When first produced, the Book of Hallowed Might presented an excellent divine counter-point to Monte Cook's various Book of Eldritch Might series. When I saw that the update was 16 pages longer than the original, I eagerly looked it over, wondering what new material was to be found in addition to the 3.5 updates. In that spirit, this is a review of the product as an update to the original.
When I opened the book, I noticed a difference in layout. The old 3.0 book starts with the same section, but also includes information about the author, illustrators and Malhavoc Press itself. That information is found pages latter in the new version. This throws off a direct page count. The layout itself is different which pads the book by a paragraph or two depending on where you look. More white space at the end of many of the chapters too. In addition, some of the artwork is larger, sometimes much larger, in this volume than in the original book. I'm beginning to see where those extra pages came from.
The 3.5 changes also don't seem extensive. That's not to say that they are not there. The core Player's Handbook ranger was one of the classes that experienced a significant change in the new edition. Monte rewords what his ranger is now as opposed to what a standard one is. The previous edition mentioned that the 3.0 ranger was front loaded. Monte's alternative has d10 hit dice, 6 skill points per level (used to be 4), changes in class skill due to the 3.5 changes, as well as more abilities like Endurance, animal companion and Woodland stride, bringing it more in line with the new ranger in the 3.5 PHB. With all of the bonus fears and favored enemies, this ranger might also be too good when you consider it can also casts spells.
Monte's alternative Paladin, one that had more abilities at higher level than the standard, is very similar to it's 3.0 counterpart save that it's special weapon comes 4 levels earlier, at 8th level instead of 12th. Otherwise, skill points, hit dice, and other class features are the same as the old version. The alternative alignment paladins abilities remain the same, but provides more information on removing spells from their spell list. These are solid options for those looking for more options than WoTC Book of Exalted Deeds brought them.
In terms of prestige classes, I was intrigued that Monte reduced the entry requirements on his Blessed Prelate. These individuals strive to be accepted by the gods by following a holy path. Before it used to take three special feats plus other abilities. Now it's down to two with some special abilities. Other features, including the improvement in spells, summoning abilities, and bonus feats, are unchanged.
The Hallowed Mage, a arcane-divine spellcaster, is still somewhat problematic. They have their own spell list that starts at 4th level and combines a limited number of arcane and divine spells. A NPC Hallowed Mage, Nactrina Onarsh, found on Monte's
website, is also included. Good for those who don't have the web but not something I wanted to see in the printed book.
One of my favorite PrCs in the book, the Knight of the Pale, draws upon Saints to fuel different ability suites. It's another one with minimal updates. It doesn't make it a non-cool class, their ability to draw upon different saints for different abilities is one that provides versitility.
In terms of feats, Monte introduced blessed and oath types. The blessed feats provide supernatural abilities due to favor of the gods while the oaths require the character to vow do to something and gain abilities while doing it. Good concepts and some great feats to augment your Book of Exalted Deeds. Any changes? Not really.
The spells include a new Light domain, as well as a breakdown of spells for by class, level, and for sorcerer and wizard, school. There are some great spells for divine spellcasters of all types but for those who already have the book, I don't see a lot of obvious changes in most of the spells or even the magic items that come latter.
This is another case of a book providing minimal updates. It's a great book for those who don't have the 3.0 version but the white space at the end of the chapters, the enlarged illustrations and the lack of any real additional material save for an NPC from the website, don't do a lot for me. The Arcana Unearthed Conversions are a nice touch, but there isn't a spell listing, just the spells with the level, type (Exotic, Complex or Mundane), Diminished Effect, Heightened Effect and Magic Item Creation Modifier listed.
If you already own this book and don't play Arcana Unearthed, your best bet is to skip this one. I can't imagine what the $2 upgrade file for the PDF is for as so little is actually changed and it doesn't include the Arcana Unearthed material. Only the alternative ranger receives any extensive changes. It wouldn't bother me so much if the book didn't feel so padded. The majority of the increased size is caused by image size changes, graphic layout changes and white space. If you've never bought the Book of Hallowed Might before, this is an excellent 3.5 source of core classes, feats, spells, magic items and even a few divine creatures for your campaign and is a 4 star rating product.
Reviewer's Note: I've changed the score to reflect the product on its own as opposed to an updated product.
