So What’s That Shiny Thing Like, Anyway? by Richard Green is a role playing game supplement published by Raging Swan Press for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result.
The supplement is available as a 21-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $3.99 but was obtained at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. Two pages are the front and rear covers, three the front matter, Contents and Foreword, one page is an ad and one is the Open Game License. The PDF comes in two versions, one designed for print and high-end devices, the other for mobile and low-end devices.
The Foreword explains that this supplement lists various different kinds of treasure for characters to find, in enough detail to be interesting without going over the top.
Using this Supplement explains that a GM can use treasure to reward players, but it can also be used to have clues or provide depth to a campaign world. It explains how to use the tables and that many of the objects list specific persons or places, some from the Lonely Coast, others not, and that these can be changed to fit the world they are used in.
Coins has two d20 tables. One table has the reverse of a normal coin, the other a description and value for coins and other currency.
Gems has a glossary, four different categories of gems and sidebars on identifying and valuing and on magical properties.
Jewellery has five different d20 tables for different value ranges of jewellery, though the last two only have ten results, with descriptions and values.
Books & Scrolls has three d20 tables, the last with only ten results, with the first two covering different value ranges, with exact values and descriptions, and the final one being treasure maps.
Art Objects has five different d20 tables for different value ranges of art objects, though the last two only have ten results, with descriptions and values.
Miscellaneous Objects has five different d20 tables for different value ranges of varied items, though the last two only have ten results, with descriptions and values.
Hooks & Complications has four different d20 tables, though the first only has 12 results. These are gem looks and hooks, previous owners, secret messages and other complications.
So What’s That Shiny Thing Like, Anyway? in Review
The PDF is bookmarked with major and minor sections linked. The Contents isn’t as thorough, but is hyperlinked. Navigation is good. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. There are a number of appropriate black and white illustrations. Presentation is decent.
This supplement takes ordinary treasure and makes it more interesting. The standard descriptions are useful, making an otherwise bland hoard much more interesting, and the Hooks & Complications add further depth to the supplement, as an item of ordinary treasure could become an adventure hook. So What’s That Shiny Thing Like, Anyway? is a nice little supplement and it can be found by clicking here.
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