Book of Vile Darkness: Where D&D hasn't gone before?

[Krug]

Ok I tried to do a search, but it's either broken or it hates me.

From the description on Amazon.com
The most evil and complex elements in the Dungeons & Dragons world presented for the first time.
Targeted toward mature audiences, Book of Vile Darkness deals with material that has never been explored in the D&D® roleplaying game. Elements such as moral dilemma, slavery, human sacrifice, prostitution, and other sensitive issues will be treated in a mature fashion to allow players to add a level of complexity to their campaigns. Also included are evil monsters; dark prestige classes; unique spells, magic items, and artifacts; and adventure material, as well as rules and advice to help Dungeon Masters create and play truly corrupt villains or run more intense campaigns.


Ah... I'm slobbering already. I can imagine the return of the Houri prestige class, and relish the thought of playing the Dark Pimp, who uses magic to ensure his patrons have a GOOD time.

And it's done by Monte Cook. October is just too far away.

 

[Skarp Hedin]

Heh. Well, you probably won't see the Houri or Dark Pimp, I suppose, as Monte's stated that there's nothing about prostitution in the book. Just demons and sacrifices and evil and icky-badness. I know, bit of a letdown

 

[Krug]

What???

Heh. Well, you probably won't see the Houri or Dark Pimp, I suppose, as Monte's stated that there's nothing about prostitution in the book. Just demons and sacrifices and evil and icky-badness. I know, bit of a letdown

But the blurb says there's PROSTITUTION! Or is it false advertising again? I already have a character concept thought out; Lady Kouva, seducer of Paladins. Make her a succubus you say? No thanks... such a cliche.

 

[Tonguez]

there's nothing about prostitution in the book

Thats what really irks me about this book and its HYPE

Okay Prostitution not involve but then why is Slavery included? From a MODERN moral view they might be considered wrong but in most pre-modern cultures Slavery and Prostitution just were and there is nothing iherently vile and dark about them.

Egypt - Slaves and Prostitutes galore,
Babylon - Eunuchs and Temple whores
Rome - Caligula (nuff said)
Medieval Europe - Serfs, Villeins and Courtesans

The Book is probably going to be little more than another source book for Demon Summoners and Necromacers - so wow

 

[NiTessine]

Re: What???

But the blurb says there's PROSTITUTION! Or is it false advertising again? I already have a character concept thought out; Lady Kouva, seducer of Paladins. Make her a succubus you say? No thanks... such a cliche.

Mr. Cook's exact comment, when he heard of that, was "Prostitution?" Does it actually say that in the catalog copy? Who writes that $#%$?".

 

[Skarp Hedin]

most pre-modern cultures

In my experience, not all that many people play D&D in any sort of setting which could actually be called a "pre-modern culture".
I know, there are people out there who do, and who frequent these boards (And the Kalamar setting addresses slavery).. but with D&D's emphasis on playing good PCs, with paladins and all.. it doesn't seem that slavery finds much societal acceptance in most people's D&D-Lands.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Just as a point of order. As far as "where D&D hasn't gone before" goes ... we were there in the late 70's and early 80's. There was a module/suppliment (from I THINK Judges Guild) that had some very dubious elements to it.

But I have every confidence that Monte can handle these elements in a mature fashion.

 

[Bonedagger]

Re: Re: What???

Mr. Cook's exact comment, when he heard of that, was "Prostitution?" Does it actually say that in the catalog copy? Who writes that $#%$?".

Are you sure that wasn't a "Prostitution!" ?

 

[Nightfall]

Thats what really irks me about this book and its HYPE

Okay Prostitution not involve but then why is Slavery included? From a MODERN moral view they might be considered wrong but in most pre-modern cultures Slavery and Prostitution just were and there is nothing iherently vile and dark about them.

Egypt - Slaves and Prostitutes galore,
Babylon - Eunuchs and Temple whores
Rome - Caligula (nuff said)
Medieval Europe - Serfs, Villeins and Courtesans

The Book is probably going to be little more than another source book for Demon Summoners and Necromacers - so wow

And Drug runners. There will be a lot on drugs as well as new ways to comit other assorted felonies and murders.

Btw Skarp, even though most D&D lands don't accept slavery, I think you know where there's a good bit of it going on.

 

[S'mon]

Is it going to be the "Politically Correct Book of Vile Darkness"?

WoTC's take on fantasy always cracks me up - demonic human sacrifice ok, prostitution NOT ok...