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{{Infobox book |
{{Infobox book |
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+ | |name = |
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+ | |image = KuntzJamesSupplementIVCover.png |
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| − | | image_size = 200px |
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| + | |editor = [[Tim Kask]] |
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| − | | caption = |
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| + | |artist = |
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+ | |artists = |
| + | |game = [[Original Dungeons & Dragons|Original ''Dungeons & Dragons'']] |
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| − | | publisher = [[TSR, Inc.]] |
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| + | |content = Guidelines for using religion and mythology |
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| − | | release_date = 1976 |
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+ | |publisher = [[TSR, Inc.]] |
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+ | |date = 1976 |
| + | |media_type = Print (softcover digest) |
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| + | |language = English |
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| + | |productcode = TSR 2006 |
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| + | |pages = 72 |
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}} |
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| + | '''''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes''''', also known as '''''Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes''''', is a [[supplement]] for [[original Dungeons & Dragons|original ''Dungeons & Dragons'']]. It was the fourth supplement for the game, following the first three supplements, ''[[Greyhawk (supplement)|Greyhawk]]'', ''[[Blackmoor (supplement)|Blackmoor]]'', and ''[[Eldritch Wizardry]]''.<ref name="history">{{cite web| url=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/DnDArchives_History.asp| title=The History of TSR| publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]| accessdate=2005-08-20| archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wizards.com%2Fdnd%2FDnDArchives_History.asp&date=2008-10-04 | archivedate=2008-10-04}}</ref> |
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| − | <!-- FAIR USE of KuntzJamesSupplementIVCover.jpg: see image description page at KuntzJamesmoorSupplementIVCover.png for rationale --> |
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| − | '''''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes''''' is a supplementary rulebook for the ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (''D&D'') fantasy [[role-playing]] game. Its product designation is TSR 2006. |
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==Contents== |
==Contents== |
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| − | The work provides information on the pantheons and constructs of the [[Egyptian mythology|Egyptian]], [[Hindu mythology|Hindu]], [[Greek mythology|Greek]], [[Celtic mythology|Celtic]], [[Norse mythology|Norse]], [[Finnish mythology|Finnish]], [[Aztec mythology|Aztec]], [[ |
+ | The work provides information on the pantheons and constructs of the [[wikipedia:Egyptian mythology|Egyptian]], [[wikipedia:Hindu mythology|Hindu]], [[wikipedia:Greek mythology|Greek]], [[wikipedia:Celtic mythology|Celtic]], [[wikipedia:Norse mythology|Norse]], [[wikipedia:Finnish mythology|Finnish]], [[wikipedia:Aztec mythology|Aztec]], [[wikipedia:Maya mythology|Maya]], [[wikipedia:Chinese mythology|Chinese]], and [[wikipedia:Japanese mythology|Japanese]] mythologies, as well as [[Robert E. Howard]]'s [[Hyborian Age|Hyborea]] and the Melnibonéan Mythos from [[Michael Moorcock]]'s [[Elric]] novels.<ref name="HW"/> The book was intended to adapt the various constructs for ''D&D'' gameplay, and is therefore not a general reference source regarding the underlying mythos.<ref name=acaeum>{{cite web| url = http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/supplements.html | title = Original D&D Supplements | accessdate = 2009-01-17| publisher = The Acaeum}}</ref> |
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| + | The supplement intends to set guidelines to enable DMs to incorporate mythologies into their own campaigns. The supplement presents the deities of various cultures of Earth and elsewhere in a form which can be easily assimilated into the existing D&D game structure.<ref name="SG"/> |
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==Publication history== |
==Publication history== |
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| − | ''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes'' was written by [[Robert J. Kuntz|Robert Kuntz]] and [[Jim Ward (game designer)|James Ward]], and published by TSR in 1976 as a seventy |
+ | ''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes'' was written by [[Robert J. Kuntz|Robert Kuntz]] and [[Jim Ward (game designer)|James Ward]], and published by TSR in 1976 as a seventy-two page digest sized book.<ref name="HW">{{cite book|last=Schick |first=Lawrence|title=Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games|publisher=Prometheus Books |year=1991|isbn=0-87975-653-5 |page=143}}</ref> The booklet was edited by [[Tim Kask]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showbook&bookid=2473 | title = Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes (1976) | accessdate = 2009-01-17 | publisher = Pen & Paper RPG Database | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080530010248/http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showbook&bookid=2473 | archivedate = 2008-05-30 }}</ref> and published by [[TSR, Inc.]] in 1976. |
