Conan: Tito's Trading Post (A Playtesters Review)

Neo

Mongoose
Okay.. latest books have come rolling in (Cheers Alex and Nick <g>)

So first new review..

CONAN: TITO's TRADING POST

conantito.jpg


This is a 96 page hardback, written by the very talented Vincent Darlage, indeed its nice that this relatively thin book gets a hardbound approach as many companies would have put out such a tome as a perfect bound..so kudos to mongoose on that front as I for one love the hardbacks. The Cover depicts a very seedy if somewhat chubby looking merchant "Tito" of the books title, showing his best selection of weapons and is proudly showing yhe viewer a fine steel blade.. indeed looking at it you can almost hear him saying "go ahead..feel the weight..I assure you no finer made weapon will you find anywhere for a thousand miles...a bargain at only.. how much did you say you had"? [/u] :)

The pages are laid out in the usual two column format, usual fonts for the conan sourcebooks Indeed the pages have the typical stylised borders and parchment appearance however unlike every book I have personally seen so far for the Conan line via playtesting (which is some but by no means all) this one is black and white and not colour.

The book is broken down into the following chapters

Introduction
Clothing and Equipment
Hyborian Age Weapons
Armour and Shields
War Machines
Unusual Items
Herbs and Poisons
Alchemical Items
Merchant and Craft Guilds
Hirelings and Slaves
Non Player Characters
License


Here follows a brief idea of what can e found in each chapter, first up is the Good and Services chapter. This chapter contains all manner of clothing from belts, cloaks, mqke up, loin cloths, tunics, turbans, animal skins and much much more all in all some 82 clothing items alone! Also in this chapter standard adventuring gear, backpacks, sewing needles, chalk, chain, spades, whetstones and so forth a fairly general selection of standard "handy" items. Next come the Siege tools selection, builders kits, hand bores, sappers kits, through to Standards can be found among those. Then come the Containers and Carriers that include everything from waterskins, barrels, iron pots through to sacks and pouches. Then the Illumination selection for those needing to see in the shadowy places, braziers, lamps, torches and the likes are among these items. Next the Class Tools and Skill Kits, essentially those items that are of most use for those with a craft or profession, everything from a bloodletting kit for a physician to thieves tools for your less lawful individuals. The next part of this chapter I liked personally it covers Comforts and Games here you will find not only a selection of toys and pastimes, but also the rules to play some of them. You'd think by now the book must be more than 96 pages..but there is still more in this chapter believe it or not! Property[/u[ is covered next and includes the costs of houses from a lowly hovel up to a Kings Castle...for those heroes who have managed to not spend all thier loot on beer and women and save enough to buy them (wierdos :) ) Then you'll find a brief mention of Spells for Hire for those who want to enlist the magical favours of those wierd, tainted and foreign scholars and priests who are willing to sell such services...though you can bet your life it will take more than money to get such services. Then there is Food and Lodging covering the costs of meals and drink from the specifics (chees, bread, wine etc..) to the generic (meals per day, banquet (per person) and so forth. Then Vehicles covers the Carts, Carracks, Wagons and Galleys commonly found for sale, which perhaps expectedly is folllowed by Mounts and Related Equipment to details the costs of horses, dogs, camels, warhorses and thier tack. Following on from this is a brief selection of Shemite Goods tito sells like a Coffee kit or nomads tent. The following section of this chapter is fairly interesting covering Buying Goods in Bulk essentially this is for those budding traders out there, it lists goods available by regions and thier prices, goods are listed as common, uncommon and Exotic, and this p[retty much completes the content of the first chapter alone!

The next chapter Hyborian Age Weapons here many weapons both simple, martial and exotic, which are in turn again sub divided into light melee, one handed melee, two handed melee, and ranged weapons in categories. Here everything from a Falme Knife through to an Arbalest or Flamberge can be found detailed. Discussion on the Strength application for bows can be found in this cahpter also as can Primitive Weapons that are found among some of the more primitive tribes of the world, simple bronze weapons and simple hatchets. Then a selection of Akbitanan Weapons is presented covering Poinards and Arning Swords, Sabres and Tulwars of akbitanan production who are experts in weaponsmithing. this is followed up by some selected Improvised Weapons always handy for the obligatory bar brawl and the damage for cups, flagons, vases and chairs can be found here. This is is followed up by the final sub section of this chapter Silver Weapons always useful for those with money to spare or a supernatural horror to confront.

