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Valyar
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What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Sun 19 Jan 2025, 11:20

Hello all,

I have the box set from the KS and recently I started the mini campaign from the adventure book alongside a one-shot games at local rpg convention.

I am enjoying the game and contemplate whether to get the whole product line or stick to the box. I was told by the store staff that hardcovers are not printed on nice paper, i.e. glossy premium as Symbaroum or Blade Runner for example.

Since books cost a lot of money, and nobody liked the quality of the Tales from the Loop series (we sold the hardcovers due to dissatisfaction), I would like to ask what is the paper quality?

Like Coriolis, Vaesen, Tales from the Loop or the One Ring?
 
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Shadow Phoenix
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Sun 19 Jan 2025, 21:12

Extremely high quality, as a rough estimate I’d say it’s between 150gsm and 170gsm with a satin finish.
 
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DPerello
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Mon 20 Jan 2025, 08:50

I have the Box Set, the hardcover Core Rulebook, and hardcover Path of Glory. The hardcover pages definitely have a less glossy finish, but the paper is thick and robust and I actually prefer it to the glossy paper used in the Box Set Rulebook. Both seem perfectly fine to me though, just an aesthetic difference.

I'm struggling with the idea of selling a book for a game I enjoyed because the paper quality was not pleasing. Was the paper quality of Tales from the Loop so bad that the information on the pages was inaccessible?
 
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Valyar
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Mon 20 Jan 2025, 10:58

I have the Box Set, the hardcover Core Rulebook, and hardcover Path of Glory. The hardcover pages definitely have a less glossy finish, but the paper is thick and robust and I actually prefer it to the glossy paper used in the Box Set Rulebook. Both seem perfectly fine to me though, just an aesthetic difference.

I'm struggling with the idea of selling a book for a game I enjoyed because the paper quality was not pleasing. Was the paper quality of Tales from the Loop so bad that the information on the pages was inaccessible?
Thank you both for the replies!

I was afraid that you will say satin or something not glossy as finish for the paper... This is very disappointing. Even if the paper weight is sound, the non-glossy finish is simply no-go as it has been proven time and time that the glossy paper is not only more durable but also makes books more compact. In addition, glossy paper is not only more stain resistant in the very long run, but also makes every art much more vibrant and crisp, compared to all other papers.

In regards to the Tales - first we used PDFs and decided to purchase the books because of the nice art and additional immersion during face to face play, but the disappointment was huge - the art and orange/reddish style of the books was so muddy compared to the vibrant color of the PDF that we felt misled and never opened them again. Same it was with Corporation RPG - it was nowhere mentioned it is black and white with regular matt paper. I sold them year later. Vaesen is having the same problem and I am glad I got my books and a "working copy" before the price increases.


Extremely high quality, as a rough estimate I’d say it’s between 150gsm and 170gsm with a satin finish.
 
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Shadow Phoenix
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Mon 20 Jan 2025, 12:37

It may seem overly critical to dismiss a book solely based on the quality of its paper or cover without experiencing it firsthand. While personal preferences are, of course, subjective, the paper used in this instance is of notably higher quality than most books available across various sectors. If, after reviewing it yourself, you still feel it falls short of expectations, returning it or seeking alternatives is always an option.

That said, immersion is a critical part of any reading experience, and design choices like paper type play a significant role in achieving this. While a gloss finish might appear appealing at first glance, it introduces a serious drawback: glare. This can be particularly disruptive in varying lighting conditions, where reflections make it difficult to focus on the text and interrupt the reader's engagement with the material.

It’s for this reason that the book is printed on satin paper. Satin provides the perfect balance—it reduces glare while maintaining a smooth, premium finish that enhances the presentation of both images and text. By opting for satin paper, the publishers have prioritised the reader’s comfort and ensured that nothing detracts from the immersive experience. Before forming a judgement, it would be worth assessing the book in person. If it still doesn’t meet your expectations, there’s always the option to explore alternatives.
 
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Valyar
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Mon 20 Jan 2025, 13:00

To some extent I agree for the satin finish, but not when used for roleplaying books that are used as reference books rather than linear reading. The gloss paper is not only more durable, from my experience but also everything looks much much better. The glare is minor issue so far haven't had much troubles with it.

In the end is subjective, but for many people, myself included, the heavyweight glossy paper is the best. We still have D&D 3 books that are like new, despite the heavy use on many tables. Compared to the shared Vaesen book that was used weekly for one year and the paper has more wear than the D&D 3 books. Not happy at all.

It will be very costly to "try" for 100 or more euros + delivery just to dislike the product's finish. Probably will be skip until there is run on glossy paper print.

It may seem overly critical to dismiss a book solely based on the quality of its paper or cover without experiencing it firsthand.
We had great time online during Covid with the PDFs and when we purchased for the collection we prepared for the same vibrant colors for the art and overall style. The dissapointment was immence, because the hardcovers feel and look so much different and in the bad way. It was not the same experience with Vaesen - there somehow the satin finish was OK, though I still hope this would be the last product line to use non-glossy paper.
 
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Shadow Phoenix
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Mon 20 Jan 2025, 18:42

You can always buy from Amazon, that way it’s no issue to send it back.
 
paladin2019
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Mon 20 Jan 2025, 18:52

Game books are technical manuals, not art books. The only reason I despise AD&D2e is this. I should be able to pencil in notes and errata and remove or change them as needed. And then there is black glossy, like Blade Runner, because it's "stylish." That's indelible fingerprints waiting to happen.

Give me pulp, give me 24 lb. bond, give me anything that will take graphite. I really appreciate that Dragonbane hardcovers conform to this.
 
paladin2019
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Mon 20 Jan 2025, 18:55

And if you want glossies, the boxed set has that.
 
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DPerello
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Re: What is the paper quality of the core rulebook and other supplements?

Tue 21 Jan 2025, 23:39

Game books are technical manuals, not art books. The only reason I despise AD&D2e is this. I should be able to pencil in notes and errata and remove or change them as needed. And then there is black glossy, like Blade Runner, because it's "stylish." That's indelible fingerprints waiting to happen.

Give me pulp, give me 24 lb. bond, give me anything that will take graphite. I really appreciate that Dragonbane hardcovers conform to this.
I have AD&D 1e books that have the non-glossy paper that have survived 40+ years use, so I too find the demand for glossy paper puzzling and the reasoning, well, irrational.

However, if someone is going to deprive themselves the joy of playing a game they enjoy because the paper it's printed on isn't pleasing, what can we say to that? To each their own, I guess...

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