My son has been itching to play a necromancer since the introduction of 4e, so he and I were particularly interested in this product when it was released. However, we were both profoundly disappointed after reading the material. Although we never found the content particularly intriguing, there are some powers and "fluff text" that are usable in a campaign. However, in many instances, we simply found "Secrets of Necromancy" to be poorly written and ill-conceived in regard to both game mechanics and its overall presentation. Some modification to these powers can remedy most of the issues.
Unfortunately, the "breaking point" for my son and me was the inclusion of artwork that perpetuates the objectification and culture of violence against women. Images of half-naked women, even 'fantasy' women, being threatened with knives is an old and outdated cliche that needs to be eliminated from the "gaming culture." It reinforces the paradigm of the marginalization of women that is already an over-powering force in the gaming community, let alone society at large. This image had no direct tie to the content of the book and did nothing to add to the aesthetic value of the product. Instead, it only serves to represent an archaic and damaging patriarchal ideology that needs to be exercised from our "hobby of heroes."
Rating: [1 of 5 Stars!] |