Modrons March Again [Archive] - Wizards Community

Modrons March Again [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
sciborg2
03-07-07, 08:46 PM http://paizo.com/image/product/catalog/WOC/WOC82354_500.jpeg
Haruspex
03-07-07, 08:55 PM The cover illustration looks a little goofy, but I'd be interested to read it. Not sure what the whole story is though; did the modrons go into isolation because their leader (Primus?) died?
Taeldrin Laesrash
03-07-07, 09:35 PM I love the cover. I also feel hopeful for the article, seeing how it was written by Planewalker's webmaster (The planes have been having a really good time with these last few articles). I'm looking forwards to that Aged Adventurers article also.
Sorcen_Anenooata
03-07-07, 10:25 PM This may not be the place to ask but I've been meaning to get a subscription to Dragon for awhile so how do I go about getting that?

Back on topic: I'd like to read it. Anything about the outer planes is worth my time.
ripvanwormer
03-07-07, 11:44 PM This may not be the place to ask but I've been meaning to get a subscription to Dragon for awhile so how do I go about getting that?

Try http://paizo.com/dragon
WombleHunter
03-08-07, 08:40 AM Do bear in mind that this will be the April issue, though.
Rohano
03-08-07, 10:05 AM Yes!
YES!

*air guitar*

Primus will rise again, even if I have to maim some editors to make it happen.
Witch
03-08-07, 10:50 AM Nice, if they're not going to remove the formians in some lame way. I like formians.
Ventilatory_Threshold
03-08-07, 10:54 AM http://paizo.com/image/product/catalog/WOC/WOC82354_500.jpeg
This is probably how Slaadi view them.
Sorcen_Anenooata
03-08-07, 11:00 AM Thanks Rip.

Yes!
YES!

*air guitar*

Primus will rise again, even if I have to maim some editors to make it happen.

I thought another modron was promoted to Primus shortly after the One and the Prime was killed by Tenebrous.
Calmar
03-08-07, 11:37 AM Does not look very fit...
Shemeska the Marauder
03-08-07, 11:51 AM I thought another modron was promoted to Primus shortly after the One and the Prime was killed by Tenebrous.

Yes. There's a new Primus in control of the Modrons. (FWIW some fragment of the previous Primus is now considered a Vestige).

Though Ken hasn't said too terribly much about the article itself, I gather that beyond covering the first 5 Modrons and rogue modrons, it'll deal with the fallout of the events of 'Dead Gods', probably expanding on the slim details that the Vestige article gave regarding the current status of Regulus (most modrons recalled and the borders sealed as they recover from the disruption caused by Tenebrous).

This is mostly my semi-vaguely-sorta-notreally-Ssendamburbledtome-informed speculation based on some public posts, but the issue shipped recently, so we'll know what goodies Ken has for us pretty soon. :)
DungeonJman
03-09-07, 02:52 PM I think the Modron on the cover is a rogue or something, then it would make sense.
Romtos
03-09-07, 02:59 PM Yes. There's a new Primus in control of the Modrons. (FWIW some fragment of the previous Primus is now considered a Vestige).

Though Ken hasn't said too terribly much about the article itself, I gather that beyond covering the first 5 Modrons and rogue modrons, it'll deal with the fallout of the events of 'Dead Gods', probably expanding on the slim details that the Vestige article gave regarding the current status of Regulus (most modrons recalled and the borders sealed as they recover from the disruption caused by Tenebrous).
Vestige article? Is this one of the Vestige entries of ToM or a article in a Dragon magazine (which magazine?)? :)
This is mostly my semi-vaguely-sorta-notreally-Ssendamburbledtome-informed speculation based on some public posts, but the issue shipped recently, so we'll know what goodies Ken has for us pretty soon. :)
Do you happen to know the estimated delivery time for Europe? (It says 8 weeks, but that for every freaking adress besides North-America...so)
MerlintheTuna
03-09-07, 03:04 PM I think the Modron on the cover is a rogue or something, then it would make sense.Ooh, that could be interesting -- with Primus gone, maybe the rogues outnumber the "normal" modrons, inducing a radical paradigm shift for the little cubeheads.
DungeonJman
03-09-07, 03:12 PM Not likely, since a new Primus ascended immediately after the old Primus was slain
Singer_of_the_Song
03-09-07, 03:48 PM And the new Primus has supposedly spent so much of this time restoring stability to the modrons.
Millenia
03-10-07, 03:58 PM Vestige article? Is this one of the Vestige entries of ToM or a article in a Dragon magazine (which magazine?)? :)
The Primus vestige is detailed in Dragon #341.
neilthrun
03-10-07, 11:19 PM I'd be very excited to play a rogue modron.
Rohano
03-13-07, 12:57 PM I think it's only logical for the death of Primus to create a lot of rogue modrons. Rogue modrons aren't created by promotions and so on but when I think of the entire hierarchy shifting in the typical modron way when a person at the top is dispatched, it's reasonable to assume that a modron here and there goes rogue.

