| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 05:02:44
I have just experienced an interesting series of events.
I have, for once, a little extra money to spend, and nothing at the top of my list to spend it on.
I have, until it expires on Monday at closing time, a coupon for 25% off one (and only one  ) item at Borders Books and Music.
I have, conveniently placed by a bus stop I transfer at, a Borders where I can spend some money and this coupon.
I have, obviously, no idea what to get at the moment.
Here is the list of what they have, as of this evening:
Arms and Equipment Guide
Book of Exalted Deeds
Complete Divine
d20 Modern
d20 Future
d20 Weapons locker
Dragonlance Campaign Setting
Fiend Folio
Frostburn
Libris Mortis
Manual of the Planes
Monster Manual III
Planar Handbook
Races of Stone
Serpent Kingdoms
Shining South
Song and Silence
Unapproachable East
Underdark
Ultimate Equipment Guide
Now, considering the nature of some of these books, this would be more appropriate to ask at Worlds. But there are still very few people at that forum, so I'm asking here. Which single book do you think I should get?
Remember, this coupon expires on Monday, so I can't save it for Complete Arcane or Sharn or The Grantville Gazette. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| The Sage |
Posted - 02 Nov 2004 : 06:08:22
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Well, the sheer number of intelligent races strikes me as odd. It seems like many of these should have been pushed to extinction, if only because other species crowded them out. That's how it normally works, anyway -- though where intelligence is concerned, we have to use cultures as an example from Real Life, not species.
There's probably some measure of truth to that, since, for as long as the setting has been in print, we haven't seen much in the way of the more "usual" races. For example, minotaurs and centaurs, while they have not been entirely forgotten, do not even come close to the same numbers in terms of population like most of the other humanoid races.
|
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 02 Nov 2004 : 05:58:10
Well, the sheer number of intelligent races strikes me as odd. It seems like many of these should have been pushed to extinction, if only because other species crowded them out. That's how it normally works, anyway -- though where intelligence is concerned, we have to use cultures as an example from Real Life, not species. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 01 Nov 2004 : 14:50:51
quote:
Originally posted by Lady Kazandra
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
I haven't managed to read as much as I'd like. I do notice that there isn't much on the individual cities, and there seems to be a large number of intelligent races . . . .
The Realms are crowded, and filling up fast. 
I noticed that as well. In fact, I would have preferred some extra detailing on the individual cities, rather than the information provided on the races.
I'd have to agree with that, although I wouldn't say that the Realms are becoming crowded. Diversity within campaign settings is always a good thing, especially when it comes to races. And, given the long history of the Realms (in terms of publication), there comes a time when expansion of the core material becomes not only possible, but necessary as well.
|
| Lady Kazandra |
Posted - 01 Nov 2004 : 08:02:22
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
I haven't managed to read as much as I'd like. I do notice that there isn't much on the individual cities, and there seems to be a large number of intelligent races . . . .
The Realms are crowded, and filling up fast.
I noticed that as well. In fact, I would have preferred some extra detailing on the individual cities, rather than the information provided on the races.
|
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 01 Nov 2004 : 07:47:37
I haven't managed to read as much as I'd like. I do notice that there isn't much on the individual cities, and there seems to be a large number of intelligent races . . . .
The Realms are crowded, and filling up fast. |
| Lady Kazandra |
Posted - 01 Nov 2004 : 07:26:58
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Two purchases, actually. My draconic greed took over . . . I got two, Shining South...
So, have you had a chance to read through any parts of the tome yet? What did you think?
|
| Alaundo |
Posted - 26 Oct 2004 : 15:32:28
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Interesting choices.
I wonder though, whether Alaundo may have had any influence on your poor old draconic mind...? The Master Sage does like his suggestion spells, that's for sure... And especially h ... ... !
