A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement Arcane Lore

Arcane Lore is a role playing game supplement published by Columbia Games Inc. for use with the Hârn setting.

The supplement is available as a 10-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $4.99 but was purchased at a reduced price during a sale.

The opening paragraphs explain that certain kinds of knowledge are kept secret from much of the population, as widespread use once came close to destroying the world.

The Guild of Arcane Lore explains that this is a loose association of scholars who study esoteric knowledge. How their chantries are organised is similar to how any institution of knowledge such as a university is.

Magic and Religion explains that there is a clear difference between miracles and magic, and referring to one as the other is improper. Psionic talents are not normally considered divine.

Legal Constraints explain that certain practices are considered the territory of religions, and sorcerers steer clear of such. Magic is not usually illegal, but witchcraft, the casting if inimical spells, is.

Origins and Development explains how the Guild of Arcane Lore formed, or at least what is known, as no universal history was kept. Over time, many chantries and associations started grouping together into the Guild.

Organization covers the basic organisational unit, the chapter or chantry, and the different guild ranks and what they entail, including honorary ranks and fees. Chantries themselves, including officers, dues and funding, are also covered. There is a list of major chantries, the region they are in, size, associated settlement and reputation.

Societies covers a number of secret societies that can be found within the Guild itself, including the relationship between the Apothecaries Guild and alchemists.

Next are sections on Divers and Mystics, Runemasters and Shamans and Mystics.

Finally, The Sindarin and Khuzdul covers elves and dwarves.

Arcane Lore in Review

The PDF lacks bookmarks and, though comparatively short, these would have been useful, given the number of different sections. Navigation could be better. Apart from the front page, which is single column with sidebar, the text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. There are a number of illustrations, predominately black and white, many of which look like they were taken from old books. Presentation is okay.

This is a setting-based supplement for Hârn and therefore doesn’t have any game stats. This makes it usable with any system, not just HârnMaster. It is primarily a collection of background information and details on a guild; given this guild deals, to a degree, with magic, it is likely one that characters will come into contact with. Though no chantry is described in detail, and the guild lacks a centralised structure, it could be used to create chantries, with some work. Arcane Lore is a fairly useful background supplement and it can be found by clicking here.