Review – Races of NeoExodus

While obviously a must have resource if one is playing in the Neo-Exodus setting, the Races of Neo-Exodus does provide examples of truly unusual races and shows how the Pathfinder system can be stretched to accommodate so quite strange beings as player races.

Neo-Exodus Chronicles: Races of Neo-Exodus is a 23-page PDF (21-pages if you remove the cover/credits and OGL pages) for the Pathfinder RPG written by Joshua Cole and Thomas Baumbach with Louis Porter Jr. and published by LJP Design.

The layout is a standard two columns format, with occasional sections in single column, and everything is clear and easily readable.  The cover is full color and each race gets its own color piece.

The product has no preamble and launches directly into the first of the seven races included within.  They are:

Cavian, these ratmen are agents of a sinister psionic hivemind and are feared throughout Neo-Exodus.  Though you have the option of playing one of the ‘severed’ who are no longer part of the collective mind.

Cynean, a race composed of living crystal, seeped in the arcane arts.  Five racial feats are provided for the Cyneans most of which effect magic.  While an interesting race conceptually, their racial abilities (especially their alternate racial abilities) and feats could be abused and a DM should be careful with them.

Dalrean, are a race of humanoid plants which is an interesting set of abilities to balance but carried off fairly well.  Six racial feats expand the options of the Dalreans including one that allows magic using Dalreans to create ‘spell blossoms’ which needs a bit more defining.

Enuka, a bestial race, strong and hardy but prone to mutation; the mutations range from a variety of natural weaponry to an armored exoskeleton to various moment enhancements.  Each PC Enuka gets two mutations, but even with that flexibility they seem a little underpowered.  Two racial feats are provided for the Enuka, both effecting mutations.  The Enuka are an interesting idea that deserves to be further refined.

Prymidian, experts in linguistics, mystical and otherwise, which is a clever theme.  They are supported by seven racial feats, of widely varied power, six language-based spells, two new weapons and a wondrous item.

P’Tan, are a race created as slaves to the First One, a few have escaped, they now seek to free their fellows.  They are still tied to the shadow from which they were created.  An interesting build.  They gain seven feats and two exotic weapons, one of which is rather too good.

Sasori, insectoid information brokers.  Sadly, they only have a single feat.

A partial index finishes my copy of the product (only going as far as the Prymidians).

Disclosure: As a featured reviewer for RPGNow/DriveThroughRPG, I received my copy of this product for free from the publisher for the purpose of this review.