Original d20 material

[Diabolique]

As the title of the thread implies (even if vaguely), I thought it'd be interesting to share our opinions on which d20 books we think are the most original ones (not necessarily the best, but the most unique). Original can be both in setting/flavor or game mechanics.

I guess the thread could also benefit from a one or two lines description of why you chose that particular product. I have a select few myself.

Blue Planet- A strange and mysterious sci-fi setting. Even though it has its share of sci-fi cliches, it still manages to come up with interesting twists.

The Witchfire Trilogy- Three adventure modules that introduce you to the Iron Kingdoms setting. A good dose of moral ambiguity in the form of one of the main antagonists and unique twists in the steampunk setting make it stand apart.

Book of Eldricht Might 3- Bizarre and surreal locations to explore with at least a couple of new and interesting ways to handle arcane magic.

Out of the ones I still didn't have direct contact with, I'm really curious about Dragonmech. It reminds me a lot of Final Fantasy 8 and appears to have the potential to be a quite unique d20 setting.

So, does anyone else have a favorite of their own?

 

[grodog]

Blue Planet- A strange and mysterious sci-fi setting. Even though it has its share of sci-fi cliches, it still manages to come up with interesting twists.

I'm not aware of any d20 versions of Blue Planet, Diabolique, but I am warmed by your appreciation of the game and setting

 

[AdmundfortGeographer]

My choices:

Forbidden Kingdoms: The original pulp adventures D20.

Iron Kingdoms Full Metal Fantasy Vol. I: Steam-tech fantasy.

Fading Suns: Sci-Fantasy space opera.

Dinosaur Planet: Wild west, in space, on a planet infested with dinos.

Darwin's World 2nd Ed.: D20 Post-apocalypse.

Redline: Mad Max/Car Wars-esque mini-campaign.

Last Hero in Scandinavia: D20 rules conversion for the RUNE RPG.

When the Sky Falls: Malhavoc event book for dealing with crashed asteroids


Regards,
Eric Anondson

 

[diaglo]

The Complete Idiot's Guide to d02 Roleplaying. The book that teaches gamers how to be assimilated. Step 1 includes instructions on how to RTFM.

 

[Ranger REG]

Are you still stuck on step 1?

 

[jaerdaph]

Tarot Magic from Mystic Eye Games
Spycraft from AEG
Grim Tales from Bad Axe Games
Fright Night: Haunted House from Hogshead Publishing
Forbidden Kingdoms - Paris: The Spectral City from Otherworld Creations

 

[haiiro]

Out of the ones I still didn't have direct contact with, I'm really curious about Dragonmech. It reminds me a lot of Final Fantasy 8 and appears to have the potential to be a quite unique d20 setting.

I'm about 3/4 of the way through this one, and it's absolutely fantastic -- I'll be surprised if it's not up against Eberron in next year's ENnies, giving WotC a run for their money.

Everything about DragonMech is well done: it's got a solid fantasy reason to have mechs, an interesting world, sound rules changes, a great treatment of mech combat, stellar artwork (all by the same artist, which is great for consistency), and it's all written in a very straightforward tone that makes it highly enjoyable to read.

Overall, DM is one of the best d20 books I've picked up recently -- if you're the least bit interested, check it out.

 

[CRGreathouse]

The Book of Eldritch Might III: The Nexus (Malhavoc Press)
Strange new locations, plot ideas, spells, and monsters to go with it.

Grim Tales (Bad Axe Games)
Modern gaming with backbone.