Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DBlizzard 03-20-07, 12:52 AM	This past weekend I got my copy of Dragon #354. The Dragonmarks article in this issue is "Boromar Clan" by Nicolas Logue (of "Chimes at Midnight" fame). Again Eberron gets short shrift compared to the Forgotten Realms article (4 pages for Eberron, 5 for FR). The article is almost completely background oriented. It have a section that gives the affiliation stats for the clan (affiliation rules are from the DMG II). The section titles are "Who is Whom" (important clan members), "Modus Operandi," "The Ghost of the Clan" (a clan "secret") and the aforementioned "Boromar Clan Affiliation." I think this is a very solid article for those who might consider using the clan in their games. It has some nice hooks and background, but doesn't overwhelm you with details that might straightjacket your game if you consider everything canon.
Belabras 03-20-07, 01:57 AM	Solid flavor through and through. I'm really liking the Dragonmarks so far.
Nlogue 03-20-07, 08:51 AM	Again Eberron gets short shrift compared to the Forgotten Realms article (4 pages for Eberron, 5 for FR). This sucks, I agree. I just got my #353 a couple of days back and was a little disgruntled to see all those freakin FR monsters and just a meager few pages for Eberron. In that case though, I just figured "well...monsters is always useful." However if Eberron keeps getting the shaft, that blows. No pun intended. Glad you dug the article DBlizzard!
Kryptonian Scion 03-20-07, 08:58 AM	Finally, an excellent Dragonmarks article! Watch out, Mr. Logue, or they're going to try and get you to move to Seattle soon.
DBlizzard 03-20-07, 05:51 PM	This sucks, I agree. I just got my #353 a couple of days back and was a little disgruntled to see all those freakin FR monsters and just a meager few pages for Eberron. In that case though, I just figured "well...monsters is always useful." However if Eberron keeps getting the shaft, that blows. No pun intended. Don't get me wrong, I had no problem with the FR monster article being pretty long, especially since monsters can be ported (in fact, IIRC, there was a sidebar on using them in Eberron). However, after the short three issues a pattern appears to be forming. Eberron content is squeezed into 4 pages (note the cuts in your previous article), yet FR is allowed to run over their 4 pages of content.
DyloniusFunk 03-20-07, 06:32 PM	Don't get me wrong, I had no problem with the FR monster article being pretty long, especially since monsters can be ported (in fact, IIRC, there was a sidebar on using them in Eberron). However, after the short three issues a pattern appears to be forming. Eberron content is squeezed into 4 pages (note the cuts in your previous article), yet FR is allowed to run over their 4 pages of content. I was over on the FR board a ltitle while back and there was a thread about how this year all FR is getting is adventures and only like 1 splatbook. Whereas so far this year we've gotten SoS, and we know we're getting Forge Of War and Dragons...., so maybe giving FR extra exposure in Dragon is Wizards way of balanceing the scales or something.
Teron Gorefiend 03-20-07, 10:08 PM	I like your Eberron material published so far in Dragon, Mr. Logue. For the sake of my sanity, though, I can't allow myself to look forward to this until I receive #353, at least. Canada Post is a wretched, perverse organization whose aptitude for spreading madness and despair can only be explained by interbreeding with chthonian horrors. Anyway, the point was, keep up the good work.
DBlizzard 03-21-07, 01:25 AM	Whereas so far this year we've gotten SoS, and we know we're getting Forge Of War and Dragons...., so maybe giving FR extra exposure in Dragon is Wizards way of balanceing the scales or something. It's not really WotC's call. They might have "suggested" that Dragon have some regular Eberron & FR content to keep them supported (although I'm sure the PTB at Paizo realize that being able to publish Eberron & FR content is a huge advantage they have over everyone but WotC). However, I'm sure the amount of content is completely in the hands of the editor and publisher of the magazine.
