inspiration from the Victorian Age and the industrial revolutions of the nineteenth century.
The authors Leonardo Burberi and Vittoria Mori, whom our editorial team had the pleasure of meeting in person, realized a quickstart PDF available for free.
The Kickstarter campaign lasts from 3rd November 2021 to 24th.
Preview with Style
One of the first things that catches the eye in these 54 pages is a well-defined graphic theme. Gray and purple are the predominant colors; these are well suited to the title and context of the story. The color illustrations are done in different ways: more precise for the technical details and in a pictorial form for the backgrounds.
This study reveals a particular care that enriches the written content in a thoughtful and precise way.
However, it is necessary to say that we reported some errors within the text in the Italian version. We therefore hope for a more in-depth review for the final product.
The World of Argentum Res Novae
It is always interesting to give the setting of a role-playing game a realistic historical connotation. This helps players to better empathize with the narrative. It is like saying: “If in reality it happened, then the magic could also be real, why not?”.
Without going too far into my personal hopes, let’s focus on introducing this title.
A new term has been coined by the authors to best define the genre: silverpunk. Going beyond fantasy and steampunk, silver is the true protagonist of this work. For centuries it has been used to counter supernatural events; with the advancement of knowledge in the technological and arcane fields, its use has taken the opposite direction. Through particular magical glyphs (Runes) it is in fact possible to enchant the silver components of the most varied mechanisms. The resulting energy replaces classic fuels, such as coal; in this way, engines powered exclusively by arcane power were born. We thus find ourselves in the industrial revolutions of England in the nineteenth century, with the particularity of enchanted metal as the primary energy source.
All that Glitters is not Silver
However, there are other important issues inserted into the context, which make the setting very current.
We are talking about racism, extreme urbanization, exploitation and, first of all, pollution.
In fact, the continuous use of runic silver produces the so-called Imbalance pollution. The consequence is an unhealthy vapor that is created from the arcane wasted energy; it spreads in the environment, contaminating objects and people.
Hence the Curses originate; their threat is constantly opposed by the Order of Exorcists (one of the available classes).
Do the authors want to suggest to us, between the lines of their work, that the balance between technology and nature is essential for the prosperity of the world? I could not agree more.
However, it is good to remember that we are talking about a game. And as such, at least in my opinion, it must stimulate imagination and not worry. Without taking anything away from the creators, whose intent is still noteworthy, I hope that the main component of the extended version will be the playful purpose and not mostly denunciation.
Military Dwarves and Exorcist Elves
The adventures of Argentum Res Novae take place in the Bipelagus; it is made up of two large islands: First Island and Summer Island. Over the course of two millennia it has welcomed numerous events of great impact that led to the colonization of the lands by different civilizations. It is assumed that the reason for so much interest in these places is the presence of the Primeval Echo; this source of natural mystical energy can in fact be exploited by arcanists.
The races that inhabit the Bipelagua are only four. Humans, elves, dwarves and caluptians; the latter, a species of anthropomorphic snakes, are the latest arrivals and the least rooted. An aura of mystery surrounds their origins. There are also, in small numbers, half-elves and half-orcs.
It is important to emphasize that the dwarves are the only ones who do not use magic, an innate ability in other bloodlines.
The three major cities are Vittoria, Alyone and Tenessia; they host the great changes brought about by the industrial revolution and are the reference point for the confederations present on the two islands.
There are seven classes available; some are oriented towards physical abilities and others towards arcane powers. That of the Scholar is the most versatile. Its subclasses offer new game mechanics for those who want to try something original. We therefore find doctors and military engineers who have the possibility of making medicines and explosives.
Other rules are described to better define the game flow; However, I don’t want to dwell too much on the technical part so as not to spoil the surprise of discovering them by downloading the quickstart.
Finally, as fortunately often happens in these cases, there is an adventure ready to play; pre-generated characters and ideas for subsequent campaigns are also included.
Conclusions of the Analysis of the Preview of Argentum Res Novae
Overall, this quickstart is very promising; both for the changes made to the rules and for the choice of the setting. The idea works and is well developed, as long as we remain, as already mentioned, on the tracks of playful entertainment.
I’m curious to read the final version to learn more about the peculiarities of characterization of some classes. Also, I like having a solid and well-defined narrative structure; it greatly facilitates the interpretation of the character.
As you can see from this preview, Argentum Res Novae has a good balance between steampunk and fantasy.
And beware of the silver jewelry you wear!