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Malhavoc Press

Monte Cook's Collected Book of Experimental Might (OGL) Hardcover

4.40/5 (based on 5 ratings)
Monte Cook's Collected Book of Experimental Might (OGL) Hardcover

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Third edition RPG icon Monte Cook comes to Paizo with a new print edition of his popular Books of Experimental Might! Previously available only in electronic form, The Collected Book of Experimental Might contains hundreds of options and new rules meant to inject life into 3.5 fantasy RPG campaigns.

    This 144-page hardcover collection of Monte's own house rules includes:
  • A spell progression system redefining spell levels from 1 to 20
  • New rules for fighting domains, including Two-Weapon Fighting, Mounted Combat, and Fighting Dirty, as well as techniques based on agility, speed, strength, and intellect—the domains provide new abilities to fighter types willing to devote themselves to a focused path
  • A retooling of the feat system, with three new concepts—double feats, oblation feats, and uberfeats—and dozens of new choices
  • Special benefits for choosing a feat as a fighter bonus feat, reinstating the fighter class as the king of feats
  • New rules for healing and curative magic
  • Powerful magical disciplines that allow wizards, clerics, druids, paladins, and rangers to have magic always active
  • The runeblade, a base class that combines magic and martial skill without the need for spells
  • Additional skills, feats, and combat rules
  • Dozens of spells and magic items

Inherent within these two books is the idea that characters should be able to keep on adventuring longer than the rules currently allow and that every class can use some extra options for greater playability. Start your own experiment now!

This book combines The Book of Experimental Might and The Book of Experimental Might II: Bloody, Bold, and Resolute.

ISBN: 978-1-60125-080-3

Monte Cook has been working on games professionally for more than 20 years. In that time, he has worked on a variety of games, including Dungeons & Dragons, Rolemaster, Champions, Call of Cthulhu, and Alternity. He designed HeroClix, and co-designed Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition, and wrote Planewalker's Handbook, Dead Gods, Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil and the Book of Vile Darkness, among many other D&D supplements. In 2001, he founded Malhavoc Press, and over the next few years published titles like the Book of Eldritch Might, Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, and Ptolus: Monte Cook's City by the Spire.

Monte's also published two novels and numerous short stories, as well as a nonfictional but humorous book called the Very, Very Secret Book of Conspiracies.

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4.40/5 (based on 5 ratings)

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—

Incredible!

5/5 —

While I'm not sure how I'm going to swing this into my PFRPG games, I will heartily endorse this product. Monte Cook delivers a thoughtful, well conceived set of alternative rules on a great many things. Spell levels from 1 to 20 alone would be worth the price of admission. Fighter domains easily worth the cover price. Bravo on another fine book, Monte!

Fantastic Game Variants for High Fantasy D&D

5/5 —

The Collected BOXM certainly will remain as one of the greatest game variants to D&D itself, in my opinion, along with Arcana Unearthed, Pathfinder, True20 and others.

The changes are selective but dramatically change the game play. Healing becomes target-based instead of cleric-based, characters get feats every level, spell levels now match character levels (from 1 to 20th level spells), wizards don't run out of magical things to do while still retaining the Vancian magic system as a base for increasing power and abilities.

I think it would have been premature to take Pathfinder as a base since the final rules are not even published. It is, furthermore, totally possible to get a Pathfinder sorcerer concept going with BOXM as a pure Wizard, with the inventive use of some Bloodline feats.

A word of caution, however: this clearly is a game variant destined towards people who are already familiar with the 3.5 rules. The multiplication of feats, spells and other game components makes the game significantly more complex to approach (though easier to play in the end for the initiated). This is not a good product to bring people to gaming, in my opinion.

Now, that said, this is totally awesome. If you were the kind of player or DM interested in thoughtful variants to the base D&D game with Unearthed Arcana, Arcana Unearthed and others, this book is for you.

Great book but still disapointed.

3/5 —

Before I say why I found this was one of my most disappointing purchases for a long time, I'd like to say that this is a fantastic product; the changes to the rules that it introduces bring a breath of fresh air to 3.5, and more importantly, they are really, really, really cool.

My gripe? Well, gripes actually because there are two.

Firstly that the book addresses changes to 3.5 in such a way as to completely ignore all the brilliant work on Pathfinder. I think it’s pretty safe to say that most discerning gamers have moved from 3.5 to Pathfinder (3.75?) and appreciate the updated character classes presented there. This (brilliant) book also updates (and up-powers, it must be said) the character classes but to implement those changes into my Pathfinder campaign will require too much work. I, for one, buy a book where someone has already done the dirty work of play-testing for me and not to then slog my guts out adapting the rules to fit my game.

