About Metal, Magic and Lore
Introduction Metal, Magic and Lore® is a fantasy role-playing game by 5th Epoch Publishing. Our goal is to provide quality gaming products ,which are easy to play and can be readily enjoyed. Metal Magic and Lore - putting reality back into fantasy. To purchase the Metal, Magic and Lore Player’s Rulebook, click here: Recent Review: Knights of the Dinner Table, by Kenzer & Co.
Issue Number 160, February 2010
page 75 "Brian's Picks"

Metal, Magic and Lore
5th Epoch Publishing 

 “With the advent of Fourth Edition Dungeons & Dragons, some players are looking for something that has more of the old-school feel. Look no more - Metal, Magic and Lore is here.

The thick and beautifully-illustrated book is a fantasy role playing system that incorporates the best of fantasy role playing while getting rid of the worst. Six major races are included and character creation allows for great diversity in those races. Attributes are easily generated with a number between 1 and 20 and background and history of the races is described minutely. The skill-based system means that characters aren't limited by class or profession, only by their own imagination.

The detailed combat uses percentile dice for attack rolls and follows up with very specific damage locations. The precise and complex rules for combat use different charts for different types of weapons. That combat section is rivaled by the magic system with plenty to play with. What armor covers and how much protection it gives is all here. Even the character sheets are based on race instead of profession.

Maps in the front and back of the book even give a game world to play in.

Also available is a CD-Rom that includes extra materials, bestiaries and more.” Overview – The Basics of Metal, Magic and Lore (MML) MML is arranged around the traditional, and now familiar to many, set up of a Game Master (GM) and players. The GM presents the plot which tells a story and presides over the action. The players each assume the role of a character and then interact, i.e. role-play, as the game unfolds. The scene is set with the lore presented in the Player’s Rulebook and expanded upon in other MML products. When combined with the imagination of the GM and players, the world comes alive with an adventure that is fantastic, yet not overdone. MML is a fantasy role-playing game that combines rich detail, a realistic feel, and an immersive environment with a playable and fast paced set of rules. The system is versatile, flexible and scalable. While it can be used to replicate the brutal effects of gladiatorial combat, it can also be used to simulate realistic feeling confrontations in a fantasy-based setting. Because the system is so flexible, Metal, Magic and Lore can take the player to many different settings from the role-playing of heroic fantasy to the details of historical recreation. Despite the hefty feel and appearance of our Player’s Rulebook, the rules have proven easy to use and easy to learn; many games are up and running in a few minutes. MML Design Architecture Metal, Magic and Lore (MML) is a Fantasy Role Playing Game where the details count, and when the details matter, players have an immersive gaming experience which puts them in the center of the action. Yet, these same details do not get in the way of having fun. We like to say that Metal, Magic and Lore puts some reality back into fantasy gaming. The innovative approach of this game’s design is readily apparent. Every aspect of the game is crafted to maintain a feeling of realism while being easy to use. In this way the player’s experience and enjoyment of the game story is enhanced by two complementary aspects of MML: the player is in touch with the realistic difficulties of adventuring in a fantasy world, however this experience is not disrupted by cumbersome game mechanics. MML has many unique features and women enjoy playing MML in equal proportion to men. The game system mirrors the realistic and inherent strengths of each gender. Male characters tend to be somewhat larger and stronger, and can bear more arms and armor. At the same time the intuitive nature of female characters gives them a distinct advantage while learning and wielding some forms of magic. The entire game system is based on skills. There are no character classes to restrict what Players and GMs might imagine. The amount of skill allotted to each new character is based on the type of campaign setting, as well as the simple and mutual agreement by each player and the GM. All tasks from the mundane to magic to melee are resolved with a single roll of percentile dice. Since the system is skill based, those skills which are used during game play will develop. This separates actions during combat from overall skill development and character advancement. Since “experience points” derived from combating opponents are not required, the game is free to go in any direction the players and GM choose. The setting and game mechanics of the MML Character Creation system provides the details necessary to breathe life into the Player's imagination. The playable races will be familiar to most, yet they are made more real by the Lore which describes the society, customs, economics and development of each people. Each race has preferred skills which may be developed more quickly as a result of cultural identity and tendencies. As the characters are created, each playable race has their own starting armor packages to choose from. 
 Metal, Magic and Lore® encourages RPG players to become better gamers. As you enter this world, the combat system offers a simulation of realistic effects with easily followed rules. The circumstance of heroes being mortal gives a refreshing and challenging play experience not commonly found in the RPG genre. Even the strongest of heroes will encounter a variety of situations that call for skillful play. Combat is fast-paced and can be quite deadly. Many confrontations are quickly resolved while protracted combat will see even the stoutest warriors begin to tire and then fatigue. Metal Magic and Lore is a game where tactical skill and strategy are likely to be the difference between victory and defeat. Another feature gives the players a wide variety of choices in weapons and armor, creating seemingly endless possibilities and results that keep the players anticipating the next adventure. The game's Magic System is seamlessly integrated into the rules and all of the schools of magic are as easy to put into play as any other skill. Wizardry, Symbolism and the Elements all come alive with effects that enhance the game’s story line - not overwhelm it. When considering the realism and detail involved, one might imagine that Game Mastering Metal, Magic and Lore would be comparatively difficult. However, this is not the case. In some respects preparing a MML game is significantly easier than many other RPGs. With MML, GMs do not need to load adventures with hordes of opponents for the characters, nor do they need to spend large amounts of time preparing opponent attributes and statistics. GMs can focus on the feel of literary adventure, story line, back story and details. In many cases armed conflict and combat are just one element of a detailed story line. 
The Metal Magic and Lore game system is supported by a line of supplemental PDF products. Players and GMs may purchase only those pieces that interest them at any given time.
 
