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The Spawn of Fashan
On Sept. 3, 1981, "The Spawn of Fashan" roleplaying game made its debut at the Denvention II World Science Fiction Convention in Denver. Though only 17 copies were sold, magazine reviews ripping, roasting, and praising the rulebook turned "Spawn" into a global mystery and industry phenomenon. After four decades of limited or no availability, creator Kirby Lee Davis released this 40th anniversary edition presenting "The Spawn of Fashan" in its original format, along with the forward to the 1998 reprints, a new look at the game’s humorous history, a long-missing table of contents and index, and other examples of the author’s singular wit.
122 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 1981
1 person wants to read
About the author
Kirby Lee Davis
6Ìýbooks4ÌýfollowersKirby Lee Davis is an award-winning storyteller. Born with the desire to weave tales, Davis wrote and illustrated his first book at age 5â€� or was it 8? Somewhere around there. The first novel flowed from his typewriter during his second year at Mustang (OK) High School. The following year saw his entry into journalism and the editor's post at his student newspaper. ThisÌý1982 University of Oklahoma graduate formally brokeÌýinto the professional ranks asÌýan entrepreneur, syndicating filmÌýreviewsÌýto eight different publications. His byline, photos, and graphics have since appeared in multiple print and wire services, earning dozens of awards from the Associated Press, Donrey, Dolan Media, and other organizations.ÌýThese endeavors also led Davis into video production, website development, game design, stage work, and songwriting, his tunes sometimes shared in charity guitar performances. In 2017, Davis started providing freelance communications consulting services. The next year he published his parallel illustrated novels "God's Furry Angels" and "A Year in the Lives of God's Furry Angels." Other books followed: the dark comedy "The Road to Renewal," his epic adventure "The Prophet and the Dove," which led him into The Jonah Cycle, and the 40th-anniversary edition of "The Spawn of Fashan" roleplaying game rulebook, which became a bestseller in Japan. More details may be found at kirbyleedavis.com
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 17, 2022
This 40th Anniversary Edition is a great value and a tremendous collector's edition. Great investment for the sci fi collection. I particularly enjoy the introduction and history contained therein. All gamers will be thrilled to have this game book on their shelf. I have my book and enjoy it I do
January 6, 2025
Most of the "bad reviews" of it back in the day were far too harsh on it as a ttRPG system
If you look at various ttRPGs of the time, it is actually fairly middle of the road. The various "problems" with it are stuff that could have easily been fixed with a few erratas added onto the "first edition". A sort of "edition 1.2" type dealio-yo
Yes, we look at the "choices" and balk--but AD&D and Chainmail were not really that much better with stuff
It is a shame that various expansions for it did not actually end up happening
As I get into writing stuff over the next few years, I kind of hope to maybe write some stuff to act as Variations of this game. Perhaps some Variant Variations So Variant of Spawn of Fashan That They Can No Longer Be Called Spawn of Fashan?
I mean, my interest in this system is entirely due to the Real Men, Roleplayers, Loonies and Munchkins file that has gone around... and you know what? Let's do this!
It isn't bad... maybe could have been a better organised... and most of the "issues" could have been fixed with errata being released for it
If you look at various ttRPGs of the time, it is actually fairly middle of the road. The various "problems" with it are stuff that could have easily been fixed with a few erratas added onto the "first edition". A sort of "edition 1.2" type dealio-yo
Yes, we look at the "choices" and balk--but AD&D and Chainmail were not really that much better with stuff
It is a shame that various expansions for it did not actually end up happening
As I get into writing stuff over the next few years, I kind of hope to maybe write some stuff to act as Variations of this game. Perhaps some Variant Variations So Variant of Spawn of Fashan That They Can No Longer Be Called Spawn of Fashan?
I mean, my interest in this system is entirely due to the Real Men, Roleplayers, Loonies and Munchkins file that has gone around... and you know what? Let's do this!
It isn't bad... maybe could have been a better organised... and most of the "issues" could have been fixed with errata being released for it
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
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