| The Brotherhood of the Hand | |
| by Drizzt | |
| Caligula’s Review | |
The Brotherhood of the Hand by Drizzt (Chris Risberg, risberg@aol.com)
The following review can contain some major spoilers, so read it at your own risks.
This is Drizzt’s second scenario and is loosely linked to his first, The Forsaken, who was pretty good. This one takes place in Exile, where you’re member of an organization called The Brotherhood of the Hand, whose activities aren’t really legal.
You’ve been called back from the surface for unknown reasons, and for unknown reasons, you have to meet the leader of the organization. Not an easy task, as you’ll quickly see. But enough with the plot. Let me only say it deals with some criminal investigation.
Now, what’s this scenario worth? It is indeed smaller than Forsaken, but is even better, in my opinion, though some critics can be made.
First of all, the plot is a really good one and is well-told and well-led.
Well-led indeed, as you’ve sometimes the impression it is open-ended and your decisions can have an important impact over the events (like fight not the sliths). In fact, it is more linear than you think, and the way it isn’t obvious can be a credit to the author. Of course, the fact that you have in fact very few freedom in action at the end can be a critic too.
Then, deeper in the scenario is the atmosphere, which is pretty gloomy at times (hey, it’s R-rated!). But, as with many scenarios, the R rating is as much a marketing tool as a reality. Though, it has some dark aspects, following a tradition initiated by Alcritas in On A Ship To Algiers, namely murders and mutilated bodies with convenient descriptions. The scenarios is gloomy at times (hey, it’s R-rated!); this is a nice change from most of the scenario, with their good feelings — you’re member of Cosa Nostra, after all.
Another tradition, not initiated by Alcritas but followed by him, a trick used by Simmic, Measle (but in a funnier way) and Kylaer too — or a flaw should I say, in my opinion – the damn IATDAIAA syndrome (I-Am-The-Designer-And-I-Am-Almighty). You name it: Drizzt cameo appearance as a powerful warrior. This kind of feature can be neat or cute, but I think it’s rather silly if you look at the internal coherence of the plot.
(No offense intended, obviously).
Ooouch!
I said no offen.. Arrrgh!
Drop this scimitar, want you?
Splash...
As Caligula luckily began his review by the end, The Lyceum authorities are able to provide you with the following statements, taken from scratches:
The graphics are really good-looking. Drizzt didn’t made them all, but he used damn good pics, and that’s a clear Plus in his scenario.
Another good point is the use of some puzzles, especially the Lich’s game. This level is a real pain, and every Blades player should give it a try, although it is easier to win than you may fear at first (cheating is not an option).
So, globally a good scenario; its end is a plus as it isn’t the normal happy-end. Though, the player can feel a bit frustrated.
Another problem I see is the implication of the Forsaken Theme. You’d better have played the other scenario or some aspects f this one will let you scratch your head.
This relation with Drizzt’s former scenario isn’t clearly made and could have been better done. However, we can still give him time to link all this in his third scenario (and pray he’ll made a third, as he is a worthy designer, after all).
The Brotherhood of the Hand is rated R (quake, mortals) and is for high level parties. In fact, you shouldn’t have problems with a level 20 party; a weaker party can be in trouble, depending on some of your choices, but could still win, I think.
My rating: 8.6
Caligula