| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|---|
| Sucros04-05-05, 08:26 PM | And it is GOOOOOOOD. Bear in mind that I only was able to skim through it. My local comic shop had it in (not for sale yet), and the guy was nice enough to let me read it for a while. I was worried that it would be focused not enough towards eberron players, what with the cover dispute and all. Concerns were laid to rest. Out of all the book, I'd say the sidebars like "warforged in your campaigns" and "Quori Nightmares in your world" make up less than a page total. The new prestige class format, which I didn't like in Sandstorm and other generic books because it really can't say anything of use, works GREAT in RoE because they are able to spell out way more eberronny fluffy goodness. Racial feats that are groups like talenta halflings and dhakani hobgoblins. There is a small section for other races in eberron, such as talenta halflings, and even one on the inspired *drool*. It's only after a brief readthrough, and I could have easily overlooked problems, but it looks GOOD. |
| ieattrollsforbreakfast04-05-05, 08:32 PM | Alright Sucros, prepare for a lot of questions! :D What are the prestige classes? How long are the chapters on the four races? Whats the interior art like? I'm sure I'll think of more in the morning.... |
| Sucros04-05-05, 08:41 PM | Shoot. I won't have answers for most of them. I had to get back to school for an afternoon class in half an hour. I'd say, very rough estimate, that the first half of the book is the first four chapters. Interior art is nice. I especially liked the pose of the talenta halfling. I remember two prestige classes: quori nightmare and [i can't remember the name] that made warforged more lifelike. Kinda the anti titan. Substitution levels that I can remember: Changeling rouge and egoist, Shifter druid, Warforged fighter, artificer, paladin. |
| Raster04-05-05, 09:13 PM | Hmm...anyone notice how it seems changelings are the most likely player race to be psions after Kalashtar? There have been three total in...recently published works which aren't to be discussed on these boards :D When Eberron first came out I thought it would be cool to play a changeling seer that sold secrets. Looks like my idea would fit better than I thought. |
| Sucros04-05-05, 09:37 PM | My roommate and I made the exact same connection. |
| Puppy04-05-05, 09:41 PM | Can't wait to get my hands on that book. I was wondering wether the book had any specifics on goblins? I just love those little critters, you see. |
| AvonRekaes04-05-05, 09:51 PM | Warforged fighter, artificer, paladin. Boy I hope you're just remembering wrong. What we *Really* needed was warforged racial substitution levels for monk to address the redundant class features (immunity to poison and disease). Boo. Other than that, I'm still waiting with baited breath. Mmmn... flunchy goodness. |
| Pinky's brain04-05-05, 10:02 PM | Bah, no racial substitution levels for the shifter ranger? It's his favoured class, and it is so incredibly ill suited to the WtM which is already the worst designed PrC in the ECS :( |
| The White Sorcerer04-05-05, 10:14 PM | Bah, no racial substitution levels for the shifter ranger?Remember, those are only the ones Sucros remembers. All four races will propably have three substitution classes like in the other Races books, and shifters will definately have ranger subs. |
| Kryptonian Scion04-05-05, 10:28 PM | Hmm...anyone notice how it seems changelings are the most likely player race to be psions after Kalashtar? It makes sense, since they are descendants of a creature that gets detect thoughts at will. The innate power could easily be considered a psionic/psi-like ability rather than a spell-like in campaigns with plenty of psionics. |
| Sucros04-06-05, 02:37 AM | KS, that makes a lot of sense, now that you mention it. Pinky, I bet there are shifter ranger substitution levels. Would be silly if there weren't. I just don't remember seeing them (I was too interested in the stuff about the dreaming dark) so I didn't put them down. Puppy: IIRC, goblins=yes |
| Shas'O04-06-05, 02:49 AM | Where there any new Psi-related powers/feats/PrCs/Sub levels/new Quori/New info on the kalashtar and DD? Inquiring eberrons fans and fans of psionics require such information. How was the art? |
| ChronosCrow04-06-05, 06:48 AM | Where there any new Psi-related powers/feats/PrCs/Sub levels/new Quori/New info on the kalashtar and DD? Inquiring eberrons fans and fans of psionics require such information. How was the art? Motion seconded, long live Psionics. |
| Sucros04-06-05, 07:16 AM | psionic powers: IIRC, there are a few. Not a large number, mind you. Prestige classes: at least one, the quori nighmare. It's all cool and stuff. Psionic fluff: TONS. The kalashtar get their own chapter, the inspired get a big chunk of "other races of eberron", and there's even fluff hidden in the prestige classes section. I already mentioned the changeling egoist substitution levels, and while I didn't look for one, I can't imagine that they didn't make a kalashtar racial feat or two. Don't think there's a new quori. And I agree, long live psionics. |
| Chiba_Monkey04-06-05, 08:13 AM | :OMG! I am in shock that you have already seen it. And insanely jealous. If the world were more like DnD, I'd have sicked no less than thirteen rabid fiendish starving vampire weasel ninja on you. But that said and done... Give up the goods man! We hang on your words, remember faster! What was the Inspired thing that you metioned among the race stuff? And anything else you can remember ;) :D |
| PoeticJustice04-06-05, 10:49 AM | :OMG! I am in shock that you have already seen it. And insanely jealous. If the world were more like DnD, I'd have sicked no less than thirteen rabid fiendish starving vampire weasel ninja on you. But that said and done... Give up the goods man! We hang on your words, remember faster! What was the Inspired thing that you metioned among the race stuff? And anything else you can remember ;) :D Down Boy :) Street Date is only two days away |
| phoenxhwk04-06-05, 11:50 AM | I was worried that it would be focused not enough towards eberron players, what with the cover dispute and all. I take this to mean that it definitely has "Races of" cover art? |
| ThatOneMonk04-06-05, 12:22 PM | what about drow? and valenar elves? I've heard some rumours about those two... I'd like to see drow nerfed to a playable level for eberron. hehe, drow party: Now it's OUR turn to explore YOUR continent! |
| Jagermeister04-06-05, 12:40 PM | I take this to mean that it definitely has "Races of" cover art? Yes. That has been a definite. According to WotC the cover was never planned out to be otherwise. |
| Grynn04-06-05, 02:08 PM | Well, WotC sure did send a different copy of the cover art to Amazon. |
| Sucros04-06-05, 02:22 PM | While I didn't actually turn to a page that said "Elf, Valenar" or "drow, Xendrik" I can't imagine they forgot valenar elves, and I'm pretty sure that drow are in there too, as drow used to be on the good cover. |
| Jagermeister04-06-05, 02:36 PM | Well, WotC sure did send a different copy of the cover art to Amazon. Out of the multitude of posts whining about the changed cover art, the official response in each case has been that there were never any plans to do the cover in Eberron style. Where the Eberron styled cover came from is beyond me, but who cares. The content is good so let's forget it. |
| 3nigma04-06-05, 03:08 PM | Where's a screenshot of the new, non-Eberron cover? |
| Hellcow04-06-05, 03:13 PM | Well, WotC sure did send a different copy of the cover art to Amazon. Correct, bearing in mind that it was a small image and not a full sized, completed cover art. I have no doubt that this was the result of miscommunication between the design team and the catalog mock-up staff, combined with limited time. Catalog people: "We need a cover image for the book by 5:00 today." Design: "Here's the art WAR made for the cover. It's called Races of Eberron." Catalog: "OK, got it. Hmm. It's an Eberron book, right? Where's that Eberron template with the circle... There we go." Design (Next day): "Ummm... it's actually using the Races format, not the Eberron format." Catalog: "Whoops, it's already off now." The actual cover image (the art originally seen in the circle) is the same; it's just presented in the Races trade dress. And since Wizards has said repeatedly that they've never had a full-scale high-res image of the cover seen on Amazon, I'll bet a donut that something like this happened. Certainly, I know that as far as *design* was concerned, it was using the Races format from the very begining. |
