So, now that C7 are releasing future TOR products in hardback format I think they need to go back and do the same for the main rulebook. There are a number of reasons for this:

1) I can't bear to have follow-up supplements in a *better* format than the original rules and they'll look really odd on my shelf, lined up side-by-side which will offend my delicate sensibilities.

2) The binding of the LM and AB books aren't great for many of us so I'd love to be able to purchase a more sturdier edition.

3) If we got a new edition there'd also be an opportunity to combine the two books into one (if possible). Combining them may also allow the rules to be re-organised somewhat better than they currently are as well as updating them with clarifications, errata, and a more useful index.

Maybe it could be Kickstarted in order to secure funds at a specific level before proceeding with the work?

Maybe there's even opportunities to add some fan material (eg, James' Mythic Battles supplement), if it's contractually possible, that enhance the TOR playing experience?

I suppose this post is somewhat light hearted with the request but there is more than a germ of a serious desire to see such an edition, although I wouldn't want it to shift focus away from new material!

Not trying to drum up a rowdy mob here demanding that C7 do this but maybe we could use this thread to provide Dom, Francesco, Jon et al with some immediate customer feedback on the subject. So, what do the rest of you think?

I'd support this. Kickstarter would be great too.

Seconded... (Thirded?)

Thirded... (Fourthed?)

Well I see no way this could possibly get out of hand

Uhhh C7, better get started on this! Because I kinda need this in my life~

Before it does get out of hand, I would like to point out that there are minimums in print runs that printing companies will accept. The last quote I remember seeing was 3,000 books. Obviously the more you order -- 10,000, 20,000, etc -- the lower the costs, but I wouldn't expect C7 going out on limb for 10,000 units.

Also does anyone know if the first (or second) batch of the core have sold out yet? I would imagine C7 would want to sell all of those first before they even considered issuing a HB run.

Glad to hear it. I always prefer HB to SB. Let's hope they choose a different company than the one that manufactured the current set with the inconsistent bindings.

Oh my, I must have missed the news. Hardback TOR books? When? Where? What?
We neeedss it!

E.

Next two releases at the very least - Heart of the Wild and Darkening of Mirkwood.

I believe it's also a desire of Middle Earth Enterprises and/or not just a C7 business decision.

source?

I haven't had alot of time to keep up with the topics here lately so I assume it's buried in one.

RE: Whether it was a C7 and/or ME decision... I can't remember where I'd heard/read it so not sure if it's true or not.

I know The Saul Zaentz Company is demanding ridiculously long trademark tags on everything related to them now.

http://cubicle7.clicdev.com/f/index.php?tr...&showtopic=4264


Dom mentioned the hardbacks here in this thread.

I like the idea, but I'm not sold on it being a necessity at this time. If it were to be done, for sure a Kickstarter would be a great idea. I've already backed a number of projects and it's really special to be a part of the successes fof these - and the novelty rewards for backers is usually great perks.

Personally, if it was going to take staff away from other projects to re-do the core rule books, I would see that as a misstep - I'm more anxious to receive more middle-earth content related to TOR system; expanding the geographical borders that the core rule concept covers: Bree, Eeriador, Shire, Rohan, Eregion for instance.

Furthermore - a year and a half into production and were wanting a 2nd edition already seems a bit off. So far the home-brew additions/tweaks are doing a great job on things that could use a face-lift, but overall, I don't see a need for a new edition already (or this more of a call for TOR 1.5 call?)

Thanks! I thought that might be the case.

I would love an updated, revised and hardback version of the TOR rules, I would buy them in a heartbeat!

Please, please, please.


/Khamul

This.

And while I do think TOR would benefit from a revised edition, with the clarifications etc. built in, there's not much agreement on these boards about exactly which changes ought to be made (see: any thread about the Journey rules!).

That's a really good point Ovid. Certainly my desire for additional adventures and source material is significantly greater than my desire for a hardcover edition of the main rules. And I agree, if it was a revised version, it would be problematic to arrive at a set of rules "clarifications" that everyone is happy with.

It's just, as Rich says, due to "delicate sensibilities" (read OCD) I would be seriously traumatised at having a mismatching set of books in the TOR section of my gaming library. They wouldn't line up or anything! It's almost too terrible to think about! I'm feeling a bit weak and will have to go and lie down now!

Not quite what you're looking for, but definitely in hardback.

Good idea. But I think in this moment is too soon. Let's wait 3-4 years at least, when the game is mature enough. Now it's the time to keep the line going, and if we need updates, maybe C7 could do a program with Nepitello's 'live' rules.

I prefer a digest softcover anyway, but anything revised is a nice deal to me in a reasonable time.

Well, I did mention that in my opening post:

So it was accounted for right at the start.

More of a reprint in hardback really. The updates to the rules would be "nice to have" but I'd be more interested in the hardback.

There's a difference between errata (and clarifications) and what you and I personally prefer with regards to rules amendments. The former can go into a reprint/revision the latter don't as there'll never be agreement on certain things and that's why Francesco as the designer puts what he wants in the game as he's the auteur of it. However, he has spoken very highly of James' Mythic Battle ruleset so that could be something that he could add to the main rules if he so desired.

Just like to point out to others that when Fictionaut mentions OCD what he really means is people with refined taste, appreciation of quality, and high standards!

As much as I love the game and prefer hardback, I doubt I would re-purchase the core books just for the improved format and durability. At least not at this point. Sure, the glue has all but failed on my core books' binding, but the actual string is keeping the pages in place just fine. The books are perfectly useable even if they look a little sloppy.

Partially it's also because I'm mostly playing TOR via PbP right now, and I'm running different systems for my 2 FtF groups (13th Age and Edge of the Empire). If/when either FtF group picks up TOR again I might be tempted to buy another copy just so we could have more books to go around.

Mostly though, it's a budget issue. I'd rather spend my limited funds on a new product.

I still think that if demand continues to grow and another printing is in the works anyways, then serious consideration should be given to making it HB.

FWIW, I would buy another copy of the core set just for hardback copies, and I agree that the binding left a bit to be desired. I would also give to a kickstarter (at least a little) for this. Then again, I agree that the focus should probably be on getting out the new material, too.

Shrug. Hell, just make it C7, I'll buy it.