My second gripe involves Sorcerers. What has Mr Cook got against Sorcerers? They get a brief mention that says you don’t need them with the new rules, which is fine as far as 3.5 goes but in Pathfinder they are not only way cooler but also add a huge dollop of flavour to a character’s background. Again, Pathfinder is ignored, which is fine for those still playing 3.5 (if they exist) but I'm sure that they are few and far between these days.

So all in all a great book that I could have done with two years ago and if Monte adapts it to take the improvements already presented in the Pathfinder rules into account I’ll probably buy it again but for now it’s just a very good, idea provoking read on the shelf in my loo.

—

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Liberty's Edge
SirUrza wrote:
David Spaar wrote:
I second (or second thousandth ;) ) the vote for reprinting Ptolus, BTW. Everyone should have one...
You know... if you'd asked me 2 or 3 years ago if I'd be willing to buy a second copy of Ptolus I'd have said no.. but today, if it meant more support... you know, like a Pathfinder RPG edition of Ptolus... I'd gladly spend the money to buy another copy of it.

So very totally signed, with absolutely no question whatsoever. Ptolus Pathfinder Edition, a notion that brings glee to me.

Lisa Stevens wrote:
Pholtus wrote:
Just wondering. There isn't anything new in this printing then what was covered in the PDF versions right?

I never saw the PDF versions, so I can't comment with 100% accuracy, but my recollection is that this is a straight print edition of what was in the two PDFs. The intro from Monte is different, but otherwise, I believe it is the same.

-Lisa

Any chance we will see a pdf version of the complete book? Or at least the two pdfs on Paizo's website? The website they are selling the pdfs through is giving me problems just getting signed in.

Paizo Employee CEO
DaveMage wrote:

What's your Ptolus number, Lisa?

(I bet I have you beat. Although I don't think I have a lower number than Erik Mona...)

My 2 copies of Ptolus aren't numbered or signed. So you most definitely have me beat there! :) Does your copy of the D&D 3.0 PHB have your name engraved on the front in gold lettering? Mine does. :)

-Lisa
Lisa Stevens wrote:

Does your copy of the D&D 3.0 PHB have your name engraved on the front in gold lettering? Mine does. :)

-Lisa

No, but I am drinking milk, and one day....

;)
Silver Crusade
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Lisa Stevens wrote:


My 2 copies of Ptolus aren't numbered or signed. So you most definitely have me beat there! :) Does your copy of the D&D 3.0 PHB have your name engraved on the front in gold lettering? Mine does. :)

-Lisa

Screenshots or it didn't happen ! ;)

The Exchange
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Jeff Alvarez wrote:
Delabarre, what's your order number? I'll check on it and see why it might be held up.

Nvmd, it shipped four hours after I posted... :-D

Paizo Employee Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
DaveMage wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:

#2 here! Hey, quit looking at me like that! Owning the company has to have SOME perks other than a constant drain on my banking account and a near constant need to work on things company related! :)

Btw, Monte got #1.

-Lisa

What's your Ptolus number, Lisa?

(I bet I have you beat. Although I don't think I have a lower number than Erik Mona...)

My Ptolus number is 7, and my book contains signatures of all the players in Monte's campaign. :)

I don't have a numbered BOExM. Those go to the customers! :)

--Erik
Paizo Employee Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
Lisa Stevens wrote:


My 2 copies of Ptolus aren't numbered or signed. So you most definitely have me beat there! :) Does your copy of the D&D 3.0 PHB have your name engraved on the front in gold lettering? Mine does. :)

So does mine. :)

Scarab Sages

A Ptolus reprint would most certainly prove beneficial for lots of people out there who haven't been properly introduced to the goodness of Monte's setting. No question about it.
Liberty's Edge
Erik Mona wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:


My 2 copies of Ptolus aren't numbered or signed. So you most definitely have me beat there! :) Does your copy of the D&D 3.0 PHB have your name engraved on the front in gold lettering? Mine does. :)

So does mine. :)

Showoffs! *g*

Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

I figure now we'll receive notice that Paizo's reprinting Monte-goodness including Ptolus, since I just stimulated the economy by buying one on E-bay ;-)
Scarab Sages
Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

I got mine! I'm Number 9! ;)

I just got mine!!!!! It is #5. YIPPEE!!!!!!!!
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
silverhair2008 wrote:
I just got mine!!!!! It is #5. YIPPEE!!!!!!!!

Ha! #4 Baby! So who has 3?

