RuneScape: Betrayal at Falador
Betrayal at Falador is a fantasy novel set in the MMORPG world of RuneScape written by T.S. Church and published by Titan Books.
By Cape Rust
RuneScape is not a tabletop RPG. I fully understand that and I know to some the mere thought of me reviewing a book based on an MMO is repugnant. Now that I think of it, reviewing any book that is based on a video game or movie can be a real groaner. The H.A.L.O. Books bucked that trend and I am happy to say that the RuneScape books do the same. I have never played RuneScape as I am convinced that it would end my happy marriage, my career as a writer for Roleplayers Chronicle and my beloved tabletop gaming; but when your MMO is listed as the world’s most popular free online role-playing game, then they have to be doing something right.
Writing a novelization of an MMO like RuneScape is much easier than making a movie about a couple of plumbers who take mushrooms to grow bigger and rescue princesses, but the skill in which T.S. Church exercises in the execution of Betrayal at Falador is to be commended. Church’s love of RuneScape shows in the love and respect he shows for the setting during the course of the book. There are just some books out there where the author really wears their emotions about a subject on their sleeve and Betrayal at Falador leaves us in no doubt about Mr. Church’s feelings.
I read a review that said this book felt like an old school adventure and I whole heartily agree. Most of the characters fit into the stereotypes you would expect: there is an axe-wielding dwarf, a barbarian priestess, a lawful good paladin and a robe-wearing wizard. They all play their roles to the hilt and their addition to a dynamic world makes for interesting fantasy. In RuneScape magic is based on ever-dwindling runes used in varying combinations to produce effects. As you would expect, there is a tower where mages go to learn their trade. In addition to magic there is science and the two disciplines hold a grudging respect for one another. I do enjoy a world where magic and science collide, but I’ve seen it before and I know I’ll see it again.
The intrigue (betrayal) this book dealt with was handled well, nothing original about it, but the quantity of the betrayal was just right. Treason has a way of multiplying itself significantly and Betrayal at Falador gives readers, GMs and players an idea of the far-reaching and long-lasting effects it can have. There was a scene dealing with the betrayal where I got Dune flashbacks, but I love Dune so it made me smile. During games GMs often get so caught up in intricate intrigue plots that are way too complex. T.S. Church shows us how to have an interesting treason plot hook without making it so complex that readers can’t follow it, much less solve it. Church was kind enough to remind me that, as a reader, sometimes I don’t have to figure out who the traitor is; my job is to follow the people who end up capturing that traitor after someone else figures out their identity.
Betrayal at Falador is the kind of book GMs should use to get an idea of how a campaign should be planned; not an adventure, but a full-blown campaign. This book is part of a three part series (well, three books so far) and there is enough adventure and “side quests” to keep all of the characters busy and to cater to their abilities. A knight or paladin needs to wear full plate and ride a horse, check. Wizards need to rely on their magic and love books, check. This book is a great reminder that while Batman is really cool, there are still knights in shining armor.
For the player, this book, as well as the rest of the books in the series, are a hotbed of character ideas, conflicts and plot hooks. The idea of a paladin being a squire at their lower levels is really cool. With a small amount of work with their GM, a player could have their paladin spend a few levels as a squire. If the player or the GM feel the lifestyle of a fully fledged Paladin is not right for their character, then it is time for someone to multi-class. When reading books like this it is always important to see its merits as a GM and as a player
T.S. Church is a good author and his passion for RuneScape has allowed him to adapt an MMO in a way that is interesting and entertaining. These books will not change your outlook on life nor do I see them making many top ten lists, but what I do see are books that are entertaining and well-crafted. I enjoyed this book and I know I will enjoy the rest. The RuneScape series by T.S. Church is comfort food for the fantasy reader and shoulded be served up warm. I would go on about the book but I wouldn’t want to rune it for you.