The Player's Rulebook The critical aspects of the game environment are addressed in the first product in the MML series: the Player’s Rulebook. This volume provides all of the basic game mechanics necessary to play everything from stand alone scenarios to an extended series of adventures. There are six chapters, or sections, each of which addresses a different aspect of the game. These sections are as follows: Section 1 Introduction Section 2 Character Creation Section 3 Economy and Equipment Section 4 Armor and Weapons Section 5 Melee Combat Section 6 Magic Section 1 presents an introduction to the game conventions and provided a brief history of the races through the Epochs. Section 1 also introduces a very special feature of our game, referred to as the MML “universal formula”. This formula is used throughout the game and calculates the chances of success for any usage of a character’s skills. Section 2 presents a number of races who populate the fantasy landscape. Each race has many unique cultural traits and the races interact based on their traits and tendencies. The affects of cultural identity are applied to everything from trade and commerce to preferred skills. The MML character creation process removes the constraints of choosing a character “class”. This makes it possible to craft a character exactly as a player may imagine him fitting into his Game Master’s setting. Section 3 introduces players to the economic system of the MML world. Since the value of all goods and services are in scale with one another, the value of everyday items and small amounts of coin become apparent. This section also provides guidelines for typical provisions and equipment that player characters may start with. A particular feature of MML is that the game assumes each character to have a background before the start of a campaign – even novice characters. As a result, characters may at times start a campaign with special provisions, tools or other items. Section 4 details weapons and armor. Players have their choice of a wide variety of armor and weapons. Each type of armor interacts with different weapons in its own way. This information is presented to the reader in an easy to read format that allows armor selection in a few short minutes. Numerous types of armor are pre-calculated and arranged into packages which will allow the player to begin playing the game very quickly. Simple diagrams of each armor package instantly relate which areas are protected and which are not. Section 5 details melee combat in the game of MML. Since this is a game of action and adventure, special attention is paid to combat. The rules are crafted to provide a realistic feel to the combat which increases the player’s excitement and enjoyment of the game. The MML combat system takes into account many different factors to simulate realistic effects of combat in an easy-to-play set of rules. In these circumstances, even heroes are mortal. Many players will find this approach novel and challenging. The combat rules have been extensively play tested to ensure clarity and ease of play. When considering the design of both sections 4 and 5 one can see how the MML combat system can simulate thousands of effects that result from the use of various weapons against the various armors, with an easy-to-play system. Using the detailed study of how weapon designs interact with armor designs, players can experience a multitude of combat possibilities that magnify the effects of the most subtle of adjustments and improvements made by their fantasy characters. Section 6 introduces the reader to the MML Magic System, which complements every other aspect of the game. Magical effects produced by the diverse school of Wizardry, the mystical art of Elementalism and the subtle discipline of Symbolism are all designed with the game’s Lore in mind. The wonder of magic is brought alive by a system that seamlessly integrates these three distinct schools of magic. Players will enjoy the ability to combine these abilities in ways that are only limited by their imagination. Players may create characters that are skilled in multiple disciplines of magic, and in turn these magical skills may be combined with any other martial or mundane skills as the player imagines and is in keeping with the GM’s desired setting. The MML magic system has unique features such a way to determine who comes out on top when different types of magic come together and vie for dominance. 
