Castellan's Guide to Arms and Armor

DaveyB · Post by **DaveyB** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 5:43 pm

So I notice this is on sale for $5.00 from the TLG sale on the front page. I have always toyed with buying it as I like weapons/armor/equipment books, so my question is for those who have it; is it worth it? I already have the old Palladium book "Compendium of Weapons, Armor, and Castles" from way-back-when. If anyone could post a few "preview" pics if they have it, I would be greatly appreciative! Thanks!

Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 8:11 pm

If your interested in some weapon histories you may like what Seig wrote up, but as far as game mechanics goes, I personally felt no desire to give them a try.

So if you want a wide range of weapons with the SIEGE damage range already done for you, then this book is worth getting for $5, other than that, I doubt you'll like it.

Personally I go to my Palladium book or Kenzer's Goods and Gear before I even think to reference this book.
_________________
The Ruby Lord, Earl of the Society

Next Con I am attending: http://www.neoncon.com/

My House Rules: http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... llordgames

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 3:52 am

There are some neat things in the book, and it is more "historical-minded" than many other books on a similar subject. And, of course, it is specifically intended for use with C&C.
_________________
If it matters, leave a message at the beep.
Serl's Corner

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Tue Jul 06, 2010 12:06 am

There's some good info in it...definitely worth the $5, in my opinion.*

* - I am, in no way, associated with Troll Lord Games.

_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.

moriarty777 · Post by **moriarty777** » Tue Jul 06, 2010 2:22 am

It's a great resource and at $5, you can't beat the price.

Personally, I have the Palladium Weapons books (the split up version as opposed to the compendium) and I love them and I would be loathe to give them up. However, I really enjoy the Arms & Armor book and it's unfortunate to see that it looked like TLG dropped their plans to do more in the series (this volume only covers the Early Medieval Period). Had TLG decided to continue the series, I truly believe it could have been a benchmark to beat. This is not a fault of the product and it stands very well on its own.

In my opinion, as a C&C accessory, I find it pretty hard to beat.

M
_________________
"You face Death itself in the form of... 1d4 Tarrasques!"

Partner to Brave Halfling Publishing
http://www.arcanacreations.com

Vroomfogle · Post by **Vroomfogle** » Tue Jul 06, 2010 4:12 pm

I agree it's a really cool book and definitely worth the paltry $5.

I also have the Palladium Compendium (Weapons, Armour, & Castles) which is also excellent and worth getting (I think you can buy the individual PDFs of the Weapons series).

For folks who want to have an exhaustive list of all types of weapons these supplements are perfect (so is Tunnels & Trolls for that matter).....on the other hand, in C&C since really the only thing that varies is damage and the occasional weapon specific rule, it's really more for the flavor and weapon descriptions than for any rules.

Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Wed Jul 07, 2010 1:23 pm

Actually we'll pick this series back up next year. Mike expressed a desire to work on other projects and this type of material is right up my alley so I'll take over as head writer on it. We'll expand it and give Peter a free hand on the art. This is of course assuming the CKG is ever completed...haha

Steve
_________________
The High Lord, Coburg the Undying

He who sits on the elephants back

Castle and Crusade Society
troll@trolllord.com

DaveyB · Post by **DaveyB** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 1:50 am

So I've been eyeing up Goods and Gear. For someone who plays C&C or other D&D editions, is this a worthwhile pickup? I see it's only $15 as a PDF, although I'd rather have the hardback as it originally was. Any mini-reviews from anyone who has it (Treebore)?

sieg · Post by **sieg** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 6:43 pm

For clarification, I'm continuing to work on the Castellans Guide to Castles & Dominions... Its just that post 12th century A&A just isn't my field of knowledge (or frankly interest).
Mike
_________________
Always remember, as a first principle of all D&D: playing BtB is not now, never was and never will be old school.- Tim Kask, Dragonsfoot

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 10:48 pm

sieg wrote:
For clarification, I'm continuing to work on the Castellans Guide to Castles & Dominions... Its just that post 12th century A&A just isn't my field of knowledge (or frankly interest).
Mike

So I'm assuming that the A&A series is going to end at one?
_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 10:51 pm

Not if you read Steve's post where he says it will continue next year with him as the primary author...
_________________
If it matters, leave a message at the beep.
Serl's Corner

Sir Osis of Liver · Post by **Sir Osis of Liver** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 12:18 am

I like CGAA. It stays at my table when I run games.