Anyway, it's rare that a modron is confused to the point of sitting down and clutching his head, so I think the modron on the cover is rogue and therefore rogues will be a big part of the article.

If you all read the April issue before I do, give me a taste of what to expect, pretty please. :)
DungeonJman
03-13-07, 11:47 PM I sort of disagree. Primii (what the heck is the multiple of Primus?) have died before and there has never been a ton of rogues, just enough to keep the Modrons occupied.
ripvanwormer
03-14-07, 01:14 AM Keep in mind, though, that they've recently gone through not one but two Primuses, and one of them was the undead spirit of a demon lord. What's more, they were forced to march out of schedule, something unthinkable to such orderly creatures.

So it's not an ordinary situation.
kenmarable
03-14-07, 10:32 PM Though Ken hasn't said too terribly much about the article itself, I gather that beyond covering the first 5 Modrons and rogue modrons, it'll deal with the fallout of the events of 'Dead Gods', probably expanding on the slim details that the Vestige article gave regarding the current status of Regulus (most modrons recalled and the borders sealed as they recover from the disruption caused by Tenebrous).

This is mostly my semi-vaguely-sorta-notreally-Ssendamburbledtome-informed speculation based on some public posts, but the issue shipped recently, so we'll know what goodies Ken has for us pretty soon. :)

I tie more into the Modron March than Dead Gods, and to be honest, a fair chunk is "this is who modrons are" typical rehash for those new to them. Once I get the published article in hand (any day now!) and know other subscribers have it, I'll talk more about it. Right now I'm holding off because 1) I have no idea what the final product will look like, and 2) there's that pesky Non-Disclosure Agreement. ;)

However, when Rip noted...

Keep in mind, though, that they've recently gone through not one but two Primuses, and one of them was the undead spirit of a demon lord. What's more, they were forced to march out of schedule, something unthinkable to such orderly creatures.

So it's not an ordinary situation.

That is most definitely true. I really hope they kept the stuff I had talking about the ramifications of those facts. I've been itching to write up that stuff for years now (and even publicly discussed my ideas in the first Planewalker GenCon seminar back in 2002 or something). So anyone with a good memory who was there might know what I'm talking about. :)

Either way, once it's out there I will certainly talk more about it.

Also, just to set some expectations, monster write ups for 5-6 monsters in the new format takes up a lot of space. Throw in the requisite "these are what modrons are" for the uninitiated, and there's only so much space left over (even when I deliver double the asked for word count - whoops!). :)

The sheer practical issue of space is one of the reasons I doubt we will see the other modron ranks detailed inside Dragon (as much as I would love to see them, let alone write them!). Now as a web enhancement without the space restriction, or better yet, a chapter in a Construct book from WotC, now *those* would rock!
kenmarable
03-14-07, 10:41 PM I'd be very excited to play a rogue modron.
Me, too. I love the guys (obviously).

Since this is NOT in the article, I'll throw it out there - but when I was statting them up, the thought occurred to me that in addition to being able to play a rogue modron, it could be possible to create a Savage Species-style monster class that starts as a monodrone and as it advances in levels, at certain points it changes rank. That would certainly be an interesting character to play. If I get the chance, I'll try finalizing what I have for that progression and post it somewhere if people are interested.

You would of course need a friendly DM and some suspension of disbelief since the PC would still be part of the heirarchy, but would just happen to be ordered to go on the same mission as the rest of the party. Furthermore, certain levels would coincidentally happen at the same time as the modron is promoted ranks. But you can always inject "the will of Primus" or "orderly destiny of the planes" or some such. Nothing insurmountable, just issues that some people might need explained. Also, it would be a little funky with the occassional ability score dropping as you leveled and special abilities being lost. But personally, I just looked at the progression of modron ranks, and looked at my copy of Savage Species, and had my monodrone familiar activate a light bulb over my head as I realized that the mechanics could line up very nicely.
sciborg2
03-14-07, 11:43 PM Ken -- great stuff, thanks for talking to us.
bosssmiley
03-16-07, 11:30 PM Nice, if they're not going to remove the formians in some lame way. I like formians.

