Yes, I know it's a question that's very subjective. Still, it doesn't invalidate the question.
I have two favorites, for very different reasons.
The Teratic Tome, because it is amazing to behold (both in print and PDF). The unspoken setting behind many of the creatures presented must be brutally amazing. Did I mention the art is awesome and there are so many creatures I want to find ways to sneak in Rappan Athuk?
The second is the Tome of Adventure Design. I really should do a post a week, creating adventure locations and the like using the table in this book. The amount of inspiration in this book is beyond my ability to quantify - lots doesn't come close. Get it in dead tree format if you get the chance - there is nothing like flipping through this book to make you want to run a game session.
Now, despite my two picks above, I am sure there are numerous other choices that are just as worthy, if not more.
What are your picks?
Eight Votive Species - Echoing Stars
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A brief description of eight species or life-forms encountered amongst the
Echoing Stars. In every case it is assumed the life form or its biosphere
entire...
4 hours ago
Realms of Crawling Chaos. Hands down.
ReplyDeleteyep, that's certainly near the top
DeleteI would definitely place Tome of the Adventure on the top of that list. Monstrosities is up there, but I still think I enjoy its little predecessor The Monster Book the best. Magical Medieval Society is a fantastic resource. I think GURPS Mystery and Horror are top notch. If I go old school City-State of the Invincible Overlord is just awesome. I think I could go on for a while, but those are the ones that popped into my head right away.
ReplyDeleteVornheim. Accept no substitutes.
ReplyDeleteBy 'supplements', I assume you aren't referring to core rules and adventures, correct?(If you are, Labyrinth Lord and the new Dungeon Crawl Classics specific DCC Adventures [#69 The Emerald Enchanter, # 70 Jewels Of the Carnifex, and #74 Blades Against Death rock especially hard; I need to get the two newest to see if the line continues going from strength to strength....] are the front runners.) Discounting those, Vornheim: The Complete City Kit is King of the Mountain. Most useful product to come down the pipe in ages.
ReplyDeleteIt really can't be beat for ease of use, general utility, and as a source of inspiration. I mean, the concise overview of the eclectic City of Vornheim(Primal Weirdness with a dash of sardonic Fairy Tale sensibility for seasoning and undergirded by standard Fantasy tropes)and its evirons, intriguing NPCs, quick neighborhood/building generators, cool random tables("I Search The Body" and "Random Magical Efects" are particular favs), 3 fun and well designed adventures, commentary from the I Hit It With My Axe Crew, some hilariously crazy fortunes that are a blast to incorporate into your game, (actually)simple chase rules, suggestions to speed up equipment purchases, etc... There's something for everyone in this 64-page Catalog of Awesome. It really needs to be reprinted, though.(Especially given that its characteristic drop tables naturally work better as a book!)
Carcosa. And Tome of Adventure Design.
ReplyDeleteBarrowmaze.
ReplyDeleteIn no particular order:
ReplyDeleteVornheim
Theorems & Thaumaturgy
Weird Adventures
Majestic Wilderlands
Deviant Database
Realms of Crawling Chaos
Adventure Design Deskbooks I & II (the originals, not the Tome)
White Box Heroes
B/X Companion
D30 DM Companion
Philotomy's Musings
Docs' Barsoom Supplement
The original Carcosa pdf
I could go on. . .
Tomb of Adventure Design, Carcosa, D30 DM Companion, Realms of Crawling Chaos, Deviant Database, B/X Companion
ReplyDelete