Mercenaries: Born of Blood

REVIEWS [out of 5] ENWorld [++++-] ENWorld [+++--] ENWorld [+++--] RPGShop [++++-]

TOTAL: 3.5

You've tasted blood before, whether it was yours or others; it's all the same. It runs hot, dark and sticky as it falls to the ground in an endless torrent. There have been plenty of weapons, armor and men left broken on nameless battlefields -- but do you care? No. Why should you when you're the one left standing?

It comes down to two very important things... first is survival and second is collecting your pay for services rendered. Paladins and heroes do it for the 'greater good', you're just in it for the payoff. After all, you're not doing this for free are you?

Mercenaries: Born in Blood explores mercenaries throughout "real-world" history, how they've been used in fiction, tips for using them in your game, new feats, skills, and prestige classes, as well as six samples for use in a fantasy game, two for use in a pulp/modern game, and two for use in a sci-fi game. It also includes:

• A complete history of mercenaries, from the Greek and Persian wars, to modern day "security companies," to mercenaries of the future
• 16 new prestige classes
• 2 new core classes (the professional and soldier-of-fortune)
• 30 new spells and over 15 new magic items
• Rules for generating mercenary backgrounds, contracts, payments, punishments, and more
• Rules for creating mercenaries using most any creature from the Monster Manual

"If you're looking for more material for your campaign, fantasy, historical, modern or far future, " said Joe Kushner at ENWorld. "that focuses in on the Mercenary mold, than Born of Blood is your book."