Comments on: Tested: Ultimate Toolbox

By: MadBrew

MadBrew — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:08:51 +0000

@Gleichman: There are two weather tables and four environment hazard tables that might interest you, but they are truly random. For instance, “Blizzard worse than most local folks can remember” and “Long term rain has reduced the road ahead to mud and puddles” are on the same table.

By: MadBrew

MadBrew — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:33:45 +0000

@The Recursion King: And I didn’t even use all the tables for that section. While I usually have a very vivid description of primary locations in my head already, I have been using this book to quickly outline alternative locations where the players may go. I also use it to pre-gen several NPCs before each session, just in case the PCs make a point to talk with some “extra” put into the scene.

The book has been instrumental in allowing me to roll with the unexptected stuff players do, which seems to be a constant.

By: MadBrew

MadBrew — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:21:09 +0000

@Gleichman: I don’t have the book in front of me, but I’ll check as soon as I get home. I believe I saw some weather stuff in the Environment section of chapter 2. I’ll post a reply as soon as I find out.

By: gleichman

gleichman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:10:30 +0000

Anything there on weather? Charts perhaps for different areas of a world?

By: MadBrew

MadBrew — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:56:36 +0000

@Bonemaster: That’s why I like Amazon; I can always get stuff on the cheap.

@Wimwick: Production values, it is always something I neglect to mention, so thanks for the question.

The book is a 400 page perfectbound softcover. The cover is done with a matte finish and is cardstock (much like many splatbooks), so this isn’t something I’d use as a cutting board. The interior is all black and white with minimal artwork. Though I really do like the pen & inkwash style of the artist, Jonathan Hunt (who I believe also did the interior work on the original Toolbox). The pages themselves are crammed with tables, not much space is wasted. There were some editing mistakes, but the utilitarian nature of the information makes those mistakes negligible.

The part I’m always concerned about is the binding, but I’ve carried it my bag and thrown this book all over the place for more than a month and the binding is still perfect. The cover has only received minor nicks and dents along the edges.

The production values are not anywhere close to a product like the Alpha Omega books, but I don’t get the impression that corners were cut either. It is a whopping 400 softcover tome of information and will wear like one.

By: The Recursion King

The Recursion King — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:23:50 +0000

I’m very interested in this book, that was a great example you created with its charts, I could see that being a good backdrop for a series of encounters.

By: Wimwick

Wimwick — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:39:22 +0000

Sounds like a great resource. Thanks for providing the review. I like that the book is system neutral and designed to provide idea’s and structure.

While you reviewed the contents, what are the production values like on the product. As you mentioned the price tag is fairly hefty and while I’m sure the content is worthwhile, it would be nice to know that the physical product itself has been published at a good standard.
.-= Wimwick´s last blog ..Skill Challenge: Babysitting the Brats =-.

By: Bonemaster

Bonemaster — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:38:29 +0000

Sounds cool. Sadly something like this item is just not in the budget right now.