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branmakmuffin
Senior Scribe
USA
428 Posts |
 Posted - 03 May 2003 : 17:01:48
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This is an example of a well done source book, in my opinion. It's humorous, without being silly for the most part, and it's useful.
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Edited by - branmakmuffin on 03 May 2003 20:18:45
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2003 : 17:32:51
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I like it. I refer to it on occassion, it's surprising how much usage you can get from it.
I normally like to use it to fill out empty parts of town-based campaigns, where exposure to common equipment occurs on a regular basis. It's also handy for filler material when your PC's visit the town's adventurer guild searching for supplies.
Good learning...
- The Sage of Perth: For all your Realms lore needs
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2003 : 21:07:53
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This is a great book. There is so much stuff in it for 'polishing up' PC's equipment lists and for ideas for roleplaying. Breaking out the bottle of Evermead in your pack to offer a glass to an elven NPC you just met is a great way of 'breaking the ice'.  |
"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
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branmakmuffin
Senior Scribe
USA
428 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2003 : 23:38:35
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What's odd about it is that it seems to be done in a completely different way from other FR books, be they 1e, 2e or 3e. The layout is different, the tenor of the writing is different. It doesn't even have an FR logo on its cover.
It may be my favorite FR source book. The campaign books and other source books (the ones I've read, that is) are just lists of things. That's all very useful for RPing or DMing in FR, but not very interesting reading. The Catalog is actually entertaining to read for its own sake. |
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Elrond Half Elven
Learned Scribe
United Kingdom
322 Posts |
Posted - 04 May 2003 : 10:49:35
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*Pulls the book out of bookshelf*
I must say that when i bought at first i really didn't like it, however after a couple of weeks i read it and decided to introduce it to my game! I love it, it has all those things that you require but is much better than the Magic Encyclopedia Volumes, which in my honest opinion tried to do the same thing- badly! It must have been so refreshing for all of the AD&D players when this book came out. A word of warning to some DM's however this book contains some absolutely stupidly fun and outragious items, (For example Chainmail bra's, chain mail and plate mail *ouch* loin cloths ) for tyhe most part this book is very useful, it is also written in a fun context, and what more can i say, if you see it buy it! Its worth it! 
Hanx
Elrond |
Once upon a midnight dreary, while i pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore-
While i nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
-The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 04 May 2003 : 11:18:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Elrond Half Elven
. . . Chainmail bra's, chain mail and plate mail *ouch* loin cloths . . .
They actually make those, you know . . . I saw a chainmail bikini (made of real chain, by the way) at the Faire when I was there with my brother and his wife. You should have seen the look on her face when she saw the male version . . . . I had great fun teasing my brother about that.  |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Mournblade
Master of Realmslore
USA
1287 Posts |
Posted - 05 May 2003 : 05:43:28
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Being in the LARP, re-enactment (is that spelled right?), and Renaissance circles I tend to see ALOT of chainmail bikinis. My ex girlfriend wore one, and well, yeah it was nice
BUT there are some females that where them that make the chainmail bikini not-so-nice. IN fact LOTS of them do it. BUt since the girls are in the social circles they are in, well they get LOTS of attention anyway.
RING OF RANT REPULSION ACTIVATED!!!
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A wizard is Never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he Early. A wizard arrives precisely when he means to... |
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Edain Shadowstar
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2003 : 00:57:02
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I have heard a great deal of good things about the Catalog, but unfortunately I do not own a copy of the said guidebook, and thus I cannot comment in overwhelming detail, however, having perused a friend's copy I must admit for a piece done for fluff, it was a good one. I really do find the guidebooks made up more of non-essential information amongst my favorites, since they provide a much more detailed look at the world.
As for the chain mail bikini commentary, no comment, no comment, no comment. |
Edain Shadowstar
Archwizard of Rel Astra and Waterdeep
"Mmm…pie…"
- Gaius Solarian, Captain General |
Edited by - Edain Shadowstar on 07 May 2003 00:58:55 |
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Mournblade
Master of Realmslore
USA
1287 Posts |
Posted - 07 May 2003 : 02:24:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Edain Shadowstar
I have heard a great deal of good things about the Catalog, but unfortunately I do not own a copy of the said guidebook, and thus I cannot comment in overwhelming detail, however, having perused a friend's copy I must admit for a piece done for fluff, it was a good one. I really do find the guidebooks made up more of non-essential information amongst my favorites, since they provide a much more detailed look at the world.
As for the chain mail bikini commentary, no comment, no comment, no comment.
Funny thing is I think the Chainmail bikini would STILL give an Armour bonus of 5 because (at least if the opponent is male) the opponent would find it hard to concentrate on attacking. Their eyes would be following...one...place...
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A wizard is Never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he Early. A wizard arrives precisely when he means to... |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 18 May 2003 : 10:50:42
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I was really looking forward to this release when i first saw it in a TSR catalog but I think they tried to keep it too much of a turn-of-the-century style which ruined it for me. The design was ok I guess as it was meant to appear as it would if you were actually in the Realms, but some of the items were a bit silly and too advanced.
Still, its a nice little accessory, ive never actually used it in a game, always stuck with the 2nd edition Arms and Equipment Guide, then with 3rd edition moved onto the book of the same name...and now using the Ultimate Equipment Guide by Moongoose Publishing! Fantastic product!! |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Vallandar
Acolyte
United Kingdom
46 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2003 : 20:05:26
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Funny thing is I think the Chainmail bikini would STILL give an Armour bonus of 5 because (at least if the opponent is male) the opponent would find it hard to concentrate on attacking. Their eyes would be following...one...place...