The third chapter of the book Armours and Shield provides a plethora of armours for sale categorised into Light, Medium and Heavy selections but also the addition of a Helmet category, which is nice. among the light armours are Horse hide jerkins, and quilted jerkins as well as others, from the medium category breastplates, brigandine coats and scale corselets are presented, and from the heavy category many mail plus ??? combinations and plate armour as well as others can be found. Discussion on layering armour and armour qualities is also found in this chapter as well as the time for putting on and removing armour. Next here can be found the Shields there arent many but those there are are sensible. The final section of this chapter covers Horse Bardings, essentially any horse can have any armour available to a man it simply costs more due to the size and specialty of its design.

The fourth (no not the Forth... thats SST ;) ) chapter War MAchines is a must have shopping lists for those Warmongers out there hell bent on conquest.. yes you in the back there... :shock: Here the statistics and details of a selection of war machines can be found from a Stygian War Chariot and the like with rules on chariot movement and combat through to a section on more standard machines of war like Ballistae, Cauldrons, Ladders and Rams.

The Fifth chapter of this book Unusual Items is pretty much what it says on the tin a selection of not strictly magical but certainly odd or difficult to come by items that dont sit well in any other category like Animal Mummies, Black Candles of Set, Canopic Jars and Coffin Sarcophagi to name but a few. Some fo these can be found in the Stygia sourcebook so we didn't really see the need to repeat them here but here they can be found all the same, this chapter isnt particularly long but makes for an interesting read all the same.

That brings us next to the sixth chapter Herbs and Poisons fairly self explanatory in content this chapter details some 27 herbs thier type (weed, fruit, mushroom etc..), thier availability DC for those trying to find them and thier Features DC and effect for those who are trying to get the benefits from these herbs with thier Craft (herbalism) skill. Indeed some of these herbs can be downright useful from the Acacia that can be fund on the decidious trees of the same name that can be used to cure some damage to your hit points through to the likes of Mandrakes root that when harvested only under the light of a full moon can provide a batch which if prepared properly can boost the imbibers intellect for a time and provide resistance to magical attacks. It is not easy to harvest these nor is it east to bring out thier properties but for those diehard herbalists who take the effort they will be rewarded with benefits that can make thier lives easier and more importantly save thier and thier companions very lives. Next are detailed the Herbal Preparations of a more specific type and thier effects like the Black Draught, Opium Narcinthe and Love Potions to name but a few. It should also be noted that Lotus of all varieties and its effects are detailed in this chapter toobe it blossom, juice, powder or wine of all manner of colours and effects. Perhaps somewhat expectedly discussion on the addictive qualities of Lotus and other opiates and herbs can be foudn here too. This is followed be Natural Poisons thier use, effects, manner of delivery, danger of use, difficulty to produce or cost to purchase, indeed some 24 natural poisons are included the likes of Digitalis, Hemlock, Stonefish and Wolfsbane as well as many more.

Then we have our seventh chapter Alchemical Items here ytou will find discussion and costs for the process and requirements of outfitting an Alchemists laboratory, Archeronian Demon fire and its effects, Grave Dust, Guardian Orbs, Blue Devils Flame, Hellfire Puffballs and many other wondrous and hellish alchemical concoctions, thier cost and difficulty to produce.

In the eighth chapter Crafting Items you will fidn new and recapped rules for crafting for those who wish to produce thier own goods or gather thier own ingredients. Also here are rules for Complex crafting that require multiple skill check successes in order to produce various items. It makes for an interesting read and is nice and simple to use.

The ninth chapter Merchants and Craft Guilds discusses how guilds work, thier ranks, and benefits and although none are specifically detailed the intent is more to provide you the information and tools necessary to create your own. It is not a particularly long chapter but again the information is simple, useful and sensible.

In the tenth chapter Hirelings and Slaves the answer to all those "So how much does a 5th level Argosian Slave girl with a high Charisma" type questions will finally be answered ;) as details for various slave types and thier respective costs based on thier class levels can be found. indeed it isnt just based on levels which is nice thier attributes (no the others ones..her eyes are up here :D ) also affect thier price as they should. also here the costs of various hirelings from soldiers, specialists and craftment of varying ability can be found as well as details regarding hireling loyalty. Ever wondered just how far they will go for you for the paltry 3sp per day you pay your officer would go? now you will know for sure. Also details and when and how to advance your hirelings is discussed, which I felt was a nice addition.