::The Sage suddenly halts in mid speech. Staring blankly for a few moments, he then quickly turns and starts pacing down the long hallway mumbling something about shelves and dusting... ::
 
::chuckle::
Well met
Oh, I need not influence dear old Bookwyrm, he knows very well that he won't be permitted entry back into the library from his journeys without a tome of Realmslore in his hands 
::stealthily closes spellbook:: |
| The Sage |
Posted - 26 Oct 2004 : 15:20:56
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Okay, I've gone and made my purchase. Two purchases, actually. My draconic greed took over . . . I got two, Shining South and Frostburn. Cuts into some other things I was planning . . . but one was so shiny, and the other was . . . um, cold. Well, okay, that doesn't really work. I don't know if I'll be able to pick up either Sharn or C-Arc next month . . . we'll see.
Still, Alaundo should be happy. See? Realmslore! 
Thanks for your help, all. 
Interesting choices.
I wonder though, whether Alaundo may have had any influence on your poor old draconic mind...? The Master Sage does like his suggestion spells, that's for sure... And especially h ... ... !
::The Sage suddenly halts in mid speech. Staring blankly for a few moments, he then quickly turns and starts pacing down the long hallway mumbling something about shelves and dusting... ::
|
| Alaundo |
Posted - 26 Oct 2004 : 10:04:28
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
[::looks up from reading Frostburn::]
Hmm? Shining South? Oh, yes, I'll get to that, eventually.
[::ducks as a certain magical staff swings over his head::]
 ::chuckle::
Humpphh |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 26 Oct 2004 : 09:10:34
[::looks up from reading Frostburn::]
Hmm? Shining South? Oh, yes, I'll get to that, eventually.
[::ducks as a certain magical staff swings over his head::] |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 26 Oct 2004 : 09:03:17
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Okay, I've gone and made my purchase. Two purchases, actually. My draconic greed took over . . . I got two, Shining South and Frostburn. Cuts into some other things I was planning . . . but one was so shiny, and the other was . . . um, cold. Well, okay, that doesn't really work. I don't know if I'll be able to pick up either Sharn or C-Arc next month . . . we'll see.
Still, Alaundo should be happy. See? Realmslore!
Thanks for your help, all.
Well met
Oh splendid, Bookwyrm I don't know how I would have coped if ye had come away without Shining South Aye, great purchases indeed, I'm sure ye will be very happy with them both  |
| Wood Elf Ranger |
Posted - 26 Oct 2004 : 08:06:51
Woohoo! Great picks!  |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 26 Oct 2004 : 06:48:17
Okay, I've gone and made my purchase. Two purchases, actually. My draconic greed took over . . . I got two, Shining South and Frostburn. Cuts into some other things I was planning . . . but one was so shiny, and the other was . . . um, cold. Well, okay, that doesn't really work. I don't know if I'll be able to pick up either Sharn or C-Arc next month . . . we'll see.
Still, Alaundo should be happy. See? Realmslore!
Thanks for your help, all. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 09:25:56
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
(And while I've noticed mistakes in the official art galleries... )
That has been especially true for many of the planar images I've seen that have come from 2e material. For instance, the visilight from the MMIII... It looks nothing like it did in the PS 2e adventure Dead Gods... 
|
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 08:16:10
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Yes, I remember that error  . As it turns out, the artwork I saw for the imagery of Sigil was actually based on some earlier conceptual art for the tome that was presented on Planewalker.com several days before the tomes realise . At that time, I still did not have the book.
I had no idea that the images of Sigil had been changed several weeks before, and I, being the silly old sage that I am, naturally assumed that the same artwork I originally saw, would be the images included in the PLHB.
Easy mistake to make. I hadn't known you weren't talking about art that actually made it to the book, but rather that you either had the book or were looking at the official art gallery. (And while I've noticed mistakes in the official art galleries, that would have been a biggy.)
quote:
Pre-emptive edit: Why are you making fun of my new habit BTW...? I'm curious.
