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DriveThruRPG just emailed that my copy was in the mail, so I'm quite happy! Plus I thought this forum could use another thread that didn't have "PoD" in the title- the setting is simply too colorful for that. I've been reading the PDF pretty heavily, but having an actual hardcover of the book will be delightful (money's tight so sadly I had to settle on a B&W copy, hoping this decision doesn't come back to haunt me.)

I also grabbed The Dragon Scroll because it was an incredibly reasonable price, and because I was quite interested in seeing an "official" adventure. I haven't gotten a chance to run anything yet, but I've been getting my friends interested in playing. Hopefully we'll have something going next week.

Since we're basically all college students, I think I'm going to try to put a decent focus on the nature of school in the Spellbound Kingdoms. The setup is rather interesting- activities that are quite horrific and monstrous to our (Western) society, yet they do serve a valuable purpose (and I was ecstatic to purchase The Dragon Scroll once I read that it actually took place in a school.)

It presents an interesting dilemma to the players- side with an emotional mindset and disrupt the foundations of this society, despite all warning, and struggle against whatever fate brings; or side with the cold system that ultimately exists to protect society from itself.

I don't know if I can do the setting justice. I'm a new GM by any standard, and the system is awesome and frightening at the same time. One thing's for certain- this isn't going to be a simple game of D&D (thankfully.)

A quick purchase story as well, if anyone cares:

When I was deciding what game to buy, it ultimately became a decision between SK and Burning Wheel: Gold. I hadn't played either and couldn't find much discussion on Spellbound Kingdoms, but what I did find was incredibly positive (aside from the issues of the original PDF which were fixed.) The combat system looked spectacular and yet simple to play once you have the hang of it, and the setting promised a dark yet romantic atmosphere (which was a promise most certainly kept by the flavor chapters and the first adventure.) It captures the same feeling I get reading one of the books in A Song of Ice and Fire, that sort of "the world is a hopeless and cruel place where honor is a weakness and love is a disease," and yet there is always a glimmer of hope that a person can find a greater purpose through hardship and struggle.

Frank, your participation on the RPG.net forums sold me the game. Granted, every developer there has to avoid acting pretentious to a degree, and most are friendly. But you never pushed your game over others, and always gave helpful advice in the few threads related to it. So far, this game has been as good as you said it was. Thanks.

Welcome, and thanks for the kind words! I think George RR Martin is one of the best writers out there, so any comparison to him, even just in small part, really makes my day.

Funny about Burning Wheel. When I was living in NYC, my friend played in Luke Crane's campaign. Luke's a good guy. BW is definitely a heavier rules-set than SK. I think it aims for some different ends.

That was exactly the sort of dilemma I was going for with the Dragon Scroll. For the first adventure, I wanted to make sure to throw one of the central conflicts of the setting right in the players' faces. For what it's worth, I wouldn't worry about "doing it justice." I just run it, and if the players pick up on the moral conflicts, great; if not, as long as they're having fun, I go with that. Elsa tends to be a highlight of most Dragon Scroll games I've played. :)

I've got to get more releases out there. Hopefully before next cons/gamedays. I've had some great help but I've been the slow one; seems my family and my job require time. Look for the Book of Wonder Vol I (new alchemical and engineering items, a new fighting style, new monsters, maybe new spells, some Rithaign mini-adventures, all set in a sandbox-style Rithaign neighborhood) along with GC1 The Shadow of the Dragon and GC 2 The Dragon's Last Duchess just as soon as possible.

I love the Chosen One idea. Sounds like a great player-character match that could add a lot to the game.

You can change it however you like, of course, but as written there are three to five weeks between The Dragon Scroll and The Dragon's Shadow. The Dragon's Shadow does feature an eclipse, so if you're thinking of foreshadowing things (pun intended, sorry), that might be one to add to the adumbration list. :)