Footsteps of Fools is a series of Cugel-level adventures that echo the footsteps of Vance's oft-maligned hero Cugel the Clever.
It combines, refines, varies and expands locations from Jack Vance's two classic fantasy novels about Cugel, creating a single vast travelogue that brings the Dying Earth RPG world to vivid lived experience in a way no ordinary single publication ever could.
Part of the premise is that the rough-and-ready rogues at the beginning of the series set-off back towards Azenomei with vengeance in their hearts, but totally unequipped to face Iucounu. The sheer scope of their exploits on the way back, however, advances them either into being low-level Turjanic adventurers, or high-level Cugelesque ones (the difference being largely one of adventure tone and whether magic is primarily accessed through items or spells). Either way, the battle with Iucounu is now one that (with help) they may possibly win!
Marvel then as characters first enjoy the fabled fair in Azenomei; cavort in paroxysms of terror as they are then transported to far-flung Saskervoy; squeal with delight as they then savour the delights of decadent Cil; tremble in rhapsody as they travel Beyond the Mountains of Magnatz; and finally, swoon with ecstasy as they confront the Laughing Magician in his manse!
Masterfully penned by the erudite Ian Thomson, Footsteps of Fools is a delightful series that once looked never to be finished when the publisher's license for the Dying Earth expired. Happily, the licence was renewed and Ian Thomson finished the series and is now no doubt basking in the staggeringly rich rewards showered upon him by a grateful publisher.