Which brings us finally to the eleventh chapter Non Player Characters This is one of those really handy chapters (which would make a great download..nudge, nudge, wink, wink Mongeese ;) ) It details and provides statistics not only for the downright sinister looking Master Tito, Licensed Master Shipman of Argos himself, but also the statistics for a whole bunch of craftsmen and Merchants from the varying regions like Cimmerian Craftsmen, Shemite Swordsmiths, Argossean Merchants, Stygian Merchants and morec.. these are broken down into the quality and ranks provided in the Merchants and Crafts Guild chapter. These are all handy to use straight from the book when you need a generic merchant handy during play.

PRO'S
Okay so what are the pro's of the book, well it isnt huge but it does nevertheless contain and absolute mass of information all of which is useful to players and GM's alike. This is definitely one of those books that will find a lot of use from session to session at a table and gives players more options on what to spend thier loot on besides beer and women (once again..wierdo's :p ). The information onf crafting and merchant guilds, bulk buying and slaves and hirelings along with the expanded craftign rules in particular i found useful (and not only for Conan for those of you out there wondering if there is anythign that may be useful for other games). Also the addition fo the generic craftsmen and merchants stats was a nice touch and will no doubt prove useful to any GM caught on the sly and needing some details on a random merchant the PC's approach.

CON's As I say this book is largely all good though a few things stood out, namely the black and whiteness.. this is the only book i've seen for conan that isnt in colour inside (though there are no doubt others), but I must admit to a slight "awwww" when I opened the book as I was looking forward to the nice colour interiors I've seen up until now. Also the art inside is fairly spare, and what there is is pretty hit and miss. Of most annoyance was the few pictures in the weapons section etc.. that were supposed to illustrate a selection of weapons from those presented in the chapter, they were like pencil sketches and not very detailed. A decent line up illustration of the weapons and armours included would have been nice. Also the Merchants and Crafting Guilds section although short and useful in nature, I cant help but feel a few sample guilds provided would have been of use. And if my Chariots and War Machines can be detailed and rules for thier use provided then why is thier not statistical info (hp etc..) for my horses, wagons, galleys etc..? it may well be foudn in other books to some degree but for a book of this sort it would have been of more use re-presented here, also a little more selection on the properties front like how much does land itself cost? or what about a shop or tavern? or a farm? or tower? or warehouse? a dock? the list goes on. Other things like settlement info, populations, availability of goods, fluctuation of prices do to mass trade or circumstance (like war, famine etc..) would have been nice to be discussed, how much wealth and the max priced goods settlements can provide or purchase would also have been pertinent and handy for such a book. Also the NPC's section statistics for a selection of regional merchants and craftmen was nice but a selection of regional hirelings (soldiers, officers, specialists, slaves) would have been massively of use at the game table. However these ommission although useful do not mean the book as it stands is useless, indeed they would mostly only have added to what is already a good book.

OVERALL
Overall this is a nice book a little on the thin side and not quite as visually pleasing as other book I've seen in the Conan line.. It is as I have noted above a useful book that by its very nature will mean it will find plenty of use and useability at the table during sessions.

Indeed perhaps its only unforgiveable aspect is that it is the first conan product I have seen with a boob count of zero... I could have cried :cry: :D its not natural I tell ya!

Visability 5 out of 5 certainly not ugly but the art is sparse and hit and miss and its black and white, still it has the nice borders, parchment effect and a great cover so not all bad.

Content 8 out of 10 as noted above this book has a LOT in it for such a small book, but could have covered more so I took a point off from that. And I never give a book more than 9 for this anyway as there is always room for improvement whatever the book ;)

Structure 9 out of 10 some things are difficult to find and although small and index would have helped but most things are relatively quick to find once your in the right chapter.

Overall 8 out of 10 a very nice, very handy book that is an asset to GMs and players alike, expect to have this book thumbed through regularly..fortunately its sturdy enough to take the constant punsihment :) Another good book from Vincent, kudos man.
 