| + | In later editions of the game, the ''[[Deities & Demigods]]'' sourcebook superseded this volume, building upon the gameplay structures first introduced in ''Gods, Demi-gods, and Heroes''. |
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| ⚫ | The ''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes'' supplement |
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| ⚫ | The ''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes'' supplement was reproduced as a premium reprint on November 19, 2013, as part of a deluxe, premium reprint of the original "[[Dungeons & Dragons (1974)|White Box]]" which features new packaging in an oaken box. Each booklet features new cover art but is otherwise a faithful reproduction of the original, including original interior art.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Product.aspx?x=dnd/products/dndacc/45390000 | title=Original Dungeons & Dragons RPG | publisher=Wizards of the Coast | accessdate=June 24, 2013}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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| + | Glen Taylor reviewed ''Gods, Demi-Gods and Heroes'' in ''[[The Space Gamer]]'' No. 9.<ref name="SG">{{cite journal|last=Taylor|first=Glen |date=December 1976 – January 1977 |title=Reviews|journal=[[The Space Gamer]]|publisher=[[Metagaming Concepts|Metagaming]]|issue=9|pages=26–27}}</ref> He states that as "the fourth and purportedly last supplement to ''Dungeons and Dragons''" it "might be expected from such a 'last bow,' as it were, this newest supplement is different from all three of the previous ones, in a major way. [...] This is by no means 'standard' ''D&D'' material."<ref name="SG"/> He commented that "I'm no scholar of ancient (and modern!) legends, but it seems to me the authors have given a view of the various mythological concepts which is both panoramic and scrutinously details, and as complete as possible within the space limitations imposed [...] Kuntz and Ward have taken material which has come down to us in a sometimes distorted and almost always nebulous form, and clarified it into a solid material which would fit in well with any fantasy game."<ref name="SG"/> Taylor concludes his review by saying that ''Gods, Demi-Gods and Heroes'' is worth the price "for the mere pleasure of reading it. For students of ancient legends it's a Type I treasure. It should much lived up any ''D&D'' campaign in which it is used".<ref name="SG"/> |
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| − | {{expand section|date=November 2010}} |
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In his 1991 book ''Heroic Worlds'', [[Lawrence Schick]] calls this book "the least important supplement to Original ''D&D''".<ref name="HW"/> |
In his 1991 book ''Heroic Worlds'', [[Lawrence Schick]] calls this book "the least important supplement to Original ''D&D''".<ref name="HW"/> |
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| − | [[David M. Ewalt]], in his book ''Of Dice and Men'', commented that "Even though ''[[Swords and Spells]]'' is numbered 'Supplement V' on its cover, it's really supplement IV that puts the final touches on Dungeons & Dragons. ''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes'' (co-authored by TSR's Rob Kuntz and James M. Ward, a gamer and junior high teacher from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin) introduces mythology to the game and describes deities in the same manner earlier supplements described men and monsters."<ref name=ODaM>{{cite book | first=David M. | last=Ewalt | authorlink= David M. Ewalt | year=2013 | title= Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and the People Who Play It | publisher=Scribner | |
+ | [[David M. Ewalt]], in his book ''Of Dice and Men'', commented that "Even though ''[[Swords and Spells]]'' is numbered 'Supplement V' on its cover, it's really supplement IV that puts the final touches on Dungeons & Dragons. ''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes'' (co-authored by TSR's Rob Kuntz and James M. Ward, a gamer and junior high teacher from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin) introduces mythology to the game and describes deities in the same manner earlier supplements described men and monsters."<ref name=ODaM>{{cite book | first=David M. | last=Ewalt | authorlink= David M. Ewalt | year=2013 | title= Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and the People Who Play It | publisher=Scribner | pages=109–110 | isbn=978-1-4516-4052-6 }}</ref> Ewalt continues: "At its heart, ''Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes'' represents another attempt to exert control over D&D players. Kask's foreword drips with disdain for [[GM|Dungeon Masters]] who allow their players to advance to high levels and explains that the supplement aims to correct their misguided actions".<ref name=ODaM/> |
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| − | ==Additional reading== |
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| − | *Review: ''[[The Space Gamer]]'' #9 |
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==References== |
==References== |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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| + | *{{wp link}} |
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| − | *[http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showbook&bookid=2473 Gods, Demi-gods & Heroes] at the Pen & Paper RPG Database |
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| + | *[https://mahney.blogspot.com/2009/11/supplement-iv-gods-demi-gods-heroes.html "Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes"] by Nathan P. Mahney at [[Save or Die!]] |
