Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Valdorn Maedora 08-13-05, 07:17 PM	It really built up the characters well from ground zero...getting inside their heads literally, and the twist and turns of the plot were a nice touch...oh yeah and it followed the Eberron rules of play and character creation obviously....lol.
Charles Phipps 08-13-05, 07:18 PM	To keep this relevant, I found it more useful than city of towers for getting down the feel of the politics and the activities at work in Sharn. I also liked the presentation for abberant dragonmarks, much more impressive they seem now.
Charles Phipps 08-13-05, 10:02 PM	Actually, I have some questions about the novel that I welcome fellow readers to comment on for gaming importance. 1. Were the Cyrean 100 or so refugees, all Cultists of Xoriat? 2. Was the rantings of the High Priest of the Dragon Below actually a clue to the truth of the Mournland? (Did a Rajah wake up?) 3. What interest does the Dreaming Dark (I assume at least by the title) have in Abberant Dragonmarks? 4. Is Merrix D'Cannith angry at those who were involved in creating warforged? All is important background information if it's to be used as a game supplement.
Tek 08-13-05, 11:01 PM	You'll probably have to wait until the second novel comes out in the series for alot of your questions to be answered. Aswell, we aren't supposed to discuss the novels on these boards.
Edymnion 08-13-05, 11:16 PM	Aswell, we aren't supposed to discuss the novels on these boards.Its a very fine line, actually. We're allowed to discuss mechanical aspects of things that happen in the novels, such as what class and levels the characters are, what feats and skills they had, that sort of thing. We're just not allowed to discuss what goes on in the books, our opinions on the books, or anything like that. I think that this thread is toeing the line a bit, though.
Beleriphon 08-13-05, 11:25 PM	3. What interest does the Dreaming Dark (I assume at least by the title) have in Abberant Dragonmarks? Presumably none, although is it just me or was that an Inspired agent at the end of the book? Anyhoo, more mechanical questions, what class is Pierce? I'm leaning heavily towards ranger with a focus on ranged combat, any opinions are welcome.
Charles Phipps 08-13-05, 11:28 PM	I think that this thread is toeing the line a bit, though. I admit, the title definitely puts it there and my other thread didn't get any real takers for discussion. However, we CAN *ALSO* discuss background elements and portrayals in the book because this is setting info.
Tek 08-13-05, 11:58 PM	I think Pierce is just straight fighter with alot of focus on Ranged Combat feats.
superdeadsmurf 08-14-05, 12:06 AM	I think Pierce is just straight fighter with alot of focus on Ranged Combat feats. I think Keith has said he liked the idea of Pierce being a Multiclass Fighter/Scout (Complete Adeventurer) focusing on the ranged aspects of the classes.
Edymnion 08-14-05, 12:10 AM	Although I HIGHLY doubt Pierce has any scout levels at all. I mean, every time he decided to fight in the book, he planted himself to one spot. The Scout's main ability, Skirmish, only works if you've moved at least 10' that round, and increases your AC and your damage. Pierce should have been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off if he had any Scout levels. Instead, he just planted his feet and gave the old "come get some" approach to it. Arrows until they got too close, then grabbed his flail.
Tek 08-14-05, 12:10 AM	Ah, right. I forgot completely about scout. It could very well be. I don't see him being ranger because he's not all... rangery.
Radkres 08-14-05, 12:12 AM	He could be the non casting ranger subtype.
Charles Phipps 08-14-05, 12:15 AM	He could be the non casting ranger subtype. As with Drizzt Do'urden, just because he may have a spell or two doesn't mean that he has to cast them. I was dissapointed we didn't get more into the warforged's head as I expected largely...more...I guess than the usual "I serve Cyre because I was created to serve Cyre." Lei a spellcaster you think or just an Artificer?
Tek 08-14-05, 12:15 AM	No, I don't mean ranger as in casting spells, I mean Ranger as in.. "The wild is my home, I must protect the wild from my favored enemies who intrude on it constantly! I shall now track this bear." etc, etc. Lei is just an artificer, I think. Otherwise she probably would have cast some spells in combat instead of just infusing everyone and their nose.
