Anyone else a little nervous about 5 Nations? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Anyone else a little nervous about 5 Nations? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Euangelion
06-02-05, 10:34 PM Over at the Previews pages the last couple of months, there has been nothing about 5 Nations except the back cover blurb. Mat Smith has also pointed out that the authors are still working up to the last minute on the book, and of course the publication was delayed a month. I really, really, hope we're not headed for a mess with this important Eberron resource. Delaying its release to make sure it's in top shape is always the right course of action, if that's what was going on. I'm also nervous that none of the authors of the next three Eberron source books includes anyone who's been a co-author on any of the first three.
I'm not complaining, since I haven't seen any parts of 5 Nations yet, but not seeing any parts of 5 Nations yet sure does make me nervous.
ekomega
06-02-05, 10:39 PM I agree. Waiting till the last minute to finish something hardly ever is to "Get things right."

Also, I am a little worried that the guy who didn't win the Campaign Setting Search (i.e. he lost to Keith, but got like 2nd place) will be making Eberron material. I think I recall that being the case. Anyway, hope there's no bitterness and he doesn't try and ruin Eberron because of that, i.e. putting out a bad sourcebook.

Hope it's good. Hope they kept true to the material and vision.
Sarlax
06-03-05, 12:15 AM I seriously doubt that someone would sabotage a product for revenge and wreck his own career in the industry.

I'm also unconcerned that the original authors aren't the primary authors in this product. I believe that the more people they have working on Eberron, the better. Not only does it show that the line's doing well enough that they need to keep expanding their pool of writers, but it ensures that more people have an interest in the setting.

As for the delays - no big deal. Remember when TSR was in serious danger of folding? A month or two isn't a big deal. I waited half a year for Dead Gods and it was well worth it.
stone_dog
06-03-05, 12:49 AM Umm... Rich Burlew was one of the finalists, but he doesn't show up until "Explorer's handbook." He and Keith Baker are on pretty friendly terms and has even come out and admitted in public that Eberron is a pretty sweet piece of work. Also he is pretty talented (check out The Order of the Stick for an example. I don't think we have anything to worry about. (http://www.bossythecow.com/genconphoto5.htm)

Who was the other finalist? Neither Brian Campbell nor Scott Gearin rings a bell, but I could easily be wrong.
Flame_Drake
06-03-05, 01:08 AM I'm not worried.

It seems that the team working on Five Nations is taking the time to get it right. Just have a bit of faith in it, everything will come out just fine.

As for Rich, he seems to be a good guy, and if you look at some of the articles he's written for his website, there's a reason that he was one of the setting finalists. I am still waiting for some sort of Eberron crack in OotS, though :P

Drake
DarkWarriorKarg
06-03-05, 01:37 AM I'm hoping the delay includes a synchronization with the Dragonshard articles.
EscherEnigma
06-03-05, 01:44 AM To be selfishly honest? I'm kinda glad its delayed. It means there will be less time that I'll be without it, and gives me more time to get money for other books as well.

I mean, I suppose I COULD eat nothing but ramen for a few months and buy all the books I want, but if the books I want are spaced out a bit more then less ramen for me.
Edymnion
06-03-05, 01:58 AM I hope and pray that the delay lets them really polish the book into the next City of Towers.

Races of Eberron, despite the hype, came out being very lack-luster and mediocre. I'm praying that Five Nations doesn't come out like that. I *REALLY* want to see 5N be the next CoT, I really do.
Zedium
06-03-05, 02:20 AM I agree with Edy, if the delay and mysteriousness means more quality for us, I am fine with it.
Gez
06-03-05, 04:26 AM I don't think we have anything to worry about. (http://www.bossythecow.com/genconphoto5.htm)

http://www.giantitp.com/thegiant.html
He said it himself:
Rich Burlew (Giant in the Playground): The founder of this site and the guy who writes almost everything here, Rich first broke into game writing with Wizards of the Coast's Fantasy Setting Search in late 2002, where he was one of only three finalists asked to prepare a full 125-page bible for their setting. Ultimately, he was defeated by his archnemesis, Keith Baker, for whom his fiery wrath still burns like the heat of a thousand suns. Rich has since gone on to contribute to Wizards' Monster Manual III and Paizo's Dragon Magazine, as well as working on top secret projects that, were you to learn of them, would almost certainly spell your doom.

