Special Item Maximums

[Relenoir]

Does anyone else find the "12 special items" rule a bit too strict? I found that 8 backpack items was tight but fair, especially if you didn't need to pack a lunch, but 12 Special Items when you start the series from the beginning can be a real challenge, because many you really need to optimize the character. I have been tempted to combine certain things, like:
The Korlinium Scabbard goes with the Sommerswerd
The Platinum Amulet from Banedon can be worn on the same chain as the Crystal Star Pendant
The Jewelled Mace can go on the mantle at the Monastery as a memento from days spent in the Baga-darooz of Vassagonia. As far as I know, I've never been prompted for this after book 5. I actually think I've stuck by this rule, and I guess it adds to the challenge of the game. Oh,well. . .

[Sarra]

Actually I thought it was farely leniant. I mean come on, you can hold the Sommerswerd, Bronin Warhammer, the Jewelled Mace, and the Dagger of Vashna all at the same time? And only have 2 weapons? It kind of defeats the purpose.

[Nerethel]

Without going into the oddities of having 'special item weapons', I would have to also say the system is restrictive. It's not done for realism, per se, but more for game balance. If you have a limit of 12, you must eventually decide on what to leave behind. That could be crucial later down the road. Will I ever find another use for a silver key? Blue stone triangle? Firesphere?

Practically speaking, though, having a limit of 12 is unrealistic. A Port Bax Ticket, a folded piece of paper, takes up one slot as easily as the Bronin Warhammer. I always played as though the special item weapons were weapons, taking up one weapon slot, but not a special item slot. Same with the shield (+2 CS! Woo!).

The chainmail, though, worn as clothing, shouldn't take up any slots. Having 'armor slots' and 'pocket slots' would get beyond the simplicity of a gamebook though, as it then gets to be a case of bookkeeping rather than role-playing.

Nerethel

[Sarra]

With the armor issue I totally agree with you. As long as there is the understanding that you can't wear two different shields, etc. it shouldn't count against you.

[robertib]

I have been tempted to combine certain things, like:
The Korlinium Scabbard goes with the Sommerswerd

If you look in Book 12, where you get the Korlinium Scabbard, it doesn't take up an item space.

[Relenoir]

If you look in Book 12, where you get the Korlinium Scabbard, it doesn't take up an item space.

Well, sort of. I believe it says that you don't have to discard another Special Item to take it if you already carry the maximum allowed, but how does that work in the future? Does it mean that you never count it toward your total, or only that you can still take it the first time you receive it if you are "maxed out"? I always got the impression of the latter.

I always played as though the special item weapons were weapons, taking up one weapon slot, but not a special item slot.

That was what I always did, but then if you lose the Silver Oak Bow (I am afraid to abbreviate it due to censorship ) or Sommerswerd due to an unfortunate circumstance. . . NOT GOOD! I allow myself these two weapon-like special items and the DoV, assuming that one is tucked into my belt, the SS is in its scabbard, and the bow is in my hand or its quiver slot. Then I carry one more standard weapon, like a dagger. ;D

[Sarra]

There are too many open-ended or conflicting rules. Pooh. BTW, what is the official name of the Silver Bow of Duadon/Silver Oak Bow? It has been called both.

[The Tagazin Poodle]

Officially, Silver Bow of Duadon (SBod).

[Ghost Bear]

I've never had to struggle with special items. Then again, I find it fairly easy to spot a 'red herring' or a one use item, and usually ditch them soon after using them.

[deiseach]

Ghost said:

I've never had to struggle with special items. Then again, I find it fairly easy to spot a 'red herring' or a one use item, and usually ditch them soon after using them.

That presupposes a shocking lack of sentimentality. I always count the Map as a special item, and feel less than whole without the Crystal Star Pendant - I know Project Aon class it as something you don't need to actually have on your person to be able to 'use' it, but I like to have it anyway. I always imagine going "hey Banedon, I STILL have it after all these years and we're in the middle of Vassagonia!" ;D That leaves ten special item slots. I never assume Lone Wolf has some kind of insight into the future ie that the Dagger of Vashna might just have some use in Anari but not in the Danarg or the Stornlands, so that's always about my person. Besides, I wouldn't trust those clowns back in the Monastery to keep it safe, any old Vonotar-type traitor could get their mits on it. The Sommerswerd...well, that's a no brainer. Add in a quiver, chainmail, Helshezag (see Dagger of Vashna above), padded waistcoat, shield, possibly a Silver Helm, there's always a couple of keys knocking around...it starts getting tight very fast!

[Banedon]

From my experience, Special Items aren't a REAL problem until Book 12, where you have to carry several that you find in that book...

[AlbinoChocobo]

Twelve is a bit tight if you stick to the rules, but still manageable I think.
By book 10, you can be lugging around quite a few of them :
* map : needed.
* Banedon's Crystal Star Pendant : it's a nostalgia thing, can't put it down.
* Kalte Firesphere : awfully useful. Plus it's cool.
* Quiver : obviously
* Silver Bow : could use a weapon slot, normal bow, but this is better.
* Shield : +2CS
* some kind of vest. Padded leather waiscoat for me, it's a roleplay option, I can't picture Lone Wolf in a chainmail.
* Silver Helm : +2CS, too good to pass.
* Sommerswerd : duh. Korlinium scabard in same slot later on.
* Dagger of Vashna : keep your enemy close.

That's 10. Bump it up to 11 with silver bracers later on, 12 with Helshezag, 13 with the Jewelled Mace (if you need an alternate weapon).

Cut the weapon list to Sommerswerd + Silver Bow, drop the Star Pendant and the Firesphere, down to 8, that's only 4 available slots, and it takes away from the whole thing I thinks.
By then, you can't drop anymore (some fights are already near impossible, you can't lose your CS boosters), that leaves very little wriggle room.
Honestly, would your drop your Silver Helm (+2CS) for a fabulous "Platinum Badge of Rank (worn on collar) : Warmarshall" ?? It says worn on collar, not as a haircomb

Me, oh, I cheat like hell I don't count the "little things" toward the total (said badge of rank, a diamond, a small key, a slip of paper, ...)

[Ghost Bear]

I leave the Dagger of Vashna and Helshezag in the Monastery most of the time. My thinking is that Lone Wolf would not want to risk them falling into the wrong hands while he's traipsing around the countryside. Of course, for Book 15, I will go against my usual 'spirit of the game' ideals, and take both items along. (I didn't take the Dagger to Tahou).

And hey, this is war. No time for sentimentality in war. But the truth is, I always keep the Star Pendant on my person until I really start to struggle. Only then do I leave it behind. In a golden box next to the Lorestones in the Vault of the Sun, of course. Don't talk to me about sentimentality

[Dusk Fox]

Ronan said:

There are too many open-ended or conflicting rules. Pooh. BTW, what is the official name of the Silver Bow of Duadon/Silver Oak Bow? It has been called both.

I went for the full-on "Silver Oak Bow of Duadon," myself.

[North Star]

Well, like the Scabbard, if you have an item which you don't need to discard for, I would also take that to mean that if you have 13 items and the Scabbard is one of them, you still don't need to discard. Basically, it's a "free" item.

NS.