You should be able to use these links to see the enworld reviews
I have a gear question. Why does the Soldier class start off with a free kit package then can be valued at several hundred gold pieces whereas no other classes get this boost?
It takes more gear to play a soldier effectively, than, say, a rake or a witch, so they needed a little equity in that department. The natural philosopher gets 1 or 2 apparati for no cost at 1st level for the same reason --it's no fun to play without one.
That's the game balance answer, but what mattered more to me is that I wanted players with soldier PCs to know the weapons and armor appropriate to their troop type, to preserve the historical feel of the game.
I finally got Northern Crown: New World Adventure. It is excellent and I'm really enjoying it. Thanks. 
I'm now chomping at the bit to check out Franklyn's Almanack. Any idea of when we might be able to get our hands on it? And what are the specs on Franklyn's Almanack? How many pages? How much? And what's the status on Spectral Boston? (Sorry for all of the questions)
I too am waiting for the first issue of Franklyn's -- it was held up for a while as I drew some illustrations for it, but as far as I know, it's release is imminent.
As for Spectral Boston, I've just started to write it. It will take a long time at this pace. I can't see it being ready until the second half of 2006.
Hey Doug,
How would you treat a character that is of mixed heritage? Do they get the benefits of both ethnic groups or is it something else?
There is a Feat called Two Worlds... It basically allows for a multi cultured character.
The first issue of Franklyn's Almanack is now available at rpgnow.com!
Three huzzahs and a bumper all round!
No money return'd.
Its on my to get on Friday List as I have to wait for Payday...
A quick question about the Sophian Winged Saber PrC (which I'm really excited about) from the first issue of Franklyn's Almanack.
Would the Winged Saber cuirass wings, when not deployed, prevent flanking attacks from behind? The wing-span is listed at 8 feet, meaning that when not deployed, they would create a 4 foot crest on the back of the soldier. Would this possibly prevent attacks from the rear?
I think that in the real world they would provide some protection from slashing weapon attacks from the rear, but d20 System rules don't distinguish between rear attacks and other flanking attacks, IIRC, so I'm not sure how you would represent that as a rule mod.
What do you recommend as far as taking our Northern Crown characters to the High Seas? Are there more detailed naval rules planned for the game than the vehicle rules in the main book? If not, is there a particular D20 supplement that you would recommend that would best serve the purpose of providing our buccaneers and sea captains with some high seas adventure?
ED
I personally use Corsair put out by Adamant Entertainment you can find it on RPGnow.com I find it to be a good suppliment for Hi-Seas adventuring...
I second the recommendation for Corsair.
Here's a question that has just been wracking about in my head for a bit now:
How big is the Long Rapier?
Like I have a character who owns one and I'm just trying to figure out how big this thing is, I assume it's like 3 feet or so like the rapier which I own, but I am not sure if that's an actual "rapier" or a "long rapier". It's just a little thing that bothers me is all since they never clarify in the PHB about the size of a rapier or such...so yeah. How big is it?
BTW I love the setting alot.
Oh also another thing that is bothering me: Is Cathay China, 'cause I am still getting confused over the rest of the world map. You see I have a plot idea that starts in Uropa and was thinking about including some broader cultures (not necessarily ones from that far away that's just something that nags me), which leads to this other question: are there any other cultures you might see in the game?
The long rapier is a less flexible, longer, heavier blade representing the early form of the weapon. It went out of style in the 1600s as off-hand dagger defenses were replaced by more dynamic main-weapon defensive techniques, and large swords began to be seen as uncouth fashion accessories.
Cathay is China. At some point I was going to include a world map in New World Adventures, but it never happened, to my regret.
Glad you're enjoying the setting!
Thanks man, I think I know how big it is now.
Just another question, that came to me during my party's character creation today. If you start out as say a Francais Natural Philosopher and then at later levels take a level of Soldier, would you then also get the Fencing ability for being a Francais Soldier as well as the Warm Welcome for being a Francais Natural Philosopher?
You asked, If you start out as say a Francais Natural Philosopher and then at later levels take a level of Soldier, would you then also get the Fencing ability for being a Francais Soldier as well as the Warm Welcome for being a Francais Natural Philosopher?
The answer is a definite yes. New World Adventures, page 16:
"Multiclass characters receive the appropriate class bonuses for all their classes..."
Ahhh, I must've missed that. Thank you. Once more, love the setting.
Thanks! I'm getting into the nitty gritty of writing Spectral Boston, the first official campaign-setting-within-a-campaign-setting for the Northern Crown universe, and hearing your praise keeps me going!