Beleriphon 08-14-05, 12:31 AM	As with Drizzt Do'urden, just because he may have a spell or two doesn't mean that he has to cast them. I was dissapointed we didn't get more into the warforged's head as I expected largely...more...I guess than the usual "I serve Cyre because I was created to serve Cyre." Lei a spellcaster you think or just an Artificer? I expect through the trilogy we will see more of Pierce's personality shine thorugh, giving us greater insight into the character. As for Lei I think she would end up being pure artificer. It suits her character best. In alot of ways I also see Daine as being a pure fighter build, probably focusing on that whole dagger/longsword combo. No, I don't mean ranger as in casting spells, I mean Ranger as in.. "The wild is my home, I must protect the wild from my favored enemies who intrude on it constantly! I shall now track this bear." etc, etc. Maybe, but Pierce does mention that he was built as a scout type of unit. He was designed to hide, advance, and report. Seems suitably rangery to me, of course in Sharn being able to hide behind a tree becomes a moot point.
Tek 08-14-05, 12:37 AM	Hmm, that's true. I guess he could definetly be ranger.
Ibbins 08-14-05, 12:37 AM	One interesting concept from the book that I've been thinking about working into a campaign thread is the characters' reliance on money, and the fact that they're completely broke, and that the above facts keep getting them screwed over. The problem with working this in is that after a single adventure, any party is usually loaded with hundreds of gp, especially since the standard gold per PC is (I think) 700 gp each at second level. Just a thought. [/tangent] And for what it's worth, Pierce is definitely a Ranger in my mind. For one thing(of many), I recall him trying to use traditional tracking skills when looking for Jode at one point; and the non-ranger tracker is exceedingly rare (though I realize that track is a feat available to anyone)
Fordel 08-14-05, 12:50 AM	-edit- I type slow, so pardon any of my seemingly repeated answers :p hehe -edit- Not all rangers cast spells. Need 10+ wisdom or something and it's concievable a WF wouldn't have that. Pierce could be a skills ranger, where all his ranger abilities are vocational knowledge. Aside from the spellcasting itself, there isn't anything about the ranger class that really requires a 'bond with nature'. Everything else is just specilized surivival/wilderness knowledge or combat techniques. Rangers can be at a base, elite wildnerness scouts and warriors. There isn't anything all that spiritual about it. It *can* be very spiritual (as shown by the spellcasting) and I'd agree that most PC rangers do play that "The woods are my home" stereotypical ranger, but there isn't anything that restricts it to that. My thinking on pierce's class levels are some combination of barbarian and ranger. 2b/4r or something perhaps? Possibly up the ranger to 6 and/or decrease the barbarian to 1. One of the combat passages in the book, read to me pretty much how I invisioned a warforged barbarian 'rageing'. Instead of the normal "grraaargh, crush, smash, destroy" and pure anger and ferocity usually exhibited from barbarians, I always saw WF'd going into a (for a lack of a better word) turbo or supercharged mode when 'rageing'. Going down to base instincts about how to fight. That's how it read to me atleast in one passage, maybe my interpretation is off. I also doubt Pierce is just a straight fighter with ranged combat feats. In the book he is often stealthing around and tracking things down, I don't see a fighter with that many skillpoints to toss around to be effective in that role. Maybe he's some kind of Fighter/Ranger combination, I'd think that possible aswell. I was dissapointed we didn't get more into the warforged's head as I expected largely...more...I guess than the usual "I serve Cyre because I was created to serve Cyre." At the time frame when the book is presented, that *is* pretty much all thats in a warforged's head ;) As to Lei, reads to me like straight artificer. Curious as to what level of mark she has though.
Radkres 08-14-05, 12:59 AM	Hate to say this but he might be a Gestalt Fighter/Ranger from UA.
Beleriphon 08-14-05, 01:19 AM	Hate to say this but he might be a Gestalt Fighter/Ranger from UA. Thats certainly one way to approach things, but when working with fiction and translating it into workable game material I always approach it as using only core material, or specific world material. It works best this way since I often don't own a lot of the supplements, and if I do I don't assume that somebody else does. So if we go with straight core material Pierce is probably a Ranger of about 7th level (+/- 2 levels), Lei is clearly an Artificer again about 7th level, Daine probably fits into the whole Fighter thing although as his character progresses I could seriousl see some paladin showing up, and finally dear Jode is probably a Rogue/Bard with a heavy focus on Diplomacy/Bluff/Sense Motive.