Well, first, it's out of the blue, and second, it's somewhat redundant at times, and already it feels like many of the "signatures" are forced. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 07:45:26
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Yes, I looked through the Planar HB while I was there and, while I didn't have time for in-depth reading, couldn't see what you were talking about with your complaints about the Sigil entry. Granted again that it was only a look, but it didn't suggest an old Greek city-state to me. Certainly not the image -- not as smoggy as I understand it, but it looked closer to a 17th century English town than something from the shores of a second-century Aegean Sea.
Yes, I remember that error . As it turns out, the artwork I saw for the imagery of Sigil was actually based on some earlier conceptual art for the tome that was presented on Planewalker.com several days before the tomes realise . At that time, I still did not have the book.
I had no idea that the images of Sigil had been changed several weeks before, and I, being the silly old sage that I am, naturally assumed that the same artwork I originally saw, would be the images included in the PLHB.
quote:
- still making fun of Sage's new habit Bookwyrm
If you're not careful, I'll cast my specialised alter-self spell again, and bring a whole new identity crisis saga to the halls of Candlekeep again...
- Just kidding Sage
Pre-emptive edit: Why are you making fun of my new habit BTW...? I'm curious.
|
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 07:20:20
Hmm, let me think about that NO.  |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 07:12:35
Hey, Bookwyrm, I've got an idea: to save you the effort of making a decision, howzabout you buy a book for me? |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 06:15:25
Hey, I'm a dragon . . . I can afford to be un-subtle.
Yes, I looked through the Planar HB while I was there and, while I didn't have time for in-depth reading, couldn't see what you were talking about with your complaints about the Sigil entry. Granted again that it was only a look, but it didn't suggest an old Greek city-state to me. Certainly not the image -- not as smoggy as I understand it, but it looked closer to a 17th century English town than something from the shores of a second-century Aegean Sea.
- still making fun of Sage's new habit Bookwyrm |
| Wood Elf Ranger |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 03:37:11
Just go with Shining South, pretty much everyone so far has recommended it Come on, conform!
- Hopes the Sage gets crackin' on said PbEM Wood Elf Ranger |
| The Sage |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 03:27:52
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
Manual of the Planes
I'm pretty weak on the planar stuctures, though certain websites have helped. Also -- if the WTM campaign ever starts up! -- this might help Jack out a bit.
[...]
Planar Handbook
Same for MotP.
I can help you shorten the list, especially considering your focus on these two tomes. In your case, MotP will be more useful for you, since you are still learning your way around the multiverse. The content in the PLHB is more specific and geared towards those DMs and players who have more than a passing interest in the planes.
Aside from all of that, the only "great" point about the PLHB is the section on Sigil, but then, there are so many other sources (both online and in print) that you can use to learn about the City of Doors.
- Getting the meaning of the Bookwyrm's less-than-subtle-PbeM-reference Sage
|
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 25 Oct 2004 : 03:02:43
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
I must say I'm surprised that ye don't have the four Realms tomes mentioned, Bookwyrm. 
See, I've told people again and again how there's a bias against dragons, and here's the great sage Alaundo exhibiting one aspect: namely, the idea that all dragons are rich. Sorry, left my hoard in my other lair. 
In fact, I've recently had a slight increase in my income, but it was negated by an addiction I was suffering. Yes, I admit it -- three times a week, I'd stop by the arcade to get my fix. Of course, now that "BOOKW" has high scores on this game (#1 overall, as well as most of the levels), I've managed to get un-addicted -- there's hardly any point to it now that I have no one to beat.
(It's a shooter game, and one that you didn't have to point a centimeter away from the target in order to hit it. When you don't have that to worry about, I'm good with accuracy, normally pulling in an average of 95%, and puting up some scores of 100%. For some reason, marksmanship runs in the family. There's another shooter game that's caught my eye, but I figure that I ought to wait. When someone looking over your shoulder suddenly exclaims "Oh, you're that guy?" it's a pretty good indicator you've been spending too much time there.)