:rofl:

Who was the other finalist? Neither Brian Campbell nor Scott Gearin rings a bell, but I could easily be wrong.

The setting search finalists were Keith Baker (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021209a), Rich Burlew (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021209b), and Nathan Toomey (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021209c).
polt
06-03-05, 06:25 AM I think one of the reasons Five Nations is delayed is because so many people were disappointed with RoE, and they want to do better.
zentr
06-03-05, 12:50 PM I'm hoping the delay is a good sign.

The book sounds almost like the ECS part 2. So much possible overlap might be the cause of some of the difficulty.

The RoE may have had some rules problems, but I enjoy reading the RoE book more than the Sharn book (e.g. A Day in the Life for each of the main races). And I think they both have great images.

Let's hope for an index in this one!
anarco_rata
06-04-05, 01:40 AM I am not worried, im exited! im already secretly ploting ways to get that book as soon as i can...considering that i live in another plane where the only WOTC material you can get your hands on comes from epic travellers, that's no small task.
Rich Burlew is the author of one of the funniest webcomics i read, If not the funniest. I think he'll do a terrific job. I think nothing can go wrong with five nations....(and if it does, i'll be on denial until 2006)
Euangelion
06-04-05, 10:42 PM Again, just for the record, I think delay, delay, delay is the way to go to make it right. I think that this book is going to be the second most important Eberron book for years, or perhaps ever, after the ECS. I've been happy so far, and I don't doubt the talent of the authors in general, but the proverb "too many cooks spoil the stew" comes to mind. As long as they stay on target with the core vision of Eberron, all will be fine. Here's hoping for a grand slam home run on 5 Nations!
Hellcow
06-04-05, 11:25 PM Also, I am a little worried that the guy who didn't win the Campaign Setting Search (i.e. he lost to Keith, but got like 2nd place) will be making Eberron material. I think I recall that being the case. Anyway, hope there's no bitterness and he doesn't try and ruin Eberron because of that, i.e. putting out a bad sourcebook.
I think that Rich is a great guy and an excellent designer. I'm glad that he's willing to do Eberron material, and have no doubts that he's done great work. I'm hoping that we'll have the chance to work on something together in the future.
Morgenstern
07-02-05, 05:32 AM Hi all,

Underneath the snazzy screen name, I'm Scott Gearin. I have to take some of the blame for the delays on Five Nations... My father died during the writing process and my work was a bit late comming in as a result :(.

Regardless, I think it was some of my best stuff ever and I think it will greatly enhance people's knowledge of central Khorvaire with a lot of practical flavor and truely useful information about the lands where many adventures take place. (I also think it will change people's views on the effectiveness of sorcerers for all time, but that's a different story :D)

I sitting here with the rest of you in slack-jawed amazment at how cool the art is :). I keep thinking "Dang! That is exactly what I had envisioned... only, you know, cooler!"
Joni-san
07-02-05, 07:27 AM The loss of a family member is a very big thing :(. I hope you can take it and turn it into a positive force by remembering him.

My badly written congolences aside, Five Nations is sounding pretty good :)
Magnificate
07-02-05, 07:52 AM (I also think it will change people's views on the effectiveness of sorcerers for all time, but that's a different story :D)

That is quite impossible without breaking the class itself... AND there were such attempts in the past (Draconic Heritage feats)... AND they failed... AND Five Nations is Eberron-specific supplement... BUT if you really can do this I and many other gamers would be very grateful ;)
Euangelion
07-02-05, 09:46 AM Hi all,

Underneath the snazzy screen name, I'm Scott Gearin. I have to take some of the blame for the delays on Five Nations... My father died during the writing process and my work was a bit late comming in as a result :(.

Scott, I hope that you find comfort and peace during this time of loss. My deepest apologies if this thread has caused you any additional hardship. While I am eager to read Five Nations , D&D is still only a game, and therefore must take a backseat as real life and death breaks into our fantasy world. As my rocket scientist father, the one who introduced me to D&D, continues to rapidly decline due to a very aggressive form of Parkinsons that also attacks cognitive abilities, I too have had to start saying good-bye to him. Thus I am deeply ashamed that I may have added to your stress and anguish during what must be a difficult time for you. If indeed your work in Five Nations is meant in any way as a legacy to your father, I will only treasure it more.
Zalaz Mavi
07-02-05, 10:37 AM Neither Brian Campbell nor Scott Gearin rings a bell...

