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Lyonesse: Fantasy Roleplaying Based on the Novels by Jack VanceClick to magnify
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Lyonesse: Fantasy Roleplaying Based on the Novels by Jack Vance

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Based on the award-winning fantasy trilogy* by one of Science Fiction and Fantasy's greatest wordsmiths, Lyonesse transports you to the Elder Isles, where King Casmir plots to seize control of the Ten Kingdoms, assassinate his foes, and prevent a disturbing prophecy from being fulfilled. Elsewhere, the magicians Shimrod, Murgen, and Tamurello are locked in a private battle of wit, will and magical intrigue. All the while, the brutal, disdainful Ska are drawing their own plans of conquest.

And in the immense Forest of Tantrevalles, the secretive fairies watch all that happens with wry amusement, and occasionally meddle in mortal affairs for reasons of their own.

Players in Lyonesse take on the roles of adventurers of the Elder Isles, seeking fame, glory, profit, magic, or simply the promise of a good meal and a soft bed for the night. Characters can be mercenaries or spies in the service of one (or several) kingdoms; oath-sworn knights eager to do battle with their lord's enemies; thieves, tricksters or even honest merchants, out to make a just living (sometimes). Perhaps characters are aspiring magicians, keen to emulate the likes of Shimrod, Tamurello, or even the mighty Murgen himself.

Lyonesse is a complete roleplaying game. This book contains everything needed (except dice and friends) for creating fabulous adventures in the Elder Isles. Exhaustive information on the kingdoms and lands of the islands; full rules for characters, skills, combat, magic, and monsters. 

Great care has been taken to recreate the style and atmosphere of Jack Vance's novels, so that Games Masters and Players can fully immerse themselves in the Lyonesse setting. Special rules for creating towns, taverns, tavernkeepers, and even lovingly described meals are all included, emulating the quintessential elements of the books.

Don your armour! Take up your weapons! Sharpen your wits! Get ready for adventure across Hybras and beyond!

*Suldrun's Garden, The Green Pearl, and Madouc


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Reviews (3)
Discussions (38)
Customer avatar
John A March 27, 2022 1:22 am UTC
I am considering purchasing this book, yet I am unsure as to the differences between the standard and premium versions. Could you please explain this to me?
Customer avatar
Richard H January 05, 2022 1:42 pm UTC
Hi... how do these POD versions compare to the publisher's original/initial non-POD print run?
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Customer avatar
Dominic M January 05, 2022 2:39 pm UTC
Lyonesse was originally released on POD here.
Customer avatar
julien L February 20, 2021 5:15 am UTC
hi, i would like to know if PC are powerful ( heroic wise ) in this game, and it is possible to GM with only 1 or 2 PCs?
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Customer avatar
Juri K April 09, 2021 2:43 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I would not say there is much difference in the power level between Mythras characters and Lyonesse characters; only real difference is the way magic works and I'd rather say that Mythras magic users might have an edge (but this is only a guess). IMO this game is as a good or bad as any other for payling with only one or two PCs. The combat engine seems rather deadly, so I would noct recommend it.
Customer avatar
October 05, 2020 6:08 am UTC
PURCHASER
A truly great rendition of Jack Vance"s trilogy and a labour of love. However marred slightly by the odd quality control kink. A large image (50% of page) on page 358 has been printed badly as if from a low quality source. Although the PDF does not suffer the same fate.
Customer avatar
Eric W September 28, 2020 2:49 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I love Runequest, BRP, Mythras, Legend. Does this system mesh with those? I’m thinking yes but would like a little more system info before I plunk down $80
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Customer avatar
Lawrence W September 28, 2020 3:43 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Eric,

It's based on Mythras, so meshes absolutely seamlessly with it's sister system.
Customer avatar
Eric P September 13, 2020 3:48 am UTC
PURCHASER
Any chance there will be a sale soon? The cost is prohibitive at the moment, yet I would love to add this to my collection!
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W September 13, 2020 3:53 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
There is currently a sale on the PDF as part of Drivethru's d100 promotion. However, the book is actually very reasonably priced for a 500 page hardcover, and as we only released it in May, we don't intend discounting the price any time soon, I'm afraid. You'll have to watch out for the periodic sales Drivethru runs and see if Lyonesse is included.
Customer avatar
Joe C August 31, 2020 12:56 pm UTC
Love what Design Mechanism have been producing
This I'm sure will be wonderful.
Making an excellent Christmas gift.
Hope the Hardcover issue has been resolved
Is it worth giving it a punt ?
Or shall I hang on?
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W August 31, 2020 1:34 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Thank you for the kind words, Joe.

