The Secrets of Tactical Archetypes
The Secrets of Tactical Archetypes is a supplement for the Pathfinder fantasy system written by Will McCardell and published by Rite Publishing.
By Cape Rust
The Secrets of Tactical Archetypes is a rules supplement for the Pathfinder system that promotes teamwork by introducing archetypes with abilities that better enhance and enable teamwork.
CONTENT
This product is 12 pages long, and of those 12 Pages, 7 pages contain the actual archetypes. There are six archetypes including; Celestial Commander (Summoner), Inspiring Commander (Cavalier), Mechanist (Gunslinger), Pack Hunter (Ranger), Shogun (Samurai) and War Warder (Magus). Each of these archetypes substitutes normal class features for features that are focused on improving teamwork.
OVERALL
The six archetypes presented in this book provide complex but useful teamwork mechanics that if used properly should give adventuring parties the edge they need to succeed.
RATINGS
Publication Quality: 6 out of 10
Cover artist Joe Calkins loves to use “lighting” effects in his art. Many of the works featured on his web page www.cerberusart.com are fraught with sunbeams and shadows; the cover of The Secrets of Tactical Archetypes is no exception however the problem is that this cover does not convey tactics or teamwork. The public domain artwork used was marginal and the depiction of the Shogun was underwhelming. The layout of the archetype information was well done and easy to read.
Mechanics: 9 out of 10
Rite Publishing knows game mechanics. Some of the mechanics in this book are complex and the GM must make special considerations to accommodate them. This book does a good job of laying out the consequences of these newly introduced mechanics. The best example of these consequences is those faced by the Cavalier and Samurai with the loss of their mounts. Most products do not add warning statements like this, and they should.
Value Add: 8 out of 10
The enhancements that these archetypes can bring to party success are outstanding. The bonuses these archetypes provide are not to be underestimated. All six of the archetypes presented are well thought out and the new leadership mechanics they bring will add significant teamwork value to their associated classes.
Overall: 8 out of 10
Rite Publishing does so many things right, but they keep hiding their amazing gifts under a wrapping that could be improved upon. Adding a very basic chart that included the original class layout next to a chart that listed the new archetype features would have been helpful. Once the artwork and information are fused correctly, Rite Publishing will be a force to be reckoned with. This is a good and useful product that wrapped differently would be a 10 out of 10.
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