Nlogue 03-21-07, 07:17 AM	However, I'm sure the amount of content is completely in the hands of the editor and publisher of the magazine. Sort of, but they do have to clear everything with WotC. They run the whole issue over there every month and get a greenlight or redlight on things. WotC has a pretty big say over the content of Dragon. Hopefully though the FR favoritism won't become too much of a pattern. FR already has a bajillion years of books and whatnot right? :) I got another one coming out in #345 folks. Hope you dig it. Oh, and for those of you who are tuned in to "Chimes at Midnight"...the sequel will see print in a few months in Dungeon...I'm excited to see it! It's called "Quoth the Raven." Thanks for the kind words guys! I'd move to Seattle!!! My fiancee on the other hand...I dunno...;)
Nlogue 03-21-07, 07:18 AM	BTW...if the response is positive on "Boromar" they might cover the rest of the crime syndicates too...that'd be awesome in my opinion.
Belabras 03-21-07, 11:42 AM	In that case I'm glad I already sent in a letter praising the Dragonmarks pieces this month :D
PoeticJustice 03-21-07, 12:06 PM	Is one page really that big of a deal? All things considered, the articles are about as long as the Dragonshards and of equal quality. I think we should be happy to get any monthly content at all instead of complaining about favoritism.
law 03-21-07, 12:29 PM	I hope I get my copu soon since I also want to see the Modrons so I can work those wonders into eberron. Plus the little guys are just fun anyway (plus a PC race based off them is nice as well). All you guys did was make me want this newer dragon even more ;).
Lancer2010 03-21-07, 02:05 PM	I'm going to check the tech store at my college to see if they have it. I think they carry Dungeon and Dragon. Edit: On a side note, what is exactly the diff between the two?
DyloniusFunk 03-21-07, 03:20 PM	I'm going to check the tech store at my college to see if they have it. I think they carry Dungeon and Dragon. Edit: On a side note, what is exactly the diff between the two? I'm not 100% but i belive Dragon is more of a general purpose mag with a mix of fluff and crunch articles. Dungeon focus primarily on adventures and moduesl and i'm pretty sure that's where some fo the more recent adventures like red hand and age of worms have come from.
DBlizzard 03-21-07, 04:40 PM	Edit: On a side note, what is exactly the diff between the two? Dungeon is DM oriented. About 75% of the issue is adventures (typically 3 adventures per issue, although lately 1-2 of them are part of a large arc). A few DM oriented articles take up the rear. Dragon articles are usually directed in a more general fashion.
DBlizzard 03-21-07, 04:42 PM	Sort of, but they do have to clear everything with WotC. True. What I meant is that WotC doesn't micromanage. They don't tell Paizo that a particular article must be X pages in length. They might require certain cuts that limit an articles size (I have no idea how often, if ever, this happens).
Nlogue 03-21-07, 06:58 PM	True. What I meant is that WotC doesn't micromanage. They don't tell Paizo that a particular article must be X pages in length. They might require certain cuts that limit an articles size (I have no idea how often, if ever, this happens). Oh, I get you now Dblizzard! I'll put in a good word for more page count for Dragonmarks in some editors ears...I have the macadamia nut hook-up (I bribe them with Hawaiian snackage...how else do you think I get published!). :)
Hellcow 03-22-07, 02:10 AM	BTW...if the response is positive on "Boromar" they might cover the rest of the crime syndicates too...that'd be awesome in my opinion. Mind you, if they do, you might have to come to blows over who gets to write them, Mr. Logue... I have some fairly strong opinions when it comes to House Tarkanan and the Tyrants. ;) Nonetheless, keep up the good work!
Nlogue 03-22-07, 04:13 PM	Mind you, if they do, you might have to come to blows over who gets to write them, Mr. Logue... I have some fairly strong opinions when it comes to House Tarkanan and the Tyrants. ;) Nonetheless, keep up the good work! Wrestling with The Man of Eberron himself! Nice! :) I don't think I stand much of a chance...it's your setting afterall. If you want the two "T's" my bet is you'll have em. Anyway... Daask...it's all about the Daask. ;)
The White Sorcerer 03-24-07, 07:11 AM	Wrestling with The Man of Eberron himself! Nice! :) You really think you could beat a fiendish cow in wrestling? The grapple checks those things make are insane.
