(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TgShFJFbL._SS500_.jpg)
So, WoD people are going to be more angsty than normal. :D
It will be curious to gauge the reaction from the WW boards and such.
Wasn't Monte done with RPG design & stuff for a while? Or does that happen after this?
Quote from: Zachary The FirstIt will be curious to gauge the reaction from the WW boards and such.
Wasn't Monte done with RPG design & stuff for a while? Or does that happen after this?
This was one of his two final projects set to come out after announcing his retirement from the field. The other is an adventure module that Goodman Games is publishing, IIRC.
Quote from: Zachary The FirstIt will be curious to gauge the reaction from the WW boards and such.
Wasn't Monte done with RPG design & stuff for a while? Or does that happen after this?
last year he mentioned that he had one more big rpg project to complete before he went into novels an such. I'm guessing this was it.
I like the way it doesn't say what it is - WOD is there in big letters, but whats that(and it could be W.D, I guess - is that skull an O if you don't know it is)? Well, okay, it says in tiny letters.
But Monte Cook? BIG LETTERS!!!
I think they may think he's a feature.
If I've ever read or used anything by Mr. Cook, I'm not aware of it. But I know his name is spoken of in reverential tones by some, and the fact that he's gracing us with one last RPG before he "goes into novels"? Wish I could just "go into novels". Somehow its not that easy for me. :)
So, what's he done that I might know about? And not as a team-member, but just him alone.
I have no idea what "third Edition revised rules" means. DOes it mean d20? Or does it mean the oWoD system?
Hey, so finally it's out. I can hear the cries of the scions of dimness 'til here...
And I kinda like the cover. Apart from the rock star designer title. Monte certainly knows his D20 system and if he's doing a job as suited to the "genre" as he did with Chtulhu D20, I might even look into playing a katana-wielding vampire again ;)
Werekoala, just take a look at the Pen & Paper entry (http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showcreator&creatorid=2) for Monsieur Cook. He's worked on the third edition, is listed as the author of the DMG and has done quite a few adventures, most of them quite alright. He's also done his re-imagining of D&D with "Arcana Evolved" (ex-Arcana Unearthed), heavily based on Stephen Donaldsons books. (So he's certainly no stranger to angsty suffering)
Quote from: joewolzI have no idea what "third Edition revised rules" means. DOes it mean d20? Or does it mean the oWoD system?
It's the only legal way to say "based on D&D 3.5". You're not allowed to use the D&D trademark for advertising your own game...
Quote from: WerekoalaIf I've ever read or used anything by Mr. Cook, I'm not aware of it. But I know his name is spoken of in reverential tones by some, and the fact that he's gracing us with one last RPG before he "goes into novels"? Wish I could just "go into novels". Somehow its not that easy for me. :)
So, what's he done that I might know about? And not as a team-member, but just him alone.
Well, 3E was a team effort. His
Book of Eldritch Might was one of the early classics in 3rd party support for the new edition. He's also the guy who put PDF publishers on the map (though the efforts of S. John Ross should not be ignored on that front). I'm rather fond of Cook's
Arcana Evolved/
Arcana Unearthed line of products.
Ptolus is too rich for my blood but everyone I know who has a copy has liked it.
And his publishing company is named after one of the best one shot villains to ever appear on the
Superfriends. That's got to count for something.
Quote from: Mcrow(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TgShFJFbL._SS500_.jpg)
So, WoD people are going to be more angsty than normal. :D
Awwwwww shiiiiiiiiit....That is going to put the cat amongst the (angsty, eyeliner wearing) pigeons. ;)
EDIT TO ADD: Of course, attentive people could have seen this coming. Monte Cook has gone on record in the past as saying that the D20 system is the only one he's really interested in working with these days.
Quote from: WerekoalaIf I've ever read or used anything by Mr. Cook, I'm not aware of it. But I know his name is spoken of in reverential tones by some, and the fact that he's gracing us with one last RPG before he "goes into novels"? Wish I could just "go into novels". Somehow its not that easy for me. :)
So, what's he done that I might know about? And not as a team-member, but just him alone.
