Radiance House Announces "Secrets Of Pact Magic"

[Dario Nardi]

Snorter wrote:

Consider me interested!

Would this contest be based on the content of this book?

The contest would be for a PDF (and possibly softcover) supplement to Secrets of Pact Magic, though it would include enough rules, a class, and smattering of feats etc for someone to use it with just the Players Handbook. Its style and format would follow SoPM, otherwise. And I can say for now, the top-voted entries would be illustrated. It would be sold from the Paizo store, of course.

Mosaic wrote:

I saw this book at OrcCon this weekend. Didn't have time to read it too closely but the production values are great; book looks very professioinal, good illustrations, text is highly readable. I also had a chance to chat with the author. Nice guy, has just always wanted to put out an RPG book so he did a ton of research and then let his creative juices flow. I didn't win any of the daily raffles so now I'll have do the whole that's-cool-and-I-want-it vs. how-often-would-I-use-it calculation.

Yep, that captures it :-). OrcCon wasn't as crowded as I hoped it might be, but I was in good company. Mosaic, if you save just $5 a month, you can buy a copy by the time 4th Edition comes out! ;-)

I've RSVP'd "yes" to the Paizo Fanclub Meetup in April, and plan to be hawking myself at GenCon. What I really want to get is a copy of the film, The Making of Kandisha to show at GenCon (for free). But I have to convince the editor and director it's for a worthy cause. The film is pact magic in modern day Moracco, and we follow the actors (it's a mockumentary of the making of the upcoming film kandisha) as they visit such places as Bouya’Oman, an entire city of possessed / insane people (a real life place not on any map!)

Doc_Outlands wrote:

Being one of the unfortunate souls who feels compelled to buy books that offer up new magic systems, I'm HOOKED!! Once I go back to work and have disposable income, you can BETCHA I'll be picking up a copy/set (because I want the hardcopy to sit down in a comfy chair and leisurely pore over and the .pdf for reading while traveling.

Thank you for a new magic system!

You're welcome. :-)

The two demo games at OrcCon supported prior play-testing experience. Pact magic plays quite differently than spellcasting, notably at higher levels. SoPM offers class concepts like the Pact Warrior (think Expanded Psionic Handbook's Psychic Warrior, but supernatural abilities instead). Combat moves quickly, notably at high level. Also, encouragement of role-playing is built into binding, though it can be abused at times as an excuse for naughty behavior ("I didn't mean to steal from our beloved patron and king; blame that spirit.") And there's very little book-surfing and page flipping, since almost everything for each spirit is collected in a single 2-page spread.

janxious wrote:

I just got my copy. Ordered about 2 weeks ago. I'm at work, so I only have my first impression. It looks really nice, and every page has a shiny and slick paper (rather than the flat that was used in WotC books at the beginning of 3.5 (and further back). Also, the lettering and art is printed directly onto, instead of into, the page, so every page has a distinct texture. It's interesting to flip through. I wonder if the pages might not get dirtier with heavy use or the lettering rub off. Time will tell.

Anyway, the whole thing looks great, and I will give more detailed impressions in the near future (time allowing)!

The question about longterm book wear is a good one. I checked out the printer's sample books and liked them, but there was no real way to check wear-and-tear in light of a tight print schedule. So far, at our game table, there's been no problem. But then I give players dirty looks if they abuse my book ;-).

Matthew Morris wrote:

Just got mine too.

Man, this thing is frakking HUGE. Almost as big as a Tome of Horrors 3.5 would have been (no, I'm not bitter, no)

The Atlan race is as far as I got, but kudos for giving the Hobgoblins some love.

I've been playing a hobgoblin battle sorcerer for a while now with the local meetup group. Hobgoblins just rock. I'm a convert for life.

DeadDMWalking wrote:

Any word on when it will be available through Paizo?

Regarding Paizo, there is but 1 minor technical hurtle left (activating my upload account) and I'll be ready to go. That's any day or hour now! (I'm going to Minneapolis for 3 days, so nothing will happen until Monday even if Lisa, Queen of Paizo, activates tomorrow).

[Dario Nardi]

Ungoded wrote:

Dario Nardi wrote:

The Lesser Key of Solomon and related sources dating to 1563 AD and afterward.

Dario,

For a number of reasons, I am planning on obtaining a copy of the Lesser Key of Solomon.

My initial searches indicate that the Crowley/Mathers edition is the most readily available.

