''Araka-Kalai'' is a role-playing game supplement for ''

HârnMaster ''HârnMaster'' is a fantasy role-playing game based in the fantasy world of Hârn. The system, like the world, was designed primarily by N. Robin Crossby. History ''Hârnmaster'', the Hârn RPG, was published by Columbia Games in 1986. All ''H� ...

'' published by

Columbia Games Columbia Games is one of the oldest manufacturers of board wargames, and has also produced the '' Hârn'' role-playing game as well as various card games and collectible card games. Their wargames are notable for using small wooden or plastic blo ...

in 1987.

Publication history

''Araka-Kalai'' was the first supplement created for ''HârnMaster'', written by Edwin King and Dave Kowan, with art by

Eric Hotz Eric Hotz is a graphic artist and illustrator. Early life and education He was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada and studied at Simon Fraser University, Langara College, and Capilano College, mainly studying archaeology, art history, fine ...

. It was published in 1987 by

as a 44-page book, with two center-bound cardstock

character sheet A character sheet is a record of a player character in a role-playing game, including whatever details, notes, game statistics, and background information a player would need during a play session. Character sheets can be found in use in both tr ...

''Araka-Kalai'' is a campaign setting focussed on a colossal noxious sinkhole called the Pit of Araka-Kalai and the uncharted caverns beneath it that contain monsters, shrines and cults. The Pit itself is filled with a strange organic sludge as well as the ruined temple of the god Ilvir. The supplement includes seven mini-scenarios set in the area, although several of the scenarios are only undetailed sketches. Reviewer

Ken Rolston Ken Rolston is an American computer game and role-playing game (pen and paper), role-playing game designer best known for his work with West End Games and on the computer game series ''The Elder Scrolls''. In February 2007, he elected to join th ...

noted that "The adventures themselves are really little more than scenario outlines, though one or two provide enough detail to qualify as complete adventures."

Reception

In the October 1989 edition of ''

Dragon A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...

'',

was impressed with the production values and writing, noting that "The graphics are excellent, with color maps, abundant diagrams of locations and buildings, and appropriate, expressive illustrations of scenes, characters, and creatures. The style of presentation is clear and detailed, and is dry with an occasional droll impulse. It is well organized for reading and reference. And the campaign materials — well, they’re voluminous, historically and socially plausible, and full of dramatic fantasy adventure and thematic hooks." Given the originality of the setting versus the paucity of detail in the adventure scenarios, Rolston thought that it was "more distinguished as a campaign setting than an adventure supplement". Nevertheless he gave it a thumbs up, saying, "This is a strongly recommended adventure setting."

References

{{reflist Hârn supplements Role-playing game supplements introduced in 1987

Publication history

Contents

Reception

References