AHM Hacklopedia of Beasts pictures

[KJSEvans]

Simply Beautiful.

Though I love the clean, elegant, easy to read look of 4E, it really just can't compare to this new Hacklopedia. The book itself is a work of art.

They are also apparently intending to release the beta pdf of the Player's Handbook before GenCon. It is going to continue in the style of the HoB, although David Kenzer has said it will look even better.

Although I suspect it'll be a long delay between the pdf and the print edition, I love the way they are releasing their product now. It gives us an early peek at the material while also allowing us to catch errata and help them make things clearer in the text. Win-win.

 

[Falstaff]

I pre-ordered this book back in February. I can't wait to get this in my hands!

 

[griffonwing]

This will be coming just in time for my new campaign.

 

[mhensley]

Maybe I'm weird, but I much preferred the jokey art and feel of HM4.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

How translatable are the new Hackmaster rule to D20 derivatives? Because, yeah, this looks like a monster book for the ages.

 

[Falstaff]

How translatable are the new Hackmaster rule to D20 derivatives? Because, yeah, this looks like a monster book for the ages.

Hmmm, not so sure a translation would be that easy, if even doable. For example, a goblin has a Defense +2 (no AC rating, everything is an opposed roll). Weapon damage is also much greater (for example the short sword does 2d6p (p = penetrate)).

Maybe you could just use all the awesome fluff to supplement the d20 monsters you use? Just an idea.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Maybe you could just use all the awesome fluff to supplement the d20 monsters you use? Just an idea.

Yeah, that's always an option, especially since I suspect much of the book will be monsters that also appear in some version of the Monster Manual and its descendants.

 

[griffonwing]

for 3.5 or even 4.0 and pathfinder, this book could still be quite useful. I would use the statblocks and gameplay mechanics of your game, and add to it the bits and flavourings of the HoB.

Climate & Terrain preferences
Combat/Tactics information
Signs and Tracks charts
Habitat and Society
Ecology and Diet
Activity Cycle
Yields - medicinal
Yields - spell components
Yields - Hide/Trophy
Yields - Treasures
Yields - Edible parts
Yields - other misc.

These should work for most any campaign and any world system.

 

[KJSEvans]

The only problem is that if you buy the book, you are going to read up on Grel, Grevans and other monsters that are unique to KenzerCo and you will feel an overwhelming desire to use them in your game. (Maybe this isn't actually a problem, per se...)

Basically what you need to think about is grabbing this book and even just the HackMaster Basic. There are a few Advanced rules in the HoB - fatigue, various save types, etc. - but if bought the two you'd have more than enough to run a game for probably $75, which is cheaper than (or at least on par with) how much it costs to buy the core D&D books.

 

[griffonwing]

The only problem is that if you buy the book, you are going to read up on Grel, Grevans and other monsters that are unique to KenzerCo and you will feel an overwhelming desire to use them in your game. (Maybe this isn't actually a problem, per se...)

Very true. Also, the monster are retro. Kobolds are not dragons, but dogs. Orcs are pig-snouted, tusked humanoids, and halflings are curly-haired, hairy-footed shorties!

Basically what you need to think about is grabbing this book and even just the HackMaster Basic. There are a few Advanced rules in the HoB - fatigue, various save types, etc. - but if bought the two you'd have more than enough to run a game for probably $75, which is cheaper than (or at least on par with) how much it costs to buy the core D&D books.

Actually, if you wanted to go the cheapest route, 14.99 for the HMb PDF and 39.99 for the Hob PDF. That's less than $55.