My renewed interest in role-playing games leads me to examine another sophisticated offering from Fria Ligan. Symbaroum initially launched in 2015 with the release of the 262-page, meticulously crafted Core Rulebook. This book provides all the necessary components for gameplay, with the exception of dice, which are purchased separately. More recently, in February 2021, the Symbaroum Starter Kit debuted, a comprehensive package designed to facilitate character creation and initial adventures. This kit includes two rulebooks outlining core mechanics and lore, along with maps, dice, and character sheets.
The dense forests of Davokar serve as the backdrop for hidden treasures, perils, and expeditions. Players begin by selecting from one of five distinct races (with an additional five available in the Advanced Player Guide). Following race selection, players choose from 15 different professions, offering considerable character customization. A particularly compelling aspect of Symbaroum is its richly detailed world. The lore is extensive and engaging, reading more like a novel than supplemental game material. This is not a role-playing game to be entered into lightly; appreciating the adventure requires thorough engagement with the source material. As a game master, incorporating historical context at the start of each session can effectively convey the depth of Symbaroum.
Despite its apparent complexity, Symbaroum features a well-structured ruleset, supported by clear examples that facilitate entry for novice role-players. While mastering all nuances of gameplay, particularly for game masters, requires dedication, the learning curve is manageable. Complementing the Core Rulebook, the Game Masters Guide is a 152-page hardcover resource that elaborates on creating compelling gaming environments. It also details methods for players to manage entire groups of heroes, enabling Symbaroum sessions with as few as two participants.
The Advanced Players Guide, comprising 132 pages, introduces five additional playable races. I found the option to play as a troll particularly appealing, given Symbaroum’s incorporation of mythological elements reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings and Drakar och Demoner. The game designers have introduced subtle variations, ensuring that familiar concepts are presented in a fresh context. The narrative framework for integrating trolls into cooperative gameplay generates a compelling dynamic, enriching the overall adventure.
Symbaroum is a recommended experience for both new and veteran players. Its immersive lore and detailed setting provide a rich backdrop for adventure. While the ruleset is comprehensive, its clarity facilitates learning. For optimal engagement, dedicating time to pre-session preparation is advised. The primary drawback lies in the cost of acquiring all supplementary materials; however, the Starter kit represents excellent value, providing essential components, including dice, for initiating gameplay. Additional modules can then be acquired incrementally.
The inclusion of a pre-written adventure further enhances the completeness of the package. However, an omission was noted upon inspecting the included character sheet. While the inclusion of character sheets was initially appreciated, the sheets provided are pre-filled examples, intended for immediate play. The absence of blank character sheets represents a curious oversight.