Which edition would you suggest? Which (to the best of your knowledge) is the most complete?

Which related sources are you referring to?

My Goodness, I wonder what reasons those are? :-)

I relied upon the magic of the world wide web and some personal conversations to gather info. Notably, there are several modern day groups such as The Philosophical Research Society and the Hereditary Barbarians that pointed to the inclusion of astrological signs, angelic spirits, etc. The Internet Sacred Text Archive and Delirium's Realm also added some flavor and ideas.

By other sources, I meant the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and similar texts that were sources or precursors to the Goetia.

I suspect that after you get the Crowley/Mathers edition (which I agree appears to be the most available) you will know more than I do about this, if not already.

I encourage you to look for Jewish and Arabic mysticism. In Hebrew pact magic is "brith magic." And in fact, I discovered a discussion of my book on a Hebrew gamer website, but I don't read Hebrew! Sometimes I see pact magic and Kabbalah linked, thought I understand that Kabbalah hasn't played a role in pact magic. Nonetheless, spirit binding (of jinn) is found in middle eastern lore, and is quite similar to pact magic, though the jinn are just as easily unbidden masters as they are servants to the binder (for example, Kandisha can bind herself to a mortal, usually a woman, without a full-fledged ceremony, if that woman is experiencing a situation similar to the one Kandisha experienced in her real life). And the middle eastern rituals feel somewhat more more like voodoo rituals (blood, chickens, drummers, dancing, etc). I have no idea about East Asian pact magic, if it exists, though I suspect it does in some way. Perhaps I'll surf some Japanese websites for pakuto-magikku.

[Forgottenprince]

Prof Nardi,

Just wanted to say thanks for using my review on your site! I noticed that I made a glaring grammatical mistake that should probably be corrected on your site.

Part of the first sentence under epic stuff should read "as well AS epic advancement."

My wife's always said I need an editor....

Let us know when we can review the product on Paizo's system, I'll put an improved review there now that I've had time to absorb the material.

...I'll have my wife check to make sure I haven't shamed myself again...

Thanks
FP

[Dario Nardi]

Forgottenprince wrote:

Prof Nardi,

Just wanted to say thanks for using my review on your site! I noticed that I made a glaring grammatical mistake that should probably be corrected on your site.

Part of the first sentence under epic stuff should read "as well AS epic advancement."

My wife's always said I need an editor....

Let us know when we can review the product on Paizo's system, I'll put an improved review there now that I've had time to absorb the material.

...I'll have my wife check to make sure I haven't shamed myself again...

Thanks
FP

Back from Minneapolis. Not as cold as I expected. But then I didn't spend more than 1 minute at a time outside.

ForgottenPrince, thanks for noticing the typo. I've fixed it. I kept all the quotes anonomous but with links to here and elsewhere (mostly here for now). I hope that's OK with everyone who has commented on the book.

My password into the Paizo uploading system isn't set yet. I suppose that gives me time to colorize my Kobold Quarterly PDF advert instead.

OK, time to sleep.

[Matthew Morris]

Good morning Dr. Nardi,

I'm still working my way through the book, reality keeps intruding on my fantasy time.

My only concern with the tome so far are some possible references to closed content. In and of itself it is a wonderful book.

[Dario Nardi]

Matthew Morris wrote:

Good morning Dr. Nardi,

I'm still working my way through the book, reality keeps intruding on my fantasy time.

My only concern with the tome so far are some possible references to closed content. In and of itself it is a wonderful book.

I strove to walk the fine line between suggestion and reference. Because D&D has so much history, I found it hard not to use some ideas. This is a general response to this thread's readers, rather than just you Matthew, in case I sound like I'm stating the obvious or am off-track.

Here are some cases people might wonder about. First is "Mana, Beholder of Lost Magic." By her physical description, one might think "beholder." And beholders are closed content unique to WotC. But beholder can also mean someone who beholds, and that is what she does in the story (and for eternity). Similarly with Forty-Two, Hollow Eyes, Kaylos, and so forth. Kaylos is inspired from Wish Master, but his story is completely different and I never use the term wish master. Similarly, there is a picture of a warforged, but I don't call it that. And there is a Living Flame, which is a LG organization that might remind some folks of an organization in Eberron. It's history and focus is different, and the name differs sufficiently copyright-wise.

Other times, some people might wonder if something is closed content, but it's not. For example, most of the outer planes and their properties predate D&D (if not the English language).