Brian Campbell was a writer/editor for the Star Wars RPG, and Scott Gearin has done numerous books for the Spycraft RPG. While the pedigree on these guys is good, they have a lot of work to do to overcome the perception that only Keith Baker is capable of writing for Eberron. We'll know next Friday (8th) whether they got it right or not...
Edymnion
07-02-05, 11:54 AM Hi all,

Underneath the snazzy screen name, I'm Scott Gearin. I have to take some of the blame for the delays on Five Nations... My father died during the writing process and my work was a bit late comming in as a result :(.Sympathies for your father, but I'm glad to see ya here on the boards :)
Its always nice to see the designers on the boards, especially when they get down and talk with all of us as a regular guy like Keith does :)

It also helps to keep us from abstracting you guys as "the designers" and keeps ya real. Hopefully the Eberron community can avoid some of the unpleasantness the rest of the boards have been known for, but just in case, don't take any of the bad stuff ya read personally.

We really do luv you guys, even when we don't exactly love what gets written. ;)
stone_dog
07-02-05, 11:56 AM Scott Gearin has done numerous books for the Spycraft RPG.

Then I am both pleasantly intrigued by the possibilities and sympathetic to the unfortunate situation he finds himself in.

I know how that pain goes all too well,Scott. In the space of two years I lost half my family to various cancers and age related causes. Whatever faith you have, may it bless you and keep you.
Edymnion
07-02-05, 11:57 AM That is quite impossible without breaking the class itself...Not really, the Sorcerer is underpowered as written.
Just compare the Sorcerer with their spontaneous casting and no class features at all to something like the Favored Soul which gets full spontaneous casting and an entire 20 levels worth of class abilities. One of those two is horribly broken, either under or over powered.
Jar Head
07-02-05, 01:35 PM (I also think it will change people's views on the effectiveness of sorcerers for all time, but that's a different story :D)

Make their spell progression the same as the Wizard's. I think that is definately one thing that has always made them more uneffective. I can easily play a Wizard, because I don't mind preperation, but their are so many cool role-playing experiences with sorcerers. And these role-playing experiences can be even better in Eberron, especially with the Serens. But alas, it's horribly underpowered...
Edymnion
07-02-05, 01:58 PM Make their spell progression the same as the Wizard's. I think that is definately one thing that has always made them more uneffective. I can easily play a Wizard, because I don't mind preperation, but their are so many cool role-playing experiences with sorcerers. And these role-playing experiences can be even better in Eberron, especially with the Serens. But alas, it's horribly underpowered...One solution, make an Arcane Wilder.
Take the Wilder psionic class, and replace it's psionic powers with arcane spells, and you get a pretty danged good Sorcerer replacement.

After all, the Wilder *is* the sorcerer equivolent of the Psion :)
Mr. Wilson
07-02-05, 02:05 PM I went to Origins hoping to score this book like I did the Dragonlance CS last year, but they didn't have any. :weep:

Anything that will help the Karns evolve over the country bumpkin sterotype that the people in my group have latched onto thanks to the militaristic nature of the nation would be good. I am cultured dagnabit!
Gurv
07-02-05, 02:20 PM Rich Berlew is a pretty good writer, even if you've never read his awesome Order of the Stick comic. He comes across a little strong in his writing, but the whole thing about him being Keith's archnemesis is a joke. Actually, the articles on his site show that he knows what he is talking about, gamewise. Most of them are extremely useful, or at least enlightening, and I highly recommend that people read them.

Remember, Rich didn't win the Setting Search, but it isn't like he come in last or anything. If Keith hadn't been around, Rich would likely have his name on the official campaign setting. He makes the archnemesis joke, but I'm pretty sure he takes himself seriously enough that he wouldn't do anything to ruin Eberron, and his chances of writing for future projects.
AlDaRoN Arg
07-02-05, 03:39 PM They better take their time, im tired of downloading erratas.
Ibbins
07-04-05, 04:33 PM Not really, the Sorcerer is underpowered as written.
Just compare the Sorcerer with their spontaneous casting and no class features at all to something like the Favored Soul which gets full spontaneous casting and an entire 20 levels worth of class abilities. One of those two is horribly broken, either under or over powered.