Anyway, I'm narrowed down to these titles:
Frostburn
Looks interesting, and people have said good things about it.
Libris Mortis
Subject matter isn't one I'm raving about, but from my peek it was stuctured well, and people have said it's a good one. Plus, undead are more likely to show up in any game than dragons, so it might see more use than the Draconomicon. (Of course, my niece will surely not like pictures of undead nearly as much as she likes looking at the "pretty dragons." )
Manual of the Planes
I'm pretty weak on the planar stuctures, though certain websites have helped. Also -- if the WTM campaign ever starts up! -- this might help Jack out a bit.
Monster Manual III
Still pretty iffy for me from the start, because since I'm not a DM, I wouldn't get much use out of this. Still, people here say it's good.
Planar Handbook
Same for MotP.
Shining South
Realmslore galore? That's rare enough for a WotC product that I might just have to!
Unapproachable East
It's an important area of the Realms, but it's still an iffy for me. My glance didn't show much useful material, either in Realmslore or Realmsplay. ( The latter will be a standardized term if I have anything to say about it!)
Hmm, this is a good week for discounts . . . I'm told that a local used book store is having a 50% off sale on all items this week. I haven't been there in a while, but I don't believe they have any gaming items . . . but I know they have novels, so I might be able to fix some holes I have elsewhere. Even if I don't get a Realms gaming book tomorrow, perhaps Alaundo will be molified if I bring in a book instead. |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 22:03:57
I'll throw another vote in the bag for Shining South If you love Realmslore (which i'm sure you do), then this is the product! It's crammed to the brim with fluff!
Going against what a number of others have said here, I quite liked Underdark and I intend to get stuck into that more soon.
As for the others..... Libris Mortis, Song and Silence, Fiend Folio. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 21:56:04
I'm going to pretty much echo SB on this one.
UE just totally failed to grab me, and ditto for Underdark -- the latter didn't even feel all that much like a Realms product.
Serpent Kingdoms was great. It was a good read, with lots of nifty lore -- and I liked finding out more about the scaly guys, even though I've no plans to use them.
I'm about 1/2 way thru Shining South, and I just don't want to put it down. It's got lots of lore, and plenty of those nifty little toss-away bits that I so love. Plus, the original was one of my fave regional 2E products, so this one is a total winner for me.
As for the rest of the stuff on your list, either I don't have it or don't care enough about it to comment on it. |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 09:51:58
Well met
I must say I'm surprised that ye don't have the four Realms tomes mentioned, Bookwyrm.
Of course, I am a little biased towards those four , but I would highly recommend Shining South. It is one of most lore-heavy FR tomes I have read in a long time. Thomas M Reid has clearly crammed a vast amount of information into the tome. As the Sage states, Unapproachable East is also a fine tome.
Outside of the Realms tomes, I'm glad ye mentioned the Ultimate Equipment Guide as well as the Arms and Equipment Guide, the former is much better, in my opinion.
I'd be interested to know how ye got on, Bookwyrm. ...and woe be tide if ye come back without a tome of the Realms |
| The Sage |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 08:50:21
Well, I take a look at each, and let you know my opinion... quote:
Arms and Equipment Guide
I don't have this guide. It's not been a tome I felt that I have needed for my campaigns, specifcally because there are other third-party products which I believe are much more detailed and appropriate for my campaigns.
quote:
Book of Exalted Deeds
The companion piece for the BoVD (I can't recall whether you have that particular tome? ). It really is a wonderful tome, but it's content is only really useful only if celestial matters are going to play a big part in your game.
quote:
Complete Divine
Do you have Defenders of the Faith? If you don't, it might be worth purchasing this tome thanks largely, to the nice options it provides for the divine character.
