First of all, I would like to thank Acheron for sending us a copy of Brancalonia – The Empire Whacks Back, thus allowing us to return to immerse ourselves in this crazy and mocking world and write this review. Inside we can find insights on the game world, character options and a campaign ready to face.
What we are faced with is a new expansion for Brancalonia, the Spaghetti Fantasy setting of the Zappa e Spada series. The manual, using the D&D5e system, throws us into a heroic and fantastic Italy. This time the team behind Brancalonia has given life to a new collaboration involving no less than Feudalesimo e Libertà. Therefore a manual all ready to focus on pop culture, the collective imagination and tales of the fantastic with a noisy and noisy medieval Italy as a backdrop.
One of the first important things to say is undoubtedly that it is a standalone product; no other Brancalonia material is needed to play. In any case, I would recommend using all “Brancalonical” material for a more complete experience.
Brancalonia – The Empire Whacks Back proves to be an immediate success just like what happened to the basic manual, reaching the goal of the Kickstarter campaign in 12 minutes and obtaining spectacular figures. Now you can purchase the manual on the Acheron store at the price of €45.00 in physical version with an attached PDF; if you want to retrieve our review of the basic manual you can read it here.
Rebels against Pro-Imperials: and It’s War Now!
The Kingdom of Taglia was devastated by revolts and discontent due to heavy taxation, ending up bringing war to the gates of the empire. Eventually, the Bombard League crashed into the empire’s Dark Tower, bringing death and destruction everywhere and ultimately being defeated. At this point the good emperor seeks the path of diplomacy, hoping to be able to use his daughter for a marriage capable of resolving the situation. But there’s only one problem: Princess Anguillelia has mysteriously disappeared and now everyone is hunting her around the Pagan plain.
This background will kick off the adventure in full branchal tones; in fact, players will find themselves thrown into a series of events in which magic is limited and the spotlight is on guerrilla actions, deception and diplomacy.
The characters will have to move in a scenario full of political and warlike tensions. On one side there is the imperial army which is expanding and making demands, on the other the rebels of the Comunella who are trying to oppose it. However, we must not forget that we are talking about Brancalonia; it follows that everything will hardly go smoothly… Indeed! There will be no shortage of comic scenes, twists and above all questionable moral choices; after all, you still play the role of a scoundrel. Afterwards, the ending proves to be open; the players will decide what will be the fate of their scoundrels and the world around them.
Review of the Structure of Brancalonia – The Empire Whacks Back
Ten episodes make up what is the first official campaign created for the Brancalonia universe. It was designed for a party of 3-6 players and aimed to take them from first to sixth level by marking key moments for levelling. The events of the various chapters are closely linked, interconnected and consequential. All in all, it is designed to be a linear campaign, in which the characters have great action maneuvers but without neglecting fixed points and recurring characters that characterize the adventure.
Precisely by virtue of the linear structure, however, it is good to clarify some points with the players from the first plays. On the other hand, the simple fact of being a Scoundrel does not give the freedom to act in an unruly and criminal way without consequences; surely the world around the players is alive and presents articulated and complex structures.
There is no shortage of advice for masters, from how to lengthen or reduce the duration of the campaign itself, to underlining the strong points. Markedly the narrator is accompanied with aids, phrases and paragraphs also dedicated to the management of the scenes. This is an excellent point in favour, and above all for those who are approaching the role of Leader (the DM in Brancalonia) for the first time.
The Awakening of the Gallows
I won’t spoil the truly comical, in some ways even magical, experience by going into detail about what the gallows is and how it work; in any case, I’m sure that some of you may already have understood it. However, it seemed to me to be the best way to introduce what turned out to be one of the greatest strengths of this campaign: the references to pop culture and the collective imagination. This time Brancalonia surpasses itself and, thanks also to the collaboration with Feudalismo e Libertà, offers us very clear and unmistakable references (starting from the title The Empire Whacks Back).
The strongest are built around the Star Wars universe, spreading everywhere goodies for lovers of the saga. This, fused with the already classic references to the world of fantasy and a revisited medieval Italy, creates a truly effective setting. The Italian imagery blends with international elements, without ever losing the distinctive spirit of the work.
The Other Contents of the Manual
In addition to the campaign episodes, the manual gives us a whole series of new species, backgrounds, and talents. Is this enough? The answer is obviously no! Thus we also find new spells, equipment, heirlooms and countless other novelties, expanding the universe of Brancalonia beyond new boundaries. There is also a new bestiary and a detailed description of the factions and orders; do we want to let the plague escape?
I think an excellent example of the new races is represented by the Bieconigli, creatures with abilities comparable to those of humans but equipped with fur, ears weapons, and many more weapons. They prove to be flexible, playable both as raiders and as imperial guards, but above all ruthless, immediately ready to sow guerrilla warfare and destruction. But our stews (yes they are also called that), don’t stop here. Their red eyes are intimidating and allow excellent perception skills, they jump better than ibexes and are a concentration of determination and cold blood. All things considered, they represent an excellent addition, together with the Paragulo and the Arcimboldo.
In addition to the classes, however, there are several new features, among these one of the most significant is certainly represented by the New Feudal Order. The kingdom of Taglia is now reorganized into the First Feudal Empire. Here you can breathe the air of Feudalesimo e Libertà, and we can find in-depth information on the EquImpero, the Sharp Plague and the Menastic Orders, together with other truly interesting gems. The Pestal System deserves a few more words by virtue of its particularity. We are faced with a system organized in a capillary way, which, using plague stations and strategic points, delivers parcels containing diseases and ailments. The best way to make someone die anonymously, painfully and functionally.
Review of the Aesthetics of Brancalonia – The Empire Whacks Back
From an artistic point of view, Brancalonia – The Empire Whacks Back takes up the graphic style of the basic manual. The pages are dotted with warm colours and careful attention to the imagination. The hardcover, pleasant to the touch, contains 180 pages full of valuable details.
A note of merit must be given to the wonderful internal illustrations, clearly created with a medieval aesthetic; not only do they give a clear idea of the setting, but they almost make us breathe the air of the Kingdom of Taglia as if we were in front of small paintings. The maps are also numerous and well cared for, thus proving not only a useful tool but also an aesthetic enrichment.
Finally, the structure and subdivision of the paragraphs should not be underestimated either, which are well-ordered and distinct, allowing an extremely smooth reading.
Conclusions of the Review of Brancalonia – The Empire Whacks Back
It is difficult to summarize such an intense and rich manual in a few lines; what I can say is that if you are a lover of RPGs, Italian humorous imagery and Star Wars you can’t help but make it yours. We are faced with a complete, enriching and well-structured work.
The campaign will immediately drag you into the development of its crazy and whirlwind events, immersing you in a reality that is both realistic and surreal at the same time. There will never be a lack of laughter, epic moments, absurd scenes and paradoxical situations, thus giving life to an adventure that is unlikely to be forgotten!
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