Note, however, that arcane spellcasting is as a whole considerably more powerful than divine spellcasting, plus the favored soul relies on 2 ability scores for spells. It remains difficult to compare the power levels of arcane classes vs. divine.
Ibbins
07-04-05, 04:46 PM One solution, make an Arcane Wilder.
Take the Wilder psionic class, and replace it's psionic powers with arcane spells, and you get a pretty danged good Sorcerer replacement.

After all, the Wilder *is* the sorcerer equivolent of the Psion :)

How does this look?

Arcane Surge (Su): A sorcerer can choose to invoke an arcane surge whenever she casts a spell. When she does so, she gains +1 to her caster level with that casting of the spell. Level-dependent power effects are improved, depending on the spell a sorcerer casts with her arcane surge.
This improvement in caster level does not grant her any other benefits (familiar abilities do not advance, she does not gain higher-level class abilities, and so on).
At 3rd level, a wilder can choose to boost her caster level by two instead of one. At 7th level, she can boost her caster level by up to three; at 11th level, by up to four; at 15th level, by up to five; and at 19th level, by up to six.
Retributive Blast (Ex): Pushing oneself by invoking an arcane surge is dangerous. Immediately following each arcane surge, a sorcerer may be overcome by the strain of her effort. The chance of suffering psychic enervation is equal to 5%.
A wilder who is overcome by psychic enervation is dazed until the end of her next turn and takes 1d6 damage per caster level increased by the arcane surge.

