Do you use the Book of Exhalted Deeds or the Book of Hallowed Might?

[Barendd Nobeard]

I have BoED, and just started using it.

My 3rd level gnomish cleric of Gaerdahl Ironhand now glows with the light of goodness (Nimbus of Light feat), and may someday (if he dies) come back as a Risen Martyr prestige class (basically, you turn into a Deathless type--a good undead type). These add more flavor than power, but that's fine. (Heck, if I wanted power I wouldn't play a gnome.)

Our paladin also uses a feat from that book, mainly because it's broken, but I can't remember which feat it is. Something smite-y.

 

[Davelozzi]

quick highjack...

WotC lacks flair without Monte.
Monte lacks wisdom without WotC.

That reminds me of the Beatles, specifically of Lennon/McCartney as a songwriting team.

John Lennon is too serious without Paul.
Paul McCartney is too cheesy without John.

We now return to our regularly scheduled discussion of D&D...

 

[Zandy]

I got BoVD when it first came out and REALLY enjoyed springing some of the nastiness there-in on my high level group. Damning Darkness was a REALLY fun spell, as are some of the horrific body-warping spells.

The key is; it was all new to the group. I used it in moderation just for effect... and what effect it had... My current campaign (same group) is lower and in a different style, so I'm not using it now.... but I can't wait for them to get higher level...

 

[Swiftbrook]

other = None. Don't use it, don't need it.

-Swiftbrook

 

[JustKim]

BoHM is interesting and has a couple of things I'd like to be able to use some day (Like 90% of my books), but generally just spread too thin. More than anything I think I enjoyed Monte's synopsis of his company in the introduction.. "Malhavoc Press products exhibit the mastery of the d20 system rules that only one of its original designers can offer". Well okay Monte, if you say so!

I have actually used some things from BoED, primarily spells. The expanded pantheon is well thought out, but with half a dozen new deities in every book WotC publishes now I know I will never be in a situation to use them, unless I end up running a parody world where the deities outnumber the worshippers.

 

[Pants]

I've used both BoED and BoVD on occassion. I don't own BoHM.

However, I will say that both books have balance problems. BoVD seems to have more underpowered and wonky mechanics than the BoED, but (to me) it is more evocative, creative, and inspiring. The BoED is a good (h4, t3h pUn!!!111) book, better balanced, but... blander in some respects.

That said, my old dwarven cleric made great use out of several spells from the BoED and I have made use out of several things in the BoVD when I DM. I am planning on using the Possession rules soon.

 

[Voadam]

I own BoHM I & II but haven't read them yet.

I also own the ravenloft 3e one, (Heros of light?) which I have read but found poor.

In the campaign I took over two PCs have soulfire armor from BoED and one is a vow of poverty druid. I'm fine with it even though I don't own the BoED.

I would like to see AEG's Good but haven't seen it around or on amazon.

 

[Lars Porsenna]

Our group has started usding BoED lately. As a player, I have 3 characters currently using at least elements from this book (an Elven Fighter/Holy Avenger with an Exalted feat, an Elven Fighter/Druid with an Exalted feat progressing to Lion of Talisid PrC, and an Elven Wizard with a few Exalted spells...). There is another player in our group who is playing a .5orc with the Vow of Poverty feat.

Overall I like the book. I also have Monte's book, but our DM is a little too strict, and requires a thorough vetting process before ANYTHING is approved, so more often than not I don't even bother with it (shame, that). Despite that we have other members looking into using some of the elements (the Vows, specifically), though I find that book slightly less interesting.

I also disagree with a previous poster; IIRC NO new gods are featured in the book. All of the named personages (Talisid, Raziel, etc) are more like Arch-celestials and are on-par with Arch-devils/demons, etc.

Damon.

 

[CRGreathouse]

I also disagree with a previous poster; IIRC NO new gods are featured in the book. All of the named personages (Talisid, Raziel, etc) are more like Arch-celestials and are on-par with Arch-devils/demons, etc.

Actually, the Book of Exalted Deeds does have new gods in addition to the celestial paragons you mention: Ayailla, Chaav, Estanna, Lastai, Phieran, and Valarian. They're on pages 24-26, with descriptions similar to those in the PH.

 

[Pants]

I also disagree with a previous poster; IIRC NO new gods are featured in the book. All of the named personages (Talisid, Raziel, etc) are more like Arch-celestials and are on-par with Arch-devils/demons, etc.

Damon.

I'm not sure as I don't have my book handy, but aren't there a couple of 'Exalted' gods in addition to the Celestial Paragons?