What system is Ptolus?

[SJE]

I've looked up and down on the description of Ptolus on Monte Cooks website. But nowhere can I see a definitive mention of which system it will use

-http://www.montecook.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?mpress_Ptolus

Now I'm certain its some variety of d20 (given the mention of going from 1st to 20th level) but which? Corebook SRD? If so, where is the d20 label on the cover? Or Arcana Unearthed? Iron Heroes?

Its a pity Monte cant buy a D&D logo/license from Hasbro/WotC....

Any ideas?

Mucho gracias

SJE

 

[Hammerhead]

It's D&D, of course. I'd expect some Arcana Unearthed elements tossed in there too (litorians, for example).

 

[Stormborn]

Its Core SRD. In fact it was the setting that was used to play test the 3rd edition rules.

Edit: I imagine that Monte's stuff sells quite well w/o the DnD logo.

 

[SJE]

Well the WW ordering website says its fully compatible with 3.5, so I guess its basic d20 3.5 SRD. The D&D logo might be nice for allowing him to use some of the popular D&D options books (Complete Whatevers etc.)

Steve

 

[Stormborn]

Well the WW ordering website says its fully compatible with 3.5, so I guess its basic d20 3.5 SRD. The D&D logo might be nice for allowing him to use some of the popular D&D options books (Complete Whatevers etc.)

Steve

He has his own, they are the Complete Book of Edritch Might, Book of Iron Might, Complete Book of Hallowed Might, and Book of Roguish Luck. Eldritch Might in particular is an excelent book.

 

[SJE]

I'm not sure its worth the cost for me to essentially duplicate the WotC books.

Has there been word if these books of his are used (classes NPC's possess fer example) in Ptolus?

Thx.

Steve

 

[XCorvis]

The book isn't out yet, so nobody knows the exact contents. However, I strongly doubt he's going to waste the space reprinting things he's already done before.

Also, looks like the hardcover version comes with PDF copies of the Banewarrens and Chaositech.

More info on this page:
http://www.montecook.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?mpress_Ptolus_FAQ

 

[arscott]

I'm not sure its worth the cost for me to essentially duplicate the WotC books.

Has there been word if these books of his are used (classes NPC's possess fer example) in Ptolus?

Thx.

Steve

His stuff has a different focus than the wizards books. Anything Monte writes is worth evaluating on it's own merits rather than simply saying "ah, but wizard did the same thing".

 

[Odhanan]

The book isn't out yet, so nobody knows the exact contents.

Indeed.

That said, there are some things I know. First off, Ptolus is about D&D. It's meant to be a setting usable with the Core Books only, and all you need to be able to use Ptolus (including litorians, for instance) that would have been treated one way or another in another sourcebook will be included with the big book and adapted for the core rules (for instance, the Ptolus litorians are slightly different than the Arcana Evolved litorians. They don't have racial levels in Ptolus but come with a level adjustment, for instance).

Anyway, the point is: Ptolus was designed and grew with the core rules in mind. The setting reflects D&D's core concepts, because the city actually grew up with the third edition rules.

Nothing stops you from using the background information with another system though. The CD-ROM included with the big book will also contain some information guidelines to use Ptolus with Arcana Evolved. Here's a thread about using non OGL/d20 rules with Ptolus on Monte's site. Feel free to post your own questions and comments!