The general approach to the book was vetted by two lawyers who also play D&D, and they counseled that I was on safe ground as long as I followed certain parameters. I hope I did!

All this said, if you suspect there is something that might infringe, please by all means feel free to contact me at [e-mail]. I've sold half of the 1st print run, and can always make a (minor) change for the 2nd run if that's warranted.

In the meantime, I glad to hear it's entertaining you. :-)

[Evil Genius]

I ordered a copy a few days ago... Can't wait to see it!

[Peter Robinson]

I thought Pact Magic was one of the most interesting additions to the game I have seen. Hopefully, I can play a binder soon. I will definitely order this book. Any chance it will be offered at amazon.ca for us Canadians?

You may also enjoy other vestiges found in:

Tome of Magic
Dragon Magic
Dragon #341
Dragon #357
Dungeon # 148
Articles at WOC, including "Designing Your Own Vestige"

[Dario Nardi]

Peter Robinson wrote:

I thought Pact Magic was one of the most interesting additions to the game I have seen. Hopefully, I can play a binder soon. I will definitely order this book. Any chance it will be offered at amazon.ca for us Canadians?

Amazon is a useful and familiar way to reach people but their take is quite large. Counting shipping to their warehouse, I lose $2 on every book sold on Amazon. At first, I decided against selling with them, but several people contacted me expressing their desire, so I relented and chalk up the lose as an advertising/marketing expense. Amazon.ca would be a larger money pit. :-( Someday if I enter the big leagues (and print in China) then Amazon and Amazon.ca (and Amazon.uk) will make more sense.

Paizo update: I've emailed Lisa again about finalizing the last step to getting Secrets of Pact Magic, and any other products, into Paizo's store. I imagine she has been a little busy.

[Matthew Morris]

Dario Nardi wrote:

Kaylos is inspired from Wish Master, but his story is completely different and I never use the term wish master.
<snip>
In the meantime, I glad to hear it's entertaining you. :-)

Actually it made me think of an old Twilight Zone (remake) with Ron Glass and Sherman Helmsley. Helmsley's character accidentally summons a demon and he says if he can come up with a question he can't answer or a task he can't do he'll let him go. He'll even let him ask three questions.

"I get to ask three questions?"

"Yes. And that's one."

"Wait, I didn't mean it to-"

"Sam, Sam, Sam... 'Evil', remember?"

That said, I like that vestige a lot.

[Dario Nardi]

Matthew Morris wrote:

Actually it made me think of an old Twilight Zone (remake) with Ron Glass and Sherman Helmsley. Helmsley's character accidentally summons a demon and he says if he can come up with a question he can't answer or a task he can't do he'll let him go. He'll even let him ask three questions.

"I get to ask three questions?"

"Yes. And that's one."

"Wait, I didn't mean it to-"

"Sam, Sam, Sam... 'Evil', remember?"

That said, I like that vestige a lot.

LOL! I'll have to find that episode. Thank you for sharing. "Evil, remember?" Love it.

[amethal]

Its an excellent book.

I like it that there are benefits to doing well on a binding check. My 20th level Tome of Magic binder doesn't bother rolling any more for most of the vestiges in the book, but would still do so under the Secrets of Pact Magic system in the hope of a "critical success".

I also like that it covers so many areas. Epic rules, organisations etc. are all here.

I am a bit worried the extra complexities above and beyond those in Tome of Magic might be a bit daunting.

Also, the requirements for some of the spirits are a bit steep. If you want to "specialise" in the thief "domain", it requires blowing an awful lot of skill points on cross class skills to be able to summon all the thief spirits. These skill points are effectively wasted - one rank in open lock is no use when an average lock is DC 25.

(Of course, unlike in Tome of Magic you can still bind to spirits even if you don't meet the requirements, but not as well so not so much fun.)

In both books there is an "Ignore requirement" feat, but I think the class loses a lot of flavour if you take it. However, you pretty much have to in Secrets of Pact Magic if you want to have a reasonable selection of spirits you can bind with competently.

[Dario Nardi]

amethal wrote:

Its an excellent book.

I like it that there are benefits to doing well on a binding check. My 20th level Tome of Magic binder doesn't bother rolling any more for most of the vestiges in the book, but would still do so under the Secrets of Pact Magic system in the hope of a "critical success".