PoeticJustice 08-14-05, 02:06 AM	I've never once heard Pierce expressing much affinity for nature and also, it would be really hard to peg down what his favored enemies are. It's pretty obvious what Mooshie's and Drizz't's are due to their behavior. I would peg Pierce as a High Dex, Mithril Body Fighter that specializes in Archery.
Deadguy 08-14-05, 09:36 AM	No, Pierce is too stealthy and too observant to be a Fighter build. Perhaps that Fighter/Ranger mix might be the way to go - say Fighter 2/Ranger 4 or so. As for favoured enemy, remember it's all about understanding how your enemy works, rather than hating them. I would guess it would be 'Human' though, since so many of the armies that Cyre faced are human-based.
Orion Polaris 08-14-05, 08:30 PM	I don't think he's Ranger at all. He's probably a Fighter(Or Barbarian) with Rogue levels mixed in. The skills definately fit a Rogue, and the scout aspect fits Barbarian, what with their skill list, and fast movement and all. You also have to remember, Daine was just as observant, stealthy, and cunning as Pierce was, and I don't think anyone doubts that he's pure fighter. Maybe they just don't follow the normal class guidelines when it comes to skills, it is a novel after all, not a novelization of a DND game. Oh, and what would you peg Jode as? I don't think he's a Cleric, as all of his healing abilities came from his mark. Possibly Rogue as well?
Tek 08-14-05, 08:37 PM	I think someone pegged Jode as a Rogue / Bard, or just straight Rogue.
Hellcow 08-14-05, 09:48 PM	Thanks Valdorm! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It would be really hard to peg down what his favored enemies are... Well, I finally just sat down and fully statted Pierce (as 8th level, which is about right for The Shattered Land). In the past, I've had my general idea of his abilities, but to be honest I hadn't finalized them to his current level; I had a low-level version of him, and in point of fact, when I first came up with the character idea, he did have a level of barbarian - he is supposed to be able to move quickly when he needs to. I'm not going to post his stats, because I'd rather leave it for people to speculate; it's fun for me to see what people think, and as soon as I do say something official, I'm sure someone will say "But on page 225 he uses Shot On The Run, and you only have him with Manyshot." I try to keep things as accurate as I can, but even I can make mistakes. So far, no one has come up with the match for what I have on my end. I will say that Edy is correct, to take full advantage of his capabilities he should move in combat more frequently than he does. The main issue is that *I* have trouble visualizing the skirmish ability adding to ranged combat damage - I've got the "Set and aim" mentality in mind. So hey, if he gets his act together, he should do even more damage than he is. From the very begining, Pierce was intended to be a versatile skirmisher (before I'd ever heard of a skirmish ability!) and scout: a lightly armored soldier with good observation and stealth abilities, but equally capable of closing with the enemy and standing toe to toe. Daine may have a touch of stealth, his abilities in that regard aren't supposed to be a match for Pierce - who after all, was supposed to be playing stealth games with Valenar commandos. And Pierce does get more "screen time" in The Shattered Land, so you will get to see more of what goes on in his head. As for Jode, he does have Healer thrown into the mix with his social skills: he's not just relying on his dragonmark to do his thing. 1. Were the Cyrean 100 or so refugees, all Cultists of Xoriat? The hundred who accompanied Teral out of the mists? Yes, pretty much. They were people saved by the cult... though by the time the work was done, "people" might be stretching things. But many were simply mad, while others were pressed into service, like Olalia. 2. Was the rantings of the High Priest of the Dragon Below actually a clue to the truth of the Mournland? As I recall, he doesn't say much about what happened - he talks about what happened afterwards. Now, you could take the fact that mind flayers were on the scene to scoop up survivors as relevant - or they could just have quickly responded to something they saw as an opportunity. 3. What interest does the Dreaming Dark (I assume at least by the title) have in Abberant Dragonmarks? That's a larger question then I'm just going to answer here. But to look at the Cults of the Dragon Below who were dealing with the dragonmarks in the book, bear in mind that they were just as interested in pure dragonmarks - one can assume that it was easier to pick off the aberrants without drawing attention. Is Merrix D'Cannith angry at those who were involved in creating warforged? Perhaps a better question would be "Why would Merrix be angry at those who were creating warforged?"
