Because I own all the Dungeon issues containing the entire SCAP, I did not buy the hardcover. Does it contain a description of the Striders of Fharlanghn as an Affiliation, PHB II style? If so, I would be very curious what it says, because, since buying the PHB II, I have been thinking of making the Striders an Affiliation in order to provide my PCs with benefits for joining them. If the hardcover does not provide such a description, I would be particularly interested to hear what people who read this would set as such an Affiliation's Affiliation Score Criteria, and Titles, Benefits, and Duties, in particular.
I believe the SCAP HC came out prior to the PHB II, so no it does not. It DOES however contain a set of benefits for any PC who joins the organization in Cauldron.
(subliminal message: BUY THE HARDCOVER... IT IS GRAND)
Sean Mahoney
No affiliation but it does has a presstige class you can get for joining them.
No affiliation but it does have a prestige class you can get for joining them.
It seems to me that an Affiliation would make more sense than a prestige class. Dungeon #97 says, "This is a loosely run organization of adventurers who watch the horizons for signs of great evil and strive to preserve the balance of power in the realm." It doesn't say they have common abilities, and in the magazines, the members don't share a class: Fario & Fellian are both rogues, the former also a fighter, the latter also a cleric, and Meerthan Eliothlorn is a wizard. Not a very consistent pool of abilities to meet a common prestige class's prerequisites!
I would like to reiterate again that it has a set of benefits for those who join that is seperate from the prestige class.
Sean Mahoney
I would like to reiterate again that it has a set of benefits for those who join that is seperate from the prestige class.
Sorry, Sean! When I read yours, I read DMFTodd's statement about the prestige class immediately afterwards, and I guess my mind just assumed that the prestige class he mentioned pretty much comprised the "set of benefits" you mentioned. OK, well, that's good for me, because that should fit right in with an Affiliation's benefits. Additionally, if I want, I can use "Pathwarden" as one of the Affiliation titles.
So, while I am curious about what those benefits are, and what abilities a level or more of Pathwarden provides, I'm still not convinced that discovering those things would make it worth it to me to fork out the, what, $60? it costs. So, if you have a minute, I'd appreciate it if you'd answer me a question: If you owned all the magazines, why would you buy the hardcover? What would make it worth it for you, other than the "coolness" factor?
The hard cover does have a bit more info than the Dungeons cover.
And well, its a hard cover ;P
But I personally would not purchase it just for the Prestige class info. They are, IMO, more geared at NPCs.
I have the mags and am pleased with my purchase of the HC.
Some things I like:
- Everything in one place and very good layout (this is probably the biggest bonus for me)
- Additional background info, timelines, etc.
- An entire additional adventure, "Drakthar's Way"
- Updated with some of the web materials
- Buying it supports Paizo in making more of these
I find it just makes my life easier. If someone is running the campaign I would recommend it. If you are just reading for enjoyment but don't think you will run it then I guess I wouldn't suggest it as much.
Sean Mahoney
I have the mags and am pleased with my purchase of the HC.
I have to agree with Sean here. I too have all the magazines, but find the hardcover to be much more convenient. And one benefit no one else has mentioned: the early adventures were published under 3.0; the HC updates everything (well, most everything) to 3.5.
Just to add to what has already been said, the SCAP HC adds a lot more roleplaying opportunities to the adventure path (I absoluately love the additions in "Zenith Trajectory.").
So, while I am curious about what those benefits are, and what abilities a level or more of Pathwarden provides, I'm still not convinced that discovering those things would make it worth it to me to fork out the, what, $60? it costs. So, if you have a minute, I'd appreciate it if you'd answer me a question: If you owned all the magazines, why would you buy the hardcover? What would make it worth it for you, other than the "coolness" factor?
just to chime in here: 60 bucks is a lot if you allready own the magazines. On the other hand, I'm getting well over 3 years worth of gaming fun out of the book. So i'd say it's well worth the investment. If only because I have everything in one place.