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HârnMaster Edition 3.5 Reviewed

Jeff McAleer

Jun 1, 2024

Title: HârnMaster Edition 3.5

Publisher: Columbia Games

Authors: N. Robin Crossby and Tom Dalgliesh

Artists: Michael Codd, Eric Hotz, and Richard Luschek

Year: 2023

Genre: Gritty and realistic, low fantasy roleplaying game core system

Pages: 172 pages

MSRP: $49.99 for the box set or $39.99 in PDF at DriveThruRPG

I kick off Small Publisher Month here at The Gaming Gang with my review of HârnMaster edition 3.5 from Columbia Games. The gritty and realistic, low fantasy roleplaying game uses a d100 system for action resolution. The system is also well known for its detailed and tactically dense combat. I provide a look inside the physical box set, which includes loose cardstock pages which make up the volume, which also require a binder, as well as a pad of character profile sheets.

SUMMARY

While HârnMaster is probably a bit crunchier than what I would look for as my go to fantasy RPG, this is still an excellent system. Those who already play a d100 based roleplaying games shouldn't have much trouble sliding on into these mechanics and the tactically dense combat system. HârnMaster isn't going to be a good fit for those who already feel 5E D&D is too complex. I am surprised the magic and religion portions of the system aren't present but the game is designed to be modular and I wish there was a hardcover book available rather than having to use a binder. If you're in the market for a gritty and realistic take on a low fantasy setting, HârnMaster should absolutely be on your radar.

Jeff McAleer

Founder/Editor-in-chief of The Gaming Gang website and host of The Gaming Gang Dispatch and other TGG media, Jeff tackles any and all sorts of games but has a special fondness for strategy, conflict sims, and roleplaying games. Plus, he's certainly never at a loss for an opinion...