Ptolus
Arcana Evolved (several related books)
Book of Hallowed Might I, II& III
Complete Book of Eldritch Might
Arcana Unearthed (several related books)
Chaositech
The Diamond Throne
The Banewarrens
Requiem for a God
Eye for an Eye
Demon God's Fame
The Winds of Mystery
A Paladin in Hell (TSR)
Champions in 3D (Hero)
Glass Prison (D&D Novel)
many dudgeon, dragon, and game trade magazine article
Had a major role in over 30 other gaming products.
Fair to say whether people like him or not, he is one of the more popular game designers of recent times.
Does anyone know any details about the book ? I'm definitely getting it...but some details would be nice.
Regards,
David R
Quote from: Mcrow(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TgShFJFbL._SS500_.jpg)
That cover art is weird. Imagine seeing it before the logo and cover blurb was added. Does that look like a World of Darkness cover? It looks post-apocalyptic to me. And why is there that strange vortex of
light on a product about
darkness? Also, is the official name of the game really
Monte Cook's WoD? Try pronouncing that. Inside, see Monte Cook's wad! Or maybe the word in the circle is WPB, since someone felt the logo needed extra lines in strange places.
Quote from: WarthurEDIT TO ADD: Of course, attentive people could have seen this coming. Monte Cook has gone on record in the past as saying that the D20 system is the only one he's really interested in working with these days.
It's been old news over at the WW forums (http://forums.white-wolf.com/viewtopic.php?t=55594) for a while now.
Silly you, it's the new recipe book by Monte Wød, famous norwegian cook!
Learn how to prepare a perfect lutefisk in only 21 days (note: actually learning only 1 day).
Quote from: David RDoes anyone know any details about the book ? I'm definitely getting it...but some details would be nice.
Regards,
David R
There really is no info on what it's about.
As Jeff pointed out, it looks post apocalyptic. Maybe a "after the bomb" version of WoD?
Quote from: McrowMaybe a "after the bomb" version of WoD?
Could be - all Vampire Hunter D or something.
I was thinking of a sorta Wraith style malestrom from the picture.
Isn't this how Florida looks like?
Quote from: McrowMaybe a "after the bomb" version of WoD?
Now I'm really interested.
Regards,
David R
Quote from: Erik BoielleI think they may think he's a feature.
Mr.Cook certainly believes he is.
RPGPundit
Takes one to know one, aight? ;)
Hey, my point is just that if the RPGPundit is looking at a guy and saying "wow, he's pretty conceited", then that guy (warranted or not) must be have a serious imperial shitload of conceitedness.
RPGPundit
Quote from: McrowMaybe a "after the bomb" version of WoD?
Not quite... (http://forum.rpg.net/showpost.php?p=7342187&postcount=30)
For me the one that sealed the deal was when Cook put his own name above the logo of Iron Heroes. Maybe that was a smart business move, but it still looks like hubris to me.
Out of curiosity, what second career is it that Monte's planning to move on to? Surely he didn't make so much cash as to retire to Aspen?
Quote from: RPGPunditHey, my point is just that if the RPGPundit is looking at a guy and saying "wow, he's pretty conceited", then that guy (warranted or not) must be have a serious imperial shitload of conceitedness.
Well, there's certainly an increasing cult of personality in the last few years of gaming. But it's a bit hart to separate marketing from actual Paris-Hilton-ness. He founded his own company, so his name (as a contributor to D&D 3) was certainly a big factor. Which made his name even more well known. Most other studios have some big personalities, too, but they're usually hidden behind the company name.
From his blog posts and design diaries, he seems pretty down to earth. But as they say, you never know a GM until you killed his Mary Sue character...
Quote from: Pierce InverarityOut of curiosity, what second career is it that Monte's planning to move on to?
Writing fantasy fiction, I think.
Apparently, here's the synopsis:
QuoteA World in Darkness
One year ago, eldritch horrors of cosmic malevolence called the Inconnu attempted to destroy our reality. They failed, but the attempt left the world in rapidly-darkening shadow. Dead souls returned to claim living bodies, creating blood-drinking undead fiends: vampires. Bestial spirits came as well, to create werewolves, and demons formed bodies from worldly matter. Magic crashed back into the world, and mages wield its power for whatever purpose suits them. Humans called the Awakened unknowingly keep the darkness at bay. These supernatural creatures struggle against each other and clash in the shadows, most attempting to destroy the world, but some few fighting to preserve it. And over it all, the Icconu {sic} still lurk, squeezing the world like an eggshell.