| Urko04-06-05, 03:15 PM | Right here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/eberron/177450000) on the products page. Yuck! That would be an ugly cover, even if the Eberron style didn't exist. But, of course, the content is more important. I can't wait! |
| 3nigma04-06-05, 04:30 PM | THanks for the link, Urko! :D Meh, I like the Eberron skin better, but at least it's D&D. I tell ya what though, I hate that the D&D books have those multicolored gems all over 'em, I think it looks so tacky... :yuck: Anyway, the good side is, we get to see more of the original art that was covered up w/ the Eberron skin. That picture is awesome!! :clap: -3nigma |
| Crimsonsun04-06-05, 06:09 PM | Just got back from my FLGS for an employee meeting, and I got a chance to peruse this. Its very good! About a dozen new 'forged components, the new PrCs look good, new spells and infusions, and quite a bit of good fluffy bits. New feats are good too, and new shifter traits too! I like the Unarmored Body and Darkwood Body feats for 'forged (not gonna tell you what they do, but I bet you can guess ;) ) My question is, how are the new infusions being handled? Are us artificers gonna have to "learn" them, or do they count as being on our infusion list from the ECS? Theres a couple I really liked, and I hope I dont have to find copies and learn them :( |
| Losdeago04-06-05, 06:25 PM | OH!! your talking about the Eberron books! My DM has two that hes letting me borrow!(The one that Keth Baker wrote and another one not bye him) So Far I really like the one keth baker wrote !! |
| Puppy04-06-05, 09:06 PM | OH!! your talking about the Eberron books! My DM has two that hes letting me borrow!(The one that Keth Baker wrote and another one not bye him) So Far I really like the one keth baker wrote !! Not exactly. The discussion is about the upcoming (already out?) Races of Eberron. A sourcebook for...drumroll... The Races of Eberron. |
| Grynn04-06-05, 09:11 PM | The cover isn't bad, per se, but I still like the Eberron style more. I have enough brown cover books to last me a lifetime. |
| Psymnotica04-06-05, 11:12 PM | My question is, how are the new infusions being handled? Are us artificers gonna have to "learn" them, or do they count as being on our infusion list from the ECS? Theres a couple I really liked, and I hope I dont have to find copies and learn them :( The rules for including new infusions into a campaign are already detailed in the ECS, on page 31 under the Artificer Class Features section (sub-section: Infusions). |
| Leonidus04-07-05, 12:13 AM | I still say they should've done a combo-style, the eberron-style textures and the Races-theme's shapes. But they didn't ask me. |
| The White Sorcerer04-07-05, 06:41 AM | Unarmored Body and Darkwood Bodyw00t! :w00t: This should please warforged druids, sorcerers, and wizards. |
| Neofish04-07-05, 07:00 AM | w00t! :w00t: This should please warforged druids, sorcerers, and wizards. I'm hoping one gives a natural armor bonus instead of regular armor bonus. Go Warforged, hurrah.!!! |
| fizzbang04-07-05, 08:22 AM | Just got back from my FLGS for an employee meeting, and I got a chance to peruse this. Its very good! About a dozen new 'forged components, the new PrCs look good, new spells and infusions, and quite a bit of good fluffy bits. New feats are good too, and new shifter traits too! I like the Unarmored Body and Darkwood Body feats for 'forged (not gonna tell you what they do, but I bet you can guess ;) ) Not having anything else to do at the moment, I'm driven to idle speculation. I can understand the idea behind Darkwood Body, but I'm curious about the benefits behind Unarmored Body. I mean, obviously it'd be nice for a 'forged wizard or sorcerer to avoid that tiny spell failure chance, but if it works as just removing all armor benefits, then it seems like a bit of a weak feat. Unless it gives some other benefits as well, of course. Anyway, I'm sure I'll find out the answer in a day or two (argh! when will my FLGS get the book?). Then I'll have a brief period of satisfaction before craving the next Eberron book... |
| JohnnyONeal04-07-05, 10:04 AM | Question to those who have seen it: any new monsters? I'm hoping to pick this up at Higher Ground today, assuming they actually have a copy in. (Does anybody know of another reliable gaming store on Manhattan?) |
| Von Ether04-07-05, 11:32 AM | I know that my Warforged player will be filled with glee. He's already mentioned Darkwood. He'll have to beg me for a retool, though. I assume such "construction material" feats are all upon character creation. I think he was also talking about some other wood used in the airship design to make him float or fly ... can't remember which. In our games, warforged sink in water, so I may give Unarmored the beneift of floating if they are mostly wood. But please don't stop mentioning the goodies, keep it up. :) |
| Beleriphon04-07-05, 12:49 PM | I can understand the idea behind Darkwood Body, but I'm curious about the benefits behind Unarmored Body. I mean, obviously it'd be nice for a 'forged wizard or sorcerer to avoid that tiny spell failure chance, but if it works as just removing all armor benefits, then it seems like a bit of a weak feat. Unless it gives some other benefits as well, of course. Unarmoured will almost invariably be a prerequisite for a new warforged PrC, possibly the one that is supposed to be the exact opposite of the juggernaut. |
| Crimsonsun04-07-05, 01:02 PM | Unarmoured will almost invariably be a prerequisite for a new warforged PrC, possibly the one that is supposed to be the exact opposite of the juggernaut. I remember reading through that one pretty close (Its called Reforged.) At level 3 of the PrC (last level of it) you lose ALL warforged feats, gain a number of bonus feats equal to the number of 'forged feats you had, and gain the Unarmored Body feat as a bonus feat. Prior to that, you get a bunch of modifiers to kills and reaction rolls.. I can't say much more >< |
| malaryal04-07-05, 01:22 PM | I'm hoping to pick this up at Higher Ground today, assuming they actually have a copy in. (Does anybody know of another reliable gaming store on Manhattan?) Johnny- I assume you mean Neutral Ground on 26th St. I've always had good luck with the Complet Strategist on 33rd between 5th and Madison. |
| the.eberron.traveler04-07-05, 02:13 PM | Does anyone have it yet? The Breland Ledger (http://breland-ledger.blogspot.com/) said it is coming out today, not tomorrow. |
| Crimsonsun04-07-05, 02:14 PM | Does anyone have it yet? The Breland Ledger (http://breland-ledger.blogspot.com/) said it is coming out today, not tomorrow. Official WoTC street date puts it at tommorow, so it SHOULDN'T be sold until then |
| JohnnyONeal04-07-05, 02:52 PM | Thanks for the corrections, guys. I assume you mean Neutral Ground on 26th St. I've always had good luck with the Compleat Strategist on 33rd between 5th and Madison. Yeah, that's what I meant. I'll call both places tomorrow! Official WoTC street date puts it at tommorow, so it SHOULDN'T be sold until then My mistake. The Friday release is correct! My source for the date was inaccurate. I've changed the Breland Ledger story accordingly. Hopefully I only misled a few hundred people... |
| Reinhardt_Wyrd04-07-05, 05:06 PM | Are there any special changeling feats? |
| Crimsonsun04-07-05, 11:20 PM | Are there any special changeling feats? Short answer - Yes |
| ekomega04-07-05, 11:35 PM | I have RoE, but not at the same place I have my computer. Any questions? I read through it earlier and can try and remember. or you can wait until tomorrow and just buy it. |
| Banshee04-08-05, 12:07 AM | I have RoE, but not at the same place I have my computer. Any questions? I read through it earlier and can try and remember. or you can wait until tomorrow and just buy it. Tell me about.....Changelings...:) Banshee Any prestige classes, feats, interesting tidbits? |
