The Quintessential (Something) II

[Beholder Bob]

Not to be dense, but what is up with these books? Has anyone bought them? The initial books came out early, had some good ideas (and serious balance issues!) but 'wonky' for game insertion. By 'wonky' I mean: difficult to add into an existing game. The odd mechanics, focus varied (details that require it to be a focus for a campaign but too difficult as a sideline, while others too scant in detail to use at all). Now I see Quint II books. Are these re-works of the 1st books, updating them to 3.5, all new material (and if so, is it 3.5), or what? If its new material, is it really adding material worth getting (new, logical, and not over detailed - requiring a campaign focus shift)?

As an aside - I found the 1st run books fun reading - but have yet to implement ANY of the rules or abilities. The 'kit' style is neat but w/out any semblance of balance, the prestige classes the same. Alternate systems (to my humble eyes) are too clunky, focus hogs, for far too little return. Let me know if you disagree. Perhaps I skipped over some real gems.

BB

 

[Crothian]

They are not updated versions of the old books. They are 3.5 and continue to cover the topic. I've found the rules to be not "wonky" and have had luck inserting and using all the Quint books into my games.

In general they get about as much use as the WotC class books, the FR books, the Path of books, etc. There is useful info in the books (more in some) but it would be impossible to really use it all. The great things about them is that they offer some great options for speicific classes and races. It makes it easy for a particuliar character just find a lot of information in one book.

 

[Beholder Bob]

They are not updated versions of the old books. They are 3.5 and continue to cover the topic. I've found the rules to be not "wonky" and have had luck inserting and using all the Quint books into my games.

In general they get about as much use as the WotC class books, the FR books, the Path of books, etc. There is useful info in the books (more in some) but it would be impossible to really use it all. The great things about them is that they offer some great options for speicific classes and races. It makes it easy for a particuliar character just find a lot of information in one book.

Any specific books you have found useful, or perhaps sections? It would be great to find some gems - so any suggestions as to where I should dig?

The WotC books have been ok quality - but nothing to brag about. The biggest complain I've had about their material is lack of playtest. Some material just begs the question - what the hell were they thinking?!? Combine that with the re-printing of material (after a new paint job, perhaps) - and they come in with average quality. The path books have more imaginination per page then the WotC - though even bigger problems with balance. The R&R 1-2 have been interesting - but always needing pruning. Then again, I can say that about most FR material w/out exception! The eldrich books have been higher quality then the above mentioned.

BB

 

[Psion]

Don't have any of the "II" books. The idea of Quint Elf II intrigues me, because I was left feeling a little unsatisfied with Quint Elf I.

Of the original Quints, my favorites are Wizard, Monk, and Sorcerer. Sorcerer gets the most use in my game, but I must admit that I only use selected things.

Quint Psion has some great ideas, but I think that some of the mechanics need some shoring up (doubly so since XPH is out now.)

Edit: The things I dug about each:

Wizard:

• Wizard Staves - These are neat. Makes the wizards staff into more of a personal tool that a bazooka.
• Bodyguards
• Alternate Spell storage ideas

Monk

• Alternate styles - UA and 3.5 do something like this, but complete monk did it in a way that broadened the rather narrow monk.

Sorcerer

• True Name
• Blood qualities - Trade spell slots for minor qualities that make your character seem like a creature of magic.

Psion

• Echoes and Fragments - A neat concept, but probably more appropraite when psions were a bit more underpowered.
• Psionic Accords - Really neat concept, nice basis for a group of psion villains. It allows a group of psions to make a group mind of living psionic energy, with certain benefits

I'm sure I'm missing some.

 

[Crothian]

Any specific books you have found useful, or perhaps sections? It would be great to find some gems - so any suggestions as to where I should dig?

The best are Monk, Sorcerer, Wizard, and Rogue. When looking at the new Mongoose books, I first look at author. Patrick Younts has only recently been hired by them (he wrote Monk and Sorcerer) and he does great work so far. I don't know what if any more of the Quint books he's coming out with , but I';m eagerly waiting for them.

 

[Arcane Runes Press]

The best are Monk, Sorcerer, Wizard, and Rogue. When looking at the new Mongoose books, I first look at author. Patrick Younts has only recently been hired by them (he wrote Monk and Sorcerer) and he does great work so far. I don't know what if any more of the Quint books he's coming out with , but I';m eagerly waiting for them.

I've written: Cleric II, Monk II, Barbarian II.

I'm writing (at this moment, actually): Ranger II

 

[Psion]

I've written: Cleric II, Monk II, Barbarian II.

I'm writing (at this moment, actually): Ranger II

Mongoose has sold one copy each of Cleric II, Monk II, Barbarian II, and Ranger II.

Er, wait. Do you need barbarian I and ranger I to use the "II" books?

 

[Mytholder]

Mongoose has sold one copy each of Cleric II, Monk II, Barbarian II, and Ranger II.

Er, wait. Do you need barbarian I and ranger I to use the "II" books?

All the Quint IIs are standalone as far as I'm aware - you don't need the earlier book.

 

[Arcane Runes Press]

Mongoose has sold one copy each of Cleric II, Monk II, Barbarian II, and Ranger II.

Er, wait. Do you need barbarian I and ranger I to use the "II" books?

Not in this case.

Cleric II is all new material.

Monk II redefines and reworks a few of the concepts from Monk I, to make them more appropriate for the 3.5 Monk. It's almost all brand new material, though.

With Barbarian II, I used the original book for reference material, mostly so as not to reinvent the wheel by inadvertantly copying stuff from the first book.

With Ranger II, it's the same thing as Barbarian II. It's all new stuff.

 

[Stalker0]

I like how the quint books give you a lot of new ideas instead of insert prc/feat here.

I really didn't like the character concepts in the begginining though, many felt unbalanced and just weren't that great. But the middle of the books was usually good meat.

Quint Druid was my favorite one, and quint elf for the aerial combat stuff.