A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement Expanded Options #03 – Items of Quality – Armor

Expanded Options #03 – Items of Quality – Armor 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 a five-page PDF that is available from DriveThruRPG for $1.50 but was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. One page is the front cover and one the Open Game License.

The Introduction explains that in 5th Edition characters rely more on unenchanted equipment. Previous versions covered this with higher quality items but this edition lacks those rules. It explains that this supplement provides a system for creating items that seem magical, yet are not.

Equipment of Quality states that artisan quality items, constructed by accident or by design, are the focus of the supplement.

How Quality Items are Made has them created by accident on a natural 20 or by intention using a special blueprint, with such a blueprint being an ideal treasure item. Finally, swords and armour belonging to heroes may become imbued with various properties.

Quality Armor is the list of properties, and no armour may have more than one. There is a table listing the different properties and whether they can belong to armour or shield. They include properties such as buoyancy, durable, nimble and more, fourteen in total.

Expanded Options #03 – Items of Quality – Armor in Review

The PDF lacks bookmarks but does not need them at this length. Navigation is okay. The text maintains a two-column format and various errors were noticed; “buyant” armour, a quality referred to as “Tastes Bad” in the table and “Bitter” in the list and finally the table itself. The table has qualities suitable for either armour or shields, yet the descriptions have many that are suitable for both. The sole illustration is on the front cover. Presentation is adequate.

The errors are not major and, once untangled or ignored, this supplement does provide a number of different options to make armour and shields more useful without having to add magical bonuses. Expanded Options #03 – Items of Quality – Armor is a flawed supplement with some decent ideas and it can be found by clicking here.