*A copy for review was kindly furnished by Kort'thalis Publishing*
Review Posted originally at WarpScream.com
So, the very first review for an RPG. Which I will have to admit a bias for. I accepted the product with the thought that I in fact will dislike this. Firstly because it's author is known for overtly sexual content, and secondly because he is known for gonzo content. Both of which are not up my alley. I'm happy to say, I like this, and I like it quite a bit.
Cha'alt is a weird future OSR RPG setting with a well populated megadungeon that immediately breaks the rules of design in a great way. Formed as a great pyramid in external shape, you discover that it is in fact a massive inter-dimensional playhouse of madness. Some portions of it remind me of a mashup of 80's science fiction movies, and Mad Max smoking crack cocaine. It has a vibe to it that grows on you rapidly.
For all of its wonderful weirdness it seems focused on setting exploration and that is exactly what I like. He's populated it with things that you won't want to kill and loot. (But can) Interesting NPC's, groups, and loads of charts and tables for organic interactions. Which really is the highlight of it all for me. Considerable work was put into making a place where you can not only adventure, but get attached to people. Certain parts seem almost like a dirty part of a desert Star Wars town where the cameras couldn't go for fear of an R rating. Like Cheers, but with alien hookers. A place where everyone knows your name, and deviant urges.
There's also some great topical humor mixed in. Used sparingly enough to make you and your group chuckle without it overwhelming the setting. The 'Gamma Incel Cantina' is a fine example of a place you'd definitely have to check out, at least so you can update your Facebook status with proof you were there. Get a picture taken with Leezu and don't let her get behind you.
The art is fantastic, from cover to cover none of it is haphazard. There was a vision in bringing up this art style. Not just what they could afford as so many kickstarters do these days. Its production value is fantastic. The book is dripping with interesting art. Esoteric symbols that speak of a weird futuristic style. Photography that blends into the setting quite well and it mostly avoids lewd imagery. Save for a photo of a woman with glitter as a shirt (and nice breasts). It has a great style that is purposefully weird. Ranging from Peter Mullenesque tentacle monsters, to high future military equipment and apocalypse overtones.
This is a setting you can sink your teeth into and run months if not years of games in. Well exceeding the price point for the value. Tons of monsters, NPC's, and locations! With the backdrop of the inter dimensional pyramid dungeon this would be a great place to start a weird future game. It has a detailed history of the place, multiple adventure locations, plenty of space between, and spots where a tired adventurer can soak their heels in relative safety. The author has made a point to produce a fine, weird place that doesn't devolve into politics, or social issues and keeps a sense of humor.
Support an independent creator with your purchase here. https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product...lt?term=Chaalt
Pick this up if you like
-Sandboxes
-Weird Science
-Bawdy Locations
-Sci-fi pop culture references
-System Neutral
-No railroads
Skip it if you dislike
-Occasional Lewdness
-Weirdness
-Free form exploration and adventure
-Intermixed comedic content
-Non-Traditional Settings
Thanks to Kort'thalis Publishing for offering their baby to be inspected by what could have been a bad review. It isn't easy to send your work to someone predisposed to disliking it. It's a testament to the solidness of the product that I can enjoy it despite preconceptions.
Here's the correct link for the Cha'alt PDF: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/284600/Chaalt
VS
Shameless self-promotion of my latest Kickstarter campaign, Cha'alt: Fuchsia Malaise (you can get either Cha'alt or it's follow-up book): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vengersatanis/chaalt-fuchsia-malaise/
Good review!
One of the most interesting aspects of Cha'alt (FOR ME) has been the relationship of the Outer World to the Black Pyramid and how the mysteries of the setting can be revealed (OR NOT) as the PCs delve deeper into the mega-dungeon on their various expeditions.
Also, I really like how you actually can't just walk room to room! The Black Pyramid has a unique non-linear quality which requires players to think about moving forward vs. backtracking vs. pursuing certain types of doorways. It's an interesting way to keep the danger level from being truly insane because there's a solid "push your luck" mechanism for going forward or not.
After our thread on Dark Sun, I've come to agree that Cha'alt has a lot in common with Dark Sun and if you're looking for an OSR Dark Sun, this might fulfill that nice nicely if you enjoy the gonzo fantasy elements. It's not a setting for the unwary.