| Welt04-08-05, 12:24 AM | Well, the April In the Works article just went up, with some RoE goodness. Eberron Races in D&D (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20050407b&page=1) Feats (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20050407b&page=2) Recaster Prestige Class (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20050407b&page=3) Man, i can't wait for this book. |
| Orion Polaris04-08-05, 12:50 AM | Awesome! |
| ekomega04-08-05, 01:20 AM | I think the Recaster is overpowered. You lose one spellcasting level, but get the equivalent of 5 feats (1 per level of the class) AND 2 bonus feats, IIRC. Think super metamagic god, who can do whatever he wants with magic. For changelings, there's the recaster and... I can't remember, but it gives changelings doppleganger like abilities (detect thoughts, etc.). The dopplegangery one is neat, especially if you wanted your changeling to become a Mindspy from CW. There's feats for changelings, like one that lets you minor shape change as a move action. Lots of fluff text about them and funny pictures. Also, some anti-shapeshifter spells which will be good to use against PCs. There's a new "changeling" exotic weapon, but I can't remember if it's good or not. It's like a ribbon of death. They also added a new kind of spell ability, that basically gives you some special quality as long as the spell is prepared, but then when you cast it you lose the ability (but get to cast the spell). Only for preparing spellcasters. I think everyone will be very happy with it and should buy it. I didn't like the recaster, or the spells only for Shifter Druids. There's not that many new spells, but several of them are ONLY for shifter druids. Also, I didn't like the brevity of certain race descriptions. Only a handful of new psionic powers. I did like that they broke up the races into regions, i.e. distinguishing between Khorvaire Elves, Valenar Elves, Aerenal Elves, and Drow in their own writeups. Lots of new shifter feats. Also, your warforged can get a metal jaw bite attack. Maybe I've said too much. Buy it tomorrow. |
| AskaniPsion04-08-05, 01:28 AM | I ordered my copy from Amazon so hopefully they ship it tomorrow. Is "Resurrection" WoSQ novel still coming out tomorrow too? Could you tell me alittle about the new Kalashtar stuff in the book? What Kalashtar classes get substition levels? Psiwarrior? Ranger? What is so different about the 1st level Kalashtar psion 1st level substition level? We know the one new Kalashtar prestige class is Quori Nightmare. What is the other? |
| Banshee04-08-05, 01:31 AM | I think the Recaster is overpowered. You lose one spellcasting level, but get the equivalent of 5 feats (1 per level of the class) AND 2 bonus feats, IIRC. Think super metamagic god, who can do whatever he wants with magic. For changelings, there's the recaster and... I can't remember, but it gives changelings doppleganger like abilities (detect thoughts, etc.). The dopplegangery one is neat, especially if you wanted your changeling to become a Mindspy from CW. There's feats for changelings, like one that lets you minor shape change as a move action. Lots of fluff text about them and funny pictures. Also, some anti-shapeshifter spells which will be good to use against PCs. There's a new "changeling" exotic weapon, but I can't remember if it's good or not. It's like a ribbon of death. They also added a new kind of spell ability, that basically gives you some special quality as long as the spell is prepared, but then when you cast it you lose the ability (but get to cast the spell). Only for preparing spellcasters. I think everyone will be very happy with it and should buy it. I didn't like the recaster, or the spells only for Shifter Druids. There's not that many new spells, but several of them are ONLY for shifter druids. Also, I didn't like the brevity of certain race descriptions. Only a handful of new psionic powers. I did like that they broke up the races into regions, i.e. distinguishing between Khorvaire Elves, Valenar Elves, Aerenal Elves, and Drow in their own writeups. Lots of new shifter feats. Also, your warforged can get a metal jaw bite attack. Maybe I've said too much. Buy it tomorrow. Interesting....in Secrets of the Asaathi, they had a similar mechanism....basically, keeping certain spells or combinations of spells memorized allowed a character to have special abilities. I think they were called Spell Loci. That sounds very familiar. Is there good flavour text? Much about the Kalashtar? Banshee |
| Crimsonsun04-08-05, 01:35 AM | Could you tell me alittle about the new Kalashtar stuff in the book? What Kalashtar classes get substition levels? Psiwarrior? Ranger? What is so different about the 1st level Kalashtar psion 1st level substition level? We know the one new Kalashtar prestige class is Quori Nightmare. What is the other? Gimme a sec, trying to remember... umm substitution levels are Monk, soulknife, and a specific psion... telepath i think? other PrC is one which puts you in closer sync with your spirit. Needs either mind blade or improved unarmed, but you get enchancements to those.. cant remember too much more, sorry |
| ekomega04-08-05, 01:37 AM | I can't remember much of the kalashtar stuff either. Sorry. Amazon has the ship date for the book as May 6th, so good luck with that. That's why I went to my LGS (it's not a fav, although they did sell the book today...) |
| AskaniPsion04-08-05, 01:56 AM | Gimme a sec, trying to remember... umm substitution levels are Monk, soulknife, and a specific psion... telepath i think? other PrC is one which puts you in closer sync with your spirit. Needs either mind blade or improved unarmed, but you get enchancements to those.. cant remember too much more, sorry Wow sounds very cool! Elan used to be my favorite race but Kalashar will be in the forefront with this book! Finally a psion/monk that goes together! I don't know why they never made a psionic monk as a base class. It would just make sense. Telepath huh? VERY VERY cool! I can NEVER get enough telepath stuff!! :D |
| AskaniPsion04-08-05, 02:01 AM | Please delete - double post |
| Vecna04-08-05, 06:25 AM | I think the Recaster is overpowered. You lose one spellcasting level, but get the equivalent of 5 feats (1 per level of the class) AND 2 bonus feats, IIRC. Think super metamagic god, who can do whatever he wants with magic. I find it quite balanced: Silent Spell and the Still Spell can be used once per class level Metamorphic, Time: can be use three times per day and the spell duration becomes 1 round! Metamorphic, Space: can be used five times per day. Expanded Knowledge and Sudden Metamagic are nice. I'd call it broken (not merely overpowered) if the abilities could be used at will and Metamorphic Time wouldn't set a spell duration to 1 round... |
| darkthought04-08-05, 11:26 AM | I just got mine, and proceeded to cover it in a 1/4 inch of geek. BUY THIS BOOK! :) |
| fizzbang04-08-05, 11:33 AM | Well, I'm still stuck at work, counting the seconds. Anything fascinating for Shifters? I'm also extremely interested in the philosophical/spiritual questions about the Warforged and so forth, but I realize that sort of fluff isn't as easy to sum up on a forum as a concrete piece of grit like a feat or class... |
| darkthought04-08-05, 11:38 AM | Well, I'm still stuck at work, counting the seconds. Anything fascinating for Shifters? I'm also extremely interested in the philosophical/spiritual questions about the Warforged and so forth, but I realize that sort of fluff isn't as easy to sum up on a forum as a concrete piece of grit like a feat or class... OMG is there ever! New non-physical shifting shifter... (did that make sense? :confused: ), one that gets a swim, one that gets a fly, charging horns... The bits on how the warforged see other races and how they spend their time is really interesting. Many of the warforged in the indentured servitude to Thrane and Karrnath are somewhat content because all a warforged really wants is to keep his mind busy and feel useful. That's why, even though they don't sleep, a warforged can only work on any one task, like smithing or fletching, for 8 hours. After that they want to occupy themselves with other tasks. |