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*[http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/supplements.html Original D&D Supplements] at the Acaeum.com |
*[http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/setpages/supplements.html Original D&D Supplements] at the Acaeum.com |
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| − | {{D&D topics}} |
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| − | {{DEFAULTSORT:Gods, Demi-Gods and Heroes}} |
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Latest revision as of 19:47, 2 March 2020
Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes, also known as Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes, is a supplement for original Dungeons & Dragons. It was the fourth supplement for the game, following the first three supplements, Greyhawk, Blackmoor, and Eldritch Wizardry.[1]
Contents[]
The work provides information on the pantheons and constructs of the Egyptian, Hindu, Greek, Celtic, Norse, Finnish, Aztec, Maya, Chinese, and Japanese mythologies, as well as Robert E. Howard's Hyborea and the Melnibonéan Mythos from Michael Moorcock's Elric novels.[2] The book was intended to adapt the various constructs for D&D gameplay, and is therefore not a general reference source regarding the underlying mythos.[3]
The supplement intends to set guidelines to enable DMs to incorporate mythologies into their own campaigns. The supplement presents the deities of various cultures of Earth and elsewhere in a form which can be easily assimilated into the existing D&D game structure.[4]
Publication history[]
Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes was written by Robert Kuntz and James Ward, and published by TSR in 1976 as a seventy-two page digest sized book.[2] The booklet was edited by Tim Kask,[5] and published by TSR, Inc. in 1976.
In later editions of the game, the Deities & Demigods sourcebook superseded this volume, building upon the gameplay structures first introduced in Gods, Demi-gods, and Heroes.
The Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes supplement was reproduced as a premium reprint on November 19, 2013, as part of a deluxe, premium reprint of the original "White Box" which features new packaging in an oaken box. Each booklet features new cover art but is otherwise a faithful reproduction of the original, including original interior art.[6]
Reception[]
Glen Taylor reviewed Gods, Demi-Gods and Heroes in The Space Gamer No. 9.[4] He states that as "the fourth and purportedly last supplement to Dungeons and Dragons" it "might be expected from such a 'last bow,' as it were, this newest supplement is different from all three of the previous ones, in a major way. [...] This is by no means 'standard' D&D material."[4] He commented that "I'm no scholar of ancient (and modern!) legends, but it seems to me the authors have given a view of the various mythological concepts which is both panoramic and scrutinously details, and as complete as possible within the space limitations imposed [...] Kuntz and Ward have taken material which has come down to us in a sometimes distorted and almost always nebulous form, and clarified it into a solid material which would fit in well with any fantasy game."[4] Taylor concludes his review by saying that Gods, Demi-Gods and Heroes is worth the price "for the mere pleasure of reading it. For students of ancient legends it's a Type I treasure. It should much lived up any D&D campaign in which it is used".[4]
In his 1991 book Heroic Worlds, Lawrence Schick calls this book "the least important supplement to Original D&D".[2]
David M. Ewalt, in his book Of Dice and Men, commented that "Even though Swords and Spells is numbered 'Supplement V' on its cover, it's really supplement IV that puts the final touches on Dungeons & Dragons. Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes (co-authored by TSR's Rob Kuntz and James M. Ward, a gamer and junior high teacher from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin) introduces mythology to the game and describes deities in the same manner earlier supplements described men and monsters."[7] Ewalt continues: "At its heart, Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes represents another attempt to exert control over D&D players. Kask's foreword drips with disdain for Dungeon Masters who allow their players to advance to high levels and explains that the supplement aims to correct their misguided actions".[7]
References[]
- ↑ "The History of TSR". Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2008-10-04. Retrieved on 2005-08-20
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Lawrence Schick (1991). Heroic Worlds: A History and Guide to Role-Playing Games: 143. Prometheus Books. ISBN 0-87975-653-5
- ↑ "Original D&D Supplements". The Acaeum. Retrieved on 2009-01-17
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Glen Taylor (December 1976 – January 1977). "Reviews". The Space Gamer (9): 26–27. Metagaming
- ↑ "Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes (1976)". Pen & Paper RPG Database. Archived from the original on 2008-05-30. Retrieved on 2009-01-17
- ↑ "Original Dungeons & Dragons RPG". Wizards of the Coast. Retrieved on June 24, 2013
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 David M. Ewalt (2013). Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and the People Who Play It: 109–110. Scribner. ISBN 978-1-4516-4052-6
External links[]
- Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- "Supplement IV: Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes" by Nathan P. Mahney at Save or Die!
- Original D&D Supplements at the Acaeum.com