Pearse Anderson, a veteran tabletop RPG designer, has launched his first Kickstarter, for Critters and Companions: 30 System Neutral Fantasy Animals. Critters and Companions is being self-published by Mr. Anderson, who has a full team including another writer (Claire Wineman), an artist (Logan Stahl), and editor (Keerthi Shridharan). This isn’t just a fantasy RPG sourcebook, per the writer.
It’s described as being entertaining for readers who enjoy almanacs and books similar to Dragonology. Finally, the KS and other marketing materials encourage writers to use the book for inspiration or details, although I don’t know how that would work out, with the complexities of copyright laws.
The Kickstarter debuted last month and ends on June 23, 2022 at 6:46AM CDT. As of this writing (early June), Critters and Companions (which will be approximately 80 pages) is less than US$100 from its $2,000 goal.
There are a few stretch goals mentioned, mostly more illustrations of the critters. The $16 and up pledges get you the PDF and any stretch goals; the next tier ($32) and up include the physical book as well, which appears to be a softcover, from the mock-ups pictured on the KS page. Since the book is still in the editing stage, I didn’t have a full copy to peruse, alas, just the few that are on the KS page or internet articles. Mr. Anderson, however, also kindly gave me access to additional Critters and Companions entries.
What did I think? The book does have an entertaining format, with a rustic narrator, Barnkeeper Abe who also purportedly painted the illustrations of these unique animals. (In reality, SF and fantasy illustrator Logan Stahl did them.) Each entry includes a detailed description of the animal, its origins, how it’s kept and by what type of farmer. Some of these details are far-fetched but still made realistic. For RPG use, there are generic traits that can easily be converted to your system, along with personality traits. Each entry includes three adventure hooks. Not all of the hooks are suitable for every type of fantasy campaign. There’s also at least one rumor per beast, which the GM can use for color, backstory, or another hook.
What impressed me most about the Critters and Companions team is that they know biology and ranching and did their homework. It shows clearly to me, and having a Zoology degree I appreciate it. The whole team put a lot of effort into making not just the animals’ biology realistic but fantastic animal husbandry as well.
Besides the bestiary entries, there are a few other goodies, one or two that I’ve not seen in RPG supplements. There’s a seasonal calendar and a selection of world record beasts (largest, smartest, even driest!), both of which add to the encyclopedia or almanac vibe. The KS page promises minigames. The most unusual feature is audio files and International Phonetic Alphabet spelling. I appreciate the last because when reading I always want to know how every unfamiliar word or name is pronounced.
So of the beasts I got “sneak previews” of, which is my favorite? A freshwater “cat octopus” called a gulve sli, which is often used as pest control by fish/shellfish farmers but also makes a good companion animal. If your home is near water, or your livelihood involves water (boating, fishing, free-diving, etc.), that is. The illustration and its caption were charming as well. Want to learn more about gulve sli? The full entry is featured on the KS page linked above.
Critters and Companions looks to be a fun book whether you intend to use it as an RPG supplement or just as light reading.
Linda Whitson
Latest posts by Linda Whitson (see all)
- Astral Projections – The Ripperdoc Is In - May 8, 2023
