Falchoin Publications
by Christopher Jozwik and Jim Pigtan
$?/110 pgs

The Kanar is yet another set of live fantasy roleplay rules. Using safe foam-and-PVC weapons for combat, it resembles the International Fantasy Gaming Society more than it does the no-contact style of play represented by the Theater of the Mind's Eye. It's not an IFGS knockoff, though - there are some very important differences.

For one thing, Kanar LARP provides a more detailed set of rules for making a character. You can choose to play one of 12 different races Deep Dwarves, Stone Dwarves, Half-Dwarves, Common Elves, Forest Elves, Dark Elves, Half_ es, Halflings, Half-Halflings, Half-Ogres, HalfOrcs, or Humans. Each race has different strengths and weaknesses, as in a tabletop RPG. There's also a skill system present to supplement the traditional class system, which includes Warriors, Rogues, Clerics, and Mages.

Each of these broad classes is divided into subclasses; for example, under Cleric one finds Diviners, Druids, Enchanters, Healers, Necromancers, and Shamen. Speaking of spellcasting, magic spells are divided into the four elemental spheres of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Casting a spell is done rather conventionally; an incantation is required, as is a beanbag, which is thrown at the target.

The nifty skill system lets you choose from over 80 skills (including weapon skills) like Astrology, Herbalism, or Tracking, so your abilities aren't 100% defined by your character class and race. Naturally some races and classes are better at some skills; this is represented by letting them buy them at different prices.

Another key difference is thatKanar gaming groups will try to run a campaign as opposed to stand-alone adventures. The chapter's Game Master will design the overall feel of the game world and establish the major themes, and then sub-GMs (called "Theme Marshals"') are responsible for designing interlocking scenarios. An Adventure Marshal then accompanies a party of PCs through the adventure.

It's an intriguing way to run a game; extending the tabletop RPG campaign metaphor into live-action could be very rewarding if executed well.

FALCHION PUBLICATIONS PO BOX 605 HIGHLAND MI 48357
(NO ISBN GIVEN)