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Pugmire Core Rulebook $14.99
Average Rating:4.7 / 5
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Michael C. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/13/2022 19:52:03

A setting of subtle brilliance.

Pugmire would make the perfect first setting for a young roleplaying group. That said, it's got a lot of hidden depth and would make for a great campaign setting for adults who commit to the premise.

Initially it's a 5e lite romp with players trying to be "Good Dogs" fighting low stakes monsters - ideal for a smart 8-10yo. Exciting without being nightmare fuel.

As the players mature, you can introduce more morally ambiguous characters (cats) the stakes can ramp up to meet the age group - any 5e compatible Monster Manual should be adaptable.

Finally, the players will be asking the big questions like "What happened to humans? Why is the sea acid?" which would lead to a fascinating capstone quest to actually discover the answers. The book doesn't give them but I'm sure everyone can come up with a satisfying ending to a great and memorable campaign.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Daniel R. G. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 04/27/2020 22:30:56

This is a wonderful RPG, and the luck jar system that they have works for me better than inspiration did in 5e. Wish they'd release a monster list or bestiary of some sort so we have more adventures.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Thomas B. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 01/18/2020 07:48:09

a simplification of the already simple D&D 5th OGL, this game adds an interesting hook, a brightly colored and surprisingly detailed world, strong appeal and meaningful lore.

where this game really shines are the subtle improvements to the 5e system that make character expression both less complicated and less constricting, an initiative system that keeps everyone involved, and resource systems that make for interesting choices even in the depth of mechanical combat, and a genuine and expressive style and theme.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Jeromy S. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 06/21/2019 05:11:19

Super fun, easy to play. If you know 5e, you know Pugmire. Plus you can create and sell your own content through the Canis Minor page right here on OBS!



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Christopher J. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/02/2017 08:20:13

A good game clearing written for young adults and novice roleplayers. It features a seriously slimmed down take on the Fifth Edition SRD, and a level cap of 10. The setting is charming if a bit shallow. The writing is simple, with the author talking in the first person to the audience; this serves the purpose of making the text more affable but also a bit condescending. The two "social commentary" digressions are an apology for the use of the gender-neutral "Man", and a reminder that love isn't constrained by gender or species. Both of these are wholly unncessary and rather tedius, to be honest, especially in this day and age.

Although a young adult game, actual adults can clearly enjoy it as well. It would be especially entertaining diversion from other games, perhaps as a series of loosely interlinked one-shots. Unless you're playing Werewolf: The Acronym, this is great alternative for playing anthropomorphic characters.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Candace P. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/15/2017 17:47:36

Absolutely loving Pugmire. Going to let hubby (who I bought it as a gift for) give review:

I love idiosyncratic games. I love games that fill niches I didn't know I had. I love games that take an idea and make magic out of them. Pugmire is all of those things. I'm aware that Pugmire uses something similar to 5e D&D rules, but to be honest I'm enjoying being introduced to some of those mechanics this way rather than in 5e D&D. Why? Because this world feels perfect with the rules. How do you build a breed? Based off of the role the breed fills. That's how you fit hundreds of different possible breeds (and mutts!) in. Classes? I love the names and the variants. Currency? Plastic coins?? Delightful!

The setting itself is a slice of wonderful. Sort of like Numenera in that it's post-mankind, but not so...serious. The game focuses not on the eternal struggle of good versus evil or the struggle to survive, but instead it focuses on being a Good Dog. If you were a Bad Dog once, you can always be a Good Dog again. It may or may not have been your fault. You may have been given a raw deal in life or you may come from privilege and eat from the finest dishes. You may be educated or you may be a wild dog. But you can always, always, find your way to being a Good Dog. It's beautiful. It's simple. It's elegant. And because it wraps that ethos in the form of dogs, it's easier to get to the core of the matter. You don't get tangled up in human complications when you're playing a bunch of Good Dogs.

This is the sort of game that touches the part of me who still enjoys Disney movies as an adult, the part that loves my own furbabies, the part of me that cries at Old Yeller and gets a little choked up when dogs in movies survive disasters. The part of me who felt for the Rats of NIMH, and has had no problem identifying with dogs in any other media.

And the monsters...Like I said, the setting is Numenera-ish, and without giving anything away I think they found clever ways of fitting posthumanity technology in without ruining the aesthetic. At the same time magic appropriate to the setting is equally present. And if you don't like the posthumanity technology angle, just ignore it. It's a neat idea but it's not absolutely REQUIRED. But it's all awesome. I'll definitely be snapping up the next few products that roll out, as well as the Monarchies of Mau (my wife won't forgive me if I don't get a game that lets you play as cats)

Is it Furry? Well it has a wagging tail and a damp nose, so...eh. Maybe. But it's not necessarily a Furry game. It's not about that. Remember: It's about being a Good Dog.

