Grim Tales- Worth it?

[Griffonsec]

People around here really seem to like Grim Tales, and the idea does appeal to me, but I was a little shocked by the price point. I'm not adverse to spending money on a good game, but $35 for a 200 page book seems way excessive. Especially one that, if I understand correctly, is mostly just an imalgam of other products.

So, for someone who wants to play a low magic game, is Grim Tales worth the excessive price, or would I be better off sticking with the products I already have (like perhaps Conan or Iron Heroes)?

 

[BryonD]

What kind of gaming do you want to do?


I think it is easily worth every penny to me. But if Conan provides the type game you want you may be covered. But GT covers vastly more genres.

Also, I'd say you are selling it short to reference other products. It really is an excellent blending into a whole that is more than the sum. Plus there is plenty of original stuff therein as well.

I'm not aware of anyone posting that they were disappointed. But really, the "what do you want to do?" question is key.

 

[The_Universe]

it's worth every penny for the magic system, alone.

 

[HeapThaumaturgist]

Yea, it's a touch expensivo ... but so is printing costs. And for a relatively small company (is Wulf the entirety of BadAxe?) with small print runs, it's even MORE expensive.

I'm usually a cheap cheap SOB, but having been an academic for a long time, I'm a little more aware of book costs. With costs rising, book prices go up across the board, and it hits the little guys even more.

But, economics aside, I've gotten lots and lots of use out of GT. I generally use it's Action Point system over d20Modern's, as well. For me, it's my go-to book for custom games. It's sort of the GURPS of d20.

EDIT: Heck, I even forced my publisher to almost double the size of the OGL in SFX Skills: Diabolism just to add a small bit of text for using SFX Skills with Grim Tales magic.

--fje

 

[Khairn]

I recently picked up both Grim Tales and Slavelords on Ebay, and although I am still in the early stages of working my way through the products I have been very impressed with the system/tool-kit that Bad Axe has put together. The classes, feats & talents are well thought out and allow great flexibility for PC's. I will say as a caveat that the system is best used by experienced D20 GM's who are looking for a high adventure / low magic set of rules that are easy to alter and fit to a multitude of settings.

Although I am very impressed with IH and love the token and combat system that Mearls created, I like the classes and flexibility in GT much more. Oh, and their take on magic is perfect IMO.

I'd be willing to answer any questions you might want to ask

 

[Felon]

Best D20 toolkit around IMO.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

Definitely. Far more bang for your buck than any of the D20 Modern/Past/Future/PA books.

 

[Griffonsec]

Thanks for all the input I'll see if I can find a copy at the FLGS.

 

[Flynn]

I'd throw my vote in, too, in support of picking up Grim Tales. I picked up Slavelords of Cydonia first via eBay (and paid $13, including S&H), and I was so impressed with the product for creating a 20-level campaign of the planetary romance style that I had to get the gaming system behind it. I actually bought the book full-price at Gen Con this last year, and it has been worth every penny. I wouldn't use it for high powered games like the Forgotten Realms, but it is so versatile that it has quickly become my favorite D20 System. My first full-time campaign will start once my current v3.5 game is over, and I can't wait! The Creature Design section and Encounter Design sections are awesome; the magic system is great for allowing you to use any spell from current D&D sourcebooks (WOTC or Third Party) while keeping magic dangerous. It makes handling vehicles and vehicular combat very easy. There's a section on guns as well as weapon and armor for designig balanced game stats for your own campaign backgroud. The sectio on Horror and Insanity is great for those Cthulhu-style games, but is always optional.

The rules essentially promote a high action/high adventure style of gaming that is very compatible with the type of gaming I like to do.

Bare in mind, though, that the book is a toolkit, a set of rules, and although it has a few sample settings to work with, you are pretty much given a framework on which to hang/support your campaign. Still, if you've run a campaign before, or even just a few adventures, you've got all you need in terms of experience to make full use of Grim Tales.

Hope this helps,
Flynn

 

[Azgulor]

I use Grim Tales to supplement my Conan game. I've found it to be a valuable purchase for all of my d20 games.

Azgulor