Sounds much more interesting than I first thought, when I initially heard of the project. And knowing that Vincent Darlage wrote it makes it all the better. However, I'm curious about the section "Comforts and Games." When are my wayfaring PCs going to sit down and play a rubber of Whist at the ole tavern? :D What kinds of games, pray?
 
RichardAshenden said:
Sounds much more interesting than I first thought, when I initially heard of the project. And knowing that Vincent Darlage wrote it makes it all the better. However, I'm curious about the section "Comforts and Games." When are my wayfaring PCs going to sit down and play a rubber of Whist at the ole tavern? :D What kinds of games, pray?

Rules for the following games can be found

Ninteen Squares
Seega (no not SEGA :) )
and Senet
 
How much of this book is actually reprinted material?

From your listing of the contents I can see that there seems to be a great overlap with existing books, including the main rulebook and the class books (Hyboria's Fiercest, etc.).

- thulsa
 
thulsa said:
How much of this book is actually reprinted material?

From your listing of the contents I can see that there seems to be a great overlap with existing books, including the main rulebook and the class books (Hyboria's Fiercest, etc.).

- thulsa

I couldnt speak for any reproduction of material from Hyboria's fiercest etc.. as I do not have those books, nor was I part of thier playtests.. however as far as the weapons, equipment and armour from the main rulebook goes all of it is in tito's plus a substantial quantity more in each section.
 
Neo said:
thulsa said:
How much of this book is actually reprinted material?

From your listing of the contents I can see that there seems to be a great overlap with existing books, including the main rulebook and the class books (Hyboria's Fiercest, etc.).

- thulsa

I couldnt speak for any reproduction of material from Hyboria's fiercest etc.. as I do not have those books, nor was I part of thier playtests.. however as far as the weapons, equipment and armour from the main rulebook goes all of it is in tito's plus a substantial quantity more in each section.

Seems I have to look into the book in a FLGS instead of ordering it via www...
 
there is one thing i won't understand....

this forum seems to be very active and full of people with (mostly) a "good sense for roleplaying". why is mongoose not using this forum for "testing" ?

why don't they ask the players what they want in a specific sourcebook?

i know i sound very naive....but why not? on this forum you find many "buyers" and can check the needs and oppinions. i don't think they should ask "what kind of sourcebook you want next?"...but they could ask "hey..we are working on a sourcebook about weapons and equipment. what stuff, features and editorial things you would like to see?"

perhaps even with the poll function like
weapons
other equipment
regional features
alchemy stuff
graphics of most pieces
stuff of the "daily life"
NPCs
other

i think it's a great chance....and they don't use it :(
 
Valaryc said:
why don't they ask the players what they want in a specific sourcebook?

They do have a forum called "What Should Mongoose Publish Next?":

http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=9


- thulsa
 
Valaryc said:
there is one thing i won't understand....

this forum seems to be very active and full of people with (mostly) a "good sense for roleplaying". why is mongoose not using this forum for "testing" ?

why don't they ask the players what they want in a specific sourcebook?

Well they wouldnt use it for testing as playtesting is not something everyone can do it is a skill specific job like any other and being a gamer is just the necessary component for testing, it is also having a good knowledge of rules, and concept of balance and workaable mechanics, improvements. Also an eye for the little details and ability to make correct calculations, that all to frequently get missed by the writers or the ever present copy and paste recurrence error. Simply put playtesting is not just about getting your name in a book or just getting a free book (indeed most US companies do not provide complementary copies for playtesting at all.. dont get me started on that point), but it is about ensuring the products you like are put out in the best shape and functionality they can be.

As for Mongoose not asking people what they want, well they may not ask direclty all the time (though certainly have on a few occasions), but what makes you think they dont read peoples posts stating what they would like to see? As I can tell you they do and frequently, but obviously there are not the time and resources available to provide everyone what they want all the time.

However this all said I fail to see what any of this has to do with Tito's or the review I posted? :)
 
Neo said:
(1)

Well they wouldnt use it for testing as playtesting is not something everyone can do it is a skill specific job like any other

...

(2)

As for Mongoose not asking people what they want, well they may not ask direclty all the time (though certainly have on a few occasions), but what makes you think they dont read peoples posts stating what they would like to see? As I can tell you they do and frequently, but obviously there are not the time and resources available to provide everyone what they want all the time.