Just slap it onto the sorcerer class, maybe reduce the number of spells known a little, and you're good.
vivid_disorder
07-04-05, 08:19 PM I think it's a bit churlish to say that Rich Burlew is the guy who "lost to Keith, but got like 2nd place", and to suggest that he'd sabotage Eberron is conspiratorial and pretty insulting to a professional writer. In coming second to Eberron, Rich's campaign setting must have beaten off untold numbers of quality submissions and I for one would absolutley love to get a peep at the world that was "merely" second to Eberron. Order of the Stick is one of the best online comics, and probably the best gaming comic of all (I personally much prefer it to the much better publicised Knights of the Dinner Table). I anticipate that 5N will be well written, if nothing else, but if it's as scanty with content as RoE, then I for one will be growling like a constipated shifter.
EscherEnigma
07-05-05, 03:47 AM I for one will be growling like a constipated shifter.
Wow, I think I just got another quote for my sig.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Euangelion 06-02-05, 10:34 PM	Over at the Previews pages the last couple of months, there has been nothing about 5 Nations except the back cover blurb. Mat Smith has also pointed out that the authors are still working up to the last minute on the book, and of course the publication was delayed a month. I really, really, hope we're not headed for a mess with this important Eberron resource. Delaying its release to make sure it's in top shape is always the right course of action, if that's what was going on. I'm also nervous that none of the authors of the next three Eberron source books includes anyone who's been a co-author on any of the first three. I'm not complaining, since I haven't seen any parts of 5 Nations yet, but not seeing any parts of 5 Nations yet sure does make me nervous.
ekomega 06-02-05, 10:39 PM	I agree. Waiting till the last minute to finish something hardly ever is to "Get things right." Also, I am a little worried that the guy who didn't win the Campaign Setting Search (i.e. he lost to Keith, but got like 2nd place) will be making Eberron material. I think I recall that being the case. Anyway, hope there's no bitterness and he doesn't try and ruin Eberron because of that, i.e. putting out a bad sourcebook. Hope it's good. Hope they kept true to the material and vision.
Sarlax 06-03-05, 12:15 AM	I seriously doubt that someone would sabotage a product for revenge and wreck his own career in the industry. I'm also unconcerned that the original authors aren't the primary authors in this product. I believe that the more people they have working on Eberron, the better. Not only does it show that the line's doing well enough that they need to keep expanding their pool of writers, but it ensures that more people have an interest in the setting. As for the delays - no big deal. Remember when TSR was in serious danger of folding? A month or two isn't a big deal. I waited half a year for Dead Gods and it was well worth it.
stone_dog 06-03-05, 12:49 AM	Umm... Rich Burlew was one of the finalists, but he doesn't show up until "Explorer's handbook." He and Keith Baker are on pretty friendly terms and has even come out and admitted in public that Eberron is a pretty sweet piece of work. Also he is pretty talented (check out The Order of the Stick for an example. I don't think we have anything to worry about. (http://www.bossythecow.com/genconphoto5.htm) Who was the other finalist? Neither Brian Campbell nor Scott Gearin rings a bell, but I could easily be wrong.
Flame_Drake 06-03-05, 01:08 AM	I'm not worried. It seems that the team working on Five Nations is taking the time to get it right. Just have a bit of faith in it, everything will come out just fine. As for Rich, he seems to be a good guy, and if you look at some of the articles he's written for his website, there's a reason that he was one of the setting finalists. I am still waiting for some sort of Eberron crack in OotS, though :P Drake
DarkWarriorKarg 06-03-05, 01:37 AM	I'm hoping the delay includes a synchronization with the Dragonshard articles.
EscherEnigma 06-03-05, 01:44 AM	To be selfishly honest? I'm kinda glad its delayed. It means there will be less time that I'll be without it, and gives me more time to get money for other books as well. I mean, I suppose I COULD eat nothing but ramen for a few months and buy all the books I want, but if the books I want are spaced out a bit more then less ramen for me.
Edymnion 06-03-05, 01:58 AM	I hope and pray that the delay lets them really polish the book into the next City of Towers. Races of Eberron, despite the hype, came out being very lack-luster and mediocre. I'm praying that Five Nations doesn't come out like that. I REALLY want to see 5N be the next CoT, I really do.
Zedium 06-03-05, 02:20 AM	I agree with Edy, if the delay and mysteriousness means more quality for us, I am fine with it.
Gez 06-03-05, 04:26 AM	I don't think we have anything to worry about. (http://www.bossythecow.com/genconphoto5.htm) http://www.giantitp.com/thegiant.html He said it himself: Rich Burlew (Giant in the Playground): The founder of this site and the guy who writes almost everything here, Rich first broke into game writing with Wizards of the Coast's Fantasy Setting Search in late 2002, where he was one of only three finalists asked to prepare a full 125-page bible for their setting. Ultimately, he was defeated by his archnemesis, Keith Baker, for whom his fiery wrath still burns like the heat of a thousand suns. Rich has since gone on to contribute to Wizards' Monster Manual III and Paizo's Dragon Magazine, as well as working on top secret projects that, were you to learn of them, would almost certainly spell your doom. :rofl: Who was the other finalist? Neither Brian Campbell nor Scott Gearin rings a bell, but I could easily be wrong. The setting search finalists were Keith Baker (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021209a), Rich Burlew (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021209b), and Nathan Toomey (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=dnd/dx20021209c).