Baaah! Pour a giant kettle of boiling water over the Formian art farms and restore the Modrons to their rightful place as the examplars of pure law. Primus (who is utterly and entirely unaffected by the malign influence of Tenebrous) commends it. ;)

Thanks kenmarable, I've been waiting for the return on the Modrons for years now. The preview art I've seen about the net looks like it'll do your writing justice too.
Taeldrin Laesrash
03-17-07, 09:57 AM Since a bit more is being disclosed over in the ENWorld discussion, I thought I'd post the link. (http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=191108) Interesting stuff, and poor modrons.
thesoulcollector
03-19-07, 06:54 AM I got my issue in the mail a few days ago and it was even better than I thought it would be! WAY COOL in my opinion. I have had a soft spot for Modrons since 1st ed. but I kinda lost track of them in 2nd ed. and in 3rd ed. they seemed no more than an afterthought. I thought that the back ground info was great. I will be looking for a way to fit them into my campaign soon!
awaken_D_M_golem
03-20-07, 04:45 PM In my imaginary D&D world , 8 of the 9 Tertians received orders from the corrupted Secundus'es , err Secundi ?
And the 1 Tertian that did not become corrupted , accidentally led non-rogue modrons , i.e. ones that also had not been given orders originating from Tenebrous , to safety.
Hence becoming Modron "Fundamentalists" , although only in that sense to outsiders.

That D&D secretly read my mind , and put their own spin on it , is only proof that I am NOT paranoid and they really are out to get my personality parasite.

otoh , a Secundus beats a Tertian every time , and that's the Law , period.

{ ... how come there's no modron smiley :( ... }
DungeonJman
03-21-07, 12:07 AM Meh, eventually the law will be restored back to its true noncorrupted-ness

EVEN IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN TO THE LAST MONODRONE TO DO IT!!!!
crimsonwolf
03-21-07, 12:35 AM what are the complete opplistes of moron?
ripvanwormer
03-21-07, 12:48 AM Slaadi.
BOZ
03-22-07, 03:37 PM LOL! did he mean complete opposite of modron, or complete opposite of moron? ;)
ripvanwormer
03-22-07, 03:48 PM LOL! did he mean complete opposite of modron, or complete opposite of moron? ;)

The same answer works for both questions.
BOZ
03-22-07, 04:43 PM good point - they are highly intelligent, just generally inexplicable. :)
awaken_D_M_golem
03-22-07, 05:02 PM Are you talkin to ...
me
my- personality parasite -self
and persIstant schIsm

(repeat) perform check 12
illathid
03-28-07, 08:00 PM Me, too. I love the guys (obviously).

Since this is NOT in the article, I'll throw it out there - but when I was statting them up, the thought occurred to me that in addition to being able to play a rogue modron, it could be possible to create a Savage Species-style monster class that starts as a monodrone and as it advances in levels, at certain points it changes rank. That would certainly be an interesting character to play. If I get the chance, I'll try finalizing what I have for that progression and post it somewhere if people are interested.

You would of course need a friendly DM and some suspension of disbelief since the PC would still be part of the heirarchy, but would just happen to be ordered to go on the same mission as the rest of the party. Furthermore, certain levels would coincidentally happen at the same time as the modron is promoted ranks. But you can always inject "the will of Primus" or "orderly destiny of the planes" or some such. Nothing insurmountable, just issues that some people might need explained. Also, it would be a little funky with the occassional ability score dropping as you leveled and special abilities being lost. But personally, I just looked at the progression of modron ranks, and looked at my copy of Savage Species, and had my monodrone familiar activate a light bulb over my head as I realized that the mechanics could line up very nicely.

I think that would be awesome. If you do write it out, I would love to see it. I also thought that the article was very good too. Is there any chance we could see a follow up in the near future?
Razz
03-29-07, 02:53 PM Me, too. I love the guys (obviously).

Since this is NOT in the article, I'll throw it out there - but when I was statting them up, the thought occurred to me that in addition to being able to play a rogue modron, it could be possible to create a Savage Species-style monster class that starts as a monodrone and as it advances in levels, at certain points it changes rank. That would certainly be an interesting character to play. If I get the chance, I'll try finalizing what I have for that progression and post it somewhere if people are interested.

You would of course need a friendly DM and some suspension of disbelief since the PC would still be part of the heirarchy, but would just happen to be ordered to go on the same mission as the rest of the party. Furthermore, certain levels would coincidentally happen at the same time as the modron is promoted ranks. But you can always inject "the will of Primus" or "orderly destiny of the planes" or some such. Nothing insurmountable, just issues that some people might need explained. Also, it would be a little funky with the occassional ability score dropping as you leveled and special abilities being lost. But personally, I just looked at the progression of modron ranks, and looked at my copy of Savage Species, and had my monodrone familiar activate a light bulb over my head as I realized that the mechanics could line up very nicely.