(3)

However this all said I fail to see what any of this has to do with Tito's or the review I posted? :)

to (1)

ok..."testing" was the wrong word. to say it more economic..."check the needs" :) by the way...i don't think "playtesting" is so very special or difficult. i know you will say (and have said) something different....but hey...every "good player" with a good knowledge of rules, gaming flair and some "editorial knowledge" can do it.

to (2)

you have to say that ... loyalty gets you free playtesting stuff :)
but serious...i've read your review...and i think there are some things missing everyone thinks mandatory for an "equipment guide"...like picture of every damn weapon (yeah..tell me that every player knows every medieval weapon)...it's a kind of "must have" for the flair...stats for war machines etc... (insert your complete "cons" section). i think they could work a lot more specific and with less "errors" if they would check with the customers BEFORE they produce a product. look at the "map misery"... quite a while there is some "unrest" about that map misery....maps that don't fit to the description (across the thunder river)...maps with no legend and no similarity to the description of the setting (Vengeance of the golden skulls adventure from "messantia")...map problem with shadizar...and no one seems to care about it ! no one fired the "map artist" (i think it's an art to draw a map without a legend or numeral marks to find the room from the description...or to draw a map of a town near a river..without the river).

not every RPG has a forum like this...with a lot of "older players" (sorry guys...but with 34 i am one of your kind *g*) and lots of other players with some good and useful oppinions. they should use it. and i don't think they do.

the only exception is vincent because he likes to read some feedback about his (mostly) good work. but as we know...his influence on the whole product at the release is....slim.

to (3)

it has nothing special to do with your good review :) it was (and is) just my oppinion about using this forum for the better of the product line.
 
I will not purchase this product based on what I've seen here so far.

First reason is I hate black and white books. Adventures I don't care about, but source books I am very picky with. If we are paying this much for a 96 page book, I want colour pages at least, if not a hardcover as well.

Second reason is the artwork. Its not usually necessary in the books for most stuff. I think we all know what a Noble or a Pirate looks like, but having pictures of the different weapons, armour, and clothing is a must. The AE book was awesome as it had all the weapons displayed with bloodstains and all. If this book does not have that at least, then its not going on my bookshelf.

That's just my honest opinion though from what I have seen here in the review.
 
Valaryc said:
(1)
by the way...i don't think "playtesting" is so very special or difficult. i know you will say (and have said) something different....but hey...every "good player" with a good knowledge of rules, gaming flair and some "editorial knowledge" can do it.

Im afraid your making a generalisation there, its like saying everyone who can read and write English can do Editing.. whereas that is simply not the case at all.

(2)
you have to say that ... loyalty gets you free playtesting stuff :)

joking aside I dont "have" to say anything :) and don't like a book or not and some over the years we have given very damning reports about. but we would get the complementary copy for our services whether we give a book a good report or not so do not for a moment believe that we are obligated to give only good press by any means.

but serious...i've read your review...and i think there are some things missing everyone thinks mandatory for an "equipment guide"...like picture of every damn weapon (yeah..tell me that every player knows every medieval weapon)...it's a kind of "must have" for the flair...stats for war machines etc... (insert your complete "cons" section). i think they could work a lot more specific and with less "errors" if they would check with the customers BEFORE they produce a product. look at the "map misery"... quite a while there is some "unrest" about that map misery....maps that don't fit to the description (across the thunder river)...maps with no legend and no similarity to the description of the setting (Vengeance of the golden skulls adventure from "messantia")...map problem with shadizar...and no one seems to care about it ! no one fired the "map artist" (i think it's an art to draw a map without a legend or numeral marks to find the room from the description...or to draw a map of a town near a river..without the river).

I agree certain things were missing and the weapons and armours should have had illustrations as they did in the main rulebook.

With regard to them asking everyone what they want, as I said they do read the forums and listen to peoples requests, likes, dislikes, this i know for a fact, indeed I know Matt spends a fair bit of time in the wee hours of morning reading various threads as do the other Mongeese. Also bare in mind they are running a business the logisitics of asking everyone what they think first and then getting some concensus in a timely manner is just not practical they are trying to run a business and there is only so much, money, time and available writers to do various projects. I also know a lot of discussion goes into what books they will produce occurs so don't assume for a minute they just toss out any old rubbish.. "oh yes and equipment book..goes without saying" etc.. :) as its not quite that off the cuff a decision nor simplistic I promise you :)

Well I suspect im probably more in the loop than you and I know next to nothing beyond what they have stated on the forums regarding the various map glitches.. so I wouldnt assume to much about what did or did not happen.

not every RPG has a forum like this...with a lot of "older players" (sorry guys...but with 34 i am one of your kind *g*) and lots of other players with some good and useful oppinions. they should use it. and i don't think they do.

the only exception is vincent because he likes to read some feedback about his (mostly) good work. but as we know...his influence on the whole product at the release is....slim.

