Dragonmarked or Faiths [Archive] - Wizards Community

Dragonmarked or Faiths [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Elliot22
11-05-06, 08:01 PM Okay, I have enough money to either buy Dragonmarked or Faiths of Eberron before X-mas, I have seen Dragonmarked's table of contents online, and have only glanced through Faiths one day. What I am wondering, for those with Faiths of Eberron, what are its Prestige classes like? I don't ever have time to read through them all, and I've been on a Prestige class kick, and I like the names of the Dragonmarked PrC, but I don't have a clue about the Faith's PrC's so, can anyone fill me in on what those are like so I can decided what to get?
ORC_Paradox
11-05-06, 08:19 PM Get them both.

:D
Hurly_Burley
11-05-06, 10:48 PM In your current game do you use religion or the DM houses more? I assume that you will own both of them sooner or later so I think you need to ask yourself "which can I wait less to read about?"

Personally I have Dragonmarked preordered and the second I get it I would be happy to post my impressions. (I don't actually have faiths yet.)
Elliot22
11-05-06, 11:08 PM Get them both.

:D

I do plan on getting them both, it is just at the Time, I only have enough money to get one of the two until probably after X-mas. That is why I wanted to know what the Prestige classes are like in Faiths cause I'm on a "kick" to practice Prestige Classing. But I have read the names of the dragonmarked PrCs, and like a few, but I don't know anything about the Faith's PrCs. So That is why I am asking.
Kaizer_Ryu
11-06-06, 03:25 AM Ok, somewhat quick (i.e. longwinded) breakdown of the PrC's in Faiths as I understand them (I haven't gotten far enough in a campaign since it came out to use one):

Sovereign Speaker: You may hear a lot about this PrC being broken, but I disagree. It is a 9 level PrC designed for Clerics dedicated to the entire Host. It is possible for Adepts to become one, but Paladins must muilticlass to meet the Prerequisites. While you gain a Bonus Domain of your choice at all 9 levels of the class, you only gain one new Domain spell slot at 3rd, 6th, and 9th level. The slots are for 3rd, 5th, and 7th level spells or lower, respectively. On top of that, you cannot gain more than two domains from the same member of the Host. IMO, the most overtly helpful part of the class is that it gives you a +1 to CL and an increase in Spells/day equal to leveling up in one existing divine spellcasting class of your choice at every level but 1st and 6th.

Escalation Mage: A 6 level PrC designed for worshipers of the Shadow. As with the Speaker, you gain +1 CL and Spells per day equal to leveling up in the existing arcane spellcasting class of your choice, this time at every level. The benefits are questionable, as the "escalation" can backfire badly in tight spots. Not the best of the bunch, but if you like the chaos of Wildmages, this is for you (but for the love of all that is unholy, don't pair them! You'll destroy us all! ;) ).

Argent Fist: 10 lvl PrC designed for Monks and Paladins of the CotSF. The AF levels stack when determining damage for Unarmed Strike and Smite Evil, respectively. It also allows you to multiclass freely between Monk and Paladin (works like Ascetic Knight Feat, XP penalties still apply). One of the best features of the PrC is that it actually makes the Turn Undead ability useful at higher levels. It can be used to enhance your healing power, increase damage done by unarmed strikes by 2d6 to Lycanthropes, Undead, and Evil Outsiders, and the absolutely b*tchin Embrace of the Silver Flame (it freaking ROCKS :D ) at lvl 10 will make said creatures cower in fear. All in all, a great PrC for Flamers, though Paladins kind of get the short end of the stick.

Thief of Life: As the name suggests, a 10 lvl PrC for Rouges dedicated to the Blood of Vol. You get extra damage on Sneak Attacks, Immunity to Fear at 5th, Immunity to Energy Drain at 7th, Immunity to death effects at 9th, as well as some cool abilities that grant temprorary immunities. It's not going to win you any straight fights, but if you're playing a Rouge right, that won't matter. ;)

Planar Shepherd: Ok, THIS one is broken if played right (or wrong, depending on your POV). It is a 10 lvl PrC mainly for Druids, though any class with the Wildshape ability can take it (near impossible for non-Gatekeepers to get, though). You get +1 CL and a spells/day increase equal to a level up in the existing divine spellcaster class of your choice IN EVERY LEVEL. You choose (at DM's discretion) a plane to "attune" with (plane cannot have an alignment opposed to any part of your own), and IGNORE harmful effects from your plane's elemental and energy traits, plus any effects of its environment. IN ADDITION, you can share the last one with a number of party members = to your level in PS. At 3rd level, you can Wildshape into a magical beast from your chosen plane. At 9th, you can become an elemental or Outsider from said plane.