I think the whole ability scores dropping here and there as you rise in rank won't be a big deal, considering that once you hit Decaton, all the scores rise up from there. Special abilities is another thing, but who'd complain about losing a paralyzing breath weapon when you can cast spells as a 10th-level sorceror and can choose Cleric spells on top of that once you hit Decaton? :D
Clueless
03-29-07, 11:55 PM I love the cover. I also feel hopeful for the article, seeing how it was written by Planewalker's webmaster (The planes have been having a really good time with these last few articles). I'm looking forwards to that Aged Adventurers article also.

... wait what? I did? When? What? Oh.... you mean Ken. He pays for the hosting. ;)
Razz
03-30-07, 01:41 AM So, Ken, did Paizo ever get back to you on doing Hierarch Modrons stats or no reply yet?

Why do I have the strangest feeling we won't be seeing the rest of the modrons until at least 6 months or more from now? :weep:
darth_borehd
03-30-07, 02:15 AM I'm hoping for actual modron miniatures now.
Clueless
03-30-07, 04:27 AM That would be so incredibly cool if we could get them. I know I'd buy out a whole set or two. (Ok, three)
BOZ
03-30-07, 09:45 AM So, Ken, did Paizo ever get back to you on doing Hierarch Modrons stats or no reply yet?

Why do I have the strangest feeling we won't be seeing the rest of the modrons until at least 6 months or more from now? :weep:

it's probably going to be at least that long no matter what - unless he already sent in the query, and paizo said yes and he's currently writing it. assuming that hasn't happened (and i'm sure it hasn't happened), you can count on a 6-month minimum just from the way things naturally work.
Razz
03-30-07, 11:32 AM it's probably going to be at least that long no matter what - unless he already sent in the query, and paizo said yes and he's currently writing it. assuming that hasn't happened (and i'm sure it hasn't happened), you can count on a 6-month minimum just from the way things naturally work.

Yeah. It wasn't until 6 months later your article on the Good Archomentals came out after the evil ones. So we'll have to see, then.

For the time being I made my own homebrew Hierarch Modron conversions using 1E, 2E, 3.0E, Dragon #354, and the Dungeon #144 tertian as comparisons and guidelines to work off of. It'll have to do until more official versions are done.
Bob the Efreet
03-30-07, 02:53 PM I'm hoping for actual modron miniatures now.

I have a bunch of those! The great thing is, they double as random number generators for when I'm playing.
HolyGrenadeFrenzy
03-30-07, 05:56 PM Meh, eventually the law will be restored back to its true noncorrupted-ness

EVEN IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN TO THE LAST MONODRONE TO DO IT!!!!

I hear the flywheels and gears a spinning, now!

Destroy the Non-Lawfuls of the Multiverse!:D ;)

Just kidding. :P :D The Slaadi appear with confused looks.
Andyr
03-31-07, 10:14 AM I have just got the issue, and thought I'd post to say the Modron feature is great. :) I'd recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the race.
sciborg2
03-31-07, 11:43 AM I have a bunch of those! The great thing is, they double as random number generators for when I'm playing.

Damn, it took me a little too long to get this, my brains getting mushy in the old age. :D
Razz
03-31-07, 03:47 PM If you guys email scalemail@paizo.com or go Paizo's Dragon Magazine forums and tell them how much you loved the Modron article, they'll work on putting in a future issue another Modron article detailing the Hierarch Modrons

So send those emails!!! :D
sir_dwar
03-31-07, 04:41 PM My favorite part of the article had to be the new exiled modrons... Gotta love a race that can fit in that easy with a low-level campaign (They're only +1 la and no HD)
Schiz-02
03-31-07, 05:00 PM I've always loved the modrons. The article was great. Great work Ken. I'm a huge PS fan and I'm glad to see updated material.