I say again what makes you think they don't? just because they may not be vocal as some of the writers like Vincent are (who is very open to feedbakc and concerned that he provides what people want I might add). Does not mean they don't care nor take note of such suggestions. And if you really feel your opinions on products arent being heard you can always send them an email Ive always found them to be very open to such contact. Their are no garuntees they will use your ideas or anyone elses but at least you will know they were heard.

to (3)
it has nothing special to do with your good review :) it was (and is) just my oppinion about using this forum for the better of the product line.

Well it is not a big issue I just think it was kinda off on a tangent and probably deserved a thread of its own as opposed to side tracking this one which was intended to be helpful for people with regards to this new product ;)
 
Hehe, I'm not bashing the review here. I was just saying that based on what I know about this product so far, its not an attractive product for me anymore. If it was changed to colour pages with decent pictures of the new equipment, then I would purchase it without a second thought.

Also, about the maps complaint. I totally agree. I find it hard to believe that a publisher would keep using the same people for maps in their products from the track record so far. Almost every product that contains any sort of important map, be it adventure or accessory, has had MAJOR problems. This is why the only map I use from Conan is the one of the entire continent. Any other maps I need I pull from DUNGEON magazine, who by the way, produces excellent maps, many of which can be downloaded for free from their site. If we can get that person to do our Conan maps, I'd be in heaven!
 
My first post on this vanished....

As far as i know only the main book and Road of Kings have new weapons (not counting silver versions detailed in Scrolls.....).

What % of the weapons in Tito are new, and what % is rehash ? Same question for armor.

thanks,

Mad Dog
 
MadDog said:
My first post on this vanished....

As far as i know only the main book and Road of Kings have new weapons (not counting silver versions detailed in Scrolls.....).

What % of the weapons in Tito are new, and what % is rehash ? Same question for armor.

thanks,

Mad Dog

I am not certain as I only own some not all Conan books, but all the weapons, armour and equipment are included perhaps maybe another quarter to a third more of each again on top varying from section to section.
 
Neo said:
Im afraid your making a generalisation there, its like saying everyone who can read and write English can do Editing.. whereas that is simply not the case at all.

i know it's not simple as "to know english"...but it's not that special as you try to tell us :) it's more a question of knowing the right people to get that "job" (with the "prerequisites" i mentioned before).

(2)
you have to say that ... loyalty gets you free playtesting stuff :)

just joking :)

Neo said:
With regard to them asking everyone what they want, as I said they do read the forums and listen to peoples requests, likes, dislikes, this i know for a fact, indeed I know Matt spends a fair bit of time in the wee hours of morning reading various threads as do the other Mongeese. Also bare in mind they are running a business the logisitics of asking everyone what they think first and then getting some concensus in a timely manner is just not practical they are trying to run a business and there is only so much, money, time and available writers to do various projects. I also know a lot of discussion goes into what books they will produce occurs so don't assume for a minute they just toss out any old rubbish.. "oh yes and equipment book..goes without saying" etc.. :) as its not quite that off the cuff a decision nor simplistic I promise you :)

perhaps you misunderstood me....i think it's NOT good to ask "what book do you want next"...but "we are working on a Cimmeria Sourcebook..what features would you like the most?". i think that wouldn't be bad. so it has nothing to do with ressources (human or financial). you check your customer and than give your "freelance writer" some things he have to work out.


