Book of NineSwords

[Destil]

One point I've realized over the many many discussions on this topic:

To properly challenge a party including "per encounter" PCs like Martial Adepts, you need to have a a chance that combats will last 5-10 rounds or longer, depending on level.

To properly challenge the standard core party with their "per day" PCs like wizards and sorcerers, you need to have a chance of running through too many encounters and use up all their powers for the day.

To challenge a party with both types, you'll need to present a mix of both possibilities.

 

[Nifft]

^ My favored way to hit both types is the classic Waves-of-Attackers encounter.

Cheers, -- N

 

[blargney the second]

Is there a save or SR on that Waves-thingy spell?

 

[Nifft]

Maneuvers never allow SR ('cause there teh b0rkenz).

Fangoriously yours, -- N

 

[blargney the second]

It must be a conjuration spell, cuz it sure sounds like summon good times to me!

 

[Nifft]

It must be a conjuration spell, cuz it sure sounds like summon good times to me!

I'm thinking Necromancy...

Cheers, -- N

 

[Plane Sailing]

Two things to fix: White Raven Tactics (used on self) and Iron Heart Surge (used on ongoing area spells). Otherwise, a mostly bug-free book.

In addition to that, I don't like the sound of manouvres that use jump checks to set save DCs (it is easy to get monstrous Jump checks), and I'm leery of any abilities which substitute a skill check for something else, especially with the ease with which skill buff magic can be often obtained.

 

[robberbaron]

I have only given BoNS a cursory glance but I didn't see anything broken.
Really bent out of shape, but not actually broken.
Didn't see anything that made me think, "I have to allow this book in my game".

It all comes down to gaming style.
If your players powergame, you could have trouble anyway if you don't allow these extra twinks, and MORE trouble if you do.

 

[Elemental]

And some of the ninth level maneuvers were downright scary.

Don't forget at the level where those manouveres are gained, the spellcasters are throwing around Miracle, Power Word Kill, Gate and Disjunction.

 

[Klaude dOrien]

Hey Nifft "Regarding the first few levels of play: that's exactly when the Swordsage and Warblade most miss having proficiency with bows". have to disagree with that. slings are better than bows at 1st level (you get to add str to damage). more important than the reduced range. and unless you're a ranged specialist a Core warrior is better off buying a masterwork weapon and better armour at 2nd level than a strength bow.