Oh and I was happy to the note from my favorite artist, Diterlizzi.
lord_zack
03-31-07, 05:28 PM I really like this article. Modrons are cool.
RavinRay
03-31-07, 05:42 PM Let's also petition Wizards to make a smiley of this one:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ModronAnim.gif
Razz
03-31-07, 06:57 PM Let's also petition Wizards to make a smiley of this one:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ModronAnim.gif

That'd be awesome! It's doable too! :D
BOZ
04-01-07, 11:13 AM it would make a great avatar in the meantime. :)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
sciborg2 03-07-07, 08:46 PM	http://paizo.com/image/product/catalog/WOC/WOC82354_500.jpeg
Haruspex 03-07-07, 08:55 PM	The cover illustration looks a little goofy, but I'd be interested to read it. Not sure what the whole story is though; did the modrons go into isolation because their leader (Primus?) died?
Taeldrin Laesrash 03-07-07, 09:35 PM	I love the cover. I also feel hopeful for the article, seeing how it was written by Planewalker's webmaster (The planes have been having a really good time with these last few articles). I'm looking forwards to that Aged Adventurers article also.
Sorcen_Anenooata 03-07-07, 10:25 PM	This may not be the place to ask but I've been meaning to get a subscription to Dragon for awhile so how do I go about getting that? Back on topic: I'd like to read it. Anything about the outer planes is worth my time.
ripvanwormer 03-07-07, 11:44 PM	This may not be the place to ask but I've been meaning to get a subscription to Dragon for awhile so how do I go about getting that? Try http://paizo.com/dragon
WombleHunter 03-08-07, 08:40 AM	Do bear in mind that this will be the April issue, though.
Rohano 03-08-07, 10:05 AM	Yes! YES! air guitar Primus will rise again, even if I have to maim some editors to make it happen.
Witch 03-08-07, 10:50 AM	Nice, if they're not going to remove the formians in some lame way. I like formians.
Ventilatory_Threshold 03-08-07, 10:54 AM	http://paizo.com/image/product/catalog/WOC/WOC82354_500.jpeg This is probably how Slaadi view them.
Sorcen_Anenooata 03-08-07, 11:00 AM	Thanks Rip. Yes! YES! air guitar Primus will rise again, even if I have to maim some editors to make it happen. I thought another modron was promoted to Primus shortly after the One and the Prime was killed by Tenebrous.
Calmar 03-08-07, 11:37 AM	Does not look very fit...
Shemeska the Marauder 03-08-07, 11:51 AM	I thought another modron was promoted to Primus shortly after the One and the Prime was killed by Tenebrous. Yes. There's a new Primus in control of the Modrons. (FWIW some fragment of the previous Primus is now considered a Vestige). Though Ken hasn't said too terribly much about the article itself, I gather that beyond covering the first 5 Modrons and rogue modrons, it'll deal with the fallout of the events of 'Dead Gods', probably expanding on the slim details that the Vestige article gave regarding the current status of Regulus (most modrons recalled and the borders sealed as they recover from the disruption caused by Tenebrous). This is mostly my semi-vaguely-sorta-notreally-Ssendamburbledtome-informed speculation based on some public posts, but the issue shipped recently, so we'll know what goodies Ken has for us pretty soon. :)
DungeonJman 03-09-07, 02:52 PM	I think the Modron on the cover is a rogue or something, then it would make sense.
Romtos 03-09-07, 02:59 PM	Yes. There's a new Primus in control of the Modrons. (FWIW some fragment of the previous Primus is now considered a Vestige). Though Ken hasn't said too terribly much about the article itself, I gather that beyond covering the first 5 Modrons and rogue modrons, it'll deal with the fallout of the events of 'Dead Gods', probably expanding on the slim details that the Vestige article gave regarding the current status of Regulus (most modrons recalled and the borders sealed as they recover from the disruption caused by Tenebrous). Vestige article? Is this one of the Vestige entries of ToM or a article in a Dragon magazine (which magazine?)? :) This is mostly my semi-vaguely-sorta-notreally-Ssendamburbledtome-informed speculation based on some public posts, but the issue shipped recently, so we'll know what goodies Ken has for us pretty soon. :) Do you happen to know the estimated delivery time for Europe? (It says 8 weeks, but that for every freaking adress besides North-America...so)
MerlintheTuna 03-09-07, 03:04 PM	I think the Modron on the cover is a rogue or something, then it would make sense.Ooh, that could be interesting -- with Primus gone, maybe the rogues outnumber the "normal" modrons, inducing a radical paradigm shift for the little cubeheads.
DungeonJman 03-09-07, 03:12 PM	Not likely, since a new Primus ascended immediately after the old Primus was slain
Singer_of_the_Song 03-09-07, 03:48 PM	And the new Primus has supposedly spent so much of this time restoring stability to the modrons.
Millenia 03-10-07, 03:58 PM	Vestige article? Is this one of the Vestige entries of ToM or a article in a Dragon magazine (which magazine?)? :) The Primus vestige is detailed in Dragon #341.
