A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement Everyman Minis: Esoteric Implements

Everyman Minis: Esoteric Implements by Jen McTeague is a role playing supplement published by Everyman Gaming via Rogue Genius Games for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License with some parts considered to be Open Game Content as a result.

This is a seven page PDF which is available from RPGNow for $2.95 but which was purchased at a greatly reduced price as part of a special bundle. One page is the front cover, one the front matter and two and a half pages are ads and the Open Game License.

The supplement starts with an introduction to the Everyman Minis range, followed by a description of esoteric implements. These are items that may have historic significance but in most cases have simply been exposed to power for a long period of time and have picked up certain powers of their own. These powers seem insignificant to those who lack the ability to use them; they are intended for the occultist class and others with the implements class feature.

There are then four new esoteric implements. Each follows a standard layout; a standard magic item description, followed by the item’s history, needed skills to use and powers and finally construction requirements. In the latter case, the implements are not intended to be constructed, as each is supposed to be unique, but the information is still provided for the GM.

Gorduin’s Obscuring Cap, a skullcap that belonged to an assassin, makes its wearer unremarkable to magical and mundane divinations and at higher levels gains a misdirection feature. The Hypnotising Pendant belonged to a sub-par bard and, despite being broken, still has the power to enthral. Revenge of the Unknown Mercenary is a cloak that allows the use to drain energy from others. Finally, Dangersight Goggle allow the wearer to detect danger. The last, despite being for diviners, state that the enchantment implement school is a requirement; this would appear to be an error. This last item also looks like it has the potential to be a bit powerful.

Everyman Minis: Esoteric Implements in Review

The PDF lacks bookmarks and for the amount of content does not need them. Navigation is okay. The text maintains a two column format and, as well as what is presumably a mechanical error for the last item, some minor errors were spotted. There is what looks like a single stock colour illustration; images of all the items would have been good, but surprising. Presentation is okay.

What makes these items interesting is the backstories they have been given. These stories then tie into the powers, making them rather more interesting than a simple magic item with no attached story. It i9s these that make the items stand out. This is not simply a collection of four new magic items – it’s not exactly a cheap supplement for such – but four potential adventure hooks as well. Everyman Minis: Esoteric Implements can be found by clicking here.