Be the Good Dog you were always meant to be.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Megan R. [Featured Reviewer]
Date Added: 08/31/2017 05:19:57

If dogs played RPGs, is this the one that they would turn to? Pugmire is based around the premise that dogs have evolved: they walk upright, wear clothes, speak, and use tools, their front paws having developed to be able to grip them. Take these anthropomorphic dogs and drop them into a fantasy setting from which human beings vanished ages ago... and you have Pugmire. Set in the far future, with most of what mankind built crumbled to ruins, evolved dogs strive to recreate the world of the past, some revering the long-lost humans as deities, others regarding them of beings of great wisdom from whose relics much is to be learned.

After explaining all this, the Introduction goes on to explore the game's theme or central idea, which boils down to 'Companionship as Salvation'. Following the Code of Man with religious fervour, the first tenet is 'Be a Good Dog' - but what makes a good dog? Opinions vary, and - just as with our own pets - a good dog can rapidly become a bad one with a single silly mistake. Ultimately, the decision is up to one's peers - if the other dogs think you are good, then you are! Dogs in this game work together and strive to be good dogs. Then there's the mood, which is one of mystery. Whatever dogs get up to, there is always the question in the back of their minds: What happened to the humans? The fragments of knowledge that have remained lead the dogs to what will seem to us players quite humerous interpretations of what was going on when humans were around and dogs our faithful pets: but to our dog characters these are profound if sometimes confusing truths, or at least, theories. Above all, though, dogs like to explore... and this game provides plenty of opportunities for that!

There's a short list of inspirations - mostly anthropomorphic fiction, plus Dungeons & Dragons - and the usual explanation of what a role-playing game is. It's a very clear explanation, you could use it to explain what RPGs are about to a young child. It ends by explaining that the book comes in two parts: A Dog's Guide to Adventure (for players) and the Guide's Tome of Mystery, which contains information only the GM needs to know. The usual difficulty with 'all in one' rulebooks that players end up buying a lot of book they won't actually need, the GM having to trust players to stay out of GM areas, and of course the assumption that players never take a go at GMing...

A couple of canine characters - Princess Yosha Pug and Pan Dachshund - pop up throughout the Dog's Guide to Adventure with informative comments from a dog perspective as this section works through chapters explaining the world, how to create a character, how to play the game, and how magic works. The first chapter, The Journal of Yosha Pug, describes the world from his standpoint (with some quite scathing comments from Pan...), all in a 'handwritten' font that's fortunately quite clear to read. It starts off with details of the foundation of the kingdom of Pugmire, then talks about some of the interesting places to visit... and a warning, from Pan, never to trust a cat! Then of course there's the world beyond Pugmire, most of which is not as civilised and safe, where bad dogs (and worse) may be encountered. It's all beautifully-presented with a gentle air that makes this a good game to play with your youngsters, yet not so bowdlerised as to make it difficult to progress to more adult RPGs as your youngsters grow and mature (or of course carry on playing Pugmire if it has taken your fancy).

Next up, Chapter 2: A Good Dog takes you through character creation. Six ready-to-play characters are provided if you are impatient to get going, or as guides to what you should do, and there's a full explanation of the process for those who would rather have their own character. You start with Callings (character class). Artisans study and use magic; Guardians fight; Hunters explore, track and fight; Ratters can be rogues and criminals but are good at finding things and information; and Shepards are the priests of the Church of Man, teaching everyone how to be a Good Dog. And then there are Strays, the outsiders.

Then you have to choose your Breed. There are six of these, based on different types of dog: Companions, Fettles, Herders, Pointers, Runners, and Workers, plus the Mutts. Within each Breed there are various families - now these are what most of us would call 'breeds' like Chihuahua or Dachshund. Each Breed confers various bonuses and abilities to go along with what comes with your Calling. Add a Background, then you are ready to get to grips with the nuts and bolts of Abilities, Skills, and so forth. If you are familiar with any Class/Level game - such as Dungeons & Dragons - you will find yourself on familiar territory albeit the terminology is a little different. Abilities (the usual strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom, and charisma) are assigned by allocation of a series of numbers as you see fit, no die-rolling or even point-buy involved. Then you have Tricks to choose from, the things your character can do. Everything is explained clearly and simply, and are based on Calling and Breed.