| AskaniPsion04-08-05, 11:39 AM | Any cool looking Psion pictures in the book? Are they planning on putting up a Gallery for "Races of E"? I love when they do Galleries as they make nice screensavers/desktop pictures. |
| darkthought04-08-05, 11:47 AM | Any cool looking Psion pictures in the book? Are they planning on putting up a Gallery for "Races of E"? I love when they do Galleries as they make nice screensavers/desktop pictures. Inspired and Kalashtar... does that count? Inspired are hot. ;) ... damn that +4 profane Charisma bonus! |
| Acceptableloss04-08-05, 11:50 AM | Argh. I know that book was released today, but the gaming store I usually go to doesn't have it yet. I don't think Barnes and Noble or Borders would have it today either...any ideas? I'm in Atlanta, GA so I would think I'd be able to find it somewhere..... :confused: |
| AskaniPsion04-08-05, 12:04 PM | Inspired and Kalashtar... does that count? Inspired are hot. ;) ... damn that +4 profane Charisma bonus! Any female ones? The Wilder & most of the female psion pictures in the Expanded Psi book are ugly. What changes are there to the 1st level of a Kalashtar psion/telepath? |
| Von Ether04-08-05, 12:11 PM | OMG is there ever! New non-physical shifting shifter... (did that make sense? :confused: ), one that gets a swim, one that gets a fly, charging horns.... I'm assuming that's the "dreamsight." I don't have the book, but I'm already imagaining it has something to do with the "shifting" nature of dreams. How a person can become an eagle and fly in his dreams and such. Touching on the visual nature of dreams. I'm curious if you can still do the SG-1 vibe with Kalashtar and Inspired. I heard you have rules for Inspired PCs now? If that's true, I know some players I'll have to say "no" to. Unless it's spelled out, they'll be body hopping and creating a self-serving empire with an eye on using their fellow player's PCs as patsies. I have to admit, that if I can't get a GM to back up my request for a warforged, the shifter may have quickly snatched the back-up position from Changelings from what I've heard so far. |
| fizzbang04-08-05, 12:12 PM | OMG is there ever! New non-physical shifting shifter... (did that make sense? :confused: ), one that gets a swim, one that gets a fly, charging horns... Hrmm... Perhaps my ex-Droaam army forward operative Cliffwalk Shifter Ranger will have to look into the fly or swim types for the secondary shifter type... Any info on the prestige classes or substitution levels for the shifters? Like most shifter players I wasn't particularly happy with the Weretouched Master, especially since the character's mostly rat-themed, and picking Rat for that prestige class is practically shooting yourself in the foot. Anything tasty for rangers? The bits on how the warforged see other races and how they spend their time is really interesting. Many of the warforged in the indentured servitude to Thrane and Karrnath are somewhat content because all a warforged really wants is to keep his mind busy and feel useful. That's why, even though they don't sleep, a warforged can only work on any one task, like smithing or fletching, for 8 hours. After that they want to occupy themselves with other tasks. I'm looking forward to theories on the nature of warforged souls. What's more, I'm hoping there isn't a concrete answer to such questions. Like Xendrik and the Mournlands, I think the mystery of Warforgeds' origins is best left as a curious mystery to be answered on a campaign-by-campaign basis! |
| darkthought04-08-05, 12:31 PM | Any female ones? The Wilder & most of the female psion pictures in the Expanded Psi book are ugly. What changes are there to the 1st level of a Kalashtar psion/telepath? There's a picture of a female Inspired, yes. She's holding some odd weapon that could be a double... halberd? Must be her mindblade. There's a few new prestige classes. Some that focus on increasing the Quori's abilities in the host, for both Kals and Inspireds. Any info on the prestige classes or substitution levels for the shifters? Like most shifter players I wasn't particularly happy with the Weretouched Master, especially since the character's mostly rat-themed, and picking Rat for that prestige class is practically shooting yourself in the foot. Anything tasty for rangers? YEP! While I don't have my book with me (I'm at school between classes) there's new PrCs and racial substitutions for a shifter ranger. Also there's a new shifter feat that allows you to pick another shifter trait that manifests when you shift. You get the ability, but not the bonuses. So you could have picked longtooth at 1st level, and get everything that provides, and take Wildhunt and gain the Scent ability while shifting, but that's all. It's pretty easy to shape your shifter towards a specific lycanthrope now. I'm looking forward to theories on the nature of warforged souls. What's more, I'm hoping there isn't a concrete answer to such questions. Like Xendrik and the Mournlands, I think the mystery of Warforgeds' origins is best left as a curious mystery to be answered on a campaign-by-campaign basis! Yep. :) The book talks about some of the debates that they had about warforged during the writing of the Treaty of Thronehold. Thrane was a very big opponent to warforged rights, and claimed that they had no souls. I'd consider reading Marked for Death too. A psion mentions that warforged thoughts are a little disturbing. Most sentients have erratic thoughts, while a warforged's thoughts are more like a river, all following the same path. My warforged player is absolutely drooling to get his hands on my book. Good thing we're playing tonight. :) |
| ekomega04-08-05, 12:59 PM | I find it quite balanced: Silent Spell and the Still Spell can be used once per class level Metamorphic, Time: can be use three times per day and the spell duration becomes 1 round! Metamorphic, Space: can be used five times per day. Expanded Knowledge and Sudden Metamagic are nice. I'd call it broken (not merely overpowered) if the abilities could be used at will and Metamorphic Time wouldn't set a spell duration to 1 round... Well, considering that Silent Spell, Meta Time and Meta Space are all feats, (Meta Space is Shape Spell, I believe and Meta Time... well, it's practically a new feat), and then Sudden Metamagic is a feat (or like a feat), and you get bonus feats. Just because it's limited in number of times per day doesn't make it balanced, because using some ability 5 times per day might as well be able to use it any time. That's a lot of uses. Even 3/day. Those rods that give you metamagic feats allow 3/day, and getting one of those is like buying a feat, too. It's a lot of feats for only giving up one spellcasting level. Compare it to the Loremaster and the Recaster is better all around. On another note, the writeup about the beginnings of the Kalashtar and why they fight the struggle with the Quori is cool. Gives info about the Devourer and what the Dreaming Dark is and what the fundamental differences are. Very awesome. Shifters get so much stuff. Finally. Besides new traits and everything, they actually get several feats that are really useful. And their PrCs are awesome, although the Moonspeaker really is druid heavy. I think they should have made the preferred class for Shifter the Druid, since there's so much druid stuff. |
| AskaniPsion04-08-05, 01:07 PM | There's a picture of a female Inspired, yes. She's holding some odd weapon that could be a double... halberd? Must be her mindblade. There's a few new prestige classes. Some that focus on increasing the Quori's abilities in the host, for both Kals and Inspireds. very COOL! COME ON 3:30!! I WANT MY COPY!! I wanna use it for my character who just gained a level for Tuesday. |
| Flame_Drake04-08-05, 01:12 PM | very COOL! COME ON 3:30!! I WANT MY COPY!! I wanna use it for my character who just gained a level for Tuesday. Huzzah for spring break :P I'm going to try and pick up a copy sometime today. Could someone post a breif overveiw of all eight PrCs and their names? Drake |