This is seriously something I'd like to have... Suppose I'll need to marshal my allowance for the next month or two...
Liberty's Edge

#6 is accounted for.

If overtime hadn't been eliminated, this would have been a no brainer. I have both of the originals in PDF, and even without using the whole she bang, there are some really interesting ideas to snag in the book. I may yet convince myself to get a dead tree version.
Liberty's Edge
Erik Mona wrote:
DaveMage wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:

#2 here! Hey, quit looking at me like that! Owning the company has to have SOME perks other than a constant drain on my banking account and a near constant need to work on things company related! :)

Btw, Monte got #1.

-Lisa

What's your Ptolus number, Lisa?

(I bet I have you beat. Although I don't think I have a lower number than Erik Mona...)

My Ptolus number is 7, and my book contains signatures of all the players in Monte's campaign. :)

I don't have a numbered BOExM. Those go to the customers! :)

--Erik

Ptolus #7 with sigs from Monte's game ...just rub it in ;)

Mine is #156 with a ratman doodle, so I cannot complain too loudly...although, I may have to bring my copy to Gencon to get more signatures..

Ptolus signed by Monte is nice, but also having the signatures of Sue Cook and the proofreaders would be even better because those folks did an awesome job on that behemoth.
Liberty's Edge

Agreed. I have Sue's signature on AE. I need to get her signature on Ptolus.

186/500 checking in! Just got here in the mail!

SQUEE!
Scarab Sages
DaveMage wrote:
Ptolus signed by Monte is nice, but also having the signatures of Sue Cook and the proofreaders would be even better because those folks did an awesome job on that behemoth.

Totally agreed. Plus players on Monte's group. Erik, Sean, I'm gonna ask you to sign my Ptolus volume...

BTW, I ordered the Collected BoXM just two days ago. Any chance of getting a numbered copy still?
The Exchange
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

#161. We are pleased.
Liberty's Edge

21/500.

And I am shocked I got such a low number :)
Liberty's Edge

#25 here. I must be such a sucker for 3.5 stuff, and boy Monte does good crunch.

I got the PDFs for good reason; I copy & paste the few items I use into a document for the players.

Got the hardcover because I wanted something to hold because it's just a darn good read. I like letting my head get carried away with possibilities...even if I don't use that particular part of the book.

-DM Jeff
Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer
The Red Death wrote:
Any chance of getting a numbered copy still?

I hear there are still several dozen left.

Scarab Sages
Vic Wertz wrote:

I hear there are still several dozen left.

*giant cockroach voice on* Good... Good....

*/off*
Paizo Employee Director of Brand Strategy

#24 here. The cover is slightly damaged on mine, and while I'd like to see if it's possible for Paizo to take care of that for me, I don't want to lose my place in line. 24 our of 500 ain't bad.

Well, if not much else is coming in terms of my subscriptions this month, I will probably order a copy. It depends upon the shipping costs, actually - if these get too high, I will order less.

Stefan

#117 here....looks like an awesome tome. Thanks folks.

Just ordered mine (along with PC Pearls and GM Gems). If everything works as usual, I should get it just a few days before my birthday :-)

Stefan
Scarab Sages

Just received #182 and #183.
Liberty's Edge

#76 got mine in the weekend :)

began reading it...
the cleric intrigues me ... I will converting my clereic and seeing how it works :)

the wizard still i am not sure
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber
Lisa Stevens wrote:

#2 here! Hey, quit looking at me like that! Owning the company has to have SOME perks other than a constant drain on my banking account and a near constant need to work on things company related! :)

Btw, Monte got #1.

-Lisa

OMG! Monte got #1, Lisa got #2, and I got #3! I cannot believe my luck!!

I absolutely love you guys!!

But my Ptolus is unsigned. I stupidly waited until they were out of print -- and then had to spend an insane amount of money to get a copy. I'm sure the book is horribly expensive to print, but it would be fantastic to see this in print again.

Please?
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
aatea wrote:

OMG! Monte got #1, Lisa got #2, and I got #3! I cannot believe my luck!!

I absolutely love you guys!!

But my Ptolus is unsigned. I stupidly waited until they were out of print -- and then had to spend an insane amount of money to get a copy. I'm sure the book is horribly expensive to print, but it would be fantastic to see this in print again.

Please?

Wow, sounds like me. Reading Ptolus now, but it's worth it. Heck, the free PDFs make it less painful.

Grumble I got #4, was hoping to have the first copy not 'in the industry' ;-)
Patrick Curtin wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:

Patrick:

If I wasn't sitting here at home, sick, I would go pick those Polyhedrons for you and get your order out the door! :)

-Lisa

The fact that the CEO of a company would say this, and that I would believe it implicitly is why you have my unwavering loyalty as a customer Lisa!

