Dragon #355 Dragonshards: Way of the Shackled Beast [Archive] - Wizards Community

Dragon #355 Dragonshards: Way of the Shackled Beast [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
DBlizzard
04-10-07, 12:11 AM I received my copy of Dragon #355 today. The Dragonshards article is "Way of the Shackled Beast" by Nicolas Logue. This issue we actually get more space than the FR section with FR getting 3 pages (For "Demon Cults of the Realms") to Eberron's 4.

The article covers a system of martial arts tied to shifters. In fact, everything isn't specific to shifters, but much of it is (including a few shifter feats).

The first titled section is "Origins of the Shackled Beast" which covers the history of the style which developed during the lycanthrope purge. We also have a sidebar "Way of the Shackled Best Teachings" which lists the philosophy with bullet points that ties into a "Doctrine of the Way" section.

"Techniques of the Way" covers the mechanics of the style. We have 5 feats (3 shifter feats and 2 general feats)., We have the way listed as a martial arts style.

We also have two bits of equipment tied to the style. We have the Amulet of the Twelve Moons (an artifact) and Shiftsilver. Shiftsilver is a material that's sort of an advanced silver material. A shifter gains some minor advantages if they contribute their own blood to the shiftsilver while the weapon is being crafted.

The article seems pretty solid with some interesting backstory. It's probably pretty limited in actual use, but I expect a number of these sort of articles in this series. These sort of articles have a place, and this is the proper place to publish them (in addition to the WotC website).
Nived
04-10-07, 03:41 AM Would you say that mechanically this martial system makes shifters more attractive natural weapon fighters?
Kid SixXx
04-10-07, 07:04 AM "Techniques of the Way" covers the mechanics of the style. We have 5 feats (3 shifter feats and 2 general feats)., We have the way listed as a martial arts style.

Given Nick's background in the martial arts, I'd trust him to make that a rather interesting read, but I'm counting on him to expand on Sheshan Talarash Dasyannah in some form or fashion VERY SOON!!!

SoS did a lot to make Kalashtar monks a bit more intersesting to play, but a few more psion / monk feats would be really sweet.
Nlogue
04-10-07, 03:02 PM Would you say that mechanically this martial system makes shifters more attractive natural weapon fighters?

Hey Nived!

I don't know what made the final cut, but that was my major goal with a lot of it. There was a feat called "Beast Strike" in there that was all about melding natural weapon fighting with monkish martial stylins.
Nlogue
04-10-07, 03:04 PM Given Nick's background in the martial arts, I'd trust him to make that a rather interesting read, but I'm counting on him to expand on Sheshan Talarash Dasyannah in some form or fashion VERY SOON!!!

SoS did a lot to make Kalashtar monks a bit more intersesting to play, but a few more psion / monk feats would be really sweet.

Ooooooooooooo! This is a good idea. I still haven't gotten my hot little hands on SoS, but as soon as I do, I'll look into working together a proposal to Dragon for this my man.

I love the psionic-martial tie-in! Ran one of my favorite campaigns ever based on this...it was like Judge Dee meets Zatoichi! Fun stuff.
DBlizzard
04-10-07, 04:30 PM Hey Nived!

I don't know what made the final cut, but that was my major goal with a lot of it. There was a feat called "Beast Strike" in there that was all about melding natural weapon fighting with monkish martial stylins.

It's there.

For the record:

Feats: Beast Strike (General), Disrupting Strike (Shifter), Fear No Binds (General), Fierce Mind (Shifter), Shiftsilver Mastery (Shifter)
Nlogue
04-10-07, 07:05 PM Infective Bite got cut then...that was a good choice for a cut...it didn't really have anything to do with the style at all, and could be really abused. See for yourself:

Infective Bite (Shifter)
The lycanthropic traits of your bloodline flow strong in your veins.
Prerequisite: shifter.
Benefit: Once per day you may bite a humanoid, giant, or monstrous humanoid and transfer one daily use of your shifting ability to the subject to use when they wish. The recipient gains the same advantages you do when they use this one time ability (gaining the benefit of other feats or abilities you possess that operate when shifting such as Shifter Defense).

That could get ugly with a really well-harmonized party I think.
Hellcow
04-11-07, 12:16 PM Ooooooooooooo! This is a good idea. I still haven't gotten my hot little hands on SoS, but as soon as I do, I'll look into working together a proposal to Dragon for this my man.
I'll note that I actually submitted a proposal to this to Dragon years ago - specifically relating to material on the sheshan talarash dasyannah that was modified or cut from Races of Eberron. At the time they weren't interested, but that was before the monthly articles. If you're interested in collaborating, Nick, I'd be happy to pass along my earlier material. At the least, you may want to check out this dragonshard (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050110a) (if you haven't already).
Kid SixXx
04-11-07, 02:10 PM If you're interested in collaborating, Nick, I'd be happy to pass along my earlier material. At the least, you may want to check out this dragonshard (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050110a) (if you haven't already).