The Player’s Rulebook (PRB) is illustrated with high quality original art by up-and-coming artists Ryan Pancoast and Terry Kennedy. Since the debut of the PRB, Ryan has illustrated nearly all of the MML supplemental products, as well as numerous book covers, and “Magic: The Gathering” collectible playing cards by Wizards of the Coast. The Player’s Rulebook is currently available in three different formats: “Classic”, perfect bound and hardcover. The classic format was originally released in mid-2007 at the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio. The classic edition is 8 ½” by 11” hardbound, and printed on heavyweight high-quality crème-colored paper. The classic edition has several special features not found in the other MML editions, such as the MML worldmap printed on the endsheets and a full-page color painting by Ryan Pancoast. The perfectbound edition has all of the text of the original edition plus a well organized index. The MML hardcover edition matches the perfectbound edition exactly, including the new index, in a compact 7” by 10” format. Both the perfectbound and hardcover editions have a brand new cover, which is a gorgeous full color painting by talented artist Ryan Pancoast. You can get a free look at the MML Player’s Rulebook on Amazon.com using their “Search Inside” feature: http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Magic-Lore-Players-Rulebook/dp/097965730X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276795190&sr=1-1#noop To see more of Ryan Pancoast’s art visit his website at: www.ryanpancoast.com The Metal Magic and Lore Product Line The Player’s Rulebook is supported by a well rounded product line. These products include a supplemental Travel Sourcebook and a number of PDFs. The PDFs include diverse products such as heavy armor packages, Bestiaries, an Adventure Starter and a number of tools to make the GMs job of running an MML game even easier. The supplemental PDF products can be purchased and downloaded individually or as bundles on our Game Masters Resource Disks. A journey filled with excitement and adventure awaits you in the world of Metal Magic and Lore® 
 For further questions about MML, please see our products page or write to info@metalmagicandlore.com To purchase the Metal, Magic and Lore Player’s Rulebook, click here: To purchase Metal Magic and Lore Supplemental PDF products, go to: http://paizo.com/search?q=metal+magic+and+lore&includeUnrated=true&includeUnavailable=true&what=products  Testimonials and player commentary: Check out these reviews by customers who recently purchased Metal, Magic and Lore on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Magic-Lore-Players-Rulebook/product-reviews/097965730X/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
 “In summary, MML is a detailed, realistic-feeling fantasy role-playing game that will offer a rich, engaging challenge to players that want to feel like they are actually living, surviving, and trying to thrive in a tough, unforgiving fantasy world. The basic book provides an excellent foundation for the system, and offers experienced GMs enough material to run rudimentary scenarios. However, even a substantial book cannot offer all the material every GM would want and cover it with the comprehensive detail MML uses. While its emphasis on realism is perhaps not for everyone, the game definitely fills a neglected niche in fantasy gaming and fans will be eagerly anticipating more installments in the system.” - Stuart, game enthusiast, CO “This game is brilliant in thought, and brilliant in application. Many games have attempted to create realism, but none have achieved this level of intricacy with such ease of play. The game flows like no other I have played and creates such a vivid and real feeling.” - Steve, gamer at Origins Game Fair 2007, OH “Metal, Magic, and Lore (MML) is exactly what I've been asking for in an rpg for years. Its systems emphasize realism and danger and can yet be tailored to high fantasy for those that prefer rpgs like DnD. Every piece of armor you use matters and so does what part of one's body is attacked. The magic systems are also very phenomenal. The book itself is very high quality with good thick paper. It feels like a real tome. And the interior illustrations done by Ryan Pancoast are beautiful. If you are looking for a new rpg that is geared towards mature realistic adventure where even skeletons are scary again, then please get MML!” - Nick, game enthusiast, SD http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Magic-Lore-Players-Rulebook/dp/097965730X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276795190&sr=1-1#noophttp://www.ryanpancoast.commailto:info@metalmagicandlore.comhttp://paizo.com/search?q=metal+magic+and+lore&includeUnrated=true&includeUnavailable=true&what=productshttp://livepage.apple.com/shapeimage_4_link_0shapeimage_4_link_1shapeimage_4_link_2shapeimage_4_link_3shapeimage_4_link_4
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