Tek 08-14-05, 11:53 PM	Can't you atleast PM people the stats! The speculation is what kills me! Now, if I had to guess... It's obviously going to be scout. And, since Pierce is fast, he's definetly got to be atleast a level 3 scout. That could, in theory, leave room for 5 levels of ranger, but that's one level of the next combat style. And, I think he seemed like he was pretty skilled, so I'd side more with Ranger and its full BAB then with scout. Afterall, he doesn't even use skirmish.
Fordel 08-15-05, 04:03 AM	Silly question: Where is the Scout class? I mean, which book is it in?
Tek 08-15-05, 04:04 AM	Complete Adventurer Its a cross between Rogue and Ranger, with a emphasis on Rogue. Its basically a more skilled, quicker, skirmish (similar to sneak attack) guy that uses the wild.
Soulkeeper 08-15-05, 09:56 AM	I enjoyed The City of Towers as well, purchased it Wednesday and read it on my trip from OH to TN (8hr ride). It kept me reading, which says a lot. I also bought The Binding Stone while in TN, clearly as I had nothing more to read in The City of Towers! and finished it on the return trip. It also was well written and held my interests, but it was very different from KB's book. I do admit, as many of you have, I felt like I knew Sharn when I was done with tCOT. I look to grab The Crimson Talisman today, as I have a work trip to IL and its a good 4 hr ride. I figure there and back, or perhaps over the evenings when class is over, I can finish that one as well.
Save-vs-DM 08-16-05, 10:09 AM	Loved the book. First of all, I do have one odd question... Given the amount of times that Daine is disarmed, why didn't he buy a locking gauntlet? Okay, I actually sat down and statted out Daine, Lei, Pierce and Jode. Here are my versions in no particular order. Daine, Male Human From Cyre (Displaced). Marshal3 Fighter4 CR 7; Size: M Face: 5.0 ft. Type HUMANOID; HD (3d8)+(4d10)+14; hp 62; Init +3 (+3 Dex, +0 Misc); Spd Walk 30'; AC 17 (flatfooted 14, touch 13), *Adamantine Dagger +8 0'/PS (1d4+1 19-20/x2 Off-hand M ignore 20 hardness ) or *Adamantine Dagger (Thrown) +11/+6 10'/PS (1d4 19-20/x2 Off-hand M ignore 20 hardness ) or *Longsword +7/+2 0'/S (1d8+2 19-20/x2 Primary M ); SA: Major Aura (Ex) + 2, Major Aura:Hardy Soldiers, Minor Aura (Ex), Minor Aura:Art of War, Minor Aura:Master of Opportunity; Vision: Normal AL: LG; Sv: Fort +9, Ref +5, Will +4; STR 14, DEX 16, CON 14, INT 13, WIS 10, CHA 14 Skills and Feats: Bluff +7, Climb +8, Diplomacy +9, Disguise +4, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +10, Jump +8, Knowledge (History) +3, Knowledge (Local) +3, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +4, Listen +6, Ride +0, Sense Motive +6, Spot +6; Combat Expertise, Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Quick Draw, Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (Dagger, Longsword) Possessions: 1 Adamantine Dagger, 1 Chain Shirt, 1 Longsword Pierce, Male Warforged Ranger4 Fighter4 CR 8; Size: M Face: 5.0 ft. Type HUMANOID; HD (4d8)+(4d10)+24; hp 78; Init +4 (+4 Dex, +0 Misc); Spd Walk 30'; AC 19 (flatfooted 15, touch 14), Heavy Flail +10/+5 0'/B (1d10+3 19-20/x2 Carried M ) or *Composite Longbow STR +12/+7 110'/P (1d8 20/x3 Both M ) or *Slam +10 0'/B (1d4+3 20/x2 Primary M ); SA: Animal Companion (Ex), Can be affected by spells that target living creatures as well as by those that target constructs, Can be raised or resurrected, Cannot heal damage naturally, Combat Style (Ex) ~ Two Weapon Fighting, Does not need to eat, sleep, or breathe, Favored Enemy (Humanoid (Human)) +2, Immune to poison ~ sleep effects ~ paralysis ~ stunning ~ disease ~ death effects ~ necromancy effects, Light Fortification (Ex) ~ 25% chance to negate critical hit or sneak attack, Strenuous action when reduced to 0 hit points does not risk futher injury; does not lose additional hit points unless more damage is dealt when reduced to less than 0 hit points, Vulnerable to certain spells and effects that normally don't affect living creatures, Wild Empathy (Ex); Vision: Normal AL: TN; Sv: Fort +11, Ref +9, Will +2; STR 14, DEX 18, CON 16, INT 14, WIS 10, CHA 8 Skills and Feats: Climb +10, Craft (Metalworking) +9, Hide +13, Jump +10, Listen +8, Move Silently +13, Spot +8, Survival +8; Combat Expertise, Improved Disarm, Mithral Body, Mithral Fluidity, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot Possessions: 1 Heavy Flail, 1 Composite Longbow Lei, Female Human From Cyre (Displaced). Artificer6 CR 6; Size: M Face: 5.0 ft. Type HUMANOID; HD (6d6)+6; hp 32; Init +2 (+2 Dex, +0 Misc); Spd Walk 30'; AC 14 (flatfooted 12, touch 12); SA: Artificer Knowledge ~ 9 bonus, Artisan Bonus, Craft Homunculus (Ex) ~ max HD 4, Craft Reserve ~ 150, Disable Trap, Item Creation (Ex), Retain Essence (Su); Vision: Normal AL: NG; Sv: Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +6; STR 12, DEX 14, CON 12, INT 17, WIS 12, CHA 14 Skills and Feats: Appraise +5, Concentration +7, Craft (Alchemy) +9, Craft (Armorsmithing) +9, Craft (Metalworking) +9, Craft (Weaponsmithing) +12, Disable Device +10, Knowledge (Arcana) +10, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +5, Search +11, Spellcraft +15, Use Magic Device +13; Extraordinary Artisan, Heroic Spirit, Least Dragonmark, Legendary Artisan, Magical Aptitude Possessions: 1 Cannith Tool Kit, 1 Dryad Staff, 1 Leather, Various Scrolls, Infusion Components Spells per Day: (0/4/4/3/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:13+spell level) Artificer - Known: Level 1: Armor Enhancement (Lesser), Energy Alteration, Enhancement Alteration, Identify, Inflict Light Damage, Light, Magic Stone, Magic Vestment, Magic Weapon, Repair Light Damage, Resistance Item, Shield of Faith, Skill Enhancement, Spell Storing Item, Weapon Augmentation (Personal) Level 2: Align Weapon, Armor Enhancement, Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, Cat's Grace, Chill Metal, Eagle's Splendor, Fox's Cunning, Heat Metal, Inflict Moderate Damage, Owl's Wisdom, Repair Moderate Damage, Toughen Construct, Weapon Augmentation (Lesser) Level 3: Armor Enhancement (Greater), Construct Energy Ward, Inflict Serious Damage, Greater Magic Weapon, Metamagic Item, Power Surge, Repair Serious Damage, Stone Construct, Suppress Requirement Jode, Male Halfling From The Talenta Plains. Bard2 Healer2 Dragonmark Heir2 CR 6; Size: S Face: 5.0 ft. Type HUMANOID; HD (2d6)+(2d8)+(2d8)+6; hp 40; Init +3 (+3 Dex, +0 Misc); Spd Walk 20'; AC 16 (flatfooted 13, touch 14), *Dagger (Small) +7 0'/PS (1d3 19-20/x2 Primary S ) or *Dagger (Small/Thrown) +8 10'/PS (1d3 19-20/x2 Primary S ); SA: +1 racial bonus on all saving throws, +2 morale bonus on saving throws against fear, Bardic Knowledge (+4), Bardic Music 2/day, Countersong (Su), Fascinate (Sp) ~ can effect 1 creatures, Healing Hands, House Status, Inspire Courage (Su) +1; Vision: Normal AL: NG; Sv: Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +12; STR 10, DEX 16, CON 12, INT 14, WIS 14, CHA 17 Skills and Feats: Balance +5, Bluff +12, Climb +2, Diplomacy +16, Disguise +5, Gather Information +12, Heal +15, Hide +7, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (Geography) +4, Knowledge (History) +3, Knowledge (Local) +4, Listen +9, Move Silently +5, Perform (Oratory) +8, Sense Motive +11, Tumble +8; Favored In House, Least Dragonmark, Lesser Dragonmark, Skill Focus (Heal), Weapon Finesse Possessions: 1 Dagger (Small), 1 Leather Spells per Day: (3/1/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:13+spell level) Bard - Known: Level 0: Daze, Ghost Sound, Know Direction, Mending, Prestidigitation Level 1: Charm Person, Cure Light Wounds Spells per Day: (4/5/0/0/0/0/0/0/0/ DC:13+spell level) Healer - Known: Level 0: Create Water, Cure Minor Wounds, Deathwatch, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic Level 1: Bless Water, Cure Light Wounds, Goodberry, Protection from Evil, Remove Fear, Remove Paralysis, Sanctuary, Speak with Animals Cheers, Save vs DM
Bluebrush 08-16-05, 12:15 PM	I think someone (Possibly Keith) pointed out somewhere Lei does something requiring her to be at least 8th level at some point in the novel. Not sure what it was though.