Here is where the main problem lies. I'll use the most glaring example: My Druid/Planar Shepherd is attuned to Fernia. At level 9, s/he can Wildshape AS MANY TIMES PER DAY AS THE COMBINED CLASS LEVELS PERMIT into an EFREETI. Can you say WISH SPELLS?!?! Oi. Someone at WotC wasn't thinking when they let that one by. The DM is the one who needs to make the call on this one. But this isn't the place to discuss that, so I'll move on.

There aren't any PrC's for the Warforged religions, the Quori/Inspired/Kalashtar religions, the Cults of the Dragon Below, or the Undying Courts, but it gives new domains/motivations/etc for characters played as members of these organizations.

Hope that helps. Aside from a slight problem with the Planar Shepherd, the PrC's in Faiths are solid. The book in and of itself is wonderful and gives plenty of new options for expanding characters outside of PrC's, but that's not really part of your question. I haven't looked at anything for Dragonmarked yet(though I fully intend to get it), but I really suggest FoE.
davethebrave371
11-06-06, 09:42 AM Okay, I have enough money to either buy Dragonmarked or Faiths of Eberron before X-mas, I have seen Dragonmarked's table of contents online, and have only glanced through Faiths one day. What I am wondering, for those with Faiths of Eberron, what are its Prestige classes like? I don't ever have time to read through them all, and I've been on a Prestige class kick, and I like the names of the Dragonmarked PrC, but I don't have a clue about the Faith's PrC's so, can anyone fill me in on what those are like so I can decided what to get?

If you want mechanics, it looks like more PrC options are in Dragonmarked. Both have flavour, so if you want flavour, it depends on what you're currently playing. If you're a DM, you want Faiths first. Faiths gives a detailed look at the religions of Eberron, and they were around way before the Dragonmarks were, so you're looking at something that has shaped the way Eberron is today, and was in the past. If you're a player, any character you play including a Dragonmarked character will benefit from Faiths a great deal. I know two of my players who had Dragonmarked characters were both playing decidedly atheist. After reading through it, one of them decided that after a particularily traumatic event (which he didn't know there'd be plenty of that session :D ) he would become convinced that the Host and the Six exist, as he'd always been taught as a lad. His newfound faith is especially cool seeing as we have a Sovereign Speaker (one of the PrCs in FoE) who teaches him about things.

Now, on the other hand, if you have a Dragonmarked character, and you plan on getting Faiths eventually anyway, pick up Dragonmarked first, because it'll be more centered around what you play.
Elliot22
11-06-06, 01:09 PM Thanks a lot for the Rundown on the PrCs!
I am still partially divided on which one to buy, but I think I will stick with Faiths, as you have said, it is more well rounded for creating characters, where as Dragonmarked has the restriction of, You must deal with a Dragonmarked house to truly use the book, while Faiths will help all around Eberron's Continents dealing with religion.. so Thanks a lot, looks like I'm getting Faiths first!
Kaizer_Ryu
11-06-06, 10:41 PM Thanks a lot for the Rundown on the PrCs!
I am still partially divided on which one to buy, but I think I will stick with Faiths, as you have said, it is more well rounded for creating characters, where as Dragonmarked has the restriction of, You must deal with a Dragonmarked house to truly use the book, while Faiths will help all around Eberron's Continents dealing with religion.. so Thanks a lot, looks like I'm getting Faiths first!
Yay! I'm helping! :D

Writing that whole deal was more fun than I thought it would be. And believe me, I know how hard it is to choose between titles when you're poor. Dragonmarked just arrived in my area, but (for some odd reason) eating seems more important. ;)
maollelujah
11-07-06, 10:27 AM IMO the Dragonmarked book is much better than Faiths, and a lot more useful.
OzyBurrfoot
11-07-06, 10:48 AM My friend picked up FoE and I wasnt all that impressed with it, but Dragonmarked looks excellent and I cant wait to get my copy. Any more information on the houses will help my game IMMENSELY!
Thwyvylyn
11-07-06, 07:47 PM Dragonmarked has a feat that makes Celerity and the Wilder both utterly nasty (borderline broken)
ressurrector
11-07-06, 08:31 PM I prefer Dragonmarked over Faiths (I have both)
However, this is mainly due to the focus on Guilds in my campaign, I don't deal with religion as much as economics.
Hurly_Burly
11-08-06, 02:35 AM After my first pass Dragonmarked is completely awesome.

My problem is that all of my players are going to want have dragonmarks now.

Dragonmarks are cool as a world idea. This book makes them worth it for a character to take. They also really seem to start giving some cool options for some race/class combos. There is a dwarf rogue class that looks pretty darn cool.

