Which book of familiars?

[Scurvy_Platypus]

And since I got a bit of feedback in terms of which Feat book to get (I think I'm going with the AEG one), I figured I'd try asking again, only this time familiars. Considering how popular mages are, I'm kinda surprised I don't hear more about these...

First there's the Book of Familiars from Troll Lord Games. Book of Familiars.... I just don't know.

Second, there's Dweomercraft: Familiars from Dark Quest Games. Dweomercraft: Familiars got a mention for the 2004 Ennies and is currently what I'm leaning towards. The fact that is was popular enough to even get there says something I think.

Third, there's Encyclopedia Arcane: Familiars from Mongoose. I'm iffy on Mongoose stuff in general. I really liked Lone Wolf, but there's been enough other misses that I've got a healthy caution.

All of 'em look like they're covering the same basic territory.

Anyone have some insights that might tip me one way or another?

There's a distinct possibility of at least 1 person wanting to do some extensive play with familiars in my game, and in anticipation of that I'd like to have some good options. Especially since my game doesn't necessarily require familiars to be exclusively caster things.

 

[jgbrowning]

EA: Familiars was written by Joseph Miller. We work with him (publishing his true20 Nevermore campaign right now) and I believe he's a good writer. That said, I don't possess EA:F so I cannot say that it is a good work. I would expect it to be, however.

joe b.

 

[Treebore]

Troll Lords and Dark Quest covered the same ground in significantly different ways, to the point where I am glad I have both.

Of the two, if I had to choose, I would go for the Troll Lords Version because of how it also covers Animal Companions and such.

As for writing the Dark Quest book is better written and the lay out is superior as well.

However, for new ideas, concepts, and directions to go in, TLG's book wins hands down.

Still, get both if you can. Their approaches and ideas covered vary enough to justify having both, IMO.

I believe you can find a review by me as Grimaryl Atyar for the Dark Quest book/PDF here in ENWorlds review data base. I don't think I did on for the TLG book.

 

[Crothian]

Dweomercraft: Familiars is my favorite book on the subject. We diud use the troll lords one a little but it just got pushed aside. The Mongoose one was well written but a bit thin on content and never got used by us.

 

[Nellisir]

I like both Dweomercraft and the Book of Familiars. I don't have the EA book. Dweomercraft is probably a little bit easier to integrate into a campaign, but both books are very good.

 

[Tangelo]

I have a copy of Dweamorcraft: Familiars sitting unused on my shelf which you are welcome to. It's a fine book just something I never used. I live in Princeton. Check your e-mail.

 

[Scurvy_Platypus]

I'd like to thank Tangelo for very kindly gifting me his copy of the Dweomercraft: Familiars book.

If I can't return the kindness to him directly, I'll make sure I pass the favor along to someone else later on down the road instead.