The World of Darkness Re-Imagined {tm}
This book includes a complete setting: a new vision of the World of Darkness.
* Characters play as vampires, mages, werewolves, demons, or Awakened. They wield frightening supernatural powers against their own kind.
* The world is the one we know, but now much darker: destruction in the central US, nightmares coming to life, and beasts roaming shattered cityscapes.
* Uses the most popular roleplaying system in the world.
ISBN: 978-1-58846-467-5 || Stock #: WW51000
Retail Price: $49.99 US || Page Count: 300+ hc
Authors: Monte Cook, Luke Johnson
RPGPundit
The "awakened"? My virtual boner is pointing downwards again...
Quote from: jrientsWriting fantasy fiction, I think.
Really? I guess he did make enough money, then.
PS: "The Inconnu"? How gauche.
Quote from: jrientsAlso, is the official name of the game really Monte Cook's WoD?
Has anyone coined the term "WoD20" yet? 'Cause if no one has, I totally call dibs on it!
!i!
Quote from: Ian AbsentiaHas anyone coined the term "WoD20" yet? 'Cause if no one has, I totally call dibs on it!
!i!
I'm afraid Google says its prior art:-
http://boards1.wizards.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-581641.html
frex
D'oh! Yeah, it seemed too easy. :(
!i!
Quote from: SosthenesThe "awakened"? My virtual boner is pointing downwards again...
Hey! It's always more fun to role-play characters that aren't asleep.
- Q
Quote from: Pierce InverarityPS: "The Inconnu"? How gauche.
Well, it's always nice to see another oWoD reference, although these creatures probably aren't anything like the vampire sect that went by the same name.
Interesting. It sounds a lot like the very, very earliest imaginings of A Song in the Dark, when it was still just a fusion of Rifts and oWoD.
Mind, I basically abandoned that approach years ago for a more focused angle, but I'd be curiosu to see what he does with it.
Quote from: jrientsFor me the one that sealed the deal was when Cook put his own name above the logo of Iron Heroes. Maybe that was a smart business move, but it still looks like hubris to me.
I get the impression it was more sales-motivated than anything else. The bloke is one of the biggest names in the hobby, and like many successful authors it's his reputation that he now trades off of. Unlike many successful authors though he can still back it up with quality product.
Personally I'm lukewarm to the idea, but I abandoned WoD in all its incarnations many years ago.
i'm sure my local Borders will get a copy. i'll flip through it there. but $50 retail? that's a bit steep for a niche product like this.
and that cover logo is a big minus as well :what: an ego. . . .
Quote from: DrewI get the impression it was more sales-motivated than anything else. The bloke is one of the biggest names in the hobby, and like many successful authors it's his reputation that he now trades off of. Unlike many successful authors though he can still back it up with quality product.
Exactly. His is one of the few names in the gaming industry that can sell products in large numbers. It's the same kind of thing where Spielberg's name is above the titles of his movies. It's not hubris, it's marketing.
I used to like the WoD setting, but hated the rules; I always said that if I were to run WoD would be with some D20 variation, so Monte's new book seems promising, I'm looking forward on seeing it.
Quote from: Erik BoielleBut Monte Cook? BIG LETTERS!!!
Looks fine to me. Fiction publishers do this all the time, putting 'Steven King' and 'Tom Clancy' in big bold letters, often to the point that you can't even see the title unless you get *real* close.
Lots of people buy based on the author, just like lots of people vote straight Republican. And if you think about it, it really is a better gauge to the actual qualities of the book than the title or the company logo, don't you think?
The only problem I can see is that this WoD has nothing to do with either the oWoD, or nWoD, and there ARE going to be people who think it does, and they will either get the book and be pissed, or avoid getting the book entirely. Who cares if this has been clearly discussed at length online? There's a HUGE number of gamers, perhaps even the majority, who don't bother with RPG chats.
I'm really curious to see how well this does as I don't see the point to it.
Quote from: chaosvoyagerThe only problem I can see is that this WoD has nothing to do with either the oWoD, or nWoD, and there ARE going to be people who think it does, and they will either get the book and be pissed, or avoid getting the book entirely. Who cares if this has been clearly discussed at length online? There's a HUGE number of gamers, perhaps even the majority, who don't bother with RPG chats.
I'm really curious to see how well this does as I don't see the point to it.