polt 06-03-05, 06:25 AM	I think one of the reasons Five Nations is delayed is because so many people were disappointed with RoE, and they want to do better.
zentr 06-03-05, 12:50 PM	I'm hoping the delay is a good sign. The book sounds almost like the ECS part 2. So much possible overlap might be the cause of some of the difficulty. The RoE may have had some rules problems, but I enjoy reading the RoE book more than the Sharn book (e.g. A Day in the Life for each of the main races). And I think they both have great images. Let's hope for an index in this one!
anarco_rata 06-04-05, 01:40 AM	I am not worried, im exited! im already secretly ploting ways to get that book as soon as i can...considering that i live in another plane where the only WOTC material you can get your hands on comes from epic travellers, that's no small task. Rich Burlew is the author of one of the funniest webcomics i read, If not the funniest. I think he'll do a terrific job. I think nothing can go wrong with five nations....(and if it does, i'll be on denial until 2006)
Euangelion 06-04-05, 10:42 PM	Again, just for the record, I think delay, delay, delay is the way to go to make it right. I think that this book is going to be the second most important Eberron book for years, or perhaps ever, after the ECS. I've been happy so far, and I don't doubt the talent of the authors in general, but the proverb "too many cooks spoil the stew" comes to mind. As long as they stay on target with the core vision of Eberron, all will be fine. Here's hoping for a grand slam home run on 5 Nations!
Hellcow 06-04-05, 11:25 PM	Also, I am a little worried that the guy who didn't win the Campaign Setting Search (i.e. he lost to Keith, but got like 2nd place) will be making Eberron material. I think I recall that being the case. Anyway, hope there's no bitterness and he doesn't try and ruin Eberron because of that, i.e. putting out a bad sourcebook. I think that Rich is a great guy and an excellent designer. I'm glad that he's willing to do Eberron material, and have no doubts that he's done great work. I'm hoping that we'll have the chance to work on something together in the future.
Morgenstern 07-02-05, 05:32 AM	Hi all, Underneath the snazzy screen name, I'm Scott Gearin. I have to take some of the blame for the delays on Five Nations... My father died during the writing process and my work was a bit late comming in as a result :(. Regardless, I think it was some of my best stuff ever and I think it will greatly enhance people's knowledge of central Khorvaire with a lot of practical flavor and truely useful information about the lands where many adventures take place. (I also think it will change people's views on the effectiveness of sorcerers for all time, but that's a different story :D) I sitting here with the rest of you in slack-jawed amazment at how cool the art is :). I keep thinking "Dang! That is exactly what I had envisioned... only, you know, cooler!"
Joni-san 07-02-05, 07:27 AM	The loss of a family member is a very big thing :(. I hope you can take it and turn it into a positive force by remembering him. My badly written congolences aside, Five Nations is sounding pretty good :)
Magnificate 07-02-05, 07:52 AM	(I also think it will change people's views on the effectiveness of sorcerers for all time, but that's a different story :D) That is quite impossible without breaking the class itself... AND there were such attempts in the past (Draconic Heritage feats)... AND they failed... AND Five Nations is Eberron-specific supplement... BUT if you really can do this I and many other gamers would be very grateful ;)
Euangelion 07-02-05, 09:46 AM	Hi all, Underneath the snazzy screen name, I'm Scott Gearin. I have to take some of the blame for the delays on Five Nations... My father died during the writing process and my work was a bit late comming in as a result :(. Scott, I hope that you find comfort and peace during this time of loss. My deepest apologies if this thread has caused you any additional hardship. While I am eager to read Five Nations , D&D is still only a game, and therefore must take a backseat as real life and death breaks into our fantasy world. As my rocket scientist father, the one who introduced me to D&D, continues to rapidly decline due to a very aggressive form of Parkinsons that also attacks cognitive abilities, I too have had to start saying good-bye to him. Thus I am deeply ashamed that I may have added to your stress and anguish during what must be a difficult time for you. If indeed your work in Five Nations is meant in any way as a legacy to your father, I will only treasure it more.
Zalaz Mavi 07-02-05, 10:37 AM	Neither Brian Campbell nor Scott Gearin rings a bell... Brian Campbell was a writer/editor for the Star Wars RPG, and Scott Gearin has done numerous books for the Spycraft RPG. While the pedigree on these guys is good, they have a lot of work to do to overcome the perception that only Keith Baker is capable of writing for Eberron. We'll know next Friday (8th) whether they got it right or not...
Edymnion 07-02-05, 11:54 AM	Hi all, Underneath the snazzy screen name, I'm Scott Gearin. I have to take some of the blame for the delays on Five Nations... My father died during the writing process and my work was a bit late comming in as a result :(.Sympathies for your father, but I'm glad to see ya here on the boards :) Its always nice to see the designers on the boards, especially when they get down and talk with all of us as a regular guy like Keith does :) It also helps to keep us from abstracting you guys as "the designers" and keeps ya real. Hopefully the Eberron community can avoid some of the unpleasantness the rest of the boards have been known for, but just in case, don't take any of the bad stuff ya read personally. We really do luv you guys, even when we don't exactly love what gets written. ;)