I also like that it covers so many areas. Epic rules, organisations etc. are all here.

I am a bit worried the extra complexities above and beyond those in Tome of Magic might be a bit daunting.

Also, the requirements for some of the spirits are a bit steep. If you want to "specialise" in the thief "domain", it requires blowing an awful lot of skill points on cross class skills to be able to summon all the thief spirits. These skill points are effectively wasted - one rank in open lock is no use when an average lock is DC 25.

(Of course, unlike in Tome of Magic you can still bind to spirits even if you don't meet the requirements, but not as well so not so much fun.)

In both books there is an "Ignore requirement" feat, but I think the class loses a lot of flavour if you take it. However, you pretty much have to in Secrets of Pact Magic if you want to have a reasonable selection of spirits you can bind with competently.

Hi amethal, Glad you are enjoying the book. I wish I had time to play a binder to 20th level, or even to 10th level! It's been all play testing and convention games for months.

I've found that some players (usually the min-maxers) embrace the added complexity of tactical bonuses and synergy of abilities between multiple spirits, while other players largely ignore these options and go for role-playing the personality shift and interaction with favored enemies and allies. During play-testing, when I saw both of these player types at the table, I wanted to be sure they both had material to draw upon. That said, a couple of people have commented that the book is bigger than they thought it would be (as in, it's not a 96-page supplement, or even a 228-page supplement), and it felt daunting to get into it.

Regarding the thief constellation of spirits, you can take the Focal Constellation (thief) feat. This negates the penalty associated with not meeting binding requirements of thief spirits and it boosts the binder's level by +1 for the purpose of adjudicating the effects of their granted abilities. Perhaps this is more useful at lower levels. At higher levels, you can take the Thief Pact feat (page 95), which has the earlier feat as a pre-req and unlocks several new granted abilities such as improved invisibility. Since feats are a scarce commodity (except for the Spirit Binder class), it's a trade off, but I think it can be a worthwhile path to take. And one can always take a flaw to pay for that first feat.

The issue of binding requirements is tricky and involved some judgment calls on my part, which may or may not work for everyone. In the end, I use skill rank requirements for mostly (mostly) lower level spirits. Here were some issues I considered:

First, some folks dislike the binder because they feel it allows a player "to be all classes." In theory, maybe. In practice, not so much. PCs tend to latch onto their favorite spirits (for various reasons). Nonetheless, I felt it was useful to mechanically discourage an "I can do everything" attitude, at least at lower levels.

Second, I wanted to keep the lower level spirits relevant and interesting even at higher levels, and I wanted to create a feeling such as, "I can't bind this 1st-level spirit very well right now, but later in my career I will be able to if I work at it." One way was offering a capstone ability for a "critical success" at binding. Another way was skill requirements. Skill points are a scarce commodity, and yes, spending 2 points for 1 rank in a cross-class skill can be annoying. Fortunately, there is a finite number of these requirements -- less than seems at first blush.

Third, I wanted to delimit characters thematically and to help balance the various binder classes. In the case of Open Locks, only the Foe Hunter has that class skill, and letting some classes be a little better at one spirit over others encourages differentiation without mandating it. Other classes, like the Pact Warrior, are limited both by slower access to the spirits and also by a smaller pool of class skills. This means that a Pact Warrior (a fighter / binder in medium armor, with best BAB and a great sword) is less adept at pactmaking compared to a Spirit Binder (the quintessential binder, in studded leather with a mace and mediocre BAB) even when they are binding the same spirit.

I realize these reasons and my choices might not work for everyone. As mentioned in the Game Tools chapter, I encourage GMs to add or remove elements to better meet the power level and style of their campaign. I don't recall if changing binding requirements is one of the suggestions, but it might be.

In retrospect, I am unhappy with the Ignore Binding Requirements feat. I might (might) instead offer a feat such as Occult Training that allows you to spend 5 points toward skills that are listed as binding requirements. Or I might ease the requirements by making them less mechanical and more flavorful (why have 1 rank in Open Locks when "all you need to do" is bring a set of thieves tools -- stolen from a thief!) Gee, maybe that's good content for the upcoming e-letter to all you pact magic folks!

[Peter Robinson]

Dario Nardi wrote:

Peter Robinson wrote:

I thought Pact Magic was one of the most interesting additions to the game I have seen. Hopefully, I can play a binder soon. I will definitely order this book. Any chance it will be offered at amazon.ca for us Canadians?