This has the potential to be the best Dragon article ever.

I weep at the promise of its awesomeness. :weep:
Teron Gorefiend
04-11-07, 05:41 PM I'm still waiting for #353...

*Sticks a pin in his Canada Post voodoo doll.*
Nlogue
04-12-07, 01:04 AM I'll note that I actually submitted a proposal to this to Dragon years ago - specifically relating to material on the sheshan talarash dasyannah that was modified or cut from Races of Eberron. At the time they weren't interested, but that was before the monthly articles. If you're interested in collaborating, Nick, I'd be happy to pass along my earlier material. At the least, you may want to check out this dragonshard (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050110a) (if you haven't already).

Awesome! I'm down Keith! I'll get me some Secrets of Sarlona too and then we can tackle this...maybe after the secret project though...
Nived
04-12-07, 03:03 AM Hey Nived!

I don't know what made the final cut, but that was my major goal with a lot of it. There was a feat called "Beast Strike" in there that was all about melding natural weapon fighting with monkish martial stylins.

I'm glad to hear it, I'll have to go pick up this issue of Dragon next time I'm in my FLGS.

Always thought that an opportunity was missed to make a race with attractive natural weapons without having to take the monk class.
gaerfindel
04-12-07, 06:57 PM Two questions:

1. Is the Way of the Shackled Beast translatable (in)to a Martial Style as outlined in the Book of Nine Swords?

2. [Mostly asked of Keith & Nick] Any chance on seeing a martial art specific to changling/doppleganger culture? Something that uses their innate shapechange abilities to combat advantage?
Hellcow
04-12-07, 07:08 PM Any chance on seeing a martial art specific to changling/doppleganger culture? Something that uses their innate shapechange abilities to combat advantage?
Actually, a while back I wanted to do a piece that presented monk variations for shifters, warforged, and changelings. I did some martial wackiness in The Complete Guide to Doppelgangers, which I wrote for Goodman Games, though there's a lot of stuff there that wouldn't directly translate to Eberron. Personally, I think it's a fun idea.
gaerfindel
04-12-07, 09:57 PM Actually, a while back I wanted to do a piece that presented monk variations for shifters, warforged, and changelings. I did some martial wackiness in The Complete Guide to Doppelgangers, which I wrote for Goodman Games, though there's a lot of stuff there that wouldn't directly translate to Eberron. Personally, I think it's a fun idea.Another book I keep meaning to purchase when I've surplus cash. (Parenthood ate my wallet.)

Lessee, digging through my (currently complete) Eberron hardcover collection:

Races of Eberron gives Battleshifter Training, and Ragewild Fighting as shifter-specific tactical feats. It also lists Disturbing Visage as a changling-specific tactical feat. (And we all know about sheshan talarash dasyannah. :tiphat:)

Incidentally, I can see the Harmonious Shield making excellent use of Ragewild Fighting, while the samurai-esque elite shifter guards (I forget the name of their order) would more likely make use of Battleshifter Training.
Paulon
04-12-07, 10:30 PM I'm still waiting for #353...

I just got #350 today, via my subscription. #353 arrived here last week. I just feel glad when I have an issue of Dragon or Dungeon arrive at all - worrying about the order of arrival would be the death of me. Once I got a three issue jump ahead with Dungeon before the postal system delivered the previous ones - at one month intervals.
DBlizzard
04-12-07, 11:46 PM 1. Is the Way of the Shackled Beast translatable (in)to a Martial Style as outlined in the Book of Nine Swords?

When I stated "We have the way listed as a martial arts style." I meant there was a section on it as a martial arts style. I'm not 100% sure this is the Bo9S mechanics, as I don't have that book (or any interest in it).
Nlogue
04-13-07, 12:51 PM When I stated "We have the way listed as a martial arts style." I meant there was a section on it as a martial arts style. I'm not 100% sure this is the Bo9S mechanics, as I don't have that book (or any interest in it).

Nope, I didn't relate to Bo9S...that book is wacky...in a good way! But it totally doesn't mesh with my idea on martial arts in D&D (its like spells for fighters and while that's cool, I didn't dig on it very much personally).
Bluebrush
04-13-07, 01:16 PM When I stated "We have the way listed as a martial arts style." I meant there was a section on it as a martial arts style. I'm not 100% sure this is the Bo9S mechanics, as I don't have that book (or any interest in it).Tiger Claw would be a good way of representing a shifter martial art.

