who else loves the C&C...?

[BluSponge]

Instead, the CKG would include not just optional rules but also extensive information on how to run a game, world-building, adventure design, random encounter tables, etc... all the things people loved about the 1E DMG. Of course, it would also include treasure tables, magic items, and a small selection of the most important 'core' monsters, traps, and other challenges in the game. Best of all, it would be co-authored by E. Gary Gygax.

Actually, the Trolls are on a similar tract.

For those of you who follow the Trolls it is probably no surprise to learn that The Canting Crew (GFW Vol. I) is sold out. What you may not know is that The World Builder (GFW Vol. II) has about sold through its second printing. The others in the line are moving toward that point as well. The Extraordinary Book of Names (GFW Vol. IV) being the closest to World Builder in that respect.

So, we are going to revist the entire line, starting with the Canting Crew. This book will be brought into line with the far more professional layout and design of the latter books in the series, made to fit not d20, but Castles & Crusades . . . as well as Lejendary Adventure of course . . . and given a whole new look. The cover will change as significant as the content. Jason Walton, who of late has finished the cover for Cosmos Builder, has been given the whole series and he will commence with the Canting Crew.

The relaunch should begin in January/Feb of next year....maybe, just maybe in December.

This is from a thread on the Troll Lord Forums.

One could then make the argument that the entire Gygaxian Fantasy line comprises the CKG. Sort of a super DMG in multiple volumes.

Just a thought,
Tom

 

[Treebore]

A survey that was conducted (or at least reported) by a business associate of TLG, no less...

I'm sure that SCRYE magazine made sure he was staying honest. Besides, they may be #5, but it is still less than 5% of the total market. Actually, I think it was less than 3%. WOTC was number 1, of course. WW was second, but with shrinking numbers. Then I believe Mongoose and Green Ronin were #3 and #4.

I'll have to go check that again. I think Steve Jackson/GURPS was in there somewhere.

 

[Treebore]

Glad I went and double checked. I mis remembered it badly.

(copied from elsewhere)

The mix of who got the sales has changed, though. In 2005, the top six were:
#1: Wizards of the Coast (53%)
#2: White Wolf/Sword & Sorcery (19%) [including Necromancer Games sales]
#3: FanPro (3.7%)
#4: Steve Jackson Games (2.9%)
#5: Green Ronin (2.5%)
#6: Palladium Books (2.4%).

In 2006 the order was (these are preliminary):
#1: Wizards of the Coast
#2: White Wolf Publishing
#3: Palladium Books
#4: Goodman Games
#5: Troll Lord Games
#6: Mongoose Publishing

 

[Xyanthon]

3. (This one's a prefrence issue for me) I like systems that I can build upon, not one's I have to deconstruct. It let's me propose things to my PC's and get their feedback, fully explain it to them, as well as allowing me to make sure we're all on the same page as far as how something works before I introduce it.

I totally agree with this. It is my preference as well to not have to dismantle a system to get it where I want it. I'd rather add to it. Although it could be argued that I dismantled 1e to get it where I wanted it by not using all of the rules. However, it just seemed that 1e was much more forgiving in disregarding rule subsystems than d20 has been (at least in my experience).

 

[Imaro]

I'm sure that SCRYE magazine made sure he was staying honest.

Glad I went and double checked. I mis remembered it badly.

(copied from elsewhere)

The mix of who got the sales has changed, though. In 2005, the top six were:
#1: Wizards of the Coast (53%)
#2: White Wolf/Sword & Sorcery (19%) [including Necromancer Games sales]
#3: FanPro (3.7%)
#4: Steve Jackson Games (2.9%)
#5: Green Ronin (2.5%)
#6: Palladium Books (2.4%).

In 2006 the order was (these are preliminary):
#1: Wizards of the Coast
#2: White Wolf Publishing
#3: Palladium Books
#4: Goodman Games
#5: Troll Lord Games
#6: Mongoose Publishing

I'm glad somebody stepped up and addressed that little bit of HATE that was going on there.

 

[Dragonhelm]

I totally agree with this. It is my preference as well to not have to dismantle a system to get it where I want it. I'd rather add to it. Although it could be argued that I dismantled 1e to get it where I wanted it by not using all of the rules. However, it just seemed that 1e was much more forgiving in disregarding rule subsystems than d20 has been (at least in my experience).

This is something I've looked at quite a bit as well. My ideal system is somewhere between D&D and C&C. So I've tried to figure out if it would be easier to deconstruct D&D, or just add to C&C.

I came to the same conclusion - that it's easier to add than it is to take away. If you eliminate parts of the game, you'll find that they're very integrated. I did a lot of work on feats at one point, using True20 as a guideline to make them simpler and more streamlined. Anyway, I just found that, to get what I want, it would be a lot of work.

So when I looked at adding to C&C, it seemed much simpler. I looked at using the 2e Arms and Equipment Guide. Minimal translations required. Then I looked at using 3e skills. This required a couple of tweaks, but not too bad.

 

[Imaro]

This is something I've looked at quite a bit as well. My ideal system is somewhere between D&D and C&C. So I've tried to figure out if it would be easier to deconstruct D&D, or just add to C&C.

I came to the same conclusion - that it's easier to add than it is to take away. If you eliminate parts of the game, you'll find that they're very integrated. I did a lot of work on feats at one point, using True20 as a guideline to make them simpler and more streamlined. Anyway, I just found that, to get what I want, it would be a lot of work.

So when I looked at adding to C&C, it seemed much simpler. I looked at using the 2e Arms and Equipment Guide. Minimal translations required. Then I looked at using 3e skills. This required a couple of tweaks, but not too bad.

I totally agree. I think this is mostly due to the fact that C&C vs. 3.x empower differently. 3.x empowers players, it tries to give PC's any and every option in a mechanical format. In essence it says yes your PC can do this because there's a rule for it.

C&C on the other hand empowers the DM. In essence your PC can do this because it fits his campaign. When someone says that C&C doesn't provide a way to mechanically differentiate character "abilities" I feel like what they're really saying is that my DM doesn't allow me to differentiate character abilities in his C&C game.

It's funny how any D&D question includes numerous answers of "If you don't like it, change it. The books are just a guidelline." But when PC's what to have feats, skills, tactical combat etc. in C&C, the answer is "it doesn't have them". Yes it does, if your gaming group wants them. To me all C&C did was start at a simpler base line for those who didn't want those things, without making it in any way difficult to add them.

I, personally, could have seen WotC going the same route and then selling books for combat options, feats, skill options or even a compendium of add-ons in the vein of Unearthed Arcana.

In the end there are more players than DM's and I totally understand WotC's decision from a business perspective...Doesn't mean I think it's best for me though. Sometimes I wonder where did the imagination go?

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

In the end there are more players than DM's and I totally understand WotC's decision from a business perspective...Doesn't mean I think it's best for me though.

Yeah, I agree.

Sometimes I wonder where did the imagination go?

Uh oh...

 

[Phantos]

It's nice to see that I am in good company.

 

[T. Foster]

I'm glad somebody stepped up and addressed that little bit of HATE that was going on there.

My comment wasn't inspired by HATE, honest, because in fact it would make me very happy if two of the top 5 rpg companies were primarily purveyors of retro-appeal D&D (being a retro-D&D fan and all), it just doesn't match my perception of reality, which places both Mongoose and SJG well above TLG in terms of what game stores, at least in my area, are stocking (unless TLG stuff is selling so briskly that stores can't keep it in stock -- which is possible I suppose, but doesn't seem very likely).