Troll Lord Games

I've been thinking about what kind of products I'd like to see the Trolls and other RPG publishers put out. I'm good to go on the rules set, so I don't see a need for a CKG II. We've got lots of monsters. I'll buy the new Airdhe campaign setting stuff when it comes out, but I really don't need more settings. I've got more than I know what to do with anyway and I usually end of doing something homebrew since learning someone else's setting feels like doing homework. That leaves modules. I don't think I really want more modules. It's hard for me to get too excited running other people's adventures. There's the homework factor, plus I don't feel like I'm fully engaged and participating when I run the game. It feels more like being a referee with limited creative input. I think I would struggle long-term if I only ran published stuff. So, what I want is stuff that makes it easier for me to write my own adventures. I already steal from modules, but my point is I don't need a whole module. I don't really need adventure seeds, either. I can steal from modules or consult Insidae for that. What I need are cool encounter ideas to develop. For example, I was reading a module review at 10footpole.org today and the review mentioned an encounter with a floating, glowing ball of snakes. Now, that I can use! I don't need to see the reviewed module to run with that idea. I can dump it into any dungeon I'd like. Or maybe it's coming down the hall at an inn where the PCs are staying for some reason. Either way, it's cool and useful. So, I'd guess I'd like to see publishers put out more stuff like that. Screw the cowbell. I needs me some more floating, glowing balls of snakes!

You know what would be cool? Improving on the PHB. I know that the book is made "in the spirit of the AD&D PHB," but this book could really benefit from some more detail. An index for the love of pity, equipment descriptions (no one would know what a godentag was if it hadn't been discussed here), resorting spells in complete alphabetical order and adding caster class / level (to make spells easier to find), adding school of magic information to spells, more combat rule details/improvements, etc.

Then refine the CKG.

In short, rather than new products, make the existing products even better.

Of course, with 3 versions of the PHB on my shelf (not counting white box), I shouldn't even be suggesting this...

The Hellfrost setting for Savage Worlds is just such a product. I agree, I'd love to see something exactly like that for C&C.

And a C&C Rogue's Gallery.

redwullf wrote: In short, rather than new products, make the existing products even better.

Ya, I'd love to see the existing C&C books sans errors. I was disappointed in the 5th printing of the PHB in that regard, and all the monster books need serious work (esp. M&ToA).

I'd like to see a Creature & Hero's companion to the Of Gods & Monsters. Detailing all the stuff from those pantheons.

I'd like to see the frikkin demons and devils book.

All interesting. Would have been more so back a while ago when I was posting these exact questions...

Oh well.

Good thing I gave up writing for C&C.

serleran wrote:Good thing I gave up writing for C&C.

Considering how long they have gone NOT printing things you wrote long ago, thats more an acknowledgment of reality than anything else.

Treebore wrote:I'd like to see the frikkin demons and devils book.

+1

R-

What would I like to see? I will preface this with saying that I tend to go the 'other way' with certain ideas and am the guy who bought the splatbooks in 2e. With that. . .

* Revised and expanded PHB that includes the spells not used from the SRD and equipment descriptions.

* Revised and expanded M&T that includes all SRD monsters and treasures.

* An SRD for C&C.

* A gazetteer for New Aenoch.

* Occasional supplements that expand on the core game.

* Free web updates of the changes between printings of the core books. (i.e. rules changes and errata)

Kreider, Hellfrost author, Paul "Wiggy" Wade-Williams, is a fan of C&C. It's been awhile since I've e-mailed him, but there was talk (quite some time ago) of converting some of the existing HF adventures to C&C. A couple of people familiar with both C&C and Savage Worlds were working on the project, I think. I would imagine that Triple Ace Games is busy pumping out material for Savage Worlds and the Ubiquity system. Wiggy once mentioned doing some old school adventures for C&C, but it was a matter of finding the time to do so. I need to e-mail him again.

serleran wrote:All interesting. Would have been more so back a while ago when I was posting these exact questions...

Oh well.

Good thing I gave up writing for C&C.