neilthrun 03-10-07, 11:19 PM	I'd be very excited to play a rogue modron.
Rohano 03-13-07, 12:57 PM	I think it's only logical for the death of Primus to create a lot of rogue modrons. Rogue modrons aren't created by promotions and so on but when I think of the entire hierarchy shifting in the typical modron way when a person at the top is dispatched, it's reasonable to assume that a modron here and there goes rogue. Anyway, it's rare that a modron is confused to the point of sitting down and clutching his head, so I think the modron on the cover is rogue and therefore rogues will be a big part of the article. If you all read the April issue before I do, give me a taste of what to expect, pretty please. :)
DungeonJman 03-13-07, 11:47 PM	I sort of disagree. Primii (what the heck is the multiple of Primus?) have died before and there has never been a ton of rogues, just enough to keep the Modrons occupied.
ripvanwormer 03-14-07, 01:14 AM	Keep in mind, though, that they've recently gone through not one but two Primuses, and one of them was the undead spirit of a demon lord. What's more, they were forced to march out of schedule, something unthinkable to such orderly creatures. So it's not an ordinary situation.
kenmarable 03-14-07, 10:32 PM	Though Ken hasn't said too terribly much about the article itself, I gather that beyond covering the first 5 Modrons and rogue modrons, it'll deal with the fallout of the events of 'Dead Gods', probably expanding on the slim details that the Vestige article gave regarding the current status of Regulus (most modrons recalled and the borders sealed as they recover from the disruption caused by Tenebrous). This is mostly my semi-vaguely-sorta-notreally-Ssendamburbledtome-informed speculation based on some public posts, but the issue shipped recently, so we'll know what goodies Ken has for us pretty soon. :) I tie more into the Modron March than Dead Gods, and to be honest, a fair chunk is "this is who modrons are" typical rehash for those new to them. Once I get the published article in hand (any day now!) and know other subscribers have it, I'll talk more about it. Right now I'm holding off because 1) I have no idea what the final product will look like, and 2) there's that pesky Non-Disclosure Agreement. ;) However, when Rip noted... Keep in mind, though, that they've recently gone through not one but two Primuses, and one of them was the undead spirit of a demon lord. What's more, they were forced to march out of schedule, something unthinkable to such orderly creatures. So it's not an ordinary situation. That is most definitely true. I really hope they kept the stuff I had talking about the ramifications of those facts. I've been itching to write up that stuff for years now (and even publicly discussed my ideas in the first Planewalker GenCon seminar back in 2002 or something). So anyone with a good memory who was there might know what I'm talking about. :) Either way, once it's out there I will certainly talk more about it. Also, just to set some expectations, monster write ups for 5-6 monsters in the new format takes up a lot of space. Throw in the requisite "these are what modrons are" for the uninitiated, and there's only so much space left over (even when I deliver double the asked for word count - whoops!). :) The sheer practical issue of space is one of the reasons I doubt we will see the other modron ranks detailed inside Dragon (as much as I would love to see them, let alone write them!). Now as a web enhancement without the space restriction, or better yet, a chapter in a Construct book from WotC, now those would rock!
kenmarable 03-14-07, 10:41 PM	I'd be very excited to play a rogue modron. Me, too. I love the guys (obviously). Since this is NOT in the article, I'll throw it out there - but when I was statting them up, the thought occurred to me that in addition to being able to play a rogue modron, it could be possible to create a Savage Species-style monster class that starts as a monodrone and as it advances in levels, at certain points it changes rank. That would certainly be an interesting character to play. If I get the chance, I'll try finalizing what I have for that progression and post it somewhere if people are interested. You would of course need a friendly DM and some suspension of disbelief since the PC would still be part of the heirarchy, but would just happen to be ordered to go on the same mission as the rest of the party. Furthermore, certain levels would coincidentally happen at the same time as the modron is promoted ranks. But you can always inject "the will of Primus" or "orderly destiny of the planes" or some such. Nothing insurmountable, just issues that some people might need explained. Also, it would be a little funky with the occassional ability score dropping as you leveled and special abilities being lost. But personally, I just looked at the progression of modron ranks, and looked at my copy of Savage Species, and had my monodrone familiar activate a light bulb over my head as I realized that the mechanics could line up very nicely.
sciborg2 03-14-07, 11:43 PM	Ken -- great stuff, thanks for talking to us.