Though then again there's the Oriental Adventures way, where you get a bonus for posessing a certain list of prerequisites.
gaerfindel
04-25-07, 01:01 PM Got my copy of Dragon #355 yesterday, and looked throught the article. I must say, I'm impressed.

Beat Strike seems a natural extension of a razorclaw shifter's natural attack. Interestingly, since it also works for slam attacks, a warforged who studies under a Master of the Way could learn the technique. <== Good potential roleplay as the Master teaches the Student to "unlock your rage."

Disrupting Strike strikes me :rimshot: as an example of a shifter monk having excellent control over her ki. "Peace brother, the Beast Within is not needed. Save your anger for the Journey To Come," she says, placing a firm but gentle hand (paw?) on the warrior's chest.

Another possibility; When combined with high ranks in Sense Motive and the Inquisitor feat, gives me the image of a Flame worshipping shifter who is ruthless in his quest to root out the "changeling problem" in the church.

Fear No Binds has me picturing a bound shifter pulling off mad monkey kung fu/capoeira-style moves (with a little jujutsu ground work thorwn-in) on her captors' butts.

Fierce Mind...yeah. Kinda expected that.

Shiftsilver Master is interesting. Most useful to fiend hunters. Given the high BAB needed to qualify, there are probably no more than ten shiftersilver masters in all of Khorvaire, and I wouldn't bet that more than five are still out there on "active duty", so to speak.

All-in-all, well done, Mr. Logue. Well done.
Belabras
04-25-07, 03:09 PM Great article. Makes me just a bit more sad that we won't have these articles anymore after Sept.

