DriveThruRPG.com
Browse Categories
$ to $















Back
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1

This product is no longer available from DriveThruRPG.com

Average Rating:4.7 / 5
Ratings Reviews Total
51 21
9 0
2 0
2 1
0 0
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Click to view
You must be logged in to rate this
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Colt T. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 02/23/2019 00:37:40

The Retroverse seeks to fill a niche role with its setting, and options in the tabletop market with its 80s, synthwave inspired asthetic, and saturday morning cartoon sensibilities.

The test wave boosts a sample platter of content for player and dms alike to player with, most of which can be integrated into more tradition settings relatively seamlessly, for those wishing to try the content without creating a whole campaign based in the provided setting.

Races The Retroverse introduces the Wolf-like Wonari, and the noble dinofolk the Cerans, each with three subraces, as well as four new Dragonborn varients. The new races have interesting lore to work off of, as wells cool new abilities to give players more options without unbalancing when compared to existing content.

Classes Holo-Knight: a stylish class with a lot of interesting ideas. Balance wise it seems slightly less powerful than existing classes, and the wording of some abilities is a little confusing, Construct healing, and the first part of Holo armor read a bit awkwardly, but are otherwise functional.

Synthweaver: The bard like synthweaver seems more like a subclass for the bard than a class of its own. that being said it does a lot different from the class that inspired it. one of the more powerful classes in the Retroverse, it gains full spellcasting, some powerful support abilities, and potential with melee damage, and an interesting but confusing ability with their Roller blades, and multiplying Dexterity.

De-Fragger: This class, closest to the paladin in the traditional sense focuses on the setting specific Corruption rules, but can easily be retooled against undead if brought into a setting without such rules. This class tries many new ideas walking a razors edge of balance between under powered and over powered, so its probably fine.

Goreangyr: The weirdest class of the four, this class puts your character in control of a giant robot creature, based off of an animal, abberration, dragon, fiend or elemental. the restriction of 1/4 CR seems somewhat restrictive, and its hard to envision how this class would play in game without actually using it. there is certainly a lot to keep track of, and it shouldnt be a casual choice for a player to attempt using this class as it is now.

DM Features

The Monster stat blocks are geared towards lower level encounters, but boast some interesting abilities and designs, the Glass Shadow being a stand-out for its combination of dangerous slippery, creepiness.

The Items are somewhat disappointing. most are simple enchantments with odd aesthetic requirements for use, or overly complicated like the "keysword" weapon. There aren't many included, but what is here could be improved upon in the future.

Summary

While not perfect, the Retroverse accomplishes what it has set out to do, and is worth looking at for anyone interested in some fresh new races or classes. the lack of subclasses is a bit disappointing and the magic items could do with some reworking, but over all this is a solid sample platter of things to come.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Jacob L. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 02/22/2019 19:52:59

Yo, what's up dudes of all kinds, are you ready to get radical?!? Good, cause im taking a look at this thing and... well a few thoughts.

The aesthetic. This is absolute brilliancy, so pat yourselves on the back for that one, you've earned it.

The content. There's a not insignificant amount here, but that's not always a good thing (but it very often can be).

The balance and mechanics. OH boy here we go.

So i'm gonna write a more thourough review later as I know there's a second test wave coming soon and Why waste everyones time 2019. I'll be talking more about more egregious things, and just give more general thoughts. Sidenote, Maybe run this by the lads over at the UnearthedArcana sub, they've got some really good pointers.

CHAPTER 1: RACES

Wonari. That bite attack is.. bad. It's not even a ribbon, it's just completely pointless.

Winter Wonari: You get a charisma boost but your lazer vision increaeses damage output? wha... also the ability is a lil busted, maybe just make it so they get true strike? Moon Wonari: That laser attack is... again, it might be better as a cantrip you can cast at will. Or use the dragonborn breath weapon as a template. Gia Wonari: This is actually good, although i do question how blinding someone and feasting on corpses relates. Is there a reference i'm not getting?