stone_dog 07-02-05, 11:56 AM	Scott Gearin has done numerous books for the Spycraft RPG. Then I am both pleasantly intrigued by the possibilities and sympathetic to the unfortunate situation he finds himself in. I know how that pain goes all too well,Scott. In the space of two years I lost half my family to various cancers and age related causes. Whatever faith you have, may it bless you and keep you.
Edymnion 07-02-05, 11:57 AM	That is quite impossible without breaking the class itself...Not really, the Sorcerer is underpowered as written. Just compare the Sorcerer with their spontaneous casting and no class features at all to something like the Favored Soul which gets full spontaneous casting and an entire 20 levels worth of class abilities. One of those two is horribly broken, either under or over powered.
Jar Head 07-02-05, 01:35 PM	(I also think it will change people's views on the effectiveness of sorcerers for all time, but that's a different story :D) Make their spell progression the same as the Wizard's. I think that is definately one thing that has always made them more uneffective. I can easily play a Wizard, because I don't mind preperation, but their are so many cool role-playing experiences with sorcerers. And these role-playing experiences can be even better in Eberron, especially with the Serens. But alas, it's horribly underpowered...
Edymnion 07-02-05, 01:58 PM	Make their spell progression the same as the Wizard's. I think that is definately one thing that has always made them more uneffective. I can easily play a Wizard, because I don't mind preperation, but their are so many cool role-playing experiences with sorcerers. And these role-playing experiences can be even better in Eberron, especially with the Serens. But alas, it's horribly underpowered...One solution, make an Arcane Wilder. Take the Wilder psionic class, and replace it's psionic powers with arcane spells, and you get a pretty danged good Sorcerer replacement. After all, the Wilder is the sorcerer equivolent of the Psion :)
Mr. Wilson 07-02-05, 02:05 PM	I went to Origins hoping to score this book like I did the Dragonlance CS last year, but they didn't have any. :weep: Anything that will help the Karns evolve over the country bumpkin sterotype that the people in my group have latched onto thanks to the militaristic nature of the nation would be good. I am cultured dagnabit!
Gurv 07-02-05, 02:20 PM	Rich Berlew is a pretty good writer, even if you've never read his awesome Order of the Stick comic. He comes across a little strong in his writing, but the whole thing about him being Keith's archnemesis is a joke. Actually, the articles on his site show that he knows what he is talking about, gamewise. Most of them are extremely useful, or at least enlightening, and I highly recommend that people read them. Remember, Rich didn't win the Setting Search, but it isn't like he come in last or anything. If Keith hadn't been around, Rich would likely have his name on the official campaign setting. He makes the archnemesis joke, but I'm pretty sure he takes himself seriously enough that he wouldn't do anything to ruin Eberron, and his chances of writing for future projects.
AlDaRoN Arg 07-02-05, 03:39 PM	They better take their time, im tired of downloading erratas.
Ibbins 07-04-05, 04:33 PM	Not really, the Sorcerer is underpowered as written. Just compare the Sorcerer with their spontaneous casting and no class features at all to something like the Favored Soul which gets full spontaneous casting and an entire 20 levels worth of class abilities. One of those two is horribly broken, either under or over powered. Note, however, that arcane spellcasting is as a whole considerably more powerful than divine spellcasting, plus the favored soul relies on 2 ability scores for spells. It remains difficult to compare the power levels of arcane classes vs. divine.
Ibbins 07-04-05, 04:46 PM	One solution, make an Arcane Wilder. Take the Wilder psionic class, and replace it's psionic powers with arcane spells, and you get a pretty danged good Sorcerer replacement. After all, the Wilder is the sorcerer equivolent of the Psion :) How does this look? Arcane Surge (Su): A sorcerer can choose to invoke an arcane surge whenever she casts a spell. When she does so, she gains +1 to her caster level with that casting of the spell. Level-dependent power effects are improved, depending on the spell a sorcerer casts with her arcane surge. This improvement in caster level does not grant her any other benefits (familiar abilities do not advance, she does not gain higher-level class abilities, and so on). At 3rd level, a wilder can choose to boost her caster level by two instead of one. At 7th level, she can boost her caster level by up to three; at 11th level, by up to four; at 15th level, by up to five; and at 19th level, by up to six. Retributive Blast (Ex): Pushing oneself by invoking an arcane surge is dangerous. Immediately following each arcane surge, a sorcerer may be overcome by the strain of her effort. The chance of suffering psychic enervation is equal to 5%. A wilder who is overcome by psychic enervation is dazed until the end of her next turn and takes 1d6 damage per caster level increased by the arcane surge. Just slap it onto the sorcerer class, maybe reduce the number of spells known a little, and you're good.
vivid_disorder 07-04-05, 08:19 PM	I think it's a bit churlish to say that Rich Burlew is the guy who "lost to Keith, but got like 2nd place", and to suggest that he'd sabotage Eberron is conspiratorial and pretty insulting to a professional writer. In coming second to Eberron, Rich's campaign setting must have beaten off untold numbers of quality submissions and I for one would absolutley love to get a peep at the world that was "merely" second to Eberron. Order of the Stick is one of the best online comics, and probably the best gaming comic of all (I personally much prefer it to the much better publicised Knights of the Dinner Table). I anticipate that 5N will be well written, if nothing else, but if it's as scanty with content as RoE, then I for one will be growling like a constipated shifter.
EscherEnigma 07-05-05, 03:47 AM	I for one will be growling like a constipated shifter. Wow, I think I just got another quote for my sig.