Note on mechanics - Beast Strike is a great feat for any Monk with access to natural weapons (warforged, kenku, etc) not just shifters. Does a good job of bringing the two mechanics together too, which a lot of players seem to want to do.
Grynn
04-25-07, 03:17 PM #355 also has Creature Catalog VI, I believe. Some good stuff in there for Eberron. I'm sure that Sharn has a Springheel terrorizing the populace. I know for a fact that there are Giant Dragonflies in the swamps of Xen'drik. Every army in the Last War should have had some Cannon Golems. And what rural, Aundairian wizard wouldn't want some Scarecrows to guard his land? Nice stuff.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DBlizzard 04-10-07, 12:11 AM	I received my copy of Dragon #355 today. The Dragonshards article is "Way of the Shackled Beast" by Nicolas Logue. This issue we actually get more space than the FR section with FR getting 3 pages (For "Demon Cults of the Realms") to Eberron's 4. The article covers a system of martial arts tied to shifters. In fact, everything isn't specific to shifters, but much of it is (including a few shifter feats). The first titled section is "Origins of the Shackled Beast" which covers the history of the style which developed during the lycanthrope purge. We also have a sidebar "Way of the Shackled Best Teachings" which lists the philosophy with bullet points that ties into a "Doctrine of the Way" section. "Techniques of the Way" covers the mechanics of the style. We have 5 feats (3 shifter feats and 2 general feats)., We have the way listed as a martial arts style. We also have two bits of equipment tied to the style. We have the Amulet of the Twelve Moons (an artifact) and Shiftsilver. Shiftsilver is a material that's sort of an advanced silver material. A shifter gains some minor advantages if they contribute their own blood to the shiftsilver while the weapon is being crafted. The article seems pretty solid with some interesting backstory. It's probably pretty limited in actual use, but I expect a number of these sort of articles in this series. These sort of articles have a place, and this is the proper place to publish them (in addition to the WotC website).
Nived 04-10-07, 03:41 AM	Would you say that mechanically this martial system makes shifters more attractive natural weapon fighters?
Kid SixXx 04-10-07, 07:04 AM	"Techniques of the Way" covers the mechanics of the style. We have 5 feats (3 shifter feats and 2 general feats)., We have the way listed as a martial arts style. Given Nick's background in the martial arts, I'd trust him to make that a rather interesting read, but I'm counting on him to expand on Sheshan Talarash Dasyannah in some form or fashion VERY SOON!!! SoS did a lot to make Kalashtar monks a bit more intersesting to play, but a few more psion / monk feats would be really sweet.
Nlogue 04-10-07, 03:02 PM	Would you say that mechanically this martial system makes shifters more attractive natural weapon fighters? Hey Nived! I don't know what made the final cut, but that was my major goal with a lot of it. There was a feat called "Beast Strike" in there that was all about melding natural weapon fighting with monkish martial stylins.
Nlogue 04-10-07, 03:04 PM	Given Nick's background in the martial arts, I'd trust him to make that a rather interesting read, but I'm counting on him to expand on Sheshan Talarash Dasyannah in some form or fashion VERY SOON!!! SoS did a lot to make Kalashtar monks a bit more intersesting to play, but a few more psion / monk feats would be really sweet. Ooooooooooooo! This is a good idea. I still haven't gotten my hot little hands on SoS, but as soon as I do, I'll look into working together a proposal to Dragon for this my man. I love the psionic-martial tie-in! Ran one of my favorite campaigns ever based on this...it was like Judge Dee meets Zatoichi! Fun stuff.
DBlizzard 04-10-07, 04:30 PM	Hey Nived! I don't know what made the final cut, but that was my major goal with a lot of it. There was a feat called "Beast Strike" in there that was all about melding natural weapon fighting with monkish martial stylins. It's there. For the record: Feats: Beast Strike (General), Disrupting Strike (Shifter), Fear No Binds (General), Fierce Mind (Shifter), Shiftsilver Mastery (Shifter)
Nlogue 04-10-07, 07:05 PM	Infective Bite got cut then...that was a good choice for a cut...it didn't really have anything to do with the style at all, and could be really abused. See for yourself: Infective Bite (Shifter) The lycanthropic traits of your bloodline flow strong in your veins. Prerequisite: shifter. Benefit: Once per day you may bite a humanoid, giant, or monstrous humanoid and transfer one daily use of your shifting ability to the subject to use when they wish. The recipient gains the same advantages you do when they use this one time ability (gaining the benefit of other feats or abilities you possess that operate when shifting such as Shifter Defense). That could get ugly with a really well-harmonized party I think.
Hellcow 04-11-07, 12:16 PM	Ooooooooooooo! This is a good idea. I still haven't gotten my hot little hands on SoS, but as soon as I do, I'll look into working together a proposal to Dragon for this my man. I'll note that I actually submitted a proposal to this to Dragon years ago - specifically relating to material on the sheshan talarash dasyannah that was modified or cut from Races of Eberron. At the time they weren't interested, but that was before the monthly articles. If you're interested in collaborating, Nick, I'd be happy to pass along my earlier material. At the least, you may want to check out this dragonshard (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050110a) (if you haven't already).
Kid SixXx 04-11-07, 02:10 PM	If you're interested in collaborating, Nick, I'd be happy to pass along my earlier material. At the least, you may want to check out this dragonshard (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050110a) (if you haven't already). This has the potential to be the best Dragon article ever. I weep at the promise of its awesomeness. :weep:
Teron Gorefiend 04-11-07, 05:41 PM	I'm still waiting for #353... Sticks a pin in his Canada Post voodoo doll.