Amazon is a useful and familiar way to reach people but their take is quite large. Counting shipping to their warehouse, I lose $2 on every book sold on Amazon. At first, I decided against selling with them, but several people contacted me expressing their desire, so I relented and chalk up the lose as an advertising/marketing expense. Amazon.ca would be a larger money pit. :-( Someday if I enter the big leagues (and print in China) then Amazon and Amazon.ca (and Amazon.uk) will make more sense.

Paizo update: I've emailed Lisa again about finalizing the last step to getting Secrets of Pact Magic, and any other products, into Paizo's store. I imagine she has been a little busy.

Thanks - I will order from Paizo.

[amethal]

That's excellent. I missed that aspect of the Focal Constellation feat. That makes everything ok again

Constellations are one of my favourite parts of the book.

As for the class skills thing, I'm only interested in the Spirit Binder, so it never occurred to me to look at the class skills of the other classes. Doh!

Still, its such a damn big book that I can't be expected to take it all in at once :)

[JustaPlayer]

.
.
.
I got my book in the mail the other day. It's great! Many cool ideas in there. If you currently play or have an interest in playing a binder, this book is a must have.

[Matthew Morris]

Ah ha! found it on You Tube. Hard to belive it's over 20 years old.

Ron Glass Twilight Zone

[Dario Nardi]

Matthew Morris wrote:

Ah ha! found it on You Tube. Hard to belive it's over 20 years old.

Ron Glass Twilight Zone

Awesome!!! And some interesting sociological messages embedded in there as well. Moral of the story: just say ... [I won't spoil it for others]... to the disco stylin' black man offering flatteries. And of course, Hell is built on capitalism. ;-)

Anyone else who's reading this... a humorous role-model of devil behavior there.

[Sean Paus]

Dario Nardi wrote:

I should be able to make a PDF available soon. I've just been snowed under with my day job. The hardcopy book is also now available on Amazon, but it's 'out of stock' until my stock arrives to them!

Just curious about the status of the PDF. Any ETA?

Sean

[Dario Nardi]

Sean Paus wrote:

Dario Nardi wrote:

I should be able to make a PDF available soon. I've just been snowed under with my day job. The hardcopy book is also now available on Amazon, but it's 'out of stock' until my stock arrives to them!

Just curious about the status of the PDF. Any ETA?

Sean

Sean Paus, honestly I'm at a loss. I've emailed Lisa multiple times to finalize the last step (putting my name into the Uploader system). I signed and mailed all the paperwork. Shrug. I know they're all busy (I myself work 7 days a week, 12-16 hours a day). But it's been 5 weeks. :-( Shed tear.

[JustaPlayer]

Dario Nardi wrote:

Sean Paus, honestly I'm at a loss. I've emailed Lisa multiple times to finalize the last step (putting my name into the Uploader system). I signed and mailed all the paperwork. Shrug. I know they're all busy (I myself work 7 days a week, 12-16 hours a day). But it's been 5 weeks. :-( Shed tear.

Well, if no Paizo.... Have you tried DrivethruRPG? I mean if you can't sell it here, it's Paizo's loss. This is a really great book. I hope you do well so that we can see more..... Much more.

[Forgottenprince]

Dear Paizo Powers That Be,

I know you guys have a ton of stuff on your "plates" right now, but I really think Prof Nardi has a wonderful product that can benefit Paizo. Since he already has a 3.5E product and plans to make a 4E version, I feel (admittedly unaware of your financial status) that it will be a definate asset to your business regardless of which edition you chose to publish under. Please give his request to sell products through your website all due consideration.

Sincerely,
FP

[Dario Nardi]

Secrets of Pact Magic (d20) PDF is NOW AVAILABLE right here at the Paizo store!

http://paizo.com/store/downloads/radianceHouse

Thank you forgottenprince and others. I think we now know why Paizo has been so busy recently... and if you want your fix of more D&D today, 336 pages of fantasy goodness are only a few clicks away :-).

[janxious]

Dario Nardi wrote:

Secrets of Pact Magic (d20) PDF is NOW AVAILABLE right here at the Paizo store!

http://paizo.com/store/downloads/radianceHouse

Thank you forgottenprince and others. I think we now know why Paizo has been so busy recently... and if you want your fix of more D&D today, 336 pages of fantasy goodness are only a few clicks away :-).

That's great! I'm not gonna buy it again... but that's great!