Hellcow 08-16-05, 12:30 PM	Given the amount of times that Daine is disarmed, why didn't he buy a locking gauntlet? You miss the point: He's uncomfortable with his sword, and that's why he can't hold onto it. Now that he's come to terms, he'll have an easier time of it. Actually, the truth of the matter is that I didn't notice quite how many times it happened. When you're fighting a Darguul chainmaster or Rotting Bal (someone I do have statted, randomly), you're at a high risk of being disarmed. So I've got no apologies there. As for the other times... OK, he needs to get a grip. But by The Shattered Land, he's learned to keep a hold of things.
Hellcow 08-16-05, 12:32 PM	I think someone (Possibly Keith) pointed out somewhere Lei does something requiring her to be at least 8th level at some point in the novel. No, she does something requiring her to be 8th level in The Shattered Land. She could be 6th or 7th for City of Towers.
Nightshade 08-16-05, 12:55 PM	One interesting concept from the book that I've been thinking about working into a campaign thread is the characters' reliance on money, and the fact that they're completely broke, and that the above facts keep getting them screwed over. The problem with working this in is that after a single adventure, any party is usually loaded with hundreds of gp, especially since the standard gold per PC is (I think) 700 gp each at second level. Just a thought. I had the same thought when I DM'd a short Eberron campaign this past winter. To keep the PC's hungry for cash (and also to institute a funtional reason why Eberronian people are so low level), I used a variant of the optional DMG rules on training and gp cost for leveling up. Now, the DMG gets out of hand in making leveling up way too expensive. So, I toned it down a bit. I made it cost 500gp for level 2 and an additional 500gp per level thereafter, i.e. 1000gp for third lvl, 1500 for 4th, etc. That is actually significantly less than what the DMG lists. These costs go to everything though, learning new feats, training in skills, special class abilities, etc. But it does not cover learning new spells. This allows the players to have just enough extra cash after leveling to do or buy some items (mostly masterwork stuff at early levels) and makes finding magical items on adventures much more significant. It also makes artificer characters extremely useful but the group must pool their resources to make cool stuff. (Also, the players had to spend time finding or hiring trainers and spend time doing the training.) You don't want to frustrate your players too much when it comes to money cause they just won't want to play but on the other hand, having a cash poor team is useful to encourage adventuring and gives the play an Eberronian feel (or at least a Sharn feel). You can really understand the capitalism and corruption in Eberron when your characters are constantly struggling with finances.
Hellcow 08-16-05, 01:02 PM	The problem with working this in is that after a single adventure, any party is usually loaded with hundreds of gp, especially since the standard gold per PC is (I think) 700 gp each at second level. What can I say, I'm a stingy DM. Certainly, for their apparent level, the CoT crew is incredibly poor and under-equipped; I've always had a little trouble with the vast gulf between adventurers and the common folk, and certainly for purposes of the story, I prefered to leave them closer to the people. On the other hand, one argument would be that they weren't coming from the background of a regular group of adventurers, having spent most of the last decade at war or just hanging out in the Mournland (and not specifically trying to strip gold off corpses in the Mournland).