Character sorted, it's on to Chapter 3: Playing the Game. It's basically a standard D20 system with an interesting quirk. If your character has an advantage or a disadvantage with whatever it is you're trying to do, you roll two D20s. If he has an advantage you use the higher roll, but if he has a disadvantage you use the lower one. You're still trying to get over a target number to succeed, however. Each character also has a Fortune Bowl containing points gained for good play and the like, and may expend these points to help with a roll when they really, really want to succeed. Possibly one of the best illustrations in the whole book depicts a dog trying to scrabble a token out of a bowl! There are other uses for Fortunte as well. The final chapter in the player section is all about Magic and how to use it in the game, along with comprehensive spell lists. If you understand Dungeons & Dragons spellcasting, you will be at home here.

The Guide's Tome of Mystery then continues with stuff that players don't need to know, in fact it may spoil enjoyment if they do root around too much here. There's more detailed background on the world of Pugmire, advice for the Guide (i.e. the GM) on how to run their game, a collection of Masterworks (powerful relics believed to have been left behind by humans), and one of enemies, including notes on creating your own. There's a lot to delve into here, some of which - like what dogs look like now - you'll have to explain to your players. There's a city to explore and various organisations to join, interact with or avoid.

On a more practical note, the next chapter provides some excellent advice for running the game, from explaining the many-hatted roles of a Guide as player, referee, storyteller and often host to looking at how to plan coherent campaigns. It also covers the more mechanical side of ensuring that the rules flow smoothly and support, rather than interfere with, the shared story the group is telling. There's a range of magic items of various kinds to use, and (naturally) a host of adversaries to pit against the party.

Finally there's an introductory adventure, The Great Cat Conspiracy, to get your group going. Even though it's for first-level characters, its scope is vast - the very throne of Pugmire may be at stake! It's laid out quite clearly with plenty of advice that should make it straightforward for even a novice GM to run. Of particular note is the way in which options are discussed: clear recognition that players often don't do what the scenario expects them to, so there are alternatives and suggestions for handling whatever they do decide to do. Very neat!

What makes this game stand out is the overall 'nice' feeling. It's wholesome. It's something you could show to a person who thinks all RPGs are the work of the devil with an actual chance of convincing them that at least some are not going to lead all the players into devil-worship. And it makes an excellent entry game for youngsters. Are you a good dog? Come and find out with this anthropomorphic RPG goodness!



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Creator Reply:
"It's basically a standard D20 system with an interesting quirk. If your character has an advantage or a disadvantage with whatever it is you're trying to do, you roll two D20s. If he has an advantage you use the higher roll, but if he has a disadvantage you use the lower one. You're still trying to get over a target number to succeed, however" Megan, this is nothing new. This has been a rule in 5th edition dungeons and dragons since its release in 2014. Just an FYI. So, this is basically a 5th edition d20 game it looks like?
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Dave M. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 07/09/2017 14:33:27

I love it! i find it to be an interesting game that I can run for my kids or I can run it for my adult gaming group. I love the idea of the setting after man has left. There is more here that it seems at first look. Take a moment and lose your self in this game, I promise you, you will not regret it!



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Muriel A. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 06/16/2017 14:08:55

Amazing! <3 I am totally in love with the game system!



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Pugmire Core Rulebook
Publisher: Onyx Path Publishing
by Zachary R. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 02/17/2017 13:28:42

This is a fantastic game. Which you knew was what i thought already since only the Kickstarters have access to the actual game yet. So lets get in to the Meat of the review.

There are a large number of pro's that this adaptation of clasical D&D has. For one, the cast. Dogs are lovable creatures on their own, I've met a lot of people and very few of them actively dislike dogs which lends this game a charm all its own. The lore is friendly but hints at significant backstory that is at once explicit but also very vague. Similar to the Star Wars franchise it presents a very clear and concise view of part of the world and encourages you to fill in all the rest so long as you follow a few simple rules.

The mechanics are somewhat unique, the still feel familar couched in a very typical D&D system borrowing elements from Pathfinder and current elements of 5th Ed. There is a lack of magic in the game relative to other systems I've played. In Pathfinder everyone but the rogue has access to spells of some quality and type at some point. In this game you only have 2 "caster" classes, the Shepard and the Artisan. While this does mean that there will be fewer spells flying around that doesn't detract from the setting it's just something different that some people will have to get used to.

Honestly I haven't put enough time into the game to start noticing detracting factors. The equipment sections is a little sparse but this being a beta of the game i'm reviewing it's not that bad and it can be supplimented by other D&D equipment lists with a little common sense. Overall it's a fantastic game and i can't wait to get the table back together to try it out more thoughouly



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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