[Review] Talislanta Epic Edition (6th edition)

Introduction

The name’s Davenport. I review games.

So last Tuesday I’m sittin’ at my desk, mindin’ my own business, when in walks this tall, skinny guy — 7′ if he was an inch — with sandy skin, frilled ears, a row of six little horns running down the middle of his head, and a kinda bony spur comin’ out of his chin.

Had to be a Sindarin, which could mean only one thing: Talislanta was back. Crazy high fantasy setting, like J.R.R. Tolkien and Robert E. Howard got together and dropped acid. Lotsa different races. No elves.

“Salutations, human being! I have ambulated to this location to purvey to you a reviewable tome of Talislanta Epic Edition, which might otherwise be known by the appellation of Talislanta 6th Edition.”

One thing about Sindarins: They just love to hear themselves talk.

“Now, the ‘6th Edition’ sobriquet is likely the more accurate designation. But then, ‘Epic Edition’ more fully elucidates the grandiose nature of the effort.”

Oh, yeah, another thing about Sindarins: They got two brains in their noggins. And they don’t always agree.

“Nice,” I says. “Been a while. So what’s new with Talislanta?”

“Much!” he says. “Perhaps too much to articulate! Or perhaps not! For the moment, it is enough to discern that the volume collects the best elements of the rules from previous editions and presents them in glorious full color!”

“Tal in full color, eh?” I says. Now _that_ hadda be somethin’ to see. Up until now, the art’s been great, but all in black and white, ‘cept for the covers.

“Sounds good,” I says. “So, you gonna hand over the book, or what?”

“I’m of two minds on the subject.”