Review

Mongoose's Quintessential Character series provides an in-depth look at each character class, offering 128 pages on a single character class. The impressive length taken to describe each class allows the series to focus on each class in great detail. Better still, this focus is maintained throughout the book, something not all d20 products have achieved. Between a large quantity of content and 100% applicability of content, the value of each book is immense.

The Quintessential Fighter began the series with the expected chapters on feats and prestige classes. Both feats and prestige classes range from unexciting-but-expected to very original. It expands into equipment lists (especially arms and armor, of course), but then covers topics more useful to roleplaying, such as building and maintaining a stronghold, creative character archetypes, tournaments, and combat tactics. Finally, it describes a mass-combat rules system that feels a little cramped in the space provided. Tables are conveniently summarized at the end of the book.

The second in the series, The Quintessential Rogue, begins in a format similar to the Quintessential Fighter. It starts with character concepts, then expands into feats and prestige classes. A large section of any book on rogues should include equipment and gadgets, and this book has them. It contains notes for guilds and organizations and tips on how to get the most out of the rogue's considerable skill selection.

The Quintessential Cleric begins with the now-familiar character concepts, then into feats and prestige classes. The prestige classes show distinct themes that extend beyond the abilities, including suggested spells and combat styles. Quintessential Cleric devotes space to the subject of worship, the cleric and his congregation, and the temples they minister from. Surprisingly, the least usable material comes from the new spell selection. While original, the spells are almost all-high level. More information on clerics rounds the book out, including notes on detailing the faith, combat tactics, and a useful section on forsaking a god or changing gods.

The Quintessential Wizard follows suit with the character concepts, feats, and prestige classes. The section on spells, surely the first place any wizard player turns, is not disappointing: With greater diversity than the Quintessential Cleric's spells among levels, the section will find use. Further sections on apprentices, rowers, spell and item creation research, and duels between wizards cover every aspect of wizardly life.

The next book, The Quintessential Elf, leaves the subject of a character's class and addresses race. From sub-races to prestige classes and uses for skills, this book covers the bases well. The special arms and armor of the elves, their gods, unique feats (some, require a certain advanced age),, and strongholds are all included, too. Capitalizing on the elven proclivity for winged allies, Quintessential Elf includes rules for aerial combat.

The Quintessential Dwarf continues the line of races, featuring specialized dwarven magic, their monstrous allies, their mysterious strongholds, and their wealthy mines. Books on dwarves rarely break the stereotype of dwarves as miners and alcoholics, but the original sub-races in this book and the unique character concepts work hard to deviate from the norm.

The Quintessential Monk marks the return to the classes and the first departing from the four core classes of D&D. As expected, a large section of the book builds on the concept of the monk as martial artist. From feats and character concepts to monasteries and competitions, the martial arts influence is pervasive. The monk as theologian, hesychast, or penitent is referenced, but it would be refreshing to see that aspect covered more thoroughly. It does discuss the monk's mystical abilities and provide for further growth into that area if a player wishes.

A good sourcebook does two things: it provides useful material that can be incorporated immediately into a campaign, and it inspires further ideas for future development. The Quintessential books fulfill both requirements. Not only do they make the reader want to sit down and create new characters right away, they provide enough material to earn a permanent place in a reference library for future use as well.