" Let me get this straight…you're telling me I can turn into a crinos anything? Minotaur? Lizardman? Wolfman? Bunnyman? Lionman? Anything? Right then, where's the dotted line, sign me the hell up. "

      Title: Exalted: The Lunars by White Wolf

      Format: A core book supplement for Exalted

      Reviewing Monkey: Chimpan-A

      The Hype: Remember kids, Exalted is the world of darkness before there was a world of darkness. That's why the Lunar Exalted are not werewolves…they just happen to be shape shifters who obey the moon…but really, they're totally different. Anyway, these ancient shapeshifters can take the form of nature's beasts, and use their powers for good or for ill. The third of the four exalted is revealed for all to play and adore. Just remember not to poke them on the night of a full moon…

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Story and Drama: When has White Wolf ever shunted us in the story department? I mean really? This book is no exception. You'll learn everything you could ever want to know about the history of the Lunars. More over, you'll delve deep into their society. Most of the Lunars live in the wilds of the world, some of them constantly battling against the Wyld (which is a completely different supplement, thank you very much. Although they do delve into it briefly in the book for some source information). Many of them are barbarians, or part of barbarian tribes (read: worshipped as gods by the poor silly mortal barbarians). You'll learn all about their ways, from magic to war, and all the things in between. It's a well done section, lending intelligence and drive to what could otherwise have been a book about bloodthirsty shape changing brutes. And while they may be bloodthirsty, and brutish, they most certainly can not…oh wait, never mind. Anyway, the story section definitely gives some dignity to what could otherwise be simple, and unimportant, savages. Although if they really wanted to distance these guys from werewolves, why do they have renown? 5 out of 5

      Layout and Presentation: You all know the score by now. White Wolf has used the same layout since the dawn of time (or at least since the dawn of second edition): story, character generation, rules, and all the bonuses and problems that their layout entails. The artwork in this book is excellent, with a personal fave- UDON turning in some nice work. The art tends towards grittier than some of the other exalted core books. You won't find as many anime styled pictures here as you might in some of the other books (though they are still there and used to good effect). Steve Preston turns in some sub par work for a book with such excellent art. 4 out of 5

      Playability: Well, thanks to this book- Lunars are now eminently playable. More powers than you can shake a shape shifting stick at, and their own creation rules means you can have a lunar up and running in no time. Like all of the exalted who aren't kissin' Unconquered Sun's ass, they're a little weaker than the solar exalted on an overall scale. Their wide range of shape changing abilities, however, means that they will be more than able to hold their own in any Solar group. The Lunar's varied backgrounds and nigh infinite mutability means that they will bring some great variety to the table. Not to mention, now your group has somebody to give all those moonsilver magic items to…the fact that they're not necessarily automatically out to kill off Solars, like the Dragon Blooded, means they'll mesh a little easier into the group. Besides which, the powers and abilities these guys get is just plain fun. The only real difference in creation is that Lunars get their abilities in different ways, which may cause a bit of confusion for people used to how the Solars work their mojo. Shouldn't give anyone pause for too long, it's all explained quite clearly. 4.5 out of 5

      Desired Content: Let me get this straight…you're telling me I can turn into a crinos anything? Minotaur? Lizardman? Wolfman? Bunnyman? Lionman? Anything? Right then, where's the dotted line, sign me the hell up. With a crap ton of charms to power your beastly needs and a great set of other abilities to make sure you can run with your sun obsessed buddies, this book has got everything you need. It gives new meaning to the term "desired" content; you'll certainly want the content in this book once you're done reading it. 5 out of 5

      The Verdict:

It's everything you need, and Lunar Exalted are damn cool. You've got enough power here keep up with your Solar buddies, and enough story to make a convincing background for your character. If you've been missing the opportunity to play one of the shape shifting fellows in your Exalted campaign, or even if you're a storyteller hoping to bring a more realistic Lunar to life, this is the book for you.

      The Good: Seriously man, you can be a Minotaur

      The Bad: but only in the game…

      The Overall Ugly: Don't you just hate it when you go for an afternoon stroll in the Wyld and come back with tentacles and leprosy?

      What it's Worth: Market price.