While I love playing RPG's, and I absolutley love the Savage Worlds system because it replicates the fast paced action of my favorite pulp novels, I don't get to play nearly as much as I wish I did. That being said, I LOVE a good setting! The amount of effort, detail and care that went into this setting is astounding. I cannot offer much in the way of gameplay mechanics or balancing or any of that (since I haven't actually played it), but I can tellyou that this is one of the best setting I have ever seen. It is fresh, original, authentic, well researched and vastly fascinating. It probably helps that I am an archaeologist/history teacher that specializes in North American Prehistory and that I am an absolute Conan fan. This setting has merged two of my passions and I couldn't say enough good things about it. I have not yet bough the Game Master's Guide, but can't wait to get my mits on it. I am really hoping to get a campaign going with some of my archaeologist friends, I think they'll enjoy this too. Kepp up the good work!

WHAT WORKS: No Power Points as well as a TON of useful mechanical material and options that can be used even if you're not necessarily a fan of the setting. A swords and sworcery setting with a bit of a different feel to it than what you typically see. The art is some of the most gorgeous and evocative art, especially in a black and white book. Each piece helps drive home the "feel" of the world.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: The split into two books hurts it...especially while the second half is yet to be released, with no bestiary present in the Player's Guide, no GM's section, no Savage Tales, etc. Some of the human cultures seem imbalanced among each other, with some gaining bonuses above and beyond the others without any harsher drawbacks than what is faced by the others...(for instance, two cultures being illiterate but one also gaining a skill bonus to boot).

CONCLUSION: While swords and sorcery has been done, Totems of the Dead does look at it through a different lens, as pre-Colonial Americas isn't the most used setting (or even setting inspiration), so it is nice to see a new approach to a classic genre. The layout is as eye pleasing as any black and white book I recall seeing, not a surprise given the company. It just really feels like it needs that "part 2" to make it complete (and I think I would feel that way even if I hadn't already seen at least most of the material). A fantastic offering by Gun Metal Games that shows they are capable of more than just Cyberpunk.

For my full review, please visit: http://mostunreadblogever.blogspot.com/2011/09/tommys-take-on-totems-of-dead-players.html