quote:
d20 Modern
I'm a big fan of the Modern ruleset as many know, and while there are some elements similar in structure and scope to D&D, you're really setting yourself up to learn a whole new rules system if you purchase this tome. And then, it's really only useful if you intend to run campaigns in a 'modern' environment. There's very little you can pillage for you D&D campaigns that isn't already provided in another D&D tome.
quote:
d20 Future
I'm going to reserve comment on this one, specifically because I haven't had the opportunity to read through it completely (and properly) just yet. Although, I feel that unless you're planning to campaign in a 'future' setting, you'll find little use for this tome as well in you D&D campaigns.
quote:
d20 Weapons locker
I haven't purchased this tome mostly because it's been stated many times that players and DMs can get just as much satisfaction out of real-like books on weapons -- all that's required is for you to assign stats using the d20 Modern rules. Of course, if you're lazy, and you're playing a 'modern' campaign, then this tome provides you with everything you need, minus the work .
quote:
Dragonlance Campaign Setting
Both the Lady K and I have spoken to you in private about this wonderful tome. I've even posted some thoughts over at Worlds which by now, I'm sure you've read. I don't think there's really anything more to tell you other than if you're keen on "getting into" DL, and devoting yourself to learning about a new setting that's been in print for a long time, this is the best choice.
Note: Some material in the tome is specifically geared towards the setting, and cannot be ported over to other settings without a little tinkering.
quote:
Fiend Folio
Manual of the Planes
Planar Handbook
I'm going to group these three tomes together specifically because of all their juicy planar content. And while my opinion on these three tomes may be significantly biased, I will say that Hammer is correct in his meanderings... There's more than enough Realms content out there for one to chew through without having to start learning about a whole new concept to adventure in.
One thing I will add though is, after my purchase of Monte's brilliant PS tribute tome, Beyond Countless Doorways... the core cosmology of D&D is now a thing of the past for me...
quote:
Frostburn
I liked this book. But that may be because I like running adventures in artic/tundra environments. The PrCs are a refreshing change, as are the monsters presented within. The rules for campaigning in artic regions are well considered also, but this tome is again, really only specifically required if you plan to campaign extensively in an artic environment.
quote:
Libris Mortis
I haven't quite finished reading through this one yet, but from what I've read, the 'Book of Undead' is definitely a moderate successor to the Draconomicon. I know you're a fan of that particular tome...
quote:
Monster Manual III
My favorite of the three monster manuals. I've detailed some of the creatures over at Worlds. To me, some of the creatures in the tome are just plain weird... and I like weird, especially in my PS campaigns. The creatures detailed though, should appeal to anyone with an interest in placing that strange, and sometimes unknown creature, in their campaigns.
quote:
Races of Stone
I'm a gnome fan as most know, so it was only logical that I would purchase this book. However, that has been it's only "good point". I've found very little need on my part as a DM to actually refer to this tome at any time... And that, is all I say on it.
quote:
Serpent Kingdoms
Shining South
Underdark
Unapproachable East
What more can be said about these tomes that has already been said by some scribe somewhere here at Candlekeep. Of the four on the list, UE is my favorite. I've always liked reading Thay and Rashemen and the conflicts between the two. As well as that, the ancient realms of the south-eastern Realms hold some appeal for me as well. I've felt that Aglarond has always had a particular fascination and appeal, specifically because of the Symbul.
Underdark is useful, but for me, it's a semi-referred-to-tome. There's been so much printed about the Underdark in other sourcebooks and novels already that there's really nothing more that can be said about the region. The only real use I've had out of the book are one or two PrCs and the information on the Deep Imaskari.
I haven't finished Shining South yet, but from what I've read, I like. There's so much fluff in this tome to make me more than happy for many southern-themed campaigns to come.
