This is a much-needed supplement in the RPG world. Origins, like FTD core, is thoughtfully designed and presented. The real selling point is a toolbox for chargen that can be used with any RPG system, which overrides and avoids problematic race-as-class templates. You'd probably want FTD core to make full use of this book, but Origins serves as a landmark, in my opinion, of an RPG supplement in which racial mechanics are addressed directly with new mechanical solutions AND the design reasoning behind those solutions are discussed explicitly in a one page essay included in the book. It's a wonderful essay covering historical development, colonialism, bioessentalism, and their influence on RPGs. The essay should serve as a manifesto and statement of values going forward in RPG development. Here's where we are now and here's what we're doing about it, and here's why. There will always be haters and derisive disrespectful critics (see below in the Reviews right here) but at least Sigil Stone Publishing stakes their flag.
As an RPG supplement, the book is very good, expanding FTD and our OSR toolboxes. As a mindful and inclusive statement that happens to include nicely designed RPG game stats, the book is fantastic.
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!] |