Get well soon!

Ordered on 2/13, shipped on 2/18, received on 2/23. I didn't preorder so I didn't get any of the obscenely low numbers. (The fact that they were signed and numbered did push me over the edge to order though.)

I got 219/500.
I ...think... that's the highest number accounted for so far.

And I think it's cool that you (Lisa) would be helping out in the mail room when time allows. I love the hands-on approach Paizo has with its customers, both the literal hands-on in the mail room, and the hands-on here in the forums.

Good stuff. Good stuff. And thanks to you or whoever convinced Monte to do some signed copies too. There's even a post earlier in this thread where you say he isn't doing any autographed copies.

Thanks Monte. Wouldn't forget to thank you too. Thanks for the signed copies.

Now... as to what everyone is saying about Ptolus, I've never read it but I'm intrigued.
The Exchange
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

So far...

1 - Monte Cook
2 - Lisa Stevens
3 - aatea
4 - Matthew Morris
5 - silverhair2008
6 - Forgottenprince
9 - Charles Scholz
21 - houstonderek
24 - yoda8myhead
25 - DM Jeff
76 - Montalve
117 - Lord Raptor
161 - delabarre
182 - Masika
183 - Masika
186 - Patrick Curtin
219 - Wolf Monroe

I'll check my number when I get home - it's somewhere in the 200s.

I love the book, but it was weird seeing the Paizo Golem on book with a black and white interior.

Paizo color has spoiled me. :)
delabarre wrote:

So far...

1 - Monte Cook
2 - Lisa Stevens
3 - aatea
4 - Matthew Morris
5 - silverhair2008
6 - Forgottenprince
9 - Charles Scholz
21 - houstonderek
24 - yoda8myhead
25 - DM Jeff
76 - Montalve
117 - Lord Raptor
161 - delabarre
182 - Masika
183 - Masika
186 - Patrick Curtin
219 - Wolf Monroe

[Borg voice]We are 15 of 500. Resistance is futile. All will be assimilated![/Borg voice]

Paizo Employee CEO
Wolf Munroe wrote:
And I think it's cool that you (Lisa) would be helping out in the mail room when time allows. I love the hands-on approach Paizo has with its customers, both the literal hands-on in the mail room, and the hands-on here in the forums.

I tend to pick some orders almost every day. It gets me out of my chair and moving around in the warehouse. Plus, it is fun to see what people are buying. Besides, I seem to know where everything is in the warehouse for the most part, so sometimes there are items that people can't find and I'm like "Oh, I know where that is!" :)

-Lisa
Paizo Employee CEO

Btw, for those keeping track of these things, I believe we will be shipping out #300 sometime today.

-Lisa

So, I will get something in the 300s if my order is processed in the next few days. (Not complaining or something - just stating that.)

Stefan
Liberty's Edge

I have number 156. :)
Dark Archive

124 here.
Dark Archive

I'll probably end up with a copy in the 200s. That's cool, since I got copy 33/1000 of Ptolus. Others can enjoy the low numbers on this one. :-)
Dark Archive

So, who got #1?

1 - Monte Cook
2 - Lisa Stevens
3 - aatea
4 - Matthew Morris
5 - silverhair2008
6 - Forgottenprince
9 - Charles Scholz
15 - Sharoth
21 - houstonderek
24 - yoda8myhead
25 - DM Jeff
76 - Montalve
85 - Franz Lunzer
117 - Lord Raptor
124 - David Wickham
156 - Sigil
161 - delabarre
182 - Masika
183 - Masika
186 - Patrick Curtin
219 - Wolf Monroe

Under the first 100! woot!

197 here.
Liberty's Edge
Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

#201 reporting for duty
Scarab Sages
Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

1 - Monte Cook
2 - Lisa Stevens
3 - aatea
4 - Matthew Morris
5 - silverhair2008
6 - Forgottenprince
9 - Charles Scholz
15 - Sharoth
21 - houstonderek
24 - yoda8myhead
25 - DM Jeff
76 - Montalve
85 - Franz Lunzer
117 - Lord Raptor
124 - David Wickham
156 - Sigil
161 - delabarre
182 - Masika
183 - Masika
186 - Patrick Curtin
197 - crazy_cat
201 - Paul Watson
219 - Wolf Monroe

Already in the 200's and there are less than half of the first 25 reporting. Either someone's not paying attention, or they went overseas and haven't arrived yet.

Edit: Added 201 - Paul Watson who posted while I was interupted writing this post.
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