My personal interest in the Jonstown Compendium is to peruse the many different ways in which people construct scenarios. As odd as it sounds, I like to see what is lurking in other people’s heads and how this is interpreted into their adventures. The variation in approach between authors is always a curiosity to me and to my mind there is no right or wrong way.

The Black Spear is both audacious and brave, being very different to the other scenarios published under the aegis of the Jonstown Compendium. It takes a wild ride through Glorantha, throws up many curve-balls and surprises, imparting much interesting ‘Gloranthan Lore’ along the way. And what I truly love about it is that it is unlike anything I would create and as such I have learnt from it. Perhaps the next time I put pen to paper I will be a bit more daring.

The Black Spear takes the gamemaster and players alike back to some familiar haunts but replays them in a completely different fashion. Without giving too much away, a great example of this is a visit to a cave complex. This might have some players ‘tooling up’ for a hunt and kill mission, but Black Spear takes a very different turn and comes up with something truly inspirational, fun and Gloranthan. Love it.

What’s more, the book is beautiful to behold. Wonderfully written, colourful, bold and clear, it is full of useful boxed text and packed with superb art from Mike O’Connor.

It’s a must have.