Exalted: Essence is the finest version of Exalted ever released. This edition condenses the rules into a coherent and practical system, drawing upon the extensive experience of the exceptional team at Onyx Path. Dixie Cochran, one of the most accomplished RPG developers in the industry, has assembled a dream team for this book. Richard Thomas, has forgotten more about RPG development than most people will ever know, and his involvement alone, brings invaluable expertise to the project, enhancing its value.
That being said, this book is meaty. While character creation seems concise, spanning only around 8 pages, the sections on different exalt types cover 40 pages, and the systems for skills encompass an additional 5 pages. The system itself is straightforward, and if this is your first exposure to an Onyx Path system, you're in for a treat. However, be prepared for a substantial amount of reading to establish a solid foundation.
Combat in Exalted: Essence is remarkably smooth, like buttery silk. The flow of combat rounds creates an incredibly cinematic experience, arguably the most immersive RPG combat available at present. If you or your players are familiar with recent titles like Final Fantasy, FromSoftware, or Team Ninja games, you'll find the combat descriptions and mechanics to be familiar and engaging.
However, where the system truly shines is in the diverse range of charms. With approximately 125 pages dedicated to charms (special attacks, abilities, spells, etc.), each character you or your players create will possess unique and tailored abilities. The interplay between charms and artifacts (which provide access to additional charms) allows for remarkable character customization options.
Finally, the appendix includes rules for custom charm creation, as well as a charm adaptation and modification system. This book exceeds the expectations of both new players and Storytellers, offering a fantastic gateway into the Exalted universe and will provide long-time fans of the setting with an exciting new way to engage with it.
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