Did ya ever get a chance to look at those whacked out carrying capacity tables in the CKG?

Rigon wrote:

Treebore wrote:I'd like to see the frikkin demons and devils book.

+1

R-

+2

Arduin wrote:

Rigon wrote:

Treebore wrote:I'd like to see the frikkin demons and devils book.

+1

R-

+2

+3

Dracyian wrote:

Arduin wrote:

Rigon wrote:

Treebore wrote:I'd like to see the frikkin demons and devils book.

+1

R-

+2

+3

I throw in to make it +4!

Lurker wrote:

Dracyian wrote:

Arduin wrote:

Rigon wrote:

Treebore wrote:I'd like to see the frikkin demons and devils book.

+1

R-

+2

+3

I throw in to make it +4!

I never allow more than +3 in my games.

Would like to see any needed corrections to, or refining of some of the aforemtioned books (including the ckg). Would probably be a little ways off for the main books, considering M&T and CKG aren't (I'm assuming) out of print. As I understand, those books will eventually see new cover art, logo, and full-color interiors. Whenever that time comes, a good comb over of those books wouldn't be a bad idea. As for other existing product, I'd welcome the return of the portrait gm screen with info from the phb, revised encumbrance, and perhaps those other 6-10 combat maneuvers from the ckg. Keep the original Peter Bradley art, as well.

Honestly, I'd prefer the books stay B&W, and the PHB return to B&W. I find the 5th printing harder to read with out cranking up the lights, and I'm underwhelmed by the color illustrations anyway. Besides, B&W maintains the old-school feel that C&C preserves for those of us who grew up on 1st ed.

I prefer the B&W, too. I don't like the colored pages which make it harder to read the print and I think the illustrations generally look better in B&W. I love Peter Bradley's art, either way.

I'll echo the B&W sentiment and add in that larger margins would be nice to scribble notes in.

I'd be fine with future printings going back to B&W as long as the price also goes back to $25.00. To keep the full color option available TLG could also use RPGnows POD option, for any future fans that just have to have full color. I still want them to do a full color M&T, though, just to have a full color "set". I just hope they do a better color selection, too much red/browns in the PH.

I like the B&W, as well. However, the Trolls probably have to think about the bigger picture. Some C&C customers aren't "old school". Every other competitor book they see is probably in color. I'm not saying that color interiors will put TLG ahead of Paizo and WOTC, but I believe it was a good move. I agree about the browns and reds in the phb, and a few pictures were darker than intended (the monk). Those probably need to be fixed for the next printing.

tylermo wrote:I like the B&W, as well. However, the Trolls probably have to think about the bigger picture. Some C&C customers aren't "old school". Every other competitor book they see is probably in color.

The sales growth in the P&P RPG business is in PDF's not dead tree versions. So Tree's idea is in alignment with the current market.

I can't disagree with that, but i bet color is more appealing to those who got in around 3.5, 4E, and Pathfinder.

From my last look at the local game shop several newer games have kept the B&W look and I have not heard many complaints about it.

tylermo wrote:I can't disagree with that, but i bet color is more appealing to those who got in around 3.5, 4E, and Pathfinder.

I'll take your word on that. I can't agree/disagree with that as I don't really know. Even my children got in when 2nd Ed was current.

Actually, I don't "know" anything (lol), but I do hear some people (locally) commenting positively about Paizo's art and production values. You're right about there being some newer B&W offerings. Particularly, from some of the companies who support other mainstream rpg systems (Savage Worlds, etc.) I'm happy with B&W or color, but a small part of me will miss the black and white pics in M&T.

You mentioned something I have to agree with; I do love the Pathfinder art. However, I find it appropriate for Pathfinder and not a semi-classic game. Then again, I have had a recurring fantasy about Pathfinder style art in C&C. Go figure.

I love Paizo! I own waaaay too much of their stuff!

tylermo wrote:Actually, I don't "know" anything (lol), but I do hear some people (locally) commenting positively about Paizo's art and production values.

No doubt. It is high quality stuff.