[Dario Nardi]

The contest is on! Design and submit your own spirit/s (vestiges, anima). Win votes. Get yourself in print.
:-)

[Tobias]

Dario Nardi wrote:

The contest is on! Design and submit your own spirit/s (vestiges, anima). Win votes. Get yourself in print.

:-)

I just posted my first entry.

Moy, The Uncaring Queen

[Dario Nardi]

Tobias wrote:

Dario Nardi wrote:

The contest is on! Design and submit your own spirit/s (vestiges, anima). Win votes. Get yourself in print.

:-)

I just posted my first entry.

Moy, The Uncaring Queen

Tobias's write-up is definitely a professional and entertaining entry. Everyone who runs a binder practically has one more option as of this morning!

[Fabius Maximus]

Hoi Dario,

I read through the preview material on your website and have a question: How can a Warlock profit from the Supernatural Exchange feat? The class does not have spell levels as such.

[DeadDMWalking]

Anyone know if Professor Nardi has made it to Gen Con? If so, where is he located?

I wasn't able to find him today, and a friend and I both want to pick up this book in person if possible.

[Mercucio]

Prof.,

Just borrowed the book from my brother, and the first thing I noticed is your vivilor have the wrong BAB. Outsiders receive Good BAB (=HD) but you've calculated it using Average BAB (=3/4 HD).

[das schwarze Auge]

I ordered recently and picked mine up from the mailbox yesterday. Read through the first sections yesterday. Very nice. Weighty. You're certainly getting your money's worth in terms of paper. The print quality seems very good--no smeary magizine-type print you're seeing from some publishers today. Illustrations nothing to write home about, but they are relevant and appropriate, and at least they aren't animesque. I definitely prefer to get more material than some cheesy eye-candy, so I'll certainly not complain about the art. Initial perusal very positive. Well done.

I pre-ordered Villains of Pact Magic at the same time I order this, and I have no doubt I'll be just as pleased with that tome.

My only regret was that I was not able to purchase through my FLGS.

Very impressive, overall. Keep up the good work, Mr. Nardi.

[Matthew Morris]

Add me to the pre-order crowd for the Villians of Pact Magicb both book and PDF. (Wish it was hardcover, oh well)

Torn in that I want a PDF of SoPM, but don't wnat to pay that much for a PDF :)

Next non-PS game I run, I'm going to have a Binder BBEG.

[Coridan]

Buying this now in the hopes of making a pact magic character for "Council of Thieves" adventure path. I have ToM and loved the Binder in concept, but wasn't particularly thrilled with a lot of the vestiges, I look forward to seeing what a book dedicated to the concept can do.

[Matthew Morris]

Coridan wrote:

Buying this now in the hopes of making a pact magic character for "Council of Thieves" adventure path. I have ToM and loved the Binder in concept, but wasn't particularly thrilled with a lot of the vestiges, I look forward to seeing what a book dedicated to the concept can do.

You won't be disappointed. I definately want to use binding in my game after reading it, and am eagerly waiting to delve into VoPM.

[Coridan]

This book is awesome. I can't wait to play a Spirit Binder in Council of Thieves. I love the one spirit that allows you to JUMP INTO SPACE.

Also it looks pretty easy to replace "Atlan" with "Azlanti" for Golarion ^^

[VedicDragon]

Dario,
Thank you again for your fantastic offerings in the d20 'verse and for giving a free download of conversion tips for PFRPG.

I have been using much of your mechanics and creating/converting vestiges to my Vedic-Indian setting. As such, we are 'upgrading' our game to PFRPG rules and I have found it a relief that your content is largely unchanged. The suggestions provided should definitely forestall any snags and provides me a metric to go by for converting the original Tome of Magic data as well.

I will be posting updates in my campaign thread, including the various vestiges employed and those that have been "re-fluffed" for a Vedic Fantasy background. Secrets and Villains of Pact Magic have become unexpectedly two of the most often resourced books used in my game, and due to certain flaws taken, a failed/botched binding check of a hugely powerful spirit has had dramatic effects on my settings' plotline.

Here is the Campaign Journal I am working off of, which will be updated shortly to encompass far more data

Thanks again for your quality work!

[joela]

Dario Nardi wrote:

Snorter wrote:

Glad to see WOTC didn't object to the mechanics, but just got protective of their term 'vestige'. This gives hope that other third-party publishers can still produce material compatible with D&D rules outside the SRD.