| Vecna04-08-05, 01:39 PM | Well, considering that Silent Spell, Meta Time and Meta Space are all feats, (Meta Space is Shape Spell, I believe and Meta Time... well, it's practically a new feat), and then Sudden Metamagic is a feat (or like a feat), and you get bonus feats. Just because it's limited in number of times per day doesn't make it balanced, because using some ability 5 times per day might as well be able to use it any time. That's a lot of uses. Even 3/day. Those rods that give you metamagic feats allow 3/day, and getting one of those is like buying a feat, too. It's a lot of feats for only giving up one spellcasting level. Compare it to the Loremaster and the Recaster is better all around. On another note, the writeup about the beginnings of the Kalashtar and why they fight the struggle with the Quori is cool. Gives info about the Devourer and what the Dreaming Dark is and what the fundamental differences are. Very awesome. Shifters get so much stuff. Finally. Besides new traits and everything, they actually get several feats that are really useful. And their PrCs are awesome, although the Moonspeaker really is druid heavy. I think they should have made the preferred class for Shifter the Druid, since there's so much druid stuff. Maybe my concept of overpowered/broken derives from the CO board builds. So, while he gains many feats, I don't think the Recaller will be used in broken builds like the H.I.V.E. or the Cheater of Mystra. (I hope I'm wrong. I LOVE broken builds...) A question: I've seen in the preview the feat that let a Changeling to emulate another humanoid race. Is there something similar (PrC, feats...) that let a Changeling emulate another non humanoid race? In other word, is there a way for a Changeling to qualify for the Illithid Savant PrC? :schemes: |
| Hellcow04-08-05, 01:41 PM | I heard you have rules for Inspired PCs now? If that's true, I know some players I'll have to say "no" to. Goodness, I hope not. If so, it got snuck in at the last minute when I wasn't looking, and I have trouble imagining that occuring. There are all sorts of reasons they don't work as PCs, from the virtual immortality, to the unwavering loyalty, to the "vessels have no choice about possession" aspect. I'm guessing you've just heard garbled knowledge, but we'll see when I get my hands on an actual copy of the book. |
| darkthought04-08-05, 01:55 PM | Goodness, I hope not. If so, it got snuck in at the last minute when I wasn't looking, and I have trouble imagining that occuring. There are all sorts of reasons they don't work as PCs, from the virtual immortality, to the unwavering loyalty, to the "vessels have no choice about possession" aspect. I'm guessing you've just heard garbled knowledge, but we'll see when I get my hands on an actual copy of the book. Yeah, no real rules on playing an Inspired. Just some stuff on how to make them better NPCs. The Quori Nightmare is EVIL. The Inspired are hot. *blink* DAMN DOMINATE! :D I've seen in the preview the feat that let a Changeling to emulate another humanoid race. Is there something similar (PrC, feats...) that let a Changeling emulate another non humanoid race? In other word, is there a way for a Changeling to qualify for the Illithid Savant PrC? Um.... no. Nice try tho. :P |
| JohnnyONeal04-08-05, 01:59 PM | I just picked it up! I only had a few minutes over my lunch break to check it out, but I can already tell this is 100% essential for Eberron fans. I enjoyed Sharn: City of Towers, but parts of it were a bit dry (as required by the specific subject matter). This book looks totally juicy. Could someone post a brief overveiw of all eight PrCs and their names? Here's the bird's eye view. Keep in mind that this is based purely on a 2-minute glance at the PrC section, so I'm keeping it very brief: Atavist: prestigious kalashtar soulknife bound more firmly to ancestor spirit Cabinet Trickster: changeling Cabinet of Faces member Moonspeaker: shifter divine casters with lots of special abilities Quori Nightmare: kalashtar (or inspired) with more Quori-oriented powers Reachrunner: shifter scout-style class Recaster: flexible changeling spellcaster (see excerpt (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20050407b&page=1)) Reforged: opposite of Juggernaut; loses warforged traits Spellcarved Soldier: warforged combat mage My favorite part of the book might be the 30-page chapter on existing races, with a couple of nice pages dedicated to each culture. (Probably less than the Dragonshards on the same subject, but at least the list is pretty comprehensive.) Also of note is that the book includes 13 pages of new spells/powers and a few new domains, including Transformation (no deity; open to changelings and shifters) and Truth (Silver Flame, Path of Light). There seems to be less art in this book than in the average release, but what's there is really top-notch. It's neat to compare the look of the Inspired to the original (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/311cu3.gif) concept (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/317art7.jpg) art (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/311cu1.gif). I can't wait to get home and read it! |
| Power of the Horde04-08-05, 02:06 PM | Goodness, I hope not. If so, it got snuck in at the last minute when I wasn't looking, and I have trouble imagining that occuring. There are all sorts of reasons they don't work as PCs, from the virtual immortality, to the unwavering loyalty, to the "vessels have no choice about possession" aspect. I'm guessing you've just heard garbled knowledge, but we'll see when I get my hands on an actual copy of the book. FWIW, there don't seem to be any rules as far as I can see, though there are role-playing guidelines. There's also this: "Inspired are not intended for use as player characters..." It goes on to suggest playing kalashtar instead. |
| Hellcow04-08-05, 02:08 PM | Atavist: prestigious kalashtar soulknife bound more firmly to ancestor spirit I'll just note that the atavist was also designed to be open to monks (unless that's changed in editing) - so soulknife haters, you aren't completely out of luck. |
| fizzbang04-08-05, 02:09 PM | Reachrunner: shifter scout-style class Oooh... I'm all a-twitter. Finally, my dreams of uniting ranger and scout in my character may be coming true! |
| ydirbut04-08-05, 02:38 PM | Anything about Orcs in the Book? |
| Pinky's brain04-08-05, 02:51 PM | Sudden quicken is defacto unattainable as a feat, quicken metamagic rods are generally seen as fundamentally broken ... and are unaffordable at the same level as the recaster gets his ability. I wouldnt call the recaster more broken as the artificer, but that just isnt saying much. |
| (Psi)SeveredHead04-08-05, 03:00 PM | What is the difference between a Khorvaire and a Valenar elf? |
| Tzarevitch04-08-05, 03:15 PM | Anything about Orcs in the Book? Yes. There are several pages on Eberron orcs in the book. Mostly stuff on their attitudes, culture and a bit on their history. Tzarevitch |
| Tzarevitch04-08-05, 03:20 PM | What is the difference between a Khorvaire and a Valenar elf? The differences are mainly attitude and culture. Khorvaire elves have attitudes similar to humans and other races since they live among them and have lived amongst them for generations. Valenar elves gain different weapon proficiencies than PHB elves (Scimitar, Double Scimitar, and Shortbow if I am not mistaken) and have a radically different outlook on life but mechanically they are the same. Both types of elves look similar and are similar stat-wise, but attitude-wise, they are as different as night and day. Tzarevitch |
| Zalaz Mavi04-08-05, 04:08 PM | I picked it up at lunch and have read through the Warforged and Shifter chapters. So far, it's excellent. Above all, the art throughout is superb. My favorite is the Taer Valaestas piece by Francis Tsai. I definitely have to track down a print of that scene... |
| ydirbut04-08-05, 04:19 PM | Thanks |
| JoshuaWilhoyte04-08-05, 04:24 PM | No love for the Warforged Psion I've been playing I take it? Not that I'd be shocked. |
| Crimsonsun04-08-05, 05:48 PM | I'll just note that the atavist was also designed to be open to monks (unless that's changed in editing) - so soulknife haters, you aren't completely out of luck. Its still open to monks (or anyone with Improved Unarmed Attack) |
| Hellcow04-08-05, 05:54 PM | I heard you have rules for Inspired PCs now? Having now obtained my copy, I think that the confusion is due to a sidebar I wrote called "Roleplaying an Inspired" - but that's tips for a DM playing an Inspired NPC. |