Nlogue 03-24-07, 09:05 PM	You really think you could beat a fiendish cow in wrestling? The grapple checks those things make are insane. Is this Hellcow Large sized? If so, I'm screwed...damn +4 size bonus...I either need to take Clever Wrestling next time I get a feat, or start eating a whole lot...:)
(Psi)SeveredHead 03-24-07, 11:50 PM	You can find stats for Hell Bovines here: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=d2/d220010302x They have grapple checks of +18 (and yes, they are Large). That's without the rage, of course. Their king is even bigger and badder, though...
mhacdebhandia 03-25-07, 12:49 AM	I'm not 100% but i belive Dragon is more of a general purpose mag with a mix of fluff and crunch articles. Dungeon focus primarily on adventures and moduesl and i'm pretty sure that's where some fo the more recent adventures like red hand and age of worms have come from. This is how I would explain it: Dragon is mostly a supplement to the D&D game. Regular features (as in, every issue) include: "Ecology of the X" articles fleshing out the lifecycle, organisation, and history of a particular creature "Class Acts", two-page articles dedicated to one of the four character types - Warrior, Divine, Arcane, and Adventurer "Volo's Guide" and "Dragonmarks", which are dedicated to the Forgotten Realms and Eberron respectively "Bazaar of the Bizarre" and "Spellcraft", presenting new magic items and spells respectively - each article usually being organised around a single theme "Sage Advice", answers to rules questions Comics, including Dork Tower, Nodwick, the Order of the Stick, and Zogonia At the moment, "Savage Tidings", supplementing the Savage Tide Adventure Path in Dungeon Every couple of months, there's a new installment of one of the semi-regular features: "Demonomicon of Iggwilv", fleshing out one of the demon princes of the Great Wheel cosmology in great detail: game statistics pegging them between CR 24-32, details on the history, goals, and cult, stats for special demons or other servitors, and a Book of Vile Darkness-style thrall prestige class - they haven't covered any of the demon lords presented in that book yet, though we know Demogorgon is next in issue #357, so I'm only guessing when I suggest that they'll reprint the thrall prestige classes for 3.5 when they get to the originals "Core Beliefs", fleshing out a member of the core Greyhawk pantheon presented in the Player's Handbook Dungeon, on the other hand, is mostly about adventures. Every issue contains three adventures, one each for low, medium, and high level parties, along with DM-oriented articles like the Campaign Workbook set: "The Cast", "The City", "The Dungeon", "Wandering Monster" and "Critical Threat", along with others (not every one appears each month). There's also the "Dungeoncraft" series of articles, currently written by Wolfgang Baur. There are also comics - Mt. Zogon (by the same writer/artist of Zogonia in Dragon) The Portent, and Downer. Some issues also feature "Backdrop" articles which flesh out a major location from one of the adventures in that issue in greater detail than the adventure itself would allow. The main feature of Dungeon these days is the adventure paths they run - the first was Shackled City, which actually ran back in the transition period between original Third Edition and revised Third Edition, and which has since been collected, revised, and expanded in the Shackled City Adventure Path hardback. The second was the Age of Worms, where the concept really hit its stride, and the third one, running right now (until the twelfth and final adventure in Dungeon #150, this September) is the Savage Tide. Each adventure path is twelve adventures spread across twelve consecutive issues, forming a complete campaign from 1st level to 20th level. Both the Age of Worms and the Savage Tide have been supported by companion articles in Dragon ("Wormfood" and "Savage Tidings", respectively). So far the Savage Tide has had two "Backdrop" articles published for it, covering the city of Sasserine, where the campaign begins, and the city of Scuttlecove, a major location in the second half of the adventure path. The "Backdrop" articles aren't restricted to the adventure paths, though - the April issue contains an article covering the city of Exag, which is important to the three-part Far Realms-themed "Seeds of Sehan" adventure arc which started in that issue.
Arivia 03-25-07, 05:49 PM	I was over on the FR board a ltitle while back and there was a thread about how this year all FR is getting is adventures and only like 1 splatbook. Whereas so far this year we've gotten SoS, and we know we're getting Forge Of War and Dragons...., so maybe giving FR extra exposure in Dragon is Wizards way of balanceing the scales or something. It may also be seniority: as far as I'm aware, Volo's Guides are written by Ed Greenwood, who wrote many of the 1st-edition equivalents to currently printed articles (such as many of the early Ecology of the x articles).