The hardcover challenges are resolved, and it's definitely worth the punt... ;)
Reply
Customer avatar
Joe C September 03, 2020 3:56 pm UTC
That's great to know I'm definitely tempted now the Hardcover is back.
Putting it on my Christmas loved what you folks at Design Mechanism have been doing.
Mythic Britain is a lovely book.
Customer avatar
Adriel W August 24, 2020 5:10 pm UTC
We are currently working on resolving the issues with the Hardcover version of Lyonesse.
Customer avatar
Christopher W August 24, 2020 2:18 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hoo boy. Supplements have shipped; however, base game is "refunded" as "unable to print" (tho it's still listed for sale). I guess I will enjoy looking at the pictures in the supplements. DrivethruRPG doing a full 2020 on us here. What to do but keep one's hands in the car at all times, and hold on tight.
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W August 24, 2020 2:37 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Christopher. Which version did you receive the 'unable to print' message for? There shouldn't be any print issues with either version, so if you're having trouble, I'll have Publisher Services look into this for you.
Reply
Customer avatar
Christopher W August 24, 2020 2:57 pm UTC
PURCHASER
It's weird. I waited until the art problem (discussed here in June/July) had been repaired and the new proof approved, then ordered the hardback & both supplements on 19 Aug.

On 21 Aug I got a shipping notice for the paperback supplements. Weird that they would split the shipment, but whatever.

Then today 24 Aug I got this:

"[Request received] DriveThruRPG Print Order Problem
Your request has been received, and is being reviewed by our support staff."

Weird bcz I never sent any request and was not aware of any problem.

And then a few minutes later I got a Paypal refund for the hardback (not the supplements)

And then a few minutes after the refund, I got this:

"Your request has been updated.
Customer Service, Aug 24, 2020, 9:56 AM EDT:
We are writing from DriveThruRPG.com concerning a recent purchase you made for a printed copy of Lyonesse: Fantasy Roleplaying Based on the Novels by Jack...See more
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Customer avatar
Christopher W August 24, 2020 3:10 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I get the idea that they're unaware that we're talking about a base game and dependent supplements. Why split the shipment? Why refund the base and say nothing about the purchased shipments? ... I get the idea that maybe the print-error that cancelled my hardback purchase was vestigial, not current. But my purchase it still cancelled. ... I really get the idea that nobody at Drivethru is paying attention to these transactions. It all has the feel of mindless automation.
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Customer avatar
Lawrence W August 24, 2020 3:16 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Thanks Christopher.

You should raise this directly with Publisher Services. There have been some POD challenges recently (getting the Lyonesse hardcover back up and running too far, far longer than it should, and I've raised a complaint over it already), and there's no reason why your order for the hardcover should be rejected. I'll raise it too from my end, but they'll most likely need your details, which I can't access, so I'd urge you to contact them with the concerns.
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Customer avatar
Christopher W August 24, 2020 3:30 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I'm not sure what I can say, except to question whether the cancellation was a mistake. I guess I'll do that. It's odd that the hardback is still for sale. At this point I really have no idea what's going on.
Reply
Customer avatar
Christopher W August 24, 2020 4:02 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Well, they said it was a mistake, but they can't send it now as it's refunded, so I have to order it again.

And now the hardback's not listed for sale.

Weee :)
Reply
Customer avatar
Christopher W August 24, 2020 4:46 pm UTC
PURCHASER
"Customer Service, Aug 24, 2020, 12:24 PM EDT:
Hello again.

Thank you for your reply.

It looks like the softcover version is available (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/309521/Lyonesse-Fantasy-Roleplaying-Based-on-the-Novels-by-Jack-Vance) and we have reached out to our publisher service team to see if they know if a hard cover version will be made available again. We will let you know as soon as we hear back from them.

Thank you again for your business and please let us know if we can be of any further assistance."

...

"IF a hard cover version will be made available again" !? :/

I am suffering some attrition of enthusiasm here.
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W August 24, 2020 4:54 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Christopher.

