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Iron Heroes - Who Needs the Pen When the Sword is so Awesome?

There have only been two pre-published games that I have ever ran that my gaming still talk about. One was the classic Ravenloft box-set adventure: Castles Forlorn. Like most adventures, I needed to tailor much of the game to suit my own player’s needs. A good time was had, but it took some work. The other game that is still talked about (and cursed) around the gaming table is the stunningly difficult (though wholly enjoyable) Labyrinth of Madness by a one Monte Cook. The adventure was like no other. It reminded me of old school RPG adventures. There was no need for a “logical” reason for this trap or that puzzle, this was fantasy for heaven sake, and it happened that way because of magic. Most of my players didn’t survive that sigil soaked dungeon of demonic snakes, but they all died with smiles on their faces and tales to tell. I’ve been a fan of Mr. Cook’s work ever since then.

As such, it filled me with gamer glee to receive this nugget of gaming gold in my Inbox:

IRON HEROES VARIANT RULEBOOK NOW ON SALE!

New Player's Handbook Caters to Action Fantasy

August 1, 2005 (Renton, Wash.) -- If you liked Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed and Arcana Evolved, don't miss the latest variant player's handbook from Malhavoc Press! On sale today is Monte Cook Presents: Iron Heroes by game designer Mike Mearls, which presents new rules and options for high-octane fantasy role-playing. It is on sale today simultaneously in electronic and print editions from Malhavoc Press.

This exciting new game of heroic combat action is for skilled heroes who have no need for magic swords or arcane trinkets. Armed with their cunning, talent, and unmatched bravery, they wade sword first into a savage world of high-octane adventure. Iron Heroes, a variant player's handbook in the tradition of Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, provides 10 new core classes, expanded feat and skill systems, new combat options like stunts and challenges, character traits, the innovative token system, a new magic paradigm, and much more.

Iron Heroes is for those looking for a new fantasy role-playing game as well as those who simply want useful new rules for their d20 System games. This complete OGL handbook also includes guidelines for incorporating its new rules and options into d20 games and Arcana Evolved games.

Monte Cook Presents: Iron Heroes comes as a 256-page illustrated book, featuring a 16-page full-color introductory section. It features the artwork of Kev Crossley and a cover by Jeremy Jarvis. Suitable for characters of all levels, Iron Heroes is available now in electronic (PDF) format at DriveThruRPG.com for only $14 and in hardcover at your local game store for $37.99. You can sample free previews of the text and art at the book's website: www.montecook.com/ironheroes. Official miniatures are available from Magnificent Egos starting in September. Tie-in adventures are coming from Goodman Games and Fiery Dragon Productions.

Mike Mearls has worked as a freelance role-playing game designer since 1999. One of the most prolific writers in the business, he maintains a high volume of work without compromising on quality-a trait that has won him a place on many gamers' lists of favorite designers. Buoyed by positive reaction to his first d20 works, he went on to produce a variety of material for the leading RPG publishers, including AEG, Atlas Games, Decipher, Fantasy Flight, Fiery Dragon, Goodman Games, Mongoose Publishing, Necromancer Games, and others before joining Malhavoc Press. His work can be found in Dragon(r) Magazine on a regular basis.

Malhavoc Press is the publisher of the award-winning Book of Eldritch Might and other d20 System titles by authors including Monte Cook, co-creator of the 3rd edition of Dungeons & Dragons(r). Hallmarks of Malhavoc products include unusual magic, monsters, and evocative game elements that go beyond traditional fantasy, as well as a mastery of the d20 System rules. The Monte Cook's Arcana Unearthed variant player's handbook was named Best d20 Game at the EN World d20 System Award ceremony held at Gen Con 2004. Malhavoc Press titles are available at , along with free game articles and downloads. Print versions are published by Sword & Sorcery(tm).

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Might and Arcana Evolved are trademarks of Monte J. Cook. All rights
reserved. Dungeons & Dragons and Dragon are registered trademarks and d20 System and Unearthed Arcana are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. Arcana Unearthed is used with permission from Wizards, and all rights are reserved. Sword & Sorcery is a trademark of White Wolf Publishing. All rights reserved.

With the extremely talented people at Magnificient Egos behind the official miniature line and the fine folks at Goodman Games and Fiery Dragon Productions writing adventures and tie-ins, I can see Iron Heroes getting a ton of use by my new gaming group. A group that was recently obliterated by that damn Labyrinth of Madness!

Wonder if I can adapt the new rules?