So, yes dragon marked is a great book. Not much help here.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Elliot22 11-05-06, 08:01 PM	Okay, I have enough money to either buy Dragonmarked or Faiths of Eberron before X-mas, I have seen Dragonmarked's table of contents online, and have only glanced through Faiths one day. What I am wondering, for those with Faiths of Eberron, what are its Prestige classes like? I don't ever have time to read through them all, and I've been on a Prestige class kick, and I like the names of the Dragonmarked PrC, but I don't have a clue about the Faith's PrC's so, can anyone fill me in on what those are like so I can decided what to get?
ORC_Paradox 11-05-06, 08:19 PM	Get them both. :D
Hurly_Burley 11-05-06, 10:48 PM	In your current game do you use religion or the DM houses more? I assume that you will own both of them sooner or later so I think you need to ask yourself "which can I wait less to read about?" Personally I have Dragonmarked preordered and the second I get it I would be happy to post my impressions. (I don't actually have faiths yet.)
Elliot22 11-05-06, 11:08 PM	Get them both. :D I do plan on getting them both, it is just at the Time, I only have enough money to get one of the two until probably after X-mas. That is why I wanted to know what the Prestige classes are like in Faiths cause I'm on a "kick" to practice Prestige Classing. But I have read the names of the dragonmarked PrCs, and like a few, but I don't know anything about the Faith's PrCs. So That is why I am asking.
Kaizer_Ryu 11-06-06, 03:25 AM	Ok, somewhat quick (i.e. longwinded) breakdown of the PrC's in Faiths as I understand them (I haven't gotten far enough in a campaign since it came out to use one): Sovereign Speaker: You may hear a lot about this PrC being broken, but I disagree. It is a 9 level PrC designed for Clerics dedicated to the entire Host. It is possible for Adepts to become one, but Paladins must muilticlass to meet the Prerequisites. While you gain a Bonus Domain of your choice at all 9 levels of the class, you only gain one new Domain spell slot at 3rd, 6th, and 9th level. The slots are for 3rd, 5th, and 7th level spells or lower, respectively. On top of that, you cannot gain more than two domains from the same member of the Host. IMO, the most overtly helpful part of the class is that it gives you a +1 to CL and an increase in Spells/day equal to leveling up in one existing divine spellcasting class of your choice at every level but 1st and 6th. Escalation Mage: A 6 level PrC designed for worshipers of the Shadow. As with the Speaker, you gain +1 CL and Spells per day equal to leveling up in the existing arcane spellcasting class of your choice, this time at every level. The benefits are questionable, as the "escalation" can backfire badly in tight spots. Not the best of the bunch, but if you like the chaos of Wildmages, this is for you (but for the love of all that is unholy, don't pair them! You'll destroy us all! ;) ). Argent Fist: 10 lvl PrC designed for Monks and Paladins of the CotSF. The AF levels stack when determining damage for Unarmed Strike and Smite Evil, respectively. It also allows you to multiclass freely between Monk and Paladin (works like Ascetic Knight Feat, XP penalties still apply). One of the best features of the PrC is that it actually makes the Turn Undead ability useful at higher levels. It can be used to enhance your healing power, increase damage done by unarmed strikes by 2d6 to Lycanthropes, Undead, and Evil Outsiders, and the absolutely b*tchin Embrace of the Silver Flame (it freaking ROCKS :D ) at lvl 10 will make said creatures cower in fear. All in all, a great PrC for Flamers, though Paladins kind of get the short end of the stick. Thief of Life: As the name suggests, a 10 lvl PrC for Rouges dedicated to the Blood of Vol. You get extra damage on Sneak Attacks, Immunity to Fear at 5th, Immunity to Energy Drain at 7th, Immunity to death effects at 9th, as well as some cool abilities that grant temprorary immunities. It's not going to win you any straight fights, but if you're playing a Rouge right, that won't matter. ;) Planar Shepherd: Ok, THIS one is broken if played right (or wrong, depending on your POV). It is a 10 lvl PrC mainly for Druids, though any class with the Wildshape ability can take it (near impossible for non-Gatekeepers to get, though). You get +1 CL and a spells/day increase equal to a level up in the existing divine spellcaster class of your choice IN EVERY LEVEL. You choose (at DM's discretion) a plane to "attune" with (plane cannot have an alignment opposed to any part of your own), and IGNORE harmful effects from your plane's elemental and energy traits, plus any effects of its environment. IN ADDITION, you can share the last one with a number of party members = to your level in PS. At 3rd level, you can Wildshape into a magical beast from your chosen plane. At 9th, you can become an elemental or Outsider from said plane. Here is where the main problem lies. I'll use the most glaring