A Review of the Role Playing Game Supplement Vathak 5e Racial Ecologies – Hauntlings

Vathak 5e Racial Ecologies – Hauntlings by Rick Hershey 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.

The supplement is available as an eight-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $5.16 although it was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. Two pages are the front and rear covers, one the front matter and one the Open Game License.

Hauntlings starts with a bit of fluff and then explains that hauntlings are creatures born with a close connection with the undead, especially ghosts. There is a theory about hauntlings and an explanation that there are few in any one area.

Ghostly Visage covers their complexion.

Beauty of the Grave covers their demeanour.

Random Hauntling Features is a d100 table, with 49 actual results and two multiple rolls, with strange features and effects for hauntlings.

Alone in the Night explains they are mostly loners thought they do congregate in their own communities.

Strange and Unusual explains that hauntlings are often distrusted.

Have Faith explains hauntlings have a deep interest in life, the afterlife, death and undeath.

To Belong explains that they have no nation or homeland of their own.

Names explains names and naming conventions, with some examples.

Hauntling Traits has the mechanical differences for hauntlings.

Vathak 5e Racial Ecologies – Hauntlings in Review

The PDF lacks bookmarks and is short enough that these are not needed. Navigation is okay. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. There are some colour illustrations. Presentation is good.

Although this supplement is designed for the Shadows over Vathak setting, it will be easy enough to use it in others, and will be especially good for settings of a darker nature or with a greater number of undead. The hauntling is an interesting option for players, though at full price this supplement is expensive. Vathak 5e Racial Ecologies – Hauntlings can be found by clicking here.