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:45 am

Great book/resource . . I'd say it's a "MUST HAVE" for CKs (to show 'em what those weapons and armor look like) with new or younger players!

_________________
Count Rhuveinus - Lejendary Keeper of Castle Franqueforte

"Enjoy a 'world' where the fantastic is fact and magic really works!" ~ Gary Gygax

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes:" - Macbeth

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 8:04 pm

Rhuvein wrote:
Great book/resource . . I'd say it's a "MUST HAVE" for CKs (to show 'em what those weapons and armor look like) with new or younger players!

Agreed.
_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 9:53 pm

DaveyB wrote:
So I've been eyeing up Goods and Gear. For someone who plays C&C or other D&D editions, is this a worthwhile pickup? I see it's only $15 as a PDF, although I'd rather have the hardback as it originally was. Any mini-reviews from anyone who has it (Treebore)?

It's a pretty decent book actually. If you can find a copy of Aurora's Whole Realms Catalog then you might pick that up instead for pure whacky/cool flavor and inspiration, but you could do worse than Goods & Gear. My major complaints with G&G is a lack of artwork and an uninspired writing style that is a bit too textbookish for my tastes. The actual information within is quite handy.

DaveyB · Post by **DaveyB** » Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm

I picked up an "Excellent+" condition Aurora's Guide off of Ebay for $25. Hopefully it will be here in a couple of days. Since it's meant for Forgotten Realms, how compatible is it with other worlds, such as Greyhawk or Mystara? I would assume it's as easy as substituting names and what-not, as the mechanics are pretty much all the same, correct?

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:39 pm

Yes, you just change names and locations. Done. However, some worlds might not suit a magic shop outlet mall...
_________________
If it matters, leave a message at the beep.
Serl's Corner

Aladar · Post by **Aladar** » Tue Jul 13, 2010 8:10 pm

I had Aurora open up a branch office off world (into a different dimension), thus the Greyhawk shop was opened. She is planning on expanding into other cities in the Flanaess as time progresses, and maybe even the rest of the continent of Oerik. At least in my game.
_________________
Lord Aladar

Warden of the Welk Wood

Baron of the Castles & Crusades Society

The Poster formerly known as Alwyn

Senior Gamer - Member of the Senior RPG Tour

"NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT - At least not in Yu Gi Oh"
http://www.cncsociety.org/

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:20 am

DaveyB wrote:
I picked up an "Excellent+" condition Aurora's Guide off of Ebay for $25. Hopefully it will be here in a couple of days. Since it's meant for Forgotten Realms, how compatible is it with other worlds, such as Greyhawk or Mystara? I would assume it's as easy as substituting names and what-not, as the mechanics are pretty much all the same, correct?

I must have gotten lucky then, as I picked one up a couple of weeks ago for 9.99 (I was the only one that bid on it) in darn close to near mint condition.

It's very compatible. I wouldn't port the shop idea over wholesale, but if the characters go to a glassmaker, for example, I will reference the section(s) of the book that deals with glass (lab supplies, for instance). I plan to use the book foor when characters go to shops in my world (as opposed to putting an Aurora's in my world).
_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.

hedgeknight · Post by **hedgeknight** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:23 am

Aurora's is one of my favorite booklets! Chock full of goodness and can be used anywhere with some minor tweaks!

FASAfan · Post by **FASAfan** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 6:23 pm

Cross-post from another Arms and Armor thread...
-----------------------------------------------------

Since the thread's already here, thought I'd ask...