| Lord Schpungus04-08-05, 06:09 PM | Sudden quicken is defacto unattainable as a feat, quicken metamagic rods are generally seen as fundamentally broken ... and are unaffordable at the same level as the recaster gets his ability. I wouldnt call the recaster more broken as the artificer, but that just isnt saying much. yeah, but it has to be a long-lasting spell (read: buff), and the duration becomes so short as to be nigh-useless. you can't throw around attack spells with this, really. It's a replacement for swift fly and swift invis and the like. |
| The Livewire04-08-05, 06:45 PM | to answer an above poster, the Kalashtar/Inspired no longer look like they ruled ancient egypt. I was VERY pleased with the Kalashtar section, even if I'm miffed about the lack of new powers. I actually 'get' the Kalashtar now, and am happy, Keith, thank you. Then they go and put a Stargate on page 37. (Look at it, it's a stargate) the first thing I thought when I read it was "Why don't they just bury the frelling thing, or at least weld an iris to it?" |
| Hellcow04-08-05, 06:52 PM | Then they go and put a Stargate on page 37. (Look at it, it's a stargate) the first thing I thought when I read it was "Why don't they just bury the frelling thing, or at least weld an iris to it?" SILENCE! Kneel before your god! Uh, sorry - never mind. Though page 37 is a page of text in the middle of the Shifter chapter. Do you mean page 58? Also, as a random note, despite the name, both kalashtar and Inspired should be able to use the kalashtar thoughtshifter tactical feat... my bad. |
| Puppy04-08-05, 07:31 PM | OK, I've been perusing the different games stores in my area now, but according to them, they'll not get RoE in stock for another 1 to 2 weeks. Aaaaargh! Does anyone know where in the Newcastle area (or the northeast of England for that matter) I can go to pick this book up IMMEDIATELY? I've looked through different online solutions, but the only stores who sell it at the moment are in the US (from what I can see). Please help me out here as I need my Eberron fix! |
| Flame_Drake04-08-05, 08:31 PM | All right I just picked it up and it is good. I think just looking at the pictures and the newshifter traits has redefined my view of shifters. And thats about all I've had the time to do. Kudos to everyone involved. Drake |
| Solarious04-08-05, 08:59 PM | SILENCE! Kneel before your god! Uh, sorry - never mind. Alright, this is going into my sig, effective immediately. :devil: :plotting: :evillaugh |
| Atlictoatl04-08-05, 09:13 PM | I posted this elsewhere, but this is the more appropriate forum... Overall, a phenomenal book, worthy of the Eberron title, and a real pleasure to add to my collection. But I have to say that I'm rather shocked to see extraordinarily little integration of Keith's Dragonshard material. Granted, I'm happy they didn't pad the thing with the web articles, but omitting things like "Khoravar" from the half-elf article and the true nature of the Mror Hold dwarves, etc. seems a bit dodgy. Makes me feel triply blessed for having our Keith, but really now -- are Eberron sourcebook writers not reading their Dragonshards? |
| Bluebrush04-08-05, 09:21 PM | I must restrain myself from buying this until I'm sure it won't effect my university work... ... *Head asplode* Out of interest, are there any new weapons in the book? Simple, Martial or otherwise? |
| Flame_Drake04-08-05, 10:55 PM | I must restrain myself from buying this until I'm sure it won't effect my university work... ... *Head asplode* Out of interest, are there any new weapons in the book? Simple, Martial or otherwise? When I skimmed that section there was a drow weapon and some 'forged components. Drake |
| Welt04-08-05, 11:20 PM | And now the, impressively extensive, Races of Eberron excerpt (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20050408b) has been posted. |
| crazysamaritan04-08-05, 11:29 PM | :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: |
| brotha_fas04-08-05, 11:33 PM | But I have to say that I'm rather shocked to see extraordinarily little integration of Keith's Dragonshard material. Granted, I'm happy they didn't pad the thing with the web articles, but omitting things like "Khoravar" from the half-elf article and the true nature of the Mror Hold dwarves, etc. seems a bit dodgy. Makes me feel triply blessed for having our Keith, but really now -- are Eberron sourcebook writers not reading their Dragonshards? I think the whole point of the Dragonshards is to present material not available elsewhere. |
| The Livewire04-09-05, 01:11 AM | SILENCE! Kneel before your god! Uh, sorry - never mind. Though page 37 is a page of text in the middle of the Shifter chapter. Do you mean page 58? Also, as a random note, despite the name, both kalashtar and Inspired should be able to use the kalashtar thoughtshifter tactical feat... my bad. Thanks, IDNHMCOROEIFOM. Just kind of annoying to me. I read the Changeling section first, loved it, then the Kalashtar, was overwhelmed. It makes sense now. Then the Warforged, and I was again impressed, the mindset is there. I have a better idea how the warforged are existing. Then finally hit the shifter section, reading it was great, the new types are neat I'm getting a feel for Eberron as it's own setting... then BAM! Though the gate only has what could be seen as eight chevrons, not nine. qnd it's Eberron, shouldn't it have 13? :D Keith, do you know if there were more powrs that got left on the cutting room floor? And now I've really got to find where the frell I put my copy of city of towers :-( |
| Flame_Drake04-09-05, 01:15 AM | **hands CS a bucket** I think the whole point of the Dragonshards is to present material not available elsewhere. Yes and some of the information is intigrated, but not all of it is touched on, but I really do need to read everything carefully before I can tell exactly what is and is not there. On the weapons subject, there are two drow weapons and one favored by changlings. Drake |
| The White Sorcerer04-09-05, 01:17 AM | Alright, this is going into my sig, effective immediately. :devil: :plotting: :evillaughRemove the apology and double the Weird Factor™ of the quote. :D |
| NekoWorldOrder04-09-05, 01:17 AM | Most amazing thing about the Races of Eberron book? It made me want to play a Soul Knife. Seriously! Shield of Though feat, the Kalashtar Soul Knife racial substitution levels, Thoughtshifter and the Dancing with Shadows tactical feats (especially the Graceful Lunge ability), Atavist PrC are decent in power and drip style. The Soulblade Warrior feat is even a nice way to dip into a class that doesn't let you advance the mindblade. I'm thinking a Soulknife build with two levels of Warmind thrown in to get two powers (definately want Vigor) to use all those bonus Kalashtar PP's, not to mention the first two chain abilities. Toss in some Avatist with an Aggresive Spirit so you can get reach with your soulknife and Mindlinked with all of his buddies and you've got a good guy going. Oh, and Quori Nightmare...holy carp on a stick. Kalashtar Monk (with all the racial substitution levels)/Fist of Zukeon/Quori Nightmare opens up the way for one scary psychic monk with serious personality issues. One quick question for Keith though if you notice this; did you originally intend for the Kalashtar's favored class to be Soulknife? Almost all the feats and abilities seemed more geared to a Kalashtar Soulknife over a psion. Not that I'm complaining (see above). Kalashtar was my least favorite race in the Eberron sourcebook, but now I think they're my favorite, especially since Races gives a TON of good info on them. Oh yea, and all those other races are really nifty too! Changeling got some cool feats and awesome racial sub levels (changeling rogue gets 10 skill points a level, woohoo!). Shifters get quite a few new traits and some awesome feats like Shifter Savagery, Dreamsight Elite and the Battleshifter Training, and the 9th level Ranger sub levels are nice. Most of the Warforged feats are kinda bland, but flesh out some holes. Reforged is very cool, though I'll looking at Spellcarved Soldier and thinking...uhm...is this actually any good? Guess I'll have to take a closer look at it. Excellent job to all those involved! |