Cereans AW YEAH BAY BEE, WE JURASSIC PARK NOW. OK SO, yeah adv on save against paralyzation AND grapple is uh, completely busted. I'd maybe just use the powerful build?

Tri-Cerean: Uh, yeah no bonus action attack for free? That goes so far beyond busted we've gone back to the days of 3.5. As for the spirit weapon, Uh, why? Sti-Cerean: The not your time ability is... ok, if a bit underpowered. Let's look at the other trait OH SWEET MERCIFUL TUNA ON RYE WHAT IS THAT. +1 ac is fine. +1 to attack and damage? No. 1000000000000x no. Dragonborn! Ok I actually really like these, although I have to ask the reason for the, not using a table for the breath weapons? ALso, drop the blind effect from the xenon dragonborn. And i'd just have the tesla dragonborn be a cone of lightning with a dex save.

CHAPTER 2: CLASSES

HOLO KINGHT. All classes have proficiency in a few weapons. Even a Wizard can swing a staff. yeah te is literally no reason for me to not pick leather armor. it should't even be a choice. Also, waht the hecc is that spell progression. you have half casters and full casters. Also half casters don't get cantrips. (they're called class features not skills). Ok, so, This honestly should just be an artificer subclass. Same thing for the synthweaver, it's just a worse version of the bard. ALSO NO, dexterity is not a spellcasting stat.

DE-FRAGGER. Again, why would I play this over a paladin. It would make an amazing paladin subclass. Also the extra arms adds an extreme level of complexity for little gain. Also, cast from hit points doesn't really work in 5e, the blood hunter is really the only lass that's even remotely managed to pull it off, and the actual balance is somewhat dubious (hit points equal to your character level? Not blood hunter?)

GOREANGYR. OK, THIS is a class that actually deserves to be it's own class. It can't really be an artificer subclass if the golem is kept in any way. That said... Look, if you're gonna force someone to take a skill, give them that skill as a class feature. That also being said... this is an extremely complicated request, yes being a power ranger is awsome, but this class would need a ton of iteration to start, and having it be a part of L&L just enhances the inherent problems with the class.

The only reason I haven't given this a 1 star is because there's a new version coming out soon. There are some wonderful ideas in here, but they feel unrefined. Yes, this is a test wave, but it feels like a first draft. But, again there are some amazing ideas in here, and I desperately hope this succeeds. The authors are some truely excellent people, and i wish them nothing but the best. And i hope nothing more than for them to prove me the biggest fool and blow me away with an amazing supplement for one of the best games ever made.



Rating:
[2 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Gabi A. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 02/04/2019 12:16:10

This test wave module is the best thing I have ever had the pleasure of downloading. I scream it to the rooftops and from the rooftops constantly about how amazing of an idea Retroverse is. And defintiely scream about how good it is becoming since its a work in progress.

There are a handful of balancing issues that I know the creaters have looked into fixing for the second test wave. Just so excited for the kickstarter now. Defintiely a project worth backing.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Connor L. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 01/18/2019 18:55:01

The Neon Fantasy aesthetic I never knew I needed in my D&D. Adds a bunch of new options that are both flavorful and fun to play, and I can't wait to see more! Definitely looking forward to the Kickstarter.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Jacob S. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/31/2018 13:57:52

This is the stuff.

I got a look at this and immediately had fifteen ideas for games. Looking forward to running it and extremely hype for their next test wave and kickstarter.

If you like fun games with excellent art written enthusiastic and talented writers, or even just wolves with laser eyes and thoughtfully written pop culture nostalgia, this is the game for you



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Sentry L. S. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/28/2018 16:43:54

I haven't had the chance to play a game with this yet, but it looks brilliantly detailed and I can't wait for the kickstarter so I can give a lot more support!



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Sarah B. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/26/2018 12:09:24

We haven't played this yet but I've been looking through and it looks absolutely amazing. The art is fabulous and all the characters sound super fun! Very unique. Can't wait for the Kickstarter. We're going to try it out ASAP and maybe i can update this as we play it



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Fletcher S. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/16/2018 12:11:50

Can't wait for the kickstarter! This whole thing looks amazing!