mhacdebhandia 03-25-07, 10:21 PM	No - I believe Ed Greenwood writes the in-character introduction to each article, but here are the authors for the "Volo's Guide" articles in the issues I have to hand: #351: "Lost Regalia of the North: The Toppled Thrones" by Eric L. Boyd. #352: "Volo's Guide to the Forgotten Dead" by Brian Cortijo. #353: "Outsiders of the Forgotten Realms" by Thomas M. Costa. If there's any seniority at work, it's in the Forgotten Realms' own seniority as a setting - but, honestly, as far as I can tell the "inflation" in the Forgotten Realms' favour is simply due to so many of the articles having presented monsters, which means long statblocks and illustrations besides. Ed Greenwood, as far as I am aware, doesn't write anything except Forgotten Realms flavour these days - I don't think he has his hand in when it comes to Third Edition rules.
davethebrave371 03-26-07, 12:49 PM	Canada Post is a wretched, perverse organization whose aptitude for spreading madness and despair can only be explained by interbreeding with chthonian horrors. Anyway, the point was, keep up the good work. HEAR HEAR! I still have yet to receive #352. Well, I should rephrase that. I got them to send me 352 and 353 in the mail expediated because this is ridiculous that I don't have 352 yet, so now I have 352 and 353, but technically the ones they sent already aren't here yet. That's over two months of time in the mail. AARRGGGHHH!!! :headexplo
glug 03-26-07, 02:19 PM	BTW...if the response is positive on "Boromar" they might cover the rest of the crime syndicates too...that'd be awesome in my opinion. I had just introduced my PCs to some intrigue that involved Boromar and Daask, after reading the info on them in Sharn:CoT. I only wish I received Dragon prior to these adventures. I dug the article, and would love to see one on Daask as well.
davethebrave371 03-26-07, 08:55 PM	Wrestling with The Man of Eberron himself! Nice! :) I don't think I stand much of a chance...it's your setting afterall. If you want the two "T's" my bet is you'll have em. Anyway... Daask...it's all about the Daask. ;) I really would like to see the next (or the one after if the next one is already planned) of the Dragonmarks be Daask, and then follow it up with Tarkanan by Keith and then Tyrants by Keith. That'd be the ideal order for me, because Boromar is like the classic crime syndicate, followed by the classic thug syndicate, followed by an Assassin's Guild with major Eberron flavour and a...well...anything you want Guild with massive Eberron flavour. A superlative order to place them in, for me. Maybe swap Tyrants and Tarkanan in the order, as they're both heavily Eberron in flavour. You could see Boromar or Daask dropped in another noir setting (...like...uhh...ok, just Eberron) but the two Ts are SO Eberron.
DBlizzard 03-26-07, 09:53 PM	I really would like to see the next (or the one after if the next one is already planned) of the Dragonmarks be Daask, and then follow it up with Tarkanan by Keith and then Tyrants by Keith. Not me. I don't want the Dragonmarks articles to become the "Eberron gang of the month" club, especially since we are unlikely to see much else for Eberron from Paizo besides them. Spread them out over a year and mix in some other articles. What I'd really like to see is a "monsters of Eberron" article in the Dragonmarks section.
davethebrave371 03-26-07, 10:19 PM	Not me. I don't want the Dragonmarks articles to become the "Eberron gang of the month" club, especially since we are unlikely to see much else for Eberron from Paizo besides them. Spread them out over a year and mix in some other articles. What I'd really like to see is a "monsters of Eberron" article in the Dragonmarks section. Well, it'd only be gang of the month for four months. Three more, technically. But I second a Monsters of Eberron yearly (or even twice yearly) Dragonmark.
