A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement Expanded Options #04 – Items of Quality – Weapons

Expanded Options #04 – Items of Quality – Weapons by Ismael Alvarez is a role playing game supplement published by Fat Goblin Games for use with Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result.

This is available from DriveThruRPG as a four-page PDF for $1.50 but was purchased at a greatly reduced price as part of a special bundle. One page is the front cover and one the Open Game License.

The Introduction explains that 5th Edition games rely more on mundane equipment and that there is a gap between mundane and magical equipment, which is what these are intended to fill by providing qualities that seem magical but are not. How Quality Weapons are Made gives different options; a natural 20 during crafting, following a blueprint that would make a good treasure or by spontaneous events, such as acts of heroism or slaying beasts.

Next are the 15 weapon qualities. A table lists these and what types of weapon they can be used with. The qualities confer advantages such as extra abilities against opponents and more damage.

Expanded Options #04 – Items of Quality – Weapons in Review

The PDF lacks bookmarks and, at this length, does not need them. Navigation is fine. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of error. The sole illustration is on the front cover. Presentation is okay.

The options for weapons in this supplement are fine but, compared to others in the series, they seem rather underwhelming. There is effectively less than one page of new content; half the content is essentially duplicated from others in the series. At full price, even though not much, it seems poorer value than other supplements in the series. Expanded Options #04 – Items of Quality – Weapons is a decent enough supplement, but it should perhaps be purchased at a discount to be true value for money, and it can be found by clicking here.