A quick look at my rule book shows that minus the empire, there are 79 pages to rules. A look at the table of contents in the players guide shows that there is 105 total, minus the empire background. That's 26 "new" pages. What exactly is in there? If you're going to say the usual stuff I've seen on the announcement page, save yourself the time and do not reply. I'd like some specifics. What is actual new information, or clarifications? I see in the table of contents a bit about the greatsword of hoeth and gromnil armor. I see that there is a new chapter, Modes of Play. Any insight there? Specifically with running social encounters?

I realize that reading the rulebook again is not exactly a priority, those that post here will most likely already know the rules, and if they do not have any problems with the core, they will be even less likely to read the guide. But again, please give me specifics.

Some of it is filler page stuff like art. So where in the main book a page might have been all rules it may (for layout sake) in the new book be 1/2 rules and 1/2 art.

It's 1/3 rules, 1/3 careers, 1/3 talents/actions.

I think it's going to be GODSEND for my group, which was kind of pissed earlier this year with our campaign b/c there was nothing for players to take home to work on characters. If they don't like this book, they can suck it!

jh

I listed this in another thread, but the Player Guide clarifies/changes that talents socketed to party sheets remove a recharge token at the end of every round in addition to possibly spending a fortune point. (page 26)

It has some freeform suggestions of more things for comets, chaos stars, boons and banes to mean, particularly in skill checks where there aren't menus for them already (for my part, the boon/bane list is one I'm using only with doubles of each and I've resorted it a bit).

I think the "social class optional rule" is new.

Better explanation of no-spam-healing rule (still not as clear as it could be as two entries need to be read together, but at least they're in same section on facing pages).

I browsed the book today at my LGS. There are a number of changes, most are minor "clarifications" that are, in ways, additions. The "codification" of bane/boon universal results are a serious help to clarify arbitrating rolls and adding new dimensions in some ways. There are a dozen or so smaller side bars which clarify a number of minor rules and help deal with issues such as Fatigue/Stress in story mode and its duration etc.

They are not entirely necessary for someone who is resourceful with a system. However, I do feel for new gamers, they are very, very important to help run the mechanics. It's enough "new" information that I would consider it almost a second edition. Closer to a 1.5 in terms how much the clarifications put some issues to rest. Of course, that is when I compare it to games such as LO5R and others whose new editions are pretty much the older edition, with a few balance clarifications and additional information. I feel that some of the "clarifications do this." The initiative mechanic clarification comes instantly to mind.

Also, at first I saw no need for the comprehensive tables, but after looking at them they are nice. My only real complaint is the Talent pages needed way more improvement. They are listed horribly. There is not enough visual to tether them to the page with a somewhat messy bullet point to list the set icon. They tried to cram them into 2 or 3 pages so they are simply long lists. That's one thing I wish they would have done differently.

I also think the new character sheet will put traditional RPG players to rest. It is a very standard character sheet. It's really well done. I even showed it to a friend of mine from out of town who is hesitant over the components and he took one look at it and said, "see now that makes me comfortable. I understand that sheet." Roll my eyes, but oh well, to each their own.

The GM guide however, if you have everything to date, you don't really need. I also couldn't find the rules for Wands, casting over your level, etc that can be found in WOM and SOF. I am curious why they omitted it other than to sell more of the other sets.

I did not spend long enough with a copy, but am getting one soon so I can't really add all sorts of details yet. I should get mine tomorrow, so I'll post more then.

hope this helps.

Good Gaming,

Commoner

Thank you. I have no interest at all in the talents, actions, or career sections. That is why I focused my question on the chapters that deal specifically to rules.

Hopefully I can get it soon.

commoner said:

This was enough for me to consider (and in fact buying) the players guide, and i have to say I'm not disappointed. With your quick review Commoner, I at least knew what I was getting into... Cheers

I try not to think about how much it costs for those small clarifications which (hopefully for others without the guide) will shortly end up in the FAQ or with the players guide available as a PDF for a much reduced cost...

They really do add to the game and the appendices do look like useful reference material for my players, providing its relatively accruate! The book is of a good quality too and "feels" nicer to read that the core books.

Plus dis anyone notice they "fixed" the spear?

I also got the GM's vault, just because I convinced mysefl I needed more dice, some plastics stands and a basic set of action cards for myself as GM!

I'm going to add in the wound cards, miscast cards etc to the existing cards packs i have, doubling up cards in some instances, but that level of imbalance that brings to some of the decks doesn't bother me.

All in all I'm happy with both buys.