The Book of Exalted Deeds - It's Here! (merged - full ToC posted)

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

The Book of Exalted Deeds - It's Here!

Ok, I now am the proud owner of the Book of Exalted Deeds. While I'm barely on the third chapter, I'm going to try to at least skim through everything so I can answer people's questions. Ask away, I'll try to get to them after class, or failing that, later this evening.

First impressions - An exalted character would be difficult to play, but would bring great rewards from doing so. Playing a campaign with these kinds of characters would require those really into roleplaying, as the decisions required are hard if one is to remain true to one's principles. But this book gives good characters lots of tools to struggle against evil. Strangest thing I've seen so far - Good poisons and diseases.

 

[Voadam]

Why does it have the mature label on it?

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Reasons given for the mature label were as follows: This book deals with ethics and morality in a serious manner. Another one is that several of the abilities, feats, monsters, or other things are drawn from aspects of real-world religion, which is a touchy subject to some people.

 

[LuYangShih]

What are the examples of difficult moral situations given in the book, and what are the solutions? Just a small excerpt would be appreciated.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Do the ends justify the means? Is killing orc babies right? Is it ok to torture prisoners to save other innocents? Does cause of great good justify a small act of evil to acheive it? And then there's one specific one, with an interesting picture. It shows what appears to be an orc or half-orc paladin pointing her sword at two succubi who seem to be holding on to each other. The caption: A paladin must choose between destroying evil and honoring love.

 

[DaveMage]

I'm curious about the artwork.

Is it as risque as some have led us to believe?

 

[LuYangShih]

Thank you, Ray Silver. I was quite close to buying this book, but from what you just described, I am certain it is not for me.

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

Thank you, Ray Silver. I was quite close to buying this book, but from what you just described, I am certain it is not for me.

What's wrong with what he described?

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Risque? Not really. Most people are properly clothed. However, the aforementioned succubi are not clothed and thus are showing off an unclothed bottom, and a picture of Sathia (a celestial paragon) shows a naked pair of breasts. But I consider most of the art to be tasteful and well-done.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

LuYangShih, those were only some of what was described. There were many others, I just posted what came to mind the fastest. I'm going to write a more thorough review once I get a chance to read all of it.