Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes
 | |
| Author | Robert Kuntz and James M. Ward |
|---|---|
| Genre | Role-playing game |
| Publisher | TSR, Inc. |
Publication date | 1976 |
| Media type | Print (Softcover) |
| Pages | 72 |
Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes is a supplementary rulebook for the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fantasy role-playing game. Its product designation is TSR 2006.
Contents
The work provides information on the pantheons and constructs of the Egyptian, Hindu, Greek, Celtic, Norse, Finnish, Aztec, Mayan, Chinese, and Japanese mythologies, as well as Robert E. Howard's Hyborea and the Melnibonéan Mythos from Michael Moorcock's Elric novels.[1] The book was intended to adapt the various constructs for D&D gameplay, and is therefore not a general reference source regarding the underlying mythos.[2]
Publication history
Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes was written by Robert Kuntz and James Ward, and published by TSR in 1976 as a seventy two page digest sized book; it was the fourth supplement to the original D&D rules.[1] The booklet was edited by Tim Kask,[3] and published by TSR, Inc. in 1976 for the original edition of D&D, and bears the designation "Supplement IV", following the first three supplements, Greyhawk, Blackmoor, and Eldritch Wizardry.[4] In later editions of the game, the Deities & Demigods sourcebook superseded this volume, building upon the gameplay structures first introduced in Gods, Demi-gods, and Heroes.
The Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes supplement will be reproduced as a premium reprint on November 19, 2013, as part of a deluxe, premium reprint of the original "White Box" which features new packaging in an oaken box. Each booklet will feature new cover art but will otherwise be a faithful reproduction of the original, including original interior art.[5]
Reception
In his 1991 book Heroic Worlds, Lawrence Schick calls this book "the least important supplement to Original D&D".[1]
David M. Ewalt, in his book Of Dice and Men, commented that "Even though Swords and Spells is numbered 'Supplement V' on its cover, it's really supplement IV that puts the final touches on Dungeons & Dragons. Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes (co-authored by TSR's Rob Kuntz and James M. Ward, a gamer and junior high teacher from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin) introduces mythology to the game and describes deities in the same manner earlier supplements described men and monsters."[6] Ewalt continues: "At its heart, Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes represents another attempt to exert control over D&D players. Kask's foreword drips with disdain for Dungeon Masters who allow their players to advance to high levels and explains that the supplement aims to correct their misguided actions".[6]
Additional reading
- Review: The Space Gamer #9
References
- 1 2 3 Schick, Lawrence (1991). Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games. Prometheus Books. p. 143. ISBN 0-87975-653-5.
- ↑ "Original D&D Supplements". The Acaeum. Retrieved 2009-01-17.
- ↑ "Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes (1976)". Pen & Paper RPG Database. Retrieved 2009-01-17.
- ↑ "The History of TSR". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2008-10-04. Retrieved 2005-08-20.
- ↑ "Original Dungeons & Dragons RPG". Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
- 1 2 Ewalt, David M. (2013). Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and the People Who Play It. Scribner. p. 109-110. ISBN 978-1-4516-4052-6.
External links
- Gods, Demi-gods & Heroes at the Pen & Paper RPG Database
- Original D&D Supplements at the Acaeum.com