Sandstorm- any questions?

[Eremite]

Sandstorm vs Frostburn (oh, and the wiffle ball)

Firstly, I haven't tried the wiffle ball test yet. I may do so after I finish reading the book.

I'm not at the stage of being able to write a proper S vs F critique but I can say the following in Sandstorm's favour:

1. I really like the touchstone sites and the sand-covered necropolis at the end. I can, and probably will, use these in my games almost "as is". Yep, I like them a lot.
2. I also really like the prestige classes and it's been a while since I've been able to say that about a core product. Lots of flavour, possibly slightly overpowered, but very cool nonetheless. The PrCs use the Lost Empires of Faerun format: fewer classes but several pages' worth of information on each one.

 

[Felon]

How many monsters have LA's? I know crucians do (from the Minis Handbook), but most of the other monsters seem too bestial.

 

[Eremite]

Dire hippo seems an odd choice, since they're a water-dependent species, as far as I know.

I suppose, like the crocodile, it's a Nile River thing.

Is the giant banded lizard a gila monster? Does it have a poisonous bite and a special bite ability? (If it is, this could almost sell me on the book all by itself.)

There is no picture for this monster and the description reads:

.0bumps, and it has a thick, heavy tail. Its sharp claws are outmatched only by its powerful jaws.

Let's just assume that ".0bumps" is possibly code for, "Yes, it looks like a gila monster." Hmmm, I wonder how the rest of the editing is...?

It's a 10 HD, CR 7 animal that has a poisonous bite and the improved grab ability in connection with its bite.

Is the half-janni the only reference to genies you see? What's the LA of a half-janni character?

Yes, so far it's the only reference I have seen. The LA is +3.

 

[Felon]

It's a 10 HD, CR 7 animal that has a poisonous bite and the improved grab ability in connection with its bite.

Damn, am I the only person out there who is sick to death of improved-grab monsters?

Yes, so far it's the only reference I have seen. The LA is +3.

Wow, pretty steep considering even a full-blown janni doesn't offer such a great package.

 

[Eremite]

How many monsters have LA's? I know crucians do (from the Minis Handbook), but most of the other monsters seem too bestial.

I've edited the post listing the monsters to include the various LAs.

 

[Eremite]

(snip) Wow, pretty steep considering even a full-blown janni doesn't offer such a great package.

Yes, but a half-janni offers much the same abilities without having to waste any HD on elemental or outsider HD (I can't remember which one the jann has).

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Damn, am I the only person out there who is sick to death of improved-grab monsters?

Yeah, but other than the bulldog, nothing embodies a BAD NEWS bite like a giant gila monster does.

 

[Jdvn1]

Any neat items/equipment that stick out? Useful desert-faring stuff?

 

[The_Gunslinger658]

Hi-

Wow, might have to get this one for my FR/ Masks of Nyarlathtep campaign since the players will soon be heading to Calimport.

Political correctness mode off:

Any rules on getting sand in the crack of your ass 24/7? In every pore of your skin? Heatstroke? Water consumption? Fly's, masquitos, and other assorted vermin? Hopeing there are rules for millions of flys buzzing around you while you crap, eat and sleep.


Scott
Been there done that

 

[Felon]

I've edited the post listing the monsters to include the various LAs.

Thanks! Wow! A saguaro sentinel is actually playable!.

I too would love to hear about the equipment section. Weapons in particular.