example: My Druid/Planar Shepherd is attuned to Fernia. At level 9, s/he can Wildshape AS MANY TIMES PER DAY AS THE COMBINED CLASS LEVELS PERMIT into an EFREETI. Can you say WISH SPELLS?!?! Oi. Someone at WotC wasn't thinking when they let that one by. The DM is the one who needs to make the call on this one. But this isn't the place to discuss that, so I'll move on. There aren't any PrC's for the Warforged religions, the Quori/Inspired/Kalashtar religions, the Cults of the Dragon Below, or the Undying Courts, but it gives new domains/motivations/etc for characters played as members of these organizations. Hope that helps. Aside from a slight problem with the Planar Shepherd, the PrC's in Faiths are solid. The book in and of itself is wonderful and gives plenty of new options for expanding characters outside of PrC's, but that's not really part of your question. I haven't looked at anything for Dragonmarked yet(though I fully intend to get it), but I really suggest FoE.
davethebrave371 11-06-06, 09:42 AM	Okay, I have enough money to either buy Dragonmarked or Faiths of Eberron before X-mas, I have seen Dragonmarked's table of contents online, and have only glanced through Faiths one day. What I am wondering, for those with Faiths of Eberron, what are its Prestige classes like? I don't ever have time to read through them all, and I've been on a Prestige class kick, and I like the names of the Dragonmarked PrC, but I don't have a clue about the Faith's PrC's so, can anyone fill me in on what those are like so I can decided what to get? If you want mechanics, it looks like more PrC options are in Dragonmarked. Both have flavour, so if you want flavour, it depends on what you're currently playing. If you're a DM, you want Faiths first. Faiths gives a detailed look at the religions of Eberron, and they were around way before the Dragonmarks were, so you're looking at something that has shaped the way Eberron is today, and was in the past. If you're a player, any character you play including a Dragonmarked character will benefit from Faiths a great deal. I know two of my players who had Dragonmarked characters were both playing decidedly atheist. After reading through it, one of them decided that after a particularily traumatic event (which he didn't know there'd be plenty of that session :D ) he would become convinced that the Host and the Six exist, as he'd always been taught as a lad. His newfound faith is especially cool seeing as we have a Sovereign Speaker (one of the PrCs in FoE) who teaches him about things. Now, on the other hand, if you have a Dragonmarked character, and you plan on getting Faiths eventually anyway, pick up Dragonmarked first, because it'll be more centered around what you play.
Elliot22 11-06-06, 01:09 PM	Thanks a lot for the Rundown on the PrCs! I am still partially divided on which one to buy, but I think I will stick with Faiths, as you have said, it is more well rounded for creating characters, where as Dragonmarked has the restriction of, You must deal with a Dragonmarked house to truly use the book, while Faiths will help all around Eberron's Continents dealing with religion.. so Thanks a lot, looks like I'm getting Faiths first!
Kaizer_Ryu 11-06-06, 10:41 PM	Thanks a lot for the Rundown on the PrCs! I am still partially divided on which one to buy, but I think I will stick with Faiths, as you have said, it is more well rounded for creating characters, where as Dragonmarked has the restriction of, You must deal with a Dragonmarked house to truly use the book, while Faiths will help all around Eberron's Continents dealing with religion.. so Thanks a lot, looks like I'm getting Faiths first! Yay! I'm helping! :D Writing that whole deal was more fun than I thought it would be. And believe me, I know how hard it is to choose between titles when you're poor. Dragonmarked just arrived in my area, but (for some odd reason) eating seems more important. ;)
maollelujah 11-07-06, 10:27 AM	IMO the Dragonmarked book is much better than Faiths, and a lot more useful.
OzyBurrfoot 11-07-06, 10:48 AM	My friend picked up FoE and I wasnt all that impressed with it, but Dragonmarked looks excellent and I cant wait to get my copy. Any more information on the houses will help my game IMMENSELY!
Thwyvylyn 11-07-06, 07:47 PM	Dragonmarked has a feat that makes Celerity and the Wilder both utterly nasty (borderline broken)
ressurrector 11-07-06, 08:31 PM	I prefer Dragonmarked over Faiths (I have both) However, this is mainly due to the focus on Guilds in my campaign, I don't deal with religion as much as economics.
Hurly_Burly 11-08-06, 02:35 AM	After my first pass Dragonmarked is completely awesome. My problem is that all of my players are going to want have dragonmarks now. Dragonmarks are cool as a world idea. This book makes them worth it for a character to take. They also really seem to start giving some cool options for some race/class combos. There is a dwarf rogue class that looks pretty darn cool. So, yes dragon marked is a great book. Not much help here.