bosssmiley 03-16-07, 11:30 PM	Nice, if they're not going to remove the formians in some lame way. I like formians. Baaah! Pour a giant kettle of boiling water over the Formian art farms and restore the Modrons to their rightful place as the examplars of pure law. Primus (who is utterly and entirely unaffected by the malign influence of Tenebrous) commends it. ;) Thanks kenmarable, I've been waiting for the return on the Modrons for years now. The preview art I've seen about the net looks like it'll do your writing justice too.
Taeldrin Laesrash 03-17-07, 09:57 AM	Since a bit more is being disclosed over in the ENWorld discussion, I thought I'd post the link. (http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=191108) Interesting stuff, and poor modrons.
thesoulcollector 03-19-07, 06:54 AM	I got my issue in the mail a few days ago and it was even better than I thought it would be! WAY COOL in my opinion. I have had a soft spot for Modrons since 1st ed. but I kinda lost track of them in 2nd ed. and in 3rd ed. they seemed no more than an afterthought. I thought that the back ground info was great. I will be looking for a way to fit them into my campaign soon!
awaken_D_M_golem 03-20-07, 04:45 PM	In my imaginary D&D world , 8 of the 9 Tertians received orders from the corrupted Secundus'es , err Secundi ? And the 1 Tertian that did not become corrupted , accidentally led non-rogue modrons , i.e. ones that also had not been given orders originating from Tenebrous , to safety. Hence becoming Modron "Fundamentalists" , although only in that sense to outsiders. That D&D secretly read my mind , and put their own spin on it , is only proof that I am NOT paranoid and they really are out to get my personality parasite. otoh , a Secundus beats a Tertian every time , and that's the Law , period. { ... how come there's no modron smiley :( ... }
DungeonJman 03-21-07, 12:07 AM	Meh, eventually the law will be restored back to its true noncorrupted-ness EVEN IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN TO THE LAST MONODRONE TO DO IT!!!!
crimsonwolf 03-21-07, 12:35 AM	what are the complete opplistes of moron?
ripvanwormer 03-21-07, 12:48 AM	Slaadi.
BOZ 03-22-07, 03:37 PM	LOL! did he mean complete opposite of modron, or complete opposite of moron? ;)
ripvanwormer 03-22-07, 03:48 PM	LOL! did he mean complete opposite of modron, or complete opposite of moron? ;) The same answer works for both questions.
BOZ 03-22-07, 04:43 PM	good point - they are highly intelligent, just generally inexplicable. :)
awaken_D_M_golem 03-22-07, 05:02 PM	Are you talkin to ... me my- personality parasite -self and persIstant schIsm (repeat) perform check 12
illathid 03-28-07, 08:00 PM	Me, too. I love the guys (obviously). Since this is NOT in the article, I'll throw it out there - but when I was statting them up, the thought occurred to me that in addition to being able to play a rogue modron, it could be possible to create a Savage Species-style monster class that starts as a monodrone and as it advances in levels, at certain points it changes rank. That would certainly be an interesting character to play. If I get the chance, I'll try finalizing what I have for that progression and post it somewhere if people are interested. You would of course need a friendly DM and some suspension of disbelief since the PC would still be part of the heirarchy, but would just happen to be ordered to go on the same mission as the rest of the party. Furthermore, certain levels would coincidentally happen at the same time as the modron is promoted ranks. But you can always inject "the will of Primus" or "orderly destiny of the planes" or some such. Nothing insurmountable, just issues that some people might need explained. Also, it would be a little funky with the occassional ability score dropping as you leveled and special abilities being lost. But personally, I just looked at the progression of modron ranks, and looked at my copy of Savage Species, and had my monodrone familiar activate a light bulb over my head as I realized that the mechanics could line up very nicely. I think that would be awesome. If you do write it out, I would love to see it. I also thought that the article was very good too. Is there any chance we could see a follow up in the near future?
Razz 03-29-07, 02:53 PM	Me, too. I love the guys (obviously). Since this is NOT in the article, I'll throw it out there - but when I was statting them up, the thought occurred to me that in addition to being able to play a rogue modron, it could be possible to create a Savage Species-style monster class that starts as a monodrone and as it advances in levels, at certain points it changes rank. That would certainly be an interesting character to play. If I get the chance, I'll try finalizing what I have for that progression and post it somewhere if people are interested. You would of course need a friendly DM and some suspension of disbelief since the PC would still be part of the heirarchy, but would just happen to be ordered to go on the same mission as the rest of the party. Furthermore, certain levels