I would really like a large vinyl map! I also like the idea of flip maps that cover specific sections that the adventures take place in.
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I know I saw a couple of folks mention the use of Tome of Horrors from Necromancer. But, I thought I would start a thread just to give the idea a bit of a push. Necro has published 3 Tome of Horrors, and all three have some great little beasties that are waiting to be used. Since these are open for all to use, it would be great to see them work their way into a Pathfinder or into a Gamemastery module. I am ok with seeing them reprinted in a Pathfinder Book, especially if they were featured in that issue. for all the work that went into them, I feel like they have not seen a lot of use in published modules outside of Necro's own adventures.
I like the new format for new, unique, non-standard, and/or leader type monsters. For a standard monster, a couple of key items (AC, HP, weapons, source, and page number) is about all I need. I really like the idea of having a quick reference chart in the back of the book that has all the ability scores (and all the rest of the stats) listed out. Back in the day, there were a number of modules written that had a quick reference chart listed on the back cover. In today's electronic age, having a downloadable quick reference chart that could be printed out would be a great idea. I definitely do not want to see a standard monster listed out 20x in a 32 page module. That is a waste. Just list it once in a chart. I like the concept of the new WofC format, but it just takes up a lot of room. Their 225 page books feel small to me, b/c it seems like over half the book is encounter format stuff. Its too much. Now I do like the idea of the climatic final battle having a 2 page spread with all the details listed out, but not all the little encounters.
My wish list as follows: 1. Handouts. My players love them. More is better. What I really like is access to a PDF download. Trying to put the book into a copier or retype a handout to give out is a pain. I like what Necromancer does with its product support page. 2. Monsters with a purpose. If you are going to take the time to create one, let's get it in to the adventure. I have tons (well at least 9 monster manuals from WotC, Necro, & Monte) of monsters with no homes. 3. Side/optional encounters that can be used as published or as part of the on going adventure. I do not like leading the players on, so I enjoy the 1 off enconters that I can throw at them, but still has the flavor of the overall campaign arc. Maybe even a secondary bad guy that could reappear later. Or a wandering monster encounter that has additional details and could be thrown in at any time. 4. Tie ins to the GameMastery modules. I love supporting stuff that can easily be linked into the campaign arc. One of the things I like about Ptolus is that there is plenty of support (tactical maps, adventures, art books, etc..) 5. I love the big leader type bad guy. The more history, the more interaction, the more flavor, the better. No wimpy bad guys. Leaders with dragons as mounts are the best! It does not get any better. 6. PrCs. Minimize the new ones, but make sure that they fill an important flavor element. I liked what WotC did with the Ravenloft PrC's, and I thought that it fit in well with the overall plot arc. Generic PrC's do not do much for me. 7. The new WotC format is a huge space hog. For really complicated encouters, it is nice. But for an orc hiding behind a tree near aroad, I think I can handle it with a short stat line and a page number where I can find the orc write up. Back in 1st edition, the A series (Slavers) had a couple of tactical maps that were part of the index. To be honest, I thought that was perfect. I thought that the Red Hand of Doom was a good example of how to lay out an adenture. I liked the tactical maps that were included in the back. I also like the map booklet that was included in City of the Spider Queen or being able to download a map booklet to print out is great. 8. Use the Tome of Horrors from Necro. They have 3 books full of monsters. Lots of good stuff. 9. Demons, Devils, 'loths & Dragons....oh my! I just can not get enough :) 10. Half role, half roll play, with lots of behind the scenes details to all DM's to fully flesh out the adventure. I like castles and dungeons with lots of background flavor. I think that is the reason most folks like the original Ravenloft castle.
The ToH series from Necromancer rocks. I highly recommend generous usage! :)
Please count me in for a Ptolus module. :) |