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by David M. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/14/2018 18:55:46

I can dig it. I do think it could use some more variety in the selection of races and classes though.

I'll happily back this kickstarter when it happens.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Chance C. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/14/2018 10:51:12

HandsHandsHandsHandsHandsHandsHandsHands down one of the best settings I've ever encountered and gotten to play in. The writing is inspired, the art is fantastic, and the minds behind it are quite extraordinary. The main theme may be 80's, but this setting can support practically any allusion to any pop culture or time period as long as it's nostalgic. Pizza slimes, deadly animatronics, arcade cabinet mimics, what's not to love? If you want to still play the D&D you love, but what a break from your stereotypical fantasy setting, this is the setting for you.

Now that you know, knowledge is only half the battle. Get out there and play!red



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Andrew N. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/14/2018 09:20:43

This supplement has a lot of content. It's all very fun and whimsical. It would be perfect for a one-shot break in your normal campaign, or a far-out campaign of its own. The content is well-written and the illustrations are beautiful and colorful. Plenty of vibrancy to help you bring the setting to life and spark your imagination.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by tyler a. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/13/2018 23:16:38

DnD with a truly glorious amount of dubstep, neon colorworks, and playable knock-off power rangers. I mean come on, haven't you ever wanted to be a power ranger?

But truly, this is a masterwork between the two main producers. The art is impeccable, and the new classes/monsters/game dynamics have been very thoroughly thought out and balanced to the best of ones abilities. I mean like with any add-on to DnD there are some things that can be, for a clever player, blended together with other feats/traits/ect to become a little OP. but I mean, you cant fully balance everything anyways, as evidenced by traditional PHB DnD 5e (COUGHHEALINGWORDCOUGHCOUGH). That said, I think they did an absolutely excellent job, ESPECIALLY considering its only two people that are working on this project.

And no, I'm not gonna tell you anything more about whats in the pack, because I'm not going to spoil the surprise. Once you purchase the product yourself and look into it, when that smile slowly creeps across your face when you realize that DnD has met memes before they were memes and it WORKS, you'll know why.

I personally cant wait to get my hands on wave 2, and for those of you that are looking at this, I assure you, the $5.00 suggested price is exceedingly well worth it. Give it a whirl; you won't be dissapointed.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Jesse J. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/06/2018 00:09:12

Sit down, weary traveller, and listen to my tale...

You see, I was like you once; lost, bored, adrift in a sea of time and space with no place to call my own. It was a hollow life, one lacking in adventure - and let me tell you, a life without adventure is no life at all. I felt as if I'd fallen into darkness, become entangled in the inky web of some tremendous shadownspawn...

Just when I'd been about to succumb and let myself live a dreary life, a neon pink light punched through the blackness like a freight train plowing through a barricade made of pogs; the Retroverse had arrived. Hardlight missiles screamed into the black and burst into phospohorescant orbs of radiant purples and greens while a techno-organic tyranosaur bellowed a primal scream of challenge into the night.

Faced with the prospect of battling legions of de-fraggers bolsted with synthweaver squadrons and a holoknight vanguard, the terrible darkness retreated...

I've been rad ever since.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Hope T. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/29/2018 20:08:02

I can't match the cleverness of the other reviewers, but I have been following this project for a few months on Twitter and finally had a chance to look at the real thing. I love it! Vivid and well thought out. Retro as anything.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Lasers and Liches Test Wave 1
Publisher: Lasers & Liches
by Zachary B. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 10/19/2018 20:14:51

This setting is amazing, can't wait to play in it. Plus the art is fantastic, wish I could live there.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
pixel_trans.gif
Displaying 1 to 15 (of 22 reviews) Result Pages:  1  2  [Next >>] 
pixel_trans.gif
pixel_trans.gif Back pixel_trans.gif
0 items
 Gift Certificates