DTRPG's Publisher Services have suspended the hardcover sale without my authorization, and I've raised a strong complaint about this. I'm sorry you've had so many issues; it's unacceptable, and I've requested this be escalated.
Reply
Customer avatar
Scott H August 25, 2020 2:26 pm UTC
DRIVETHRURPG.COM STAFF
Christopher, we're actively working on the LSI issues with the hardcover. Regarding the softcover, if it was damaged in transit due to poor packaging, then please let our customer service team know (use the red "contact us" button at the very bottom of this page) so they can have the printer send a replacement copy to you.
Reply
Customer avatar
Adriel W August 25, 2020 7:24 pm UTC
Hi Christopher, our customer service team will be reaching out to you soon about your refunded order. We will be providing you a hardcover copy of Lyonesse at our expense. I hope that this brings back your enthusiasm! :)
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Customer avatar
Christopher W August 25, 2020 11:52 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Enthusiasm reinvigorated! Been looking forward to this one for a long time ... thanks!
Customer avatar
August 23, 2020 9:42 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W August 24, 2020 4:56 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Christopher, if you'd like to email me your contact details at lawrence DOT whitaker AT thedesignmechanism DOT com, I'm going to find an alternative way to get a hardcover to you.
Reply
Customer avatar
Christopher W August 24, 2020 6:20 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks, and I might take you up on that if DTRPG cannot settle their affairs.

But it's really not about me. This is about everybody who wants the thing.

It seems like they just need to clean up their procedures & communication. Everybody's having a bad year, but I can be patient enough to give them the chance to fix it.

I appreciate the offer, I really do. We'll see if it's needed. Thnx! :D
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W August 24, 2020 8:21 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
That's very much appreciated Christopher - thank you for your patience. I've had an ongoing dialogue with Publisher Services today, and I know they're trying to put things right. They acknowledge this has been a bit of a disaster, and there are some compelling reasons to make it a priority for a fix.
Customer avatar
Eric P August 04, 2020 1:38 am UTC
PURCHASER
Not to be redundant, but what is the status of the hardcover?
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W August 04, 2020 11:55 am UTC
PUBLISHER
See my update to Scott H on the 23rd July. The proof copy of the hardcover has been ordered and we're now waiting on its printing and delivery so we can check all is well. Once we have, we'll make the hardcover live immediately - but we want to make sure all is well first.
Customer avatar
Scott H July 23, 2020 3:13 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Any news on if and when the hardcover will be available?
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W July 23, 2020 3:46 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
We've just ordered the proof copy. There's been some kind of back end issue between the printers and DTRPG's update system. Apparently, the updated files cleared premedia checks about a week ago, but nothing was updated on our end, so it looked like it was still in limbo. The Publisher team here sorted things out, so it should be about a week before the hardcover can go live again. It's been very frustrating, I have to say.
Customer avatar
Eric P July 07, 2020 7:29 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Any chance I can buy the pdf now and apply that purchase toward the hardcover when it comes out?
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W July 08, 2020 12:30 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
I'm sure we can arrange something, Eric. If you'd like to get in touch with me via the email address on our website (http://thedesignmechanism.com/about-us.php), we can discuss making that happen.
Customer avatar
Stacie W July 06, 2020 9:09 pm UTC
This book has been kind of a bad luck purchase for me. I just got my second copy after the first came a bit jacked up and this replacement copy is even more jacked up. At least the first one could stay up on its spine like a normal book. Second one just flops over. I'm not even sure it's using premium paper. Feeling the paper used in this compared to other premium books like Stars Without Number, the paper in these books feels more standard. This is for the hardback version. I'm seriously perturbed now. I really just want my damn money back. The second one looks like it's going to effing fall out of its binding if I hold the book up by one of its covers.
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W July 06, 2020 10:35 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Hi Stacy,

I'm really sorry to hear that you've had poor quality copies of Lyonesse. Please report this to Drivethru - especially your concerns about the paper quality (I'll raise it too). Our proofing copies have all been very robust, so for you to have two poor experiences is something Drivethru need to investigate.

We will be stocking some separately produced hardcover copies via our own webstore, and if you'd like to contact us through our website, we'll let you know when they arrive in our warehouse.
Reply
Customer avatar
Lawrence W July 13, 2020 12:05 pm UTC
PUBLISHER
Stacy, the DTRPG Publisher Team are looking into this issue for you, and checking to see if there were any problems on the printing side that may have contributed to the poor experience. I think they'll be reaching out to you separately.
Reply
Customer avatar
Stacie W July 19, 2020 10:14 pm UTC
Thanks for messaging. It's appreciated. :)
Customer avatar
Aleksandr V July 05, 2020 4:41 am UTC
PURCHASER
Would be great to have unlabeled map so my players would explore it themselves during the campaign. I want my players to ask for directions, look at road signs, buy local maps, roam the woods to find magician's residences, etc.
Customer avatar
Chuck D July 05, 2020 3:09 am UTC
PURCHASER
Preview is just two maps. Not enough to make a decision on it.
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Product Information
Gold seller
Pages
510
Publisher Stock #
TDM701
File Size:
267.9 MB
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