Not sure how much hope. Pact magic is an unusual case. The presentation in Tome of Magic lifts heavily from the public domain: The Lesser Key of Solomon and related sources dating to 1563 AD and afterward. ToM copies the source material right down to the physical layout. Literally, the original stuff gives a name, title, brief overview, legend, ceremony, manifestation, physical and physiological effects, a list of four to six abilities, you name it. I simply applied a d20 mechanic to public domain material.

Is Secrets of Pact Magic closed content as Tome of Magic? Or are any parts Open Content? It looks like the former to me from the player's handout.

[Paul Watson]

joela wrote:

Dario Nardi wrote:

Snorter wrote:

Glad to see WOTC didn't object to the mechanics, but just got protective of their term 'vestige'. This gives hope that other third-party publishers can still produce material compatible with D&D rules outside the SRD.

Not sure how much hope. Pact magic is an unusual case. The presentation in Tome of Magic lifts heavily from the public domain: The Lesser Key of Solomon and related sources dating to 1563 AD and afterward. ToM copies the source material right down to the physical layout. Literally, the original stuff gives a name, title, brief overview, legend, ceremony, manifestation, physical and physiological effects, a list of four to six abilities, you name it. I simply applied a d20 mechanic to public domain material.

Is Secrets of Pact Magic closed content as Tome of Magic? Or are any parts Open Content? It looks like the former to me from the player's handout.

According to the OGL boilerplate for Secrets of Pact Magic, "All game mechanics and statistics are to be considered Open Game Content. The Radiance House logo, and all significant characters, character names, organisation names, stories and artwork herein are copyrighted by Dario Nardi."

So you couldn't use "The Atlan Explorer's Club" a part of the OGL, but you could use a similar organisation which allowed access to the "Overmind" spirit. As I understand it and IANAL.

[joela]

Paul Watson wrote:

Is Secrets of Pact Magic closed content as Tome of Magic? Or are any parts Open Content? It looks like the former to me from the player's handout.

According to the OGL boilerplate for Secrets of Pact Magic, "All game mechanics and statistics are to be considered Open Game Content. The Radiance House logo, and all significant characters, character names, organisation names, stories and artwork herein are copyrighted by Dario Nardi."

So you couldn't use "The Atlan Explorer's Club" a part of the OGL, but you could use a similar organisation which allowed access to the "Overmind" spirit. As I understand it and IANAL.

Thanks, Paul!

[Mairkurion {tm}]

I'm setting my sights on these Pact Magic books. Maybe for my birthday.

[Urizen]

I've been swinging back and forth over it, but as to whether it'll ever get used is another story. Then again, I buy a lot of stuff I never use. Oh, what the hell. Take my credit card. :P

[joela]

Urizen wrote:

I've been swinging back and forth over it, but as to whether it'll ever get used is another story. Then again, I buy a lot of stuff I never use. Oh, what the hell. Take my credit card. :P

Smart man ^_^

[Urizen]

Haha

But seriously, from the Tome of Magic that WotC released, the Binder was the only class that I cared for. I couldn't get my head around the Truenamer (even though I understand the origins from which it is taken from, but the role playing part can get kinda wonky), either. I just wish that the whole book was focused on the Binders as there could be literally tons of vestiges to come up with. And then I saw Dario's stuff. Keen-O, I tell myself.

[joela]

Urizen wrote:

Haha

But seriously, from the Tome of Magic that WotC released, the Binder was the only class that I cared for. I couldn't get my head around the Truenamer (even though I understand the origins from which it is taken from, but the role playing part can get kinda wonky), either. I just wish that the whole book was focused on the Binders as there could be literally tons of vestiges to come up with. And then I saw Dario's stuff. Keen-O, I tell myself.

It is awesome even if you never use it. Looks at his War of the Burning Sky and Ptolus: City of Spires hardcovers and just sighs.

[Urizen]

Who are we kidding. Why do we buy all of this stuff when I barely get outside the core books in the first place? It's a disease, I tell ya. :P

[joela]

Urizen wrote:

Who are we kidding. Why do we buy all of this stuff when I barely get outside the core books in the first place? It's a disease, I tell ya. :P

Disease = disease. Damn straight!

[Mairkurion {tm}]

I'm with you, Urizen, on what attracts me to Dario's work: it looks like it scratches the itch that ToM only tickled.