Hellcow 03-26-07, 11:56 PM	...followed by the classic thug syndicate... Though Daask is far more than a simple thug syndicate. Yes, street violence is it's stock in trade, but it's also the first root of Droaam in the wider world and a tool of the Daughters of Sora Kell. Sharn is simply one Daask cell; it's a rapidly spreading organization. It's also a critical place to explore the role of "monsters" in an urban environment, something I take very seriously. And then there's dragon's blood! On consideration, I might have to rank Daask above the Tyrants in terms of personal interest (although the Tyrants, on the other hand, are a place to explore changeling culture!). Sigh. Of course, I'd like to write everything. You'd think I wrote the Organizations chapter of Sharn or something. ;) So can I trade you the Tyrants for Daask, Nick? Or do we need to wrestle? (And to be honest, I'd like to see what Nick would come up with for the Tyrants!) Perhaps we'll just have to take a little time off from that top-secret sourcebook we're working on together to talk crime... :)
davethebrave371 03-27-07, 12:01 AM	Though Daask is far more than a simple thug syndicate. Yes, street violence is it's stock in trade, but it's also the first root of Droaam in the wider world and a tool of the Daughters of Sora Kell. Sharn is simply one Daask cell; it's a rapidly spreading organization. It's also a critical place to explore the role of "monsters" in an urban environment, something I take very seriously. And then there's dragon's blood! On consideration, I might have to rank Daask above the Tyrants in terms of personal interest (although the Tyrants, on the other hand, are a place to explore changeling culture!). Sigh. Of course, I'd like to write everything. You'd think I wrote the Organizations chapter of Sharn or something. ;) So can I trade you the Tyrants for Daask, Nick? Or do we need to wrestle? (And to be honest, I'd like to see what Nick would come up with for the Tyrants!) Perhaps we'll just have to take a little time off from that top-secret sourcebook we're working on together to talk crime... :) We had a (now deceased for leaking some too-sensitive information to the party) changeling cabinet trickster who was working as a plant for the Cabinet of Faces in the Tyrants, who in turn had him working as a plant in a kenku eerie. The party (which included another changeling at the time) didn't even know he wasn't a kenku for quite some time. Neither did the players. That was a fun reveal. Needless to say, I have a special place for the Tyrants in my heart.
Nlogue 03-27-07, 12:47 AM	Perhaps we'll just have to take a little time off from that top-secret sourcebook we're working on together to talk crime... :) Any time you want a partner in crime Keith, I am there! :) I love the Tyrants...I'd get all sorts of crazy with them. Then again thuggery is my middle name these days it seems...long story... The choice is yours my man! Actually it's probably a little up to the Dragon editors, but I'm sure if you let them know what your preferences are they'll cater to them nicely...Mike McArtor is a gentleman and a scholar. Ah, yes, the top secret sourcebook...back to brainstorming! :)
DBlizzard 03-27-07, 04:36 PM	Perhaps we'll just have to take a little time off from that top-secret sourcebook we're working on together to talk crime... :) Ah-ha. a hint! We can assume that crime syndicates aren't a significant part of the book.
davethebrave371 03-27-07, 04:59 PM	Ah-ha. a hint! We can assume that crime syndicates aren't a significant part of the book. That only leaves something that isn't Dragons, the Last War, Sarlona, Xen'drik, the Five Nations, Sharn, Magic, Faiths, Exploring, Dragonmarks or Crime as the primary focus. That still leaves *counts in head* an infinite amount of things it could be! Crap. (I hope it's Secrets of Khyber or Secrets of Aerenal)
The White Sorcerer 03-27-07, 05:35 PM	(I hope it's Secrets of Khyber or Secrets of Aerenal) Eh, it's propably either Secrets of the Mourning or Metaplot of Eberron.
davethebrave371 03-27-07, 05:43 PM	Eh, it's propably either Secrets of the Mourning or Metaplot of Eberron. NO IT CAN'T BE! :headexplo My buttons = found and pushed! :(
Hellcow 03-27-07, 05:49 PM	Eh, it's propably either Secrets of the Mourning or Metaplot of Eberron. You figured it out. It's also got a sidebar providing stats for the Mark of Death. (kidding!)
davethebrave371 03-27-07, 05:52 PM	You figured it out. It's also got a sidebar providing stats for the Mark of Death. (kidding!) :noway: :weep: :raincloud lol
Belabras 03-27-07, 06:27 PM	:heehee that was just evil.
Grymar 03-29-07, 09:47 AM	See I thought I was about to see a great boss-fight between the Hellcow and the Nlogue (sounds like a gygaxian monster), and instead they attack us with secret books. If they are doing one, let's hope it is the Other Nations book we've been dying for.
The White Sorcerer 03-29-07, 02:21 PM	See I thought I was about to see a great boss-fight between the Hellcow and the Nlogue Or, perhaps, a great Bossy-fight?