would coincidentally happen at the same time as the modron is promoted ranks. But you can always inject "the will of Primus" or "orderly destiny of the planes" or some such. Nothing insurmountable, just issues that some people might need explained. Also, it would be a little funky with the occassional ability score dropping as you leveled and special abilities being lost. But personally, I just looked at the progression of modron ranks, and looked at my copy of Savage Species, and had my monodrone familiar activate a light bulb over my head as I realized that the mechanics could line up very nicely. I think the whole ability scores dropping here and there as you rise in rank won't be a big deal, considering that once you hit Decaton, all the scores rise up from there. Special abilities is another thing, but who'd complain about losing a paralyzing breath weapon when you can cast spells as a 10th-level sorceror and can choose Cleric spells on top of that once you hit Decaton? :D
Clueless 03-29-07, 11:55 PM	I love the cover. I also feel hopeful for the article, seeing how it was written by Planewalker's webmaster (The planes have been having a really good time with these last few articles). I'm looking forwards to that Aged Adventurers article also. ... wait what? I did? When? What? Oh.... you mean Ken. He pays for the hosting. ;)
Razz 03-30-07, 01:41 AM	So, Ken, did Paizo ever get back to you on doing Hierarch Modrons stats or no reply yet? Why do I have the strangest feeling we won't be seeing the rest of the modrons until at least 6 months or more from now? :weep:
darth_borehd 03-30-07, 02:15 AM	I'm hoping for actual modron miniatures now.
Clueless 03-30-07, 04:27 AM	That would be so incredibly cool if we could get them. I know I'd buy out a whole set or two. (Ok, three)
BOZ 03-30-07, 09:45 AM	So, Ken, did Paizo ever get back to you on doing Hierarch Modrons stats or no reply yet? Why do I have the strangest feeling we won't be seeing the rest of the modrons until at least 6 months or more from now? :weep: it's probably going to be at least that long no matter what - unless he already sent in the query, and paizo said yes and he's currently writing it. assuming that hasn't happened (and i'm sure it hasn't happened), you can count on a 6-month minimum just from the way things naturally work.
Razz 03-30-07, 11:32 AM	it's probably going to be at least that long no matter what - unless he already sent in the query, and paizo said yes and he's currently writing it. assuming that hasn't happened (and i'm sure it hasn't happened), you can count on a 6-month minimum just from the way things naturally work. Yeah. It wasn't until 6 months later your article on the Good Archomentals came out after the evil ones. So we'll have to see, then. For the time being I made my own homebrew Hierarch Modron conversions using 1E, 2E, 3.0E, Dragon #354, and the Dungeon #144 tertian as comparisons and guidelines to work off of. It'll have to do until more official versions are done.
Bob the Efreet 03-30-07, 02:53 PM	I'm hoping for actual modron miniatures now. I have a bunch of those! The great thing is, they double as random number generators for when I'm playing.
HolyGrenadeFrenzy 03-30-07, 05:56 PM	Meh, eventually the law will be restored back to its true noncorrupted-ness EVEN IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN TO THE LAST MONODRONE TO DO IT!!!! I hear the flywheels and gears a spinning, now! Destroy the Non-Lawfuls of the Multiverse!:D ;) Just kidding. :P :D The Slaadi appear with confused looks.
Andyr 03-31-07, 10:14 AM	I have just got the issue, and thought I'd post to say the Modron feature is great. :) I'd recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the race.
sciborg2 03-31-07, 11:43 AM	I have a bunch of those! The great thing is, they double as random number generators for when I'm playing. Damn, it took me a little too long to get this, my brains getting mushy in the old age. :D
Razz 03-31-07, 03:47 PM	If you guys email scalemail@paizo.com or go Paizo's Dragon Magazine forums and tell them how much you loved the Modron article, they'll work on putting in a future issue another Modron article detailing the Hierarch Modrons So send those emails!!! :D
sir_dwar 03-31-07, 04:41 PM	My favorite part of the article had to be the new exiled modrons... Gotta love a race that can fit in that easy with a low-level campaign (They're only +1 la and no HD)
Schiz-02 03-31-07, 05:00 PM	I've always loved the modrons. The article was great. Great work Ken. I'm a huge PS fan and I'm glad to see updated material. Oh and I was happy to the note from my favorite artist, Diterlizzi.
lord_zack 03-31-07, 05:28 PM	I really like this article. Modrons are cool.
RavinRay 03-31-07, 05:42 PM	Let's also petition Wizards to make a smiley of this one: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ModronAnim.gif
Razz 03-31-07, 06:57 PM	Let's also petition Wizards to make a smiley of this one: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ModronAnim.gif That'd be awesome! It's doable too! :D
BOZ 04-01-07, 11:13 AM	it would make a great avatar in the meantime. :)