Serpent Kingdoms is a hard tome to say anything about. Specifically, if you like all-things-reptile-in-the-Realms, then this is the tome for you. I myself have always been a devotee of the ways of the yuan-ti, and I was pleased with the way they were presented in this tome. However, the real factor that nags at my mind is the true lack of extensive fluff and background material on the regions and races presented within. To put it simply, I was left with a feeling that this tome was "lacking"...
quote:
Song and Silence
This tome is going to be considered pretty much useless by the time of the next Complete tome release after Arcane. You'd probably do better waiting for that tome, and use your coupon on something else from your list.
quote:
Ultimate Equipment Guide
I don't have this one, but the Lady K does. I'll see if I can grab her copy and have a look-see. Maybe I can provide some opinion on it then.
- Using specifically too often Sage
|
| Capn Charlie |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 08:43:06
A&E did have a fair sized amount of things not found in the 2e tome(of which I assume you refer to Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue and the one named quite similiarly to this one). Stats and rules for mercenaries, vehicles(and vehicular combat) as well as some other interesting bits and pieces includign a nice long section of magical items.
But as for you, Bookwyrm, given that list to choose from...
I would have to go for a heavy rules manual, as you should be able to browse and absorb the important parts of the region books.
For me, what would prove most handy to have at the table would be the Monster Manual III. (or perhaps d20 future, if you love a good sci-fi game, like I do).
Of the FR books... for me it would be a toss up between shining south and Unnaproachable east. Out of that... UE would win, since I have a good chunk of my campaign tied up there.
|
| Lysander |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 07:11:06
quote:
Originally posted by hammer of Moradin
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
I have just experienced an interesting series of events.
I have, for once, a little extra money to spend, and nothing at the top of my list to spend it on.
I have, until it expires on Monday at closing time, a coupon for 25% off one (and only one ) item at Borders Books and Music.
I have, conveniently placed by a bus stop I transfer at, a Borders where I can spend some money and this coupon.
I have, obviously, no idea what to get at the moment.
Here is the list of what they have, as of this evening:
Arms and Equipment Guide
Book of Exalted Deeds
Complete Divine
d20 Modern
d20 Future
d20 Weapons locker
Dragonlance Campaign Setting
Fiend Folio
Frostburn
Libris Mortis
Manual of the Planes
Monster Manual III
Planar Handbook
Races of Stone
Serpent Kingdoms
Shining South
Song and Silence
Unapproachable East
Underdark
Ultimate Equipment Guide
Now, considering the nature of some of these books, this would be more appropriate to ask at Worlds. But there are still very few people at that forum, so I'm asking here. Which single book do you think I should get?
Remember, this coupon expires on Monday, so I can't save it for Complete Arcane or Sharn or The Grantville Gazette.
I liked the Book of Exalted Deeds. It is helpful, and will give you a few ideas, if you play or run good aligned games.
Complete Divine updates a lot of the v.3.0 priest book (can't remember the name of it right now, but it came in the series that included Song & Silence). It has some good, new material, but unless you're REALLY into clerics it could be one to wait for.
d20 Modern is up there price wise. 25% off would bring it down from, I think $40 to $30, which is nice. Only if you want to create a modern game, though.
d20 Future I will add on only because some day, next year or Christmas, I will get d20 Modern so I can play d20 Future and break out a few old Star Frontiers games. Ford's Explorer pales next to the SF Explorer.
Fiend Folio/Monster Manual III, need monsters? I'm waaaay behind in my monster books, but my game hasn't suffered yet.
Frostburn looks good, especially with the long, cold winter coming on. Should be easier to set the mood.
Libris Mortis, Halloween, need I say more?
Planes books, bah, too much going on in the Realms to start wandering off.
Races of Stone, dwarves!!! I bought this right up and don't have a complaint. Of course I'm partial.
Serpent Kingdoms, Shining South, Unapproachable East, and Underdark. I have SK and UE, but not SS and Und. Serpent Kingdoms has good, slithering information, and Yuan-ti. "Why did it have to be snakes" Unapproachable East would be invaluable if that is where you want to explore, otherwise you would rarely use it. Shining South will be my next Realms book, even though the Underdark tome has been out far longer.
