Immortals Handbook FAQ
Hi all!
Here is the initial responses; expect answers to questions #1 and #9 to be greatly expanded over the next day or so.
If you have any further questions or want certain points clarified feel free to post in this thread.
Immortals Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Immortals Handbook?
A: The Immortals Handbook is a body of work that expands; explains and outlines all aspects of using deities within a campaign.
2. Is this a d20 product?
A: Yes. As well as presenting a plethora of new material it seeks to marry ideas from Deities & Demigods and the Epic Level Handbook.
3. Is this a standalone game?
A: No. It requires the Core Rulebooks and the Epic Level Handbook. Deities & Demigods is compatible but not necessary.
4. Who is publishing it?
A: The publisher will be announced after Deities & Demigods and the Epic Level Handbook are entered into the System Reference Document.
5. Will this be an electronic product, a print product or both?
A: Initially the book will be released as four electronic products (Apotheosis; Grimoire; Bestiary and Chronicle); which will then be conjoined as a print product.
6. Where should we expect to see it?
A: The pdf will be available from websites such as
www.rpgnow.com
7. When should it be finished?
A: The first pdf should be available shortly after the SRD is updated.
8. Why has it taken so long?
A: Aside from multiple expansions and numerous revisions throughout its inception it was decided last year that the work, which was already compatible with the core rulebooks would benefit a greater audience if it was fully compatible with Deities & Demigods and the Epic Level Handbook. As such we have been forced to wait until this material entered the SRD, though during this time the work has been further developed and refined.
9. I’ve played in immortal campaigns before (Amber RPG; D&D Immortals; Primal Order) - how is this different, or better?
A: The key difference between this work and previous material on the subject is that the focus is not solely on the gods themselves, but rather, the relationship between mortals and immortals.
10. I don’t really want to run an immortal campaign - why should the Immortals Handbook interest me?
A: Firstly, the bulk of the material could just as easily bless any Epic campaign. Non-epic campaigns will also find a wealth of ideas helping them develop their worlds religions from both divine and mundane perspectives.
11. I’ve heard you are making some changes to the core rules just what are they and why are you making them?
A: The only major change to the core rules are revisions to the Challenge Rating/Encounter Level Rules.
Some of the dynamics of divinity itself have been changed, and a number of divine abilities have been redressed from how Deities & Demigods presents them.
12. Are the changes optional or required?
A: The changes are optional, but strongly advocated.
13. What support can we expect in the future?
A: There is already a wealth of support material planned; some already underway in fact. However, at this juncture it wouldn’t be prudent to reveal its exact composition.
14. What are your main inspirations/sources?
A: Primarily religion; mythology and the occult. Though certainly comic books; fantasy literature; movies and roleplaying games have also proved inspirational.
15. Shouldn’t gods be beyond stats?
A: If the Gamesmaster so wishes. However many Gamesmasters prefer to use deities in a more physical (rather than ephemeral) capacity.
16. Is the system modular, if so, to what degree?
A: Practically the entire body of work is modular.
17. Will it be easy to incorporate into an existing campaign?
A: Yes, with minimal effort.
18. Do you have methods to convert existing gods from my campaign to fit your new and expanded rules?
A: Yes, however to avoid copyright issues I must be circumspect in how I outline such conversion.
19. I have heard about some weird stuff like Cosmic Abilities and Esoteric Divine Abilities, what are those and are they easy to add to existing gods?
A: Cosmic Abilities are the powers attributed to Sidereals (also know as Cosmic or Over-deities) who could be described as the gods of the gods.
The term Esoteric is applied as a prefix to abilities beyond the power of deities to manifest in and of their own power. Immortals who gain Cosmic Abilities do so through esoteric means.
20. How will the release of the Revised Core Rulebooks affect its contents?
A: No more so than they will affect the current rules. With the provision for updating the print version of the Immortals Handbook in light of any pertinent changes.