Neo said:
I say again what makes you think they don't? just because they may not be vocal as some of the writers like Vincent are (who is very open to feedbakc and concerned that he provides what people want I might add). Does not mean they don't care nor take note of such suggestions. And if you really feel your opinions on products arent being heard you can always send them an email Ive always found them to be very open to such contact. Their are no garuntees they will use your ideas or anyone elses but at least you will know they were heard.

perhaps you should read the thread about the map misery :)

there was some talking about an official errata on the mongoose homepage...but no one seems to care or answer the many questions. someone wrote them an email and the answer was "if it is not on our homepage we don't have it"...wow...what a nice answer. even if the give a f*** they could be so nice to write some nice words about caring, planning and do what they can do :)

there was someone talking about some wrong NPC stats in a sourcebook. vincent told us he has the revised stats but is not sure if it would be ok to post them or make an pdf of it...no mongoose answered

do you want more examples why i think they don't read the conan forum carefully ? :)
 
Valaryc said:
i know it's not simple as "to know english"...but it's not that special as you try to tell us :) it's more a question of knowing the right people to get that "job" (with the "prerequisites" i mentioned before).

Actually you couldnt be further from the truth all playtesters are vetted by Mongoose, it isn't as simple as saying "i'd like to playtest" and Bam your on the list and doing the work. It requires time, attention to detail, and knowledge of the systems and a good judge of balance in general. So im afraid my stance that it is not something everyone can do stands. However this is waaaay off topic now but if you'd like to continue this particular conversation by PM i'd be happy to do so.

perhaps you misunderstood me....i think it's NOT good to ask "what book do you want next"...but "we are working on a Cimmeria Sourcebook..what features would you like the most?". i think that wouldn't be bad. so it has nothing to do with ressources (human or financial). you check your customer and than give your "freelance writer" some things he have to work out.

I say again, what makes you think they do not listen to such requests? However what you need to realise is what an individual wants is not necessarily what everyone wants, opinions are like stars...there are a lot of them and everyone is different.

there was some talking about an official errata on the mongoose homepage...but no one seems to care or answer the many questions. someone wrote them an email and the answer was "if it is not on our homepage we don't have it"...wow...what a nice answer. even if the give a f*** they could be so nice to write some nice words about caring, planning and do what they can do :)

again i think your reading too much into things, im sure an errata will appear at some point and the rulemasters forum is for official game related questions and was reopened recently.. that in itself is hardly the action of a company that doesnt seem to care as you would have use think does it? I also suspect the email you refer too was paraphrased as I seriously doubt that was the word for word response given.
Also bare in mind errata's arent exactly something that is whipped up in an afternoon, it takes time and resource, and when someone is making an errata they are not writing another book.. and it is the new releases that keep the company going, and ensuring any gaffs from previous products do not repeat in future ones, which Mongoose have always gone above and beyond to do..however they are only human and not infallible, accidents happen. I have always found that if you approach them in a constructive way and do not hassle them or make unreasonable requests they are always more than happy to come good..eventually.

there was someone talking about some wrong NPC stats in a sourcebook. vincent told us he has the revised stats but is not sure if it would be ok to post them or make an pdf of it...no mongoose answered

do you want more examples why i think they don't read the conan forum carefully ? :)

I wouldnt know about stat errors you'd have to tell me which products, but I can tell you that if it is a conan book I have personally playtested then ANY and I do mean ANY statistical error will have been reported.
 
*sigh*

sorry neo...but discussing this with you leads to more willpower and fortitude saves i can bear :)

so i will conclude this by my side with some last points...

1. i still think playtesting is sooooooooo difficult. i know you've heard it many times. you make a good job with your reviews and i appreciate the work! nevertheless....i can't imagine what you think is so "difficult" about it. as i said (and you too)...knowing the rules in and out (by the way...wasn't it you saying he hasn't read all conan sourcebooks? *g*) and have a good editorial feeling are "prerequisites"...but mostly it is a question of "beeing at the right place at the right time" to get the "job".

2. ok...they read this forum. BUT that wasn't what i said all the time! there is a difference between read this forum and ASK about a special product in planning! of course their will be many oppionions about a product in line... but you can bet there will be mostly the same "fields" being covered up. take for example the missing pictures from "titos". or the map misery. i am sure both points would have be mentioned ! i think they don't use a great chance to satisfy their customers more than just let Vincent write it :)


3. the wrong stats are mentioned in a thread i have no time to search for. but be sure i rewrote it as it was said there. the stats were wrong and vincent said he has the revised stats but don't know if he is allowed to post it. i don't know if you playtested the sourcebook....and it doesn't matter because i am talking about the whole thing and not just your work :)
 
Back
Top