So, basically, whenever my PC's come across some books they always want to know what's in them. I don't see a way to include books that doesn't take forever for me to sit and figure out the contents of all books my PC's run into, especially when it becomes larger collections of books, like a library for example.
Anyone got some good advice on how to deal with this?
One way would be to make it generic. Each book could be related to one of the 10 knowledge checks. Roll a d12 to determine which one. 11-12 would be works of fiction or art. Only give specific info if it's required.
Thanks for the reply.
I do this sometimes when it's not so many books. For example, if they find a book about goblins it might give +2 to any knowledge checks against goblins. But if they find, for example, around 300 books, this gets harder to do. The best way I see right of now, would probably be something like that but add that most of the books are uninteresting.
You could also grab a list of book categories, such as this page from Wikipedia comparing Dewey Decimal vs Library of Congress classification systems, to give yourself a starting point for brainstorming. You can almost use the Dewey Decimal version as a d1000 roll...although it might be good to dump it into Excel first, and replace anything too modern (computer science) with stuff that ought to exist in a magical universe (arcana etc.).
Depending on how rare or common books are in your campaign world, you should have an idea what the basic genre of the books found are. If the books are found in a wizard's lab, describe them as full of arcane notes, magic theory, component acquisition strategies, etc.
Found in a princess's room? Romance novels, books on etiquette, royal history, etc.
Basically, the books should make sense for where they are found.
Also, keep in mind that 99% of books should not bestow a bonus, and those that do should require lengthy times of studying (perfect for the down-time in between adventures.)
In the Ultimate Campaign book there's a room you can purchase that is a Repository. Essentially it's an entire room full of books, scrolls, maps and other references devoted to a single knowledge skill. This might be a good reference.
There are also fantasy book generators online. There's a thread on these forums about silly/interesting books and writings that can be found. Finally if the tomes are old/damaged enough they may be unreadable.
Another thought is to change up your libraries. 300 books is kind of insane but I can see it in a noble estate or somehting. If you're talking a modest found library though, why not mix up what's on the shelves? One shelf might be lead paperweights with graphics of goblins; another shef has books on the subject; still another shelf has preserved goblin parts and a disection graphic; finally the last shelf has several scrolls and maps detailing historical lairs (now defunct...or are they?)
In the end the whole thing grants a +2 to any roll having to do with Knowledge: Local (goblins) but it does so in an interesting manner and presents possible plot hooks as well.
Lots of fun books listed in this thread:
http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pq11?100-Books-Found-in-the-Strange-Library#1
I might suggest making a 1-page list of books, and sticking it in the back of your "game materials etc." folder.
@Cintra Bristol: Great idea, thanks a lot! Will probably use it a bit, replacing the modern stuff with something more fitting if I roll it.
@Tormsskull: Well, yes. Thanks.
@Mark Hoover: Great idea on having other stuff in the bookshelves, will definitely use that. And 300 isn't insane really, it just depends on the context. Thanks a lot!
@Owly, that list sure is great, but sometimes it just doesn't fit in a context. I will surely use some of the books though, thanks man, great thread.
@Torbyne Also a great idea, which I surely will use. Thanks!