| Crimsonsun04-09-05, 01:24 AM | The Soulblade Warrior feat is even a nice way to dip into a class that doesn't let you advance the mindblade. I thought I had found the perfect feat for Tash, my soulknife, but then I saw it was kalashtar only! :weep: :tantrum: |
| Manyfist04-09-05, 01:27 AM | Several of the best Cover Designs.... Eberron, Frogotten Realms, Expanded Psionics Handbook, and Libris Mortis(don't have this but...), also Frostburn/Sandstorm. |
| Hellcow04-09-05, 01:33 AM | Keith, do you know if there were more powrs that got left on the cutting room floor? Yes, there were a few more. It's a book with a lot of material crammed in (after all, most of the Races books only cover three races, and we are dealing with four). These may have been dropped for space, or they may have been dropped because the development team/editors decided that they were unbalanced. One quick question for Keith though if you notice this; did you originally intend for the Kalashtar's favored class to be Soulknife? Almost all the feats and abilities seemed more geared to a Kalashtar Soulknife over a psion. The favored class of the kalashtar has always been psion. However, you're right, most of the feats in the final book do revolve around the soulknife. While psions are more common - because the kalashtar are not warriors by nature - when I decided that kalashtar soldiers were more likely to be soulknives than fighters/rangers/paladins/barbarians, I wanted to provide more options for them. There's lots of good feats in the XPH that kalashtar psions can use - not so many for soulknives. EDIT: As a side note, I'll point out that there was pretty much more of EVERYTHING that was cut. Items, feats, spells, powers - trimming material is an inherent part of the editing process. So like I said, it may have been lack of space, or it may be that my powers sucked. ;) |
| greatfrito04-09-05, 03:07 AM | Oh please great masters of Wizards of the Coast, let the web-enhancement throw back in all of the cut materials! I need more! MORE!!! |
| Citan04-09-05, 04:28 AM | Perhaps the reason so much was left out is because of the rediculously huge font size :mad: I really do feel a bit cheated because of this. The size is way larger than in any other recent D&D book. I feel it's a shame because the book's got a lot of potential. Citan |
| Hellcow04-09-05, 04:51 AM | Perhaps the reason so much was left out... "So much" would be an exageration. My point is that no more was left out that is usually left out of a sourcebook. Things are always cut. The balance is wrong. The item in question clashes with something being done in another book that the author doesn't know about. People have written more than they were supposed to. There are dozens of possibilities. The only way a book will sell is if it's good and people like it, and a good editor is not going to cut material just without good reason. |
| fizzbang04-09-05, 08:02 AM | Oh please great masters of Wizards of the Coast, let the web-enhancement throw back in all of the cut materials! I need more! MORE!!! I'll second this, modulo Keith's comments about things that may have been removed for reasons other than limited space, of course. |
| Chiba_Monkey04-09-05, 08:04 AM | The favored class of the kalashtar has always been psion. However, you're right, most of the feats in the final book do revolve around the soulknife. While psions are more common - because the kalashtar are not warriors by nature - when I decided that kalashtar soldiers were more likely to be soulknives than fighters/rangers/paladins/barbarians, I wanted to provide more options for them. There's lots of good feats in the XPH that kalashtar psions can use - not so many for soulknives. And durn right, too. Has anyone else noted a distinct lack of ANYTHING for soulknives before this? No prestige classes, no feats, no ANYTHING that specifically applies to soulknives. With the single exception of Umbragen racial substitution levels. Note: I have designed a PrC for Soulknife/Rogues, but I can't post it, as I'm submitting it to Dragon. If they take it, it becomes their property. |
| Joni-san04-09-05, 08:45 AM | SILENCE! Kneel before your god! Sigged! :D Whoah, too much content, MUST HAVE BOOK! But I can't order it from my FLGS-website yet :weep: |
| Full Quiver04-09-05, 09:49 AM | I had the same trouble when i looked online and went to a big chain store for the book. I tried barnes and nobles to get my discount, but they wouldn't have it until may 6 i think. I went to a smaller game shop here in houston and they already had it. I think the bigger stores have to wait longer because the books they get don't go directly to them at first. so you guys may want to see if there are some smaller non chain stores in your area to get the book. It may cost a bit more than the chain stores. I think it's a awesome book. the new shifter traits are my favorite. |
| Teron Gorefiend04-09-05, 02:07 PM | Keep in mind that for the time being I only have the preview to go on, but aren't the new shifter traits more physically drastic than the ones from the ECS? It seems to me that horns, wings, and such don't quite fit with the original presentation of shifters as hybrids with subtle, blurred traits from many animals (aside from the weretouched master). To illustrate my point, in the short story Coming Home in April's Dragon (I'm sorry to say it's the only Eberron fiction I've read), I assume that Burch was shifted the whole time, since they were in a combat situation and at one point he seemed to make use of the scent ability (indicating the Wildhunt trait). If that's the case, then going by the story's description (which I'll grant is a little light), it seems that body hair, sharp nails, and a feral demeanour are the extent of the transformation, aside from the specific trait(s) which, until RoE, consisted of minor things like claws or fangs. I'm not complaining, mind you, but I was wondering if I had missunderstood shifters, or if this is indeed a bit of a change. The art in the EBS, at least, seems to support my interpretation. I like shifters most out of the new races, so I would appreciate any sort of clarification from Keith or anyone with a bit of insight. |
| AskaniPsion04-09-05, 02:39 PM | I finally got my copy and WOW!! Great book! One of the best D&D books EVER. The Kalashtar section was awesome. They are my favorite race now. I never thought I would care for Eberron but now I like it MUCH better than Forgotten Realms. The Changeling section made me wanna play one. "Races" added a whole new element to them. Even the Shifters seem cool now. The new feats for the Kalashtar soulknives are awesome. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Kalashtar telepath substition levels. I am gonna use it with my current Kalashtar psion. FINALLY a natural telepathic race you can play that doesn't have a ECL. I do wish there were more non-soulknife psionic Kalashtar feats. I would love to see more as a web enchancement to the book or even an article in Dragon. Also would love to see more art pieces with the Kalashtars. They look very cool. Never pictured them like that. We need a Dragon cover with a make & female psionic Kalashtar on it. Except for one picture in the book, the art was VERY good. BIG round of applause on all who worked on this book! :clap: :w00t: It was the best book since Expanded Psionic Handbook!! |
| Hellcow04-09-05, 03:17 PM | Keep in mind that for the time being I only have the preview to go on, but aren't the new shifter traits more physically drastic than the ones from the ECS? It seems to me that horns, wings, and such don't quite fit with the original presentation of shifters as hybrids with subtle, blurred traits from many animals (aside from the weretouched master). First off, unshifted shifters do have the subtle blurred trait thing going on. As a rule, you can't look at a shifter and say "That's a cat shifter." So you're on the right track there. Most shifting traits are themselves fairly subtle. Growing claws isn't that big a difference - though the idea has always been that a shifter's appearance overall tends to become slightly more animalistic when he shifts, whatever his trait is. It's obvious to anyone who knows him. Now, with all that said, you're right. Horns and especially wings are a VERY dramatic change. But, the short form is that no-one said shifters *couldn't* change dramatically; the alternate form of the weretouched master shows that it's possible. It's just very unusual. In my opinion, swiftwing is one of the rarest traits (along with dreamsight). |
