Dark Mistress
First Post
Ok I have only done a couple of reviews ever. First I will make a few general comments then a list of each chapter and my general feeling about them.
I rate this as one of the 3 best such books so far published that I own. The other two is ...and a 10ft Pole by Iron Crown Enterprise
Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue by WotC
This book is more like the second than the first.
The Artwork in this book is passable, not great but good enough to give you a solid idea what the items look like, which is all you need. Better artwork would have been nice but the artwork in the book gets the job done.
The book is narrated by a NPC named Luven, it is a nice touch that makes the book just a bit more interesting. There is a few sidebars in the book. Either comments by Luven or GM suggestions.
Introduction (2 pages)
A short bit of info about the book and then a IC welcome by Luven.
Chapter 1 - Martial Gear (18 pages)
This chapter is mostly about new weapons and armor. I liked the new weapons and especially some of the new armor which was very nice. Nice supporting text for the gear as well. The chapter also has a section on add on armor pieces such as helms, shoulder guards and the like and 3 optional ways to handle them in game. Next are some more substances to make weapons and armor from and what they do and how much they cost etc. Bronze, Ice and Tytanite(new stuff). Final the chapter finishes with a small section on Ceremonial and non-combat weapons and armor.
Chapter 2 - Adventuring Gear. (12 pages)
This section has general gear, what any adventurer might typical take along with them. To Tool kits, Alchemy items, musical instruments and Trade goods.
Chapter 3 - Home and Hearth (32 pages)
This section has a next wide range of clothing with different types. From outerwear, to underwear, to overwear like jackets, hats and boots. Next there is a section on different kinds of material clothes can be made out of. My only complaint about this chapter is, I wish they had had a little section on how to figure up costs for existing items made with some of the martial they have listed. You could do it yourself with a bit of math but having a side bar to help you out would have been very nice and helpful. This follows with sections on sewing items to make your own clothes, spices, foods, drinks, baking supplies, jewelry, art/writing and supplies, toys/games, and finally Misc stuff such as candles, camp ovens, pipes, pots, boxes etc.
Chapter 4 - Prosthetics (7 pages)
This chapter is about replacement limbs. This has a wide range of types from basic crude ones, to cosmetic, clockwork, weapon types, to magical ones. With a nice variety of each replacement limb of each type above.
Chapter 5 - The Back Room. (6 pages)
This is a section on a handful of magic items in the book. There is a few magic items all seem to be well done. While it is nice, I would have honestly rather seen this section removed and some more mundane items added or the above sections expanded. I think there own magic item book done later would have been better personally, but that is just more a matter of taste and a opinion.
Appendix (17 pages)
The final section of the book has map of the shop along with room descriptions and NPC information about Luven ans his family. There is also a Inn(including a nice menu and drink list) as well that his family owns that is likewise detailed including the people that work the Inn for them.
Next is the OGL and page for upcoming products. All told there is 102 pages including the front and back covers, Title, copyright, Table of Contents and one blank page just before the back page of the book.
All and all I am very happy with my purchase, the few problems I have with the book are all honestly little nitpicks and/or more to do with play style than anything. I am honestly considering getting the print book for this as well now. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice wide range of equipment to add to their D20 fantasy games.
You can buy this product at Paizo.com and RPGNow.
I rate this as one of the 3 best such books so far published that I own. The other two is ...and a 10ft Pole by Iron Crown Enterprise
Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue by WotC
This book is more like the second than the first.
The Artwork in this book is passable, not great but good enough to give you a solid idea what the items look like, which is all you need. Better artwork would have been nice but the artwork in the book gets the job done.
The book is narrated by a NPC named Luven, it is a nice touch that makes the book just a bit more interesting. There is a few sidebars in the book. Either comments by Luven or GM suggestions.
Introduction (2 pages)
A short bit of info about the book and then a IC welcome by Luven.
Chapter 1 - Martial Gear (18 pages)
This chapter is mostly about new weapons and armor. I liked the new weapons and especially some of the new armor which was very nice. Nice supporting text for the gear as well. The chapter also has a section on add on armor pieces such as helms, shoulder guards and the like and 3 optional ways to handle them in game. Next are some more substances to make weapons and armor from and what they do and how much they cost etc. Bronze, Ice and Tytanite(new stuff). Final the chapter finishes with a small section on Ceremonial and non-combat weapons and armor.
Chapter 2 - Adventuring Gear. (12 pages)
This section has general gear, what any adventurer might typical take along with them. To Tool kits, Alchemy items, musical instruments and Trade goods.
Chapter 3 - Home and Hearth (32 pages)
This section has a next wide range of clothing with different types. From outerwear, to underwear, to overwear like jackets, hats and boots. Next there is a section on different kinds of material clothes can be made out of. My only complaint about this chapter is, I wish they had had a little section on how to figure up costs for existing items made with some of the martial they have listed. You could do it yourself with a bit of math but having a side bar to help you out would have been very nice and helpful. This follows with sections on sewing items to make your own clothes, spices, foods, drinks, baking supplies, jewelry, art/writing and supplies, toys/games, and finally Misc stuff such as candles, camp ovens, pipes, pots, boxes etc.
Chapter 4 - Prosthetics (7 pages)
This chapter is about replacement limbs. This has a wide range of types from basic crude ones, to cosmetic, clockwork, weapon types, to magical ones. With a nice variety of each replacement limb of each type above.
Chapter 5 - The Back Room. (6 pages)
This is a section on a handful of magic items in the book. There is a few magic items all seem to be well done. While it is nice, I would have honestly rather seen this section removed and some more mundane items added or the above sections expanded. I think there own magic item book done later would have been better personally, but that is just more a matter of taste and a opinion.
Appendix (17 pages)
The final section of the book has map of the shop along with room descriptions and NPC information about Luven ans his family. There is also a Inn(including a nice menu and drink list) as well that his family owns that is likewise detailed including the people that work the Inn for them.
Next is the OGL and page for upcoming products. All told there is 102 pages including the front and back covers, Title, copyright, Table of Contents and one blank page just before the back page of the book.
All and all I am very happy with my purchase, the few problems I have with the book are all honestly little nitpicks and/or more to do with play style than anything. I am honestly considering getting the print book for this as well now. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice wide range of equipment to add to their D20 fantasy games.
You can buy this product at Paizo.com and RPGNow.
