The First Reviews are in for the Codex Celtarum!

When someone starts a project the worry logically creeps in that someday people may not view it in the same way, or see the 'plan'. I had this worry many, many times over the last two decades of fine-tuning, modifying and creating the many elements that compose this setting. For the size of the book, 174 pages, I could easily add more and round it out at 200 pages, plus trim some places and streamline it even better (now that I see it in its final state), but who knows, that may happen with a 2nd edition someday?

With as many play-testers this game setting has had there was never anyone who disliked it, in fact they embraced the new angles and possibilities given within. Since no RPG has produced anything comparable in its history (although there were many 'Celtic' themed supplements, etc), this introduces all new ground and gaming possibilities that I knew would find eager gamers. Our groups loved them, why not others?

Contrary to the first reviewer on Diehard Gamefan', the majority of the faery races can be played as characters, or they can be adapted to by the GM. These races were not meant to be stuck only as NPCs because there are too many options with the abilities provided for the purpose of playing by players. So make characters, use the abilities and spells, and more when you make them, have fun!

The first review is here!   Once you have read it, please move onto the next. When more come in I will post links, etc about them, good or bad. The response by others is important since this project was intended for others, and it will prepare everyone for the upcoming Codices in the series, and there are about ten planned. What are they you ask? Steve has been working on the large Codex Airhde which is over 250+ pages in length so far, and I have the Viking and Early German books finished. After which I will work on the Slavic, Classical (Greek & Roman), Japanese, Native American, Mesopotamian & Egyptian, and Central and South American codices, all will follow the identical format you see in the Celtic codex. This means you will be able to plunder these cultures and make your world and campaign filled with the multitude of mythical beings, monsters, new classes, etc at your heart's content!

Quoting some of the comments made by reviewers:

"The Codex Celtarum contains a little bit of everything you could want for a Celtic-influenced campaign. I should point out that the Celtarum is not a source book for 100% accurate real world Celtic mythology, folklore and culture. It’s an adaptatiom of Celtic culture for the Castles & Crusades setting. There had to be some give and take which the author, who has a Masters in Arthurian Studies realized full well. The end result is one that should please fans of Celtic myth and role players used to generic high fantasy settings alike. The Codex Celtarum is something that every Castles & Crusades fan should be able to enjoy and appreciate, even if they don’t actually use it in their game."

"Aside from a few minor quibbles, the Codex Celtarum is simply an amazing book. It’s not just one of the bestCastles & Crusades sourcebooks ever, but it’s something that ANY fantasy game setting can pick up and use/adapt, especially if they are looking for a Celtic flair for their homebrew world and stories. There is so little in the way of mechanics, that you won’t ever have to do that much converting, especially if you already use an OSR system. As usual, the new Celtic content line for Castles & Crusades continues to impress."

"So, how does this book measure up? Well, the only other gaming book that I have that comes to mind is from TSR's excellent historical reference series. The Celts Campaign Sourcebook was certainly well put together but there is certainly something 'more' to this new offering. I'll be perfectly honest, the Celts were never a big thing for me -- I was always more interested in the ancient lands of Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire though I do have a soft spot for Vikings. Unlike the Celts, the Codex Celtarum leaves me with the desire to at least use *some* of the material and adapt it for my own campaign -- particularly when it comes to the Fey. The Codex Celtarum certainly has some substance to it there's enough to pillage for your own game even if you are inclined to run a Celtic themed game."

If you have a question about any aspect of the Codex Celtarum please let me know and I will reply!

Good Gaming!
Brian N. Young