If someone was trying to kill you, would you be more concerned with leering at them or trying to defend yourself? I doubt that it would be a hard decision for many people. |
'The sinews of war, unlimited money'
- Cicero |
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Faraer
Great Reader
3308 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2003 : 23:34:20
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| Aurora's has its moments, but the anachronism of the catalogue format and the magic-as-routine-technology use of teleport which the Realms otherwise avoids (yes, with exceptions, including the 3E treatment of gates) make it marginal to my Realms. (But see how Ed included Aurora's branches in Volo's Guide to Waterdeep just the same. Whatta guy.) |
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Kalin Agrivar
Senior Scribe
Canada
956 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jul 2006 : 20:58:28
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I still use the book, even in D&D 3.5, I think it's the best equipment book ever (excluding arms and armor)...I'm not sure why some people didn't like the format, if you ever have seen the old end of the 19th century catalogues it was a dead ringer
the two points that occurred to me today as I was unpacking my Realms collection is
(1) allot of the alchemy items would have been first advertised in Aurora's Catalogue (with her gnomish connections) and the catalogue probably would be the best source of alchemy items in the Realms
(2) I bet Thay's new "conquer the world like Wal-Mart does" strategy is pretty threatened by Aurora's business even though I think they probably would have patterned there product distribution techniques from her
personally I think there should be a 3.5 Aurora's Catalogue redesigned and released, either officially or in Candlekeep, with a summary of all the alchemical items (like the Encyclopedia Magica)...I could also see a whole long-term campaign based on Aurora vs. Thay, like protecting her branches. having to rescue her from kidnappers, sabotage a Thayan enclave, etc.
quote:
Originally posted by Faraer
Aurora's has its moments, but the anachronism of the catalogue format and the magic-as-routine-technology use of teleport which the Realms otherwise avoids (yes, with exceptions, including the 3E treatment of gates) make it marginal to my Realms. (But see how Ed included Aurora's branches in Volo's Guide to Waterdeep just the same. Whatta guy.)
to me the use of teleport is perfectly logical...necessity is the mother of invention...in a old campaign in 2nd Ed. I toned down the teleport spell to lower spell levels to transport items easily...plus I think there is a metamagic feat out there (not sure if it’s official D&D or just d20) where it’s modifier is -1 and increases the spells casting time to 1 minute (or something)
And that is how the old catalogues used to work, you ordered merchandise in a company branch office which was delivered to the branch office for you to pick up in a day or two...like the old Consumers Distributing business (not sure that business was in the USA)
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Kalin Xorell El'Agrivar
- High Mage of the Arcane Assembly
- Lore Keeper of the Vault of Ancestors
- 3rd Son of the Lord of the Stand |
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Reefy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
892 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 00:29:42
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| I like it, it's a bit quirky and contains things that range from the mundane to the useful to the downright bizarre. It's useful for fleshing out characters that little bit more. |
Life is either daring adventure or nothing. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 02:14:58
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| For me, flipping thru the Whole Realms Catalog is a vital part of creating a character. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
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Reefy
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
892 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 02:24:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
For me, flipping thru the Whole Realms Catalog is a vital part of creating a character.
I think it was on your recommendation that I picked it up off ebay. |
Life is either daring adventure or nothing. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 03:05:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Reefy
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
For me, flipping thru the Whole Realms Catalog is a vital part of creating a character.
I think it was on your recommendation that I picked it up off ebay.
 I'm glad to have pointed someone towards such a valuable resource!
When I first picked it up, I had no idea how useful it would wind up being! |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2006 : 03:10:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
For me, flipping thru the Whole Realms Catalog is a vital part of creating a character.
Indeed.
That's in addition to what I said over three years ago.
AWRC is instrumental to any character-generation as well as a fine addition to a campaign that looks to be spending a great deal of time in an urban environment.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2006 : 02:54:11
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| I have a sudden urge to ask my fiancee to buy and wear a chainmail bikini lol |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2006 : 03:03:51
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I've had limited success with that myself. So far, I've only managed to *persuade* the Lady K to wear the "Princess Leia -- RotJ -- Jabba's Palace outfit".
Of course, this is at the time that I'm also weaing my Sub-Mariner gear. 
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2006 : 03:53:55
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quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I've had limited success with that myself. So far, I've only managed to *persuade* the Lady K to wear the "Princess Leia -- RotJ -- Jabba's Palace outfit".
Of course, this is at the time that I'm also weaing my Sub-Mariner gear.
Don't you know you're not supposed to mix genres like that?!? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2006 : 22:39:05
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| I went through Arms and Equipment guide and it's got some stuff taken from there (as it says so in the book), but the format is excellent...I found myself using it today to have a catalogue for the PCs to shop at once they leave Anauroch. |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me:
http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Mace Hammerhand
Great Reader
Germany
2296 Posts |
Posted - 02 Nov 2006 : 08:56:38
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| Got a beat up copy through ebay, not that I mind. As many of the RPG books I own it ends up near the...well you know |
Mace's not so gentle gamer's journal My rants were harmless compared to this, beware! |
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Aurora's Whole Realms Catalog