Books I have, #1 pick would be a tie between Races of Stone and Serpent Kingdoms.
Books I don't have, #1 pick will be Shining South followed by either Frostburn or Libris Mortis.
To piggyback; Shining South (after/instead of PGtF) will probably be my next purchase. Arms and Equip is a rebadged, abridged, 2E book - from what a flip through gave me, if you have the 2E book (which I do ) the 3xE book is a retread. Races of Stone is another intersting one that I'd add to my list, but not in the near-term. Same with the new DL book - but that's more long-term. |
| hammer of Moradin |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 06:49:18
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
I have just experienced an interesting series of events.
I have, for once, a little extra money to spend, and nothing at the top of my list to spend it on.
I have, until it expires on Monday at closing time, a coupon for 25% off one (and only one ) item at Borders Books and Music.
I have, conveniently placed by a bus stop I transfer at, a Borders where I can spend some money and this coupon.
I have, obviously, no idea what to get at the moment.
Here is the list of what they have, as of this evening:
Arms and Equipment Guide
Book of Exalted Deeds
Complete Divine
d20 Modern
d20 Future
d20 Weapons locker
Dragonlance Campaign Setting
Fiend Folio
Frostburn
Libris Mortis
Manual of the Planes
Monster Manual III
Planar Handbook
Races of Stone
Serpent Kingdoms
Shining South
Song and Silence
Unapproachable East
Underdark
Ultimate Equipment Guide
Now, considering the nature of some of these books, this would be more appropriate to ask at Worlds. But there are still very few people at that forum, so I'm asking here. Which single book do you think I should get?
Remember, this coupon expires on Monday, so I can't save it for Complete Arcane or Sharn or The Grantville Gazette.
I liked the Book of Exalted Deeds. It is helpful, and will give you a few ideas, if you play or run good aligned games.
Complete Divine updates a lot of the v.3.0 priest book (can't remember the name of it right now, but it came in the series that included Song & Silence). It has some good, new material, but unless you're REALLY into clerics it could be one to wait for.
d20 Modern is up there price wise. 25% off would bring it down from, I think $40 to $30, which is nice. Only if you want to create a modern game, though.
d20 Future I will add on only because some day, next year or Christmas, I will get d20 Modern so I can play d20 Future and break out a few old Star Frontiers games. Ford's Explorer pales next to the SF Explorer.
Fiend Folio/Monster Manual III, need monsters? I'm waaaay behind in my monster books, but my game hasn't suffered yet.
Frostburn looks good, especially with the long, cold winter coming on. Should be easier to set the mood.
Libris Mortis, Halloween, need I say more?
Planes books, bah, too much going on in the Realms to start wandering off.
Races of Stone, dwarves!!! I bought this right up and don't have a complaint. Of course I'm partial.
Serpent Kingdoms, Shining South, Unapproachable East, and Underdark. I have SK and UE, but not SS and Und. Serpent Kingdoms has good, slithering information, and Yuan-ti. "Why did it have to be snakes" Unapproachable East would be invaluable if that is where you want to explore, otherwise you would rarely use it. Shining South will be my next Realms book, even though the Underdark tome has been out far longer.
Books I have, #1 pick would be a tie between Races of Stone and Serpent Kingdoms.
Books I don't have, #1 pick will be Shining South followed by either Frostburn or Libris Mortis. |
| Wood Elf Ranger |
Posted - 24 Oct 2004 : 06:12:56
Shining South by far, that tome has soo much Realmslore crammed in it!
If you want to understand Sage a little better go for the Manual of the Planes. MotP is way better than the Planar Handbook in my opinion. The Planar Handbook seemed like a lot of recycled info to me where as the Manual of the Planes is really in depth on the nature of the planes and how to create your own which I found extremely useful and helpful.
- Opinionated Wood Elf Ranger |
|
|
