We received Cerberus’ Lair – Torkhund’s Forge for free for evaluation purposes in order to write this review.
The product is a collection of 100 magical objects for D&D5 enclosed in 21 PDF pages available on DMSGuild. There are many compendiums that list new trinkets, but, as I have always said, for an adventurer magic items are never enough. Now you just have to ask yourself: among the offers, is it worth going to Torkhund’s Forge ?
A novelty that looks in the future
Cerberus’ Lair – Torkhund’s Forge is published by Revel Tales for the Dungeon Masters Guild. The spark that gave birth to this creative group was born at Modena Play 2019, as told in the introduction of the compendium. This is their second work, the first in English, in addition to the publication of POW – Power of Will, a self-produced roleplaying game.
According to the authors’ vision Torkhund’s Forge is only the starting point of a series of compendiums and adventures that, in addition to the value in itself, will have as a guiding thread the unraveling of the story of the three creators of magical objects: Torkhund the blacksmith, Chivas Regal the inventor and Adohorn the enchanter. This is because the goal is not only to create compendiums and other volumes, but to give a real narrative and ludic experience.
Precisely for this reason the page that precedes the beginning of the list of objects is a short story that introduces the reader to a modest emporium called Cerberus’ Lair. After crossing the threshold, a robust blacksmith, who present himself as Torkhund Thundersson, offers a tome with the list of objects that can be ordered. With the magic of storytelling and the brilliant idea of Revel Games, reader and adventurer have become one and are about to browse…
The 100 magical objects of Torkhund’s Forge
From rings to pipes, from brooches to horns, from glasses to bags, no type of object seems to be missing. Another thing that is not missing is the fantasy. Obviously, comparing this kind of manuals, many objects tend to look alike, because magic, rules and situations come from a limited list. Especially if you want to make a compendium that can be used in any situation.
Yet here and there there are many interesting creative elements. The strange night activity of the Shield of Banquets, for example, second only to the one of the Sleepwalker’s Boots. Or the simple but very useful property of the Funambulist’s Bolt. Then there are very evocative names, such as the Pantagruel Mallet or the Disturbing Bolt. In other descriptions you can find rhyming activations or small details on basic ingredients that float in potions.
Overall there are many interesting objects including some pearls of fantasy and sympathy. They are all applicable to any fantasy campaign with the presence of magic and will certainly color and embellish the sessions with a touch of originality and unpredictability.
A small fault in forging
I have to highlight a defect about Torkhund’s Forge. The description texts of some (few) objects seem made with a little superficiality. Sometimes a specification is missing. Although implicit, it would be better to be written. At other times some too imaginative details make the object slightly far-fetched, rather than magical. Other times there would be simpler or more precise sentences to describe the same concept.
Nothing particularly serious or frequent. All the objects are however understandable and usable in the game without problems. It is simply an annotation that highlights the discordance of these details within a product otherwise packaged with great passion and commitment. Fortunately, being digital material, it is also possible that with updates some of these oversights will be reformulated.
To enter or not to enter into the Torkhund’s Forge ?
Let’s enter, of course! The product is beautiful, graphically satisfying thanks to the images granted by Wizards of the Coast and to a good layout. Contents are valid and versatile, with a touch of originality that is useful in this type of compendium. The price is in line with this type of production, and furthermore, being a list of 100 magical objects of all kinds, the longevity of use makes it an expense that will certainly not be regretted.
Now I’m curious to improve my knowledge of the world and the deeds that revolve around Cerberus’ Lair and the three fantastic craftsmen!