Silverthorne Games releases Book of Templates - Deluxe Edition

[TheAuldGrump]

I have to admit that I am having a blast with this book. In my estimation one of the things that WotC should have done with 3.5 and didn't was more templates in the Monster Manual. I think pretty much all undead should be handled in that manner for example.

So far I am sticking with simple creations, aand am enjoying the results quite a bit.

The reaction of the party to a Troll Wight was priceless, for some reason they had assumed it was only a zombie...

The Auld Grump

 

[Khur]

The reaction of the party to a Troll Wight was priceless, for some reason they had assumed it was only a zombie...

Yes. This is the whole point. It's your world, and where the official rules are limiting without much logic (the wight in Savage Species may only be applied to a humanoid, for example), BoT: DE breaks down the barriers. We tried to make the templates balanced with the idea of wide applicability.

On that note, the 3.5 version (or a WE thereof) may include more undead. Which ones would you like to see? The allip seems intriguing....

One thing I always tell my players when a campaign starts is to never assume I'm limited by the "official" (sic WotC) rules. Such metagame thinking is a good way to end up in the bone yard. This reminds me: Please send my condolences to any party on which some of these beasts are released.

This book was designed to aid the game within the game--that is, the creative process that makes DMing so much fun. I'm glad it hits the spot.

 

[Psion]

Yes. This is the whole point. It's your world, and where the official rules are limiting without much logic (the wight in Savage Species may only be applied to a humanoid, for example), BoT: DE breaks down the barriers. We tried to make the templates balanced with the idea of wide applicability.

I think in general, type limitations on templates (except where they make sense) should be ignored with impunity.

I needed a quick exotic steed for one game I had, so I applied the insectile template from savage species to a horse. The party kept one of the things, and it added some exotic flavor to the game.

I found out after the fact that the insectile template was not eligible for animals. Feh. So much for that.

 

[Frilf]

As Khur and Psion both adroitly pointed out, rules were made to be broken. That's why I love Rule Zero so much!

Besides, when I DM, I like my world to be full of surprise and wonder. Why can't I create something unique to place in it? If it's the same old same old, I have players meta-thinking and it kind of ruins the experience for everyone.

That's why I think templates are one of the best features of 3.0e/3.5e. You can take old, hackneyed, cliched creatures and make them something terrible and mysterious! I loved the look on my group's faces when they took on an Ebon Servitor for the first time (they were certainly shocked when their own melee attacks opened up wounds on them!). The combinations are endless, really, once you start slapping templates on things.

Anyhoo, for those that would like to share their creations with the world, I've started a thread here: http://www.enworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=68397. Feel free to post your beasties there for review, shock, and awe

Cheers!
Ian

 

[JoeGKushner]

So when can we see an updated, printed version of this beast? I'm hoping that a company like MEG or Green Ronin, who've both taken other companies under their wing, will be publishing this puppy soon.

 

[Nellisir]

On that note, the 3.5 version (or a WE thereof) may include more undead. Which ones would you like to see? The allip seems intriguing....

Well, if you're opening up the door to requests...I'd like to see a few cold-based templates.

Cheers
Nell.

 

[Khur]

So when can we see an updated, printed version of this beast?

We're putting together a printed, 3.5 version. (I don't know what this means for the PDF 3.5 version.) I hope we can have a printed version out (in stores) by sometime in 1st-quarter 2004, and I hope Silverthorne can print it (or Green Ronin), but Frilf is the go-to guy on that one. He da boss.

BTW Joe, thanks so much for the review!

Well, if you're opening up the door to requests...I'd like to see a few cold-based templates.

Requests are always appreciated. We'll look into some cold-based templates. Maybe just one cold-based template with a variety of options, like the Aberrant or Plantform templates. Would that suit, or were you thinking differently?

 

[Frilf]

So when can we see an updated, printed version of this beast?

It's in the works. The full 3.5e monty and everything. Slick new layout, more art, you name it. The actual timing of the product will be up to Chris Sims (Khur), my partner-in-crime on this project, since he's doing yeoman duty on the re-work.

BTW, how's that review coming, Joe? Did you get your comp copy yet?

I'm hoping that a company like MEG or Green Ronin, who've both taken other companies under their wing, will be publishing this puppy soon.

We are pursuing several options to bring this thing to print. I cannot discuss with whom yet, but let's just say we've met with some folks who can make it happen. We may still do it ourselves, depends on funding. (Contributions to our fund are now being accepted in the lobby).

Well, if you're opening up the door to requests...I'd like to see a few cold-based templates.

Cheers
Nell.

Sure, we take requests Some cold-based templates might be cool (or at least one really good one). Any other thoughts?

BTW, stay tuned for some other BIG news related to the BoTDE very soon!

Cheers, all!
Ian

 

[Frilf]

Gee, Joe! You sure don't mess around! Thanks for the review!!

For everyone who is interested, this beast just got a 5/5 review from Joe Kushner here at EN World! Check it out: http://www.enworld.org/reviews/index.php?sub=yes&where=active&reviewer=JoeGKushner&product=BoTDE

BTW, if Crothian, Simon Collins, and/or Psion want to do reviews, just let me know! Thanks again, Joe!

 

[JoeGKushner]

No problem.

I just find it to be so filled with material that it says, "Use me." I have a lot of books. I don't use most of them. They're good to read and put on the shelf. Even books that everyone says are 'great' or 5 rated like Dynasties and Demogauges, because my campaign isn't in that direction now, don't get used.

This I use.