Nlogue 04-12-07, 01:04 AM	I'll note that I actually submitted a proposal to this to Dragon years ago - specifically relating to material on the sheshan talarash dasyannah that was modified or cut from Races of Eberron. At the time they weren't interested, but that was before the monthly articles. If you're interested in collaborating, Nick, I'd be happy to pass along my earlier material. At the least, you may want to check out this dragonshard (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ebds/20050110a) (if you haven't already). Awesome! I'm down Keith! I'll get me some Secrets of Sarlona too and then we can tackle this...maybe after the secret project though...
Nived 04-12-07, 03:03 AM	Hey Nived! I don't know what made the final cut, but that was my major goal with a lot of it. There was a feat called "Beast Strike" in there that was all about melding natural weapon fighting with monkish martial stylins. I'm glad to hear it, I'll have to go pick up this issue of Dragon next time I'm in my FLGS. Always thought that an opportunity was missed to make a race with attractive natural weapons without having to take the monk class.
gaerfindel 04-12-07, 06:57 PM	Two questions: 1. Is the Way of the Shackled Beast translatable (in)to a Martial Style as outlined in the Book of Nine Swords? 2. [Mostly asked of Keith & Nick] Any chance on seeing a martial art specific to changling/doppleganger culture? Something that uses their innate shapechange abilities to combat advantage?
Hellcow 04-12-07, 07:08 PM	Any chance on seeing a martial art specific to changling/doppleganger culture? Something that uses their innate shapechange abilities to combat advantage? Actually, a while back I wanted to do a piece that presented monk variations for shifters, warforged, and changelings. I did some martial wackiness in The Complete Guide to Doppelgangers, which I wrote for Goodman Games, though there's a lot of stuff there that wouldn't directly translate to Eberron. Personally, I think it's a fun idea.
gaerfindel 04-12-07, 09:57 PM	Actually, a while back I wanted to do a piece that presented monk variations for shifters, warforged, and changelings. I did some martial wackiness in The Complete Guide to Doppelgangers, which I wrote for Goodman Games, though there's a lot of stuff there that wouldn't directly translate to Eberron. Personally, I think it's a fun idea.Another book I keep meaning to purchase when I've surplus cash. (Parenthood ate my wallet.) Lessee, digging through my (currently complete) Eberron hardcover collection: Races of Eberron gives Battleshifter Training, and Ragewild Fighting as shifter-specific tactical feats. It also lists Disturbing Visage as a changling-specific tactical feat. (And we all know about sheshan talarash dasyannah. :tiphat:) Incidentally, I can see the Harmonious Shield making excellent use of Ragewild Fighting, while the samurai-esque elite shifter guards (I forget the name of their order) would more likely make use of Battleshifter Training.
Paulon 04-12-07, 10:30 PM	I'm still waiting for #353... I just got #350 today, via my subscription. #353 arrived here last week. I just feel glad when I have an issue of Dragon or Dungeon arrive at all - worrying about the order of arrival would be the death of me. Once I got a three issue jump ahead with Dungeon before the postal system delivered the previous ones - at one month intervals.
DBlizzard 04-12-07, 11:46 PM	1. Is the Way of the Shackled Beast translatable (in)to a Martial Style as outlined in the Book of Nine Swords? When I stated "We have the way listed as a martial arts style." I meant there was a section on it as a martial arts style. I'm not 100% sure this is the Bo9S mechanics, as I don't have that book (or any interest in it).
Nlogue 04-13-07, 12:51 PM	When I stated "We have the way listed as a martial arts style." I meant there was a section on it as a martial arts style. I'm not 100% sure this is the Bo9S mechanics, as I don't have that book (or any interest in it). Nope, I didn't relate to Bo9S...that book is wacky...in a good way! But it totally doesn't mesh with my idea on martial arts in D&D (its like spells for fighters and while that's cool, I didn't dig on it very much personally).
Bluebrush 04-13-07, 01:16 PM	When I stated "We have the way listed as a martial arts style." I meant there was a section on it as a martial arts style. I'm not 100% sure this is the Bo9S mechanics, as I don't have that book (or any interest in it).Tiger Claw would be a good way of representing a shifter martial art. Though then again there's the Oriental Adventures way, where you get a bonus for posessing a certain list of prerequisites.
gaerfindel 04-25-07, 01:01 PM	Got my copy of Dragon #355 yesterday, and looked throught the article. I must say, I'm impressed. Beat Strike seems a natural extension of a razorclaw shifter's natural attack. Interestingly, since it also works for slam attacks, a warforged who studies under a Master of the Way could learn the technique. <== Good potential roleplay as the Master teaches the Student to "unlock your rage." Disrupting Strike strikes me :rimshot: as an example of a shifter monk having excellent control over her ki. "Peace brother, the Beast Within is not needed. Save your anger for the Journey To Come," she says, placing a firm but gentle hand (paw?) on the warrior's chest. Another possibility; When combined with high ranks in Sense Motive and the Inquisitor feat, gives me the image of a Flame worshipping shifter who is ruthless in his quest to root out the "changeling problem" in the church. Fear No Binds has me picturing a bound shifter pulling off mad monkey kung fu/capoeira-style moves (with a little jujutsu ground work thorwn-in) on her captors' butts. Fierce Mind...yeah. Kinda expected that. Shiftsilver Master is interesting. Most useful to fiend hunters. Given the high BAB needed to qualify, there are probably no more than ten shiftersilver masters in all of Khorvaire, and I wouldn't bet that more than five are still out there on "active duty", so to speak. All-in-all, well done, Mr. Logue. Well done.
Belabras 04-25-07, 03:09 PM	Great article. Makes me just a bit more sad that we won't have these articles anymore after Sept. Note on mechanics - Beast Strike is a great feat for any Monk with access to natural weapons (warforged, kenku, etc) not just shifters. Does a good job of bringing the two mechanics together too, which a lot of players seem to want to do.
Grynn 04-25-07, 03:17 PM	#355 also has Creature Catalog VI, I believe. Some good stuff in there for Eberron. I'm sure that Sharn has a Springheel terrorizing the populace. I know for a fact that there are Giant Dragonflies in the swamps of Xen'drik. Every army in the Last War should have had some Cannon Golems. And what rural, Aundairian wizard wouldn't want some Scarecrows to guard his land? Nice stuff.