1.) So a Spatha does 1d8+1 (pg. 16), with an additional +1 when used by a mounted warrior. Just making sure that +1 in the text under "Intent" didn't get accidently added to a standard 1d8.

2.) Had to read carefully, but according to the text on page 4, there is a functional difference between a Birnie and a Byrnie.

I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this one because of the similar spellings, and thus, pronunciations (I assume). When I search online, Birnie/Byrnie seem to be the same thing.

What gives? Is there any chance this is a misprint or "artistic license"?

sieg · Post by **sieg** » Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:31 pm

Hey,

Sorry about the late response....don't post much over here anymore due to the !@#$ banners.
1. That + 1 is the only onethere is no +1 plus +1 to make +2.

2. Looks like a typo snuck in. The Burnie is a chain mail shirt with sleeves that only go over the bicep but stops about halfway from shoulder to elbow. It also has a skirt that goes down to just above the knees. The Birnie, on the other hand, has no sleeves at all (stops at shoulder point-collarbone end) and goes only as far down as to cover the groin but that's it. Mostly the latter is made as an adjunct to overplates such as a coat of plates or similar.

HTH,

Mike
_________________
Always remember, as a first principle of all D&D: playing BtB is not now, never was and never will be old school.- Tim Kask, Dragonsfoot

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 6:18 pm

Just out of curiosity, what is Polish Hussar armor?
_________________
C&C is new school gaming with old school flair!

Frost · Post by **Frost** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 6:50 pm

It's badass is what it is:

_________________
Lord Frost

Baron of the Pitt
Castles & Crusades Society
The Dungeoneering Dad

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 6:56 pm

Check six baddassness.

~O
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

DaveyB · Post by **DaveyB** » Fri Oct 08, 2010 6:33 pm

That is some ostentatious armor to be sure. Can't imagine prancing around the battlefield in that, but hey, someone obviously did! That being said, can anyone who has this book tell me if it includes weapon speed for those that like the old weapons speed rules affecting initiative? Thanks!

Eisenmann · Post by **Eisenmann** » Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:36 pm

DaveyB wrote:
That is some ostentatious armor to be sure. Can't imagine prancing around the battlefield in that, but hey, someone obviously did! That being said, can anyone who has this book tell me if it includes weapon speed for those that like the old weapons speed rules affecting initiative? Thanks!

Imagine men in that armor riding in your direction with the sound of the wind humming through the feathers. Some of those men are holding two handed swords meant for use from horseback and others are drawing from their brace of pistols. There's no prancing.
And negative on weapon speed.

GameOgre · Post by **GameOgre** » Sat Oct 09, 2010 1:23 am

For $5 its a sweet deal!
_________________
Baron Golden, Knights of the Tin Palace (GameOgre)

Subscriber to Crusader Magazine!
http://www.cncsociety.org

Sir Ironside · Post by **Sir Ironside** » Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:29 am

DaveyB wrote:
That is some ostentatious armor to be sure. Can't imagine prancing around the battlefield in that, but hey, someone obviously did! That being said, can anyone who has this book tell me if it includes weapon speed for those that like the old weapons speed rules affecting initiative? Thanks!

Well they where pretty BADASS!
_________________
That is SIR! to you!

Vetterix · Post by **Vetterix** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 12:08 am

The armor Frost attached looks to be mid 16th - mid 17th century "Winged Polish Hussar" armor, a period the Polish Hussar were heavy cavalry. The Polish Hussar were indeed "bad asses" often considered the finest cavalry in the world for more than a century.

The Polish Hussar are still considered romantic figures to many Poles (in large part I have been told as they kept they kept the Turks and Russians out of Poland during their time). I suspect that any Polish C&C players running a Knight would be dressed in that armor...

Other than decoration (which I admit is fantastic) the armor is typical of European heavy cavalry half/three-quarters plate of the era. Not as heavy as German field plate of a century earlier, but superior metallurgy (given the period).

If ever in Warsaw, there are several excellent examples in the Polish Army Museum.
_________________
"Remember, there's always something cleverer than yourself."