is this "Tome of ..." stats bonuses stack?

[Aurio]

I rule that they get teleported somewhere else after being used. That explains why they still exist and keeps things balanced.

 

[Infiniti2000]

I rule that they get teleported somewhere else after being used. That explains why they still exist and keeps things balanced.

That's a sweet rule for higher level people, or heck just about anyone.

PC1: I read the Tome of ____ +5.
DM: Okay, it disappears.
PC2: I cast discern location, where is it?
DM: Uh...
PC2: I then cast greater teleport; let's go get it and use it again. When we're done, we'll give it to all our followers, friends, family, and then maybe finally sell it.

So, how does that keep it balanced?

 

[irdeggman]

I rule that they get teleported somewhere else after being used. That explains why they still exist and keeps things balanced.

ummm the become normal books after being read.

From the SRD:

{quote]Tome of Clear Thought: This heavy book contains instruction on improving memory and logic, but entwined within the words is a powerful magical effect. If anyone reads this book, which takes a total of 48 hours over a minimum of six days, she gains an inherent bonus of from +1 to +5 (depending on the type of tome) to her Intelligence score. Once the book is read, the magic disappears from the pages and it becomes a normal book. Because the tome of clear thought provides an inherent bonus, the reader will earn extra skill points when she attains a new level.
Strong evocation (if miracle is used); CL 17th; Craft Wondrous Item, miracle or wish; Price 27,500 gp (+1), 55,000 gp (+2), 82,500 gp (+3), 110,000 gp (+4), 137,500 gp (+5); Cost 1,250 gp + 5,100 XP (+1), 2,500 gp + 10,200 XP (+2), 3,750 gp + 15,300 XP (+3), 5,000 gp + 20,400 XP (+4), 6,250 gp + 25,500 XP (+5); Weight 5 lb.[/quote]

 

[Pielorinho]

ummm the become normal books after being read.

From the SRD:
Once the book is read, the magic disappears from the pages and it becomes a normal book.

[/QUOTE]

I think the point is that this rule means these books should not exist, inasmuch as almost nobody would create them, and the first person who discovers them would read them immediately. Potions, wands, etc. are also one-shot items, but they're only useful at specific moments, so it'd make sense for people to save them; these books should be used right away for best effect.

I just remembered another variation on these books that I've considered: require them to be re-read once a year, and for the reader to spend at least one day writing a certain formula into the book to personalize it. If someone else writes their own formula in the book, then the second person suddenly becomes its owner, and the first person instantaneously suffers enough ability damage to negate the book's efficacy for them.

That way, only one person can benefit from it at once, but benefiting from it doesn't destroy the book, and the owner has a vested interest in keeping the book somewhere safe instead of destroying it.

Daniel

 

[Nail]

I don't agree. What it actually does is ensure that PCs either have a +5 bonus or no bonus at all. If that's what they wanted, then they should have just made an inherent bonus be a +5 to a stat and not bothered with the other values.

Your view is too narrow, I think.

The system currently limits how many inherent bonuses are out there. Check.

Which means that any inherent bonus is (-ahem-) inherently more valuable. Therefore even a +1 bonus has some use and value.

Moreover, even if you are obsessively and blindly fixated on the long view ("how to be the best 20th level PC ever!"), you can also predict you will not have enough cash to give all of your ability scores a +5. And hey, having a +2 inherent bonus on Con (say) isn't so bad, right? Especially if you've already max-ed out enhancement bonuses.

Also: some BBEGs published in Dungeon magazine have +2 inherent bonuses on a few stats. It can't be *that* bad.......

 

[Pielorinho]

I will say that when my PC hit twelfth level and discovered a Tome of Wisdom +2, he sure didn't turn his nose up at it; indeed, he asked for that item alone out of our entire treasure haul from an adventure.

Daniel

 

[Nail]

Two GREAT ideas, both house rules:

...<the book must> be re-read once a year....

...<the book> teaches the reader to make an elixir that will contain the <inherent> bonus. Each draught of elixir will require serious XP and GP expenditure on the part of its crafter, but will require no special feats or skills.

Awesome!

 

[apesamongus]

Moreover, even if you are obsessively and blindly fixated on the long view ("how to be the best 20th level PC ever!"), you can also predict you will not have enough cash to give all of your ability scores a +5. And hey, having a +2 inherent bonus on Con (say) isn't so bad, right? Especially if you've already max-ed out enhancement bonuses.

Yea, but by 35 you should be able to afford it. 20 isn't ther "long view" by a longshot. And, really, if you're actually supposed to consider using lower tomes/fewer wishes, why isn't that reflected in the level based expected equipment levels?

 

[Nail]

Yea, but by 35 you should be able to afford it. 20 isn't ther "long view" by a longshot.

Got it.

Consider, that in all of the games I've participated in since 3.0e has come out, no game has EVER gottent to Epic levels. Ever. Hence my bias.

And, really, if you're actually supposed to consider using lower tomes/fewer wishes, why isn't that reflected in the level based expected equipment levels?

Errr....? It is.

 

[TheYeti1775]

Got it.

Consider, that in all of the games I've participated in since 3.0e has come out, no game has EVER gottent to Epic levels. Ever. Hence my bias.

Errr....? It is.

That's because the Epic Handbook sucks and all good RBDM's TPK long before that book becomes an issue.