I'm pessimistic. The WoD fans will hate it because it uses the 'Heathen d20 system' and the d20 players will hate it because it is 'angsty WoD crap' so it will become the new red-headed stepchild of mainstream RPGs.
I always kinda liked the World of Darkness!
I'll probably check this out.
Quote from: jeff37923I'm pessimistic. The WoD fans will hate it because it uses the 'Heathen d20 system' and the d20 players will hate it because it is 'angsty WoD crap' so it will become the new red-headed stepchild of mainstream RPGs.
To me, this cover screams "post apocalypse hackfest" with no angst whatsoever.
Also, Cook's re-imagination of the World of Darkness could very well be what would have made the nWoD a more successful line -- something more akin to the new Battlestar Galactica.
Dirk
likes the nWoD better than the old one, anyway
(from reading only, hasn't played either)
I'll have to agree with Dirk. When I first heard "Monte Cook's WoD" I thought this will either be a d20 version or a more fun World of Darkness, i.e. a mix of all the existing elements (vampires, werewolves, mages) in a coherent action-oriented game world. This would've been possible even with the nWoD rules -- and going that way, recruiting WoD-only players would've been possible, not to speak of interesting.
And I certainly done't share the pessimism about D20 players refusing to play in the WoD. They're not an uniform mass (I'd say WoD-ites are more like that), and kicking vampire ass (or being one) is fun, no matter what. Especially if you're a vampire ninja.
Thinking on it more, I'll be interested in seeing how Monte adapts the freeform magic of Mage into the d20 framework.
Magery, Shmagery, I want to know whether a vampire with a katana can cut a tank in half ;)
Quote from: SosthenesMagery, Shmagery, I want to know whether a vampire with a katana can cut a tank in half ;)
...or whether a tank that fires katanas can cut a Methuselah in half. :D
A tank firing katanas! The final puzzle piece I needed for my variant WW II game!
Quote from: SosthenesA tank firing katanas! The final puzzle piece I needed for my variant WW II game!
Kevin Siembieda's War in Europe!Thrill to the Mega Damage, Choke on the History!Coming Soon!
Quote from: DrewI get the impression it was more sales-motivated than anything else. The bloke is one of the biggest names in the hobby, and like many successful authors it's his reputation that he now trades off of. Unlike many successful authors though he can still back it up with quality product.
Exactly. Same thing happens with people like Sid Meier (of
Civilization and
Pirates! fame), or Tom Clancy (the Jack Ryan saga, Rainbow Six novels and videogames, etc). Putting his name in the title boosts sales.
Has anyone read if WoD20 is going through the supplement treadmill? I realize Cook's done dealing after this but I'm sure there'll be quite a few people who would carry the torch.
I know Monte Cook's a very big name among gamers who keep track of game designers, but I don't know how common that is outside of the hardcore. I suspect it's not all that common.
I also think that just having "WOD" rather than writing out the whole thing is strange, considering this seems like a product intended to bring in players who do not currently play the World of Darkness games.
Quote from: RezendevousI know Monte Cook's a very big name among gamers who keep track of game designers, but I don't know how common that is outside of the hardcore. I suspect it's not all that common.
As far as industry names go he's probably the best known of contemporary designers. Of course for people whom don't care who writes their books it won't really register, in much the same way as a non-cinephile won't give a shit about Robert Rodriguez or Ridley Scott.
QuoteI also think that just having "WOD" rather than writing out the whole thing is strange, considering this seems like a product intended to bring in players who do not currently play the World of Darkness games.
It appears to be aimed squarely at the crossover market rather than at new gamers. Fans of d20 curious about the World of Darkness will be drawn in by the author, whilst fans of White Wolf with an interest in d20 will be attracted by the setting. Undoubtedly there is at least
some intersection of interest between customers of the world's top two gaming companies, and this book looks to exploit that.
To be honest I never thought I'd see something like this happen, but now it's here I'm glad they went for it. Roll on Exalted d20...;)
Maybe the awakened will be the WW/d20 psychic class.
We have :
- Vamps
- Weres
- Mages (spellcasters)
- Demons
- Awakened
All that is missing is psionists. One class in d20 I have always loved.
The newest teaser says awakens are 1% of Humanity's population, and the main reason the world was not destroyed. Whoa.