Pyramid Review
Wyrd is Bond: a Role Playing Game of Urban Myth and Magic
Published by Key20 Publishing
Written by Jason L. Blair
Cover by Leanne Buckley
Illustrated by Carlos Barros & Leanne Buckley
96-page perfect bound black & white softback; $20
Wyrd is Bond: a Role Playing Game of Urban Myth and Magic is the first title from Jason L. Blair since the release of the critically acclaimed, but controversial RPG of confronting the terrors of childhood, Little Fears. Less controversial, but with a subject matter and language as equally strong, this RPG is about life in the gangs of America's socially and economically deprived inner cities. The players are not just gangstas, but slingers. Gangstas with both attitude and "Wyrd" or "Mojo," able to cast or "sling" magic.
Originating in Africa, the Wyrd spread across America through the music of the oppressed. First Blues, then Rock 'n' Roll, and more recently, through Rap and Hip-Hop, scaring Middle America along the way. The latest in gangsta sounds and chic is even scarier, lyrics loaded with occult references and gear festooned with arcane symbols like the Yellow Sign.
Players take the role of Slingers, able to bust a cap and sling a spell, too. Possibly associated with ordinary gangs like the Bloods or Crips (although game versions are discussed, Wyrd is Bond is not about real life gangs), slingers belong to one of seven occult-themed gangs. The empiricist and materialist Crows follow Aleister Crowley's writings; the Hermes Trimegistus following . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: December 24, 2004
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