| Hellcow04-09-05, 03:20 PM | I do wish there were more non-soulknife psionic Kalashtar feats. I would love to see more as a web enchancement to the book or even an article in Dragon. There's more I would like to do on the subject, so we'll see. At the very least, some day there will be a Sarlona sourcebook, and that will have all kinds of psionic fun. |
| Teron Gorefiend04-09-05, 03:55 PM | First off, unshifted shifters do have the subtle blurred trait thing going on. As a rule, you can't look at a shifter and say "That's a cat shifter." So you're on the right track there. Most shifting traits are themselves fairly subtle. Growing claws isn't that big a difference - though the idea has always been that a shifter's appearance overall tends to become slightly more animalistic when he shifts, whatever his trait is. It's obvious to anyone who knows him. Now, with all that said, you're right. Horns and especially wings are a VERY dramatic change. But, the short form is that no-one said shifters *couldn't* change dramatically; the alternate form of the weretouched master shows that it's possible. It's just very unusual. In my opinion, swiftwing is one of the rarest traits (along with dreamsight). Alright, fair enough. Thanks for answering my questions today, and so quickly and well at that; I really appreciate the effort and dedication you display and which go far beyond what's expected of a writer. Oh, and I wholeheartedly support the writing of a Sarlona sourcebook. :D |
| Solarious04-09-05, 05:09 PM | Remove the apology and double the Weird Factor™ of the quote. :D I see no reason why not. Changing. :schemes: BTW, how do you do that supertype font? I've been wondering for almost forever. |
| Von Ether04-09-05, 06:52 PM | Finally got the book. Here's my take. Crunch: I love the new PrC format, especially the Adaption paragraphs for non-Eb and non-psionic games. The racial subsitution levels for Shifters had me flipping back and forth between chapters to see how to mesh the PrCs with core classes. I also loved the Lore DC: some of which seemed to include some hints. :) Fluff: Great stuff all around. Other than warforged, though, I wasn't drawn into the "A Day In The Life Of" though I did read them eventually. I even liked some of the Drow stuff, though they aren't my "my" Eberron. The Goblinoid and Orc section has whetted my appetite to play them too. Good: The book elevated the Shifters to an equal "me want to play" status along with everything not Warforged (my favs). Outside of Eb, I'm hoping this book will convince GMs to let me play a Shifter or Changeling. (I've given up ever playing a psionic class or race in my town). The "bad": There was good stuff on Warforged componets, but I think a lot of players want to take a "kit bash" attitude to them. Traction Claws, arm blades are perfect examples of what I'm thinking of. A Burgler's "Chest" would be a componet for a Warforged rogue. |
| Brastan04-09-05, 10:40 PM | I had the same trouble when i looked online and went to a big chain store for the book. I tried barnes and nobles to get my discount, but they wouldn't have it until may 6 i think. I went to a smaller game shop here in houston and they already had it. I think the bigger stores have to wait longer because the books they get don't go directly to them at first. so you guys may want to see if there are some smaller non chain stores in your area to get the book. It may cost a bit more than the chain stores. I think it's a awesome book. the new shifter traits are my favorite. It should cost no more no less, that's what the retail price is for(modified by taxes, tariffs, and other outside costs) . I'd imagine that this is Wizards slapping big chains on the wrist for putting their books on the shelves before the official release date. I still remember when the ECS came out and my local Borders had it out two days before the release date, and before my local game shop put it out of sale. :mad: I got RoE from my local game store on Friday and have been paging back and forth though it as time allows. The feats, items, and PrCs are nice but I found the role playing sections for each race much more helpful. Especially for Warforged and Changelings who have mindsets that differ from most other player races. The 'game' that Changeling youths play was nice addition to their section. I've already though about how to use that as innuendo identification between Changelings, one of the few common ties the race has in my view. I do understand that this is generic D&D release and most of the redundant information is for the benefit of those not playing Eberron. As for cut material that actually is balanced and has value will probably show up in future Eberron publications. |
| AskaniPsion04-09-05, 11:41 PM | There's more I would like to do on the subject, so we'll see. At the very least, some day there will be a Sarlona sourcebook, and that will have all kinds of psionic fun. That would be AWESOME!. |
| Navar04-13-05, 10:07 AM | I have a problem with the book that has VERY little to do with the writing. At the end of the book are a little novel and a mail in card. Either one of these would be OK (I will get to the novel) but together they are awful. They don't tear out right because when they were both bound in they glued to each other, and when you try to tear one out, you end up ripping the other. Once you rip one of the cards it make it very hard to remove it cleanly, so at the end of my book (despite about 30 min with tweezers) I have a poorly torn scrap of paper between the last page and the spine. The little novel preview posed another problem altogether. The spine of my book is warped a bit now, and won't lay flat when opened, nor will it really close flat. I know that these are small formatting problems, but I was really put off by them. The only reason I post this is to prevent something like this from happening again, and because I know that WOTC and Hellcow listen to what we say. |
| ekomega04-14-05, 02:03 AM | I hate that crap in the back of my book, too. I haven't even attempted to remove those things because I figured they could ruin the book and/or the binding. These "extras" might be the only thing I dislike about the book. I didn't notice them when I first bought it, but if I had I might've downloaded it instead of buying it because of them. I think sales numbers should be enough to gather information about book sales. Pardon me for not being interested in ruining a book so that market data can be gathered on me. |
| Kalanth04-14-05, 03:14 AM | I also wish they did not put those cards and story snipits in the back of the book. I don't remove them, but thats from another mentality other than the possibility of damaging the book itself. Since I collect comics, I am affraid that if I remove those cards and book inserts it will run down the value of the book. A silly thing with how many are produced, I know, but thats just the way I think. Overall, I love RoE, and I am impressed with all the RP content. I was dissapointed to see the Drow in the book, but I also realize that every now and then you get the player who has played everything and has moved to the MM for inspiration, so I can understand wanting to add Drow to it. My favorite entries are the Reforged and the Spellcarved Solider PrCs, love the flavor of those two. |
| Saurenda04-14-05, 04:11 AM | I damaged the papers but not the book itself rmoving mine. As for the book I agree with what has been said so far. The story of Hatchet, and the spellcarved soldiers and all other flulff and crunch of the book made it worthwhile. The adventure ideas and history in the book alone make it a good buy, even if you don't like subsitution levels. |
| Pinky's brain04-14-05, 04:24 AM | Tear outs in a hard cover? That's just tacky. Let's write it up to temporary insanity. |
| LordofIllusions04-21-05, 02:42 PM | I'm on my way to my local gaming store--with a black ninja suit on--to steal a copy; then I can run my campaigns from the slammer. ~~~ |