[OT] Dark*Matter Recommendations

[Desdichado]

I'd buy Xenoforms and a few others that were more "fluffy." Are you planning on using the Alternity mechanics, though? If not, "crunch" books won't be of much use to you.

Personally, I'd do Dark*Matter as d20 Modern with d20 Call of Cthulhu Sanity tacked on. You could potentially even use Cthulhu psionics and spells, if you think the flavor is right (I do) or steal Ken Hood's psionics system if not.

 

[haiiro]

Are you planning on using the Alternity mechanics, though? If not, "crunch" books won't be of much use to you.

I'm unlikely to use the Alternity rules, but I like reading rules even when I don't expect to use them -- so picking up crunchy D*M books wouldn't bother me.

 

[der_kluge]

I thought you were actually talking about dark matter.

Ok, so I'm an uber geek. Ignore me.

 

[LostWorldsMike]

It's not a sourcebook or any such, but might I suggest hopping over to the Storyhour forum and looking up Jonrog's most excellent Dark Matter thread? Actually, I'm not going to wait for approval... Go check out that thread! There's some great stuff there. Honest.

 

[Welverin]

It's not a sourcebook or any such, but might I suggest hopping over to the Storyhour forum and looking up Jonrog's most excellent Dark Matter thread? Actually, I'm not going to wait for approval... Go check out that thread! There's some great stuff there. Honest.

Um, excuse me but it's traditional when pimping to include a link.

 

[buzz]

I was a bit wary of Xenoforms given that it's by J.D. Wiker (who is responsible for the offensively bad Diablo II: Diablerie book for D&D), but I'm glad that doesn't seem to be a problem.

Don't dis J.D. for just becasue of that one product:
Some of his credits

It'd be like dissing Gygax for atrocities like Cyborg Commando, Mythus, World Builder...

Oop.

 

[LostWorldsMike]

Um, excuse me but it's traditional when pimping to include a link.

Oh, sure, but then that removes all of the thrill of the hunt. And stuff. Okay. Okay. I was being lazy. I'm sorry, and it won't happen again.

 

[Blastin]

I have just about every book that's out for alternity, and have run DM campaigns, so I'll chime in on some of the books.
The Final Church is great if you want a to have a group of demon worshiping nutcases in your game. LOTS of fluff stuff, and gives options for making the organization really slick and sinister or just a bunch of nut jobs. Good reading if nothing else.
The FX book offers a slightly modified and greatly expanded magic system than what is in the core books, offering a lot of new spells and magic traditions. It also includes stuff on how to run an alternity superhero game with lists of superpowers.
The Mindwalker book is same as what I said above about the FX book, except regarding psionics and no super hero stuff.
I also highly recommend the Xenoforms book, as not only is each monster/being statted out, but also includes one or several little adventure ideas on how/where to use it.
And if you are having trouble picking up the GMG, let me know, I have an extra copy that I would be willing to part with for cover price.
Blastin

 

[haiiro]

Disappear for a day or two, and look what happens.

die_kluge: You're not that far off, as the setting name (and premise) involves dark matter in a very direct way.

LostWorldsMike and Welverin: Thanks for the SH pimp and the link -- I'll cozy up to that one later today.

buzz: Good point about J.D. Wiker. Diablerie is the only book of his that I've owned (barring the core books, of course -- and I hadn't noticed his name there), but you're right.

Blastin: Thanks for the offer on the GMG. I'm watching an auction for that and the PHB on eBay right now, but I'll definitely keep you in mind. Thanks for the recommendations as well -- Xenoforms and Mindwalking are both must-haves, from what everyone has said thus far. I'll probably skip the FX book, but we'll see.

 

[haiiro]

I've started reading jonrog1's D*M story hour, and thus far it's excellent. Thanks again!