(Blatant Self-Promotion) Slayer's Guide to Trolls!

[Richards]

I hope everyone will forgive the blatant self-promotion, but I am absolutely PSYCHED at the release of my first standalone gaming accessory, "The Slayer's Guide to Trolls," published by the good folks over at Mongoose Publishing. I picked up my copy at the gaming story today (okay, you want the truth? I picked up five!) and I have to tell you, seeing one's name on the cover of a work like this is an experience I have anticipated for years. Piratecat, Mouseferatu, Ranger Wickett - I'm sure you guys can remember the absolute thrill of holding your first commercial standalone product; today I have joined your ranks!

For those of you unfamiliar with the Slayer's Guides, each provides an in-depth look at a specific fantasy race. This time around it's the troll's turn in the spotlight, but while the bulk of the work details the standard troll, there are also game stats for five different troll subspecies, the products of either different climates and environments or interspecies mating. There are also some troll-unique feats, a couple of troll spells, and a look at some of the more interesting aspects of what passes for troll society. In the back is a sample troll lair, ready for use as a short adventure. All in all, it's a 32-page book full of trollish goodness for $9.95.

I should also point out that the book has some excellent artwork by Chris Quilliams and Phil Renne and a really cool cover by Brent Chumley.

And they spelled my name right! Bless you, Mongoose, bless you! (Special thanks there goes to Matthew Sprange, who double-checked and even triple-checked before it went to the printers!)

I've already seen two reviews of the work, and both were positive. It's been pointed out that this Slayer's Guide may just be the "crunchiest" yet, but we'll see if that still holds true next month when "The Slayer's Guide to Dragons," written by none other than Gary Gygax himself, hits the bookshelves.

Johnathan

 

[hong]

On behalf of trolls everywhere

What have those poor trolls ever done to you?

 

[Richards]

Well, let's see, there was that time a pack of trolls ripped the limbs off of my son's ranger...

He never did take to the name "Torso Boy." It's probably a good thing he didn't last very long after that.

 

[Crothian]

First of congradulations!! It's a big deal to get something in print, especially with such a well known company like Mongoose. So, what part of the book do you think is the strongest? I haven't seen it yet, but I'll look for it at the store tomorrow. I'm a big fan of the slayer's guide series.

 

[Richards]

Crothian - Thanks!

What part do I think is strongest? Hmmm. Kind of hard to say (I'm not really what you'd call impartial on this one, obviously ), but I'm rather proud of the stats for the troll subspecies - something that hadn't been done in a Slayer's Guide to date, but what was a fairly obvious thing with the trolls - and I think the trollish feats are pretty cool, allowing the DM to create some unique troll adversaries that might still manage to throw the PCs for a loop even after years of gameplay and probably dozens of troll encounters.

But then again, "monster geek" that I am, I'm also kind of proud of some of the little things, like the "subdermal armor" (ah, feels kind of nice to slip back into the American spelling there, "armor" instead of "armour") that one of the trolls in the "Azkhak's Lair" section comes up with, and the whole concept of autocannibalization.

More importantly, though, let me know what YOU think when you've gotten a look at it.

Johnathan

 

[Crothian]

Crothian - Thanks!

No problem. I love talking to authors. That is the biggest reason I go to cons. The insight of the author has always helped me use their product.

What part do I think is strongest? Hmmm. Kind of hard to say (I'm not really what you'd call impartial on this one, obviously ), but I'm rather proud of the stats for the troll subspecies - something that hadn't been done in a Slayer's Guide to date, but what was a fairly obvious thing with the trolls - and I think the trollish feats are pretty cool, allowing the DM to create some unique troll adversaries that might still manage to throw the PCs for a loop even after years of gameplay and probably dozens of troll encounters.

Of course your biased. It's expected. That's why I ask what do you think was the best part instead of the worst part. Few authors like to answer that question. 9 times out of 10, they don't or give some line on how it's all good. By hearing what the author thinks is best allows me to read that section and see if he's right.

But then again, "monster geek" that I am, I'm also kind of proud of some of the little things, like the "subdermal armor" (ah, feels kind of nice to slip back into the American spelling there, "armor" instead of "armour") that one of the trolls in the "Azkhak's Lair" section comes up with, and the whole concept of autocannibalization.

Monster geeks are fine. We need more people in the industry that can not just create creatures but do so creatively.

More importantly, though, let me know what YOU think when you've gotten a look at it.

Johnathan

Will do. If it's in tommorrow, I'll reply back and tell you my thoughts.