DramoxTheIronLord 08-17-05, 12:52 AM	Greetings, Mr. Baker, a fine piece of literature! You are one of my two favorite writers, whether you're first or second depends on The Shattered Land's quality and the continuing quality of the other author, who shall remain nameless. A few questions though: 1: Any plans to ressurect/reincarnate/clone or otherwise bring Jode back? I think that he was something of a moral compass for the team, a nessecarry (sp?) component for a group of such uncertain individuals. Besides, every D&D party needs a good-looking, short, comic-relief guy! 2: I know you have stats for the characters, and not releasing them (yet anyway) makes perfect sense to me. But, when you statted them, did you use anything (classes,PrCs, feats, etc) that was not specifically permitted in the ECS, such as the Scout class from Complete Adventurer? Nothing specific, just yes or no. 3: Can you pleeeeease provide stats for Flamewind, I can't advance monsters to save my life! I need to know, it's driving me nuts, especially her CR, how do her extra Spell-like abilities affect her it? 4: How about info on that staff that Jura gave Lei? Cost, actual abilities, ect. Also, it sounds like it might be an intelligent item as well. 5: The group seems to gather a horde of contacts in the first book alone, how can you possibly use them all in a single trilogy? 6: Will Daine and Lei hook up? It think it sounds a little cliche, but come on, their constant bickering just has to be (to me anyway) the beginnings of affection. 7: Finally, I'm very embarrassed about this, but...how do you pronounce Lei! Is it Lee, Lay, Lie, what? Again, a great book, I tip my hat to you Mr. Baker! :tiphat:
Hellcow 08-17-05, 02:19 AM	1: Any plans to ressurect/reincarnate/clone or otherwise bring Jode back? I think that he was something of a moral compass for the team, a nessecarry (sp?) component for a group of such uncertain individuals. Besides, every D&D party needs a good-looking, short, comic-relief guy! If you read my posts on other threads, you'll know that I'm not a big fan of straight-up resurrection. Part of the noir aspect of Eberron is that bad things happen to good people and that death is a serious threat. With that said, Jode will still have an impact on the story; what sort of impact, you'll have to wait and see. Sometime, I'd also like to look more into the history he and Daine had prior to joining the army, but that's a whole 'nother story. Besides, every D&D party needs a good-looking, short, comic-relief guy! So they need to hire Rhazala, is what you're saying? 2: I know you have stats for the characters, and not releasing them (yet anyway) makes perfect sense to me. But, when you statted them, did you use anything (classes,PrCs, feats, etc) that was not specifically permitted in the ECS, such as the Scout class from Complete Adventurer? Nothing specific, just yes or no. Yes - healer, scout, etc. Only from the non-setting-specific sourcebooks, though (the Completes, Minis Handbook, etc). 3: Can you pleeeeease provide stats for Flamewind, I can't advance monsters to save my life! I need to know, it's driving me nuts, especially her CR, how do her extra Spell-like abilities affect her it? Obviously it's not something I have time for right now. But furthermore, even if I gave you stats for Flamewind herself, that might not solve your problem; in her role as oracle she may be acting as an agent of a higher power, at which point her full abilities fall into the realm of DM disrection. Obviously she was doing more than just casting augury 4: How about info on that staff that Jura gave Lei? Cost, actual abilities, ect. Also, it sounds like it might be an intelligent item as well. I'm afraid it's far too soon for me to reveal that sort of info on the staff. Sorry! 5: The group seems to gather a horde of contacts in the first book alone, how can you possibly use them all in a single trilogy? I don't plan to. The Shattered Land largely takes place outside of Sharn, and characters like Alina and Greykell won't have much of a part to play. 6: Will Daine and Lei hook up? It think it sounds a little cliche, but come on, their constant bickering just has to be (to me anyway) the beginnings of affection. Like the staff, I'm afraid this is something that you'll have to find out for yourself. 7: Finally, I'm very embarrassed about this, but...how do you pronounce Lei! Well, my name is Keith, pronouced "KEE-th", so *I* pronnounce her as "LEE" most of the time. But I am perfectly happy with "LAY" as well.
Edymnion 08-17-05, 02:49 AM	No, she does something requiring her to be 8th level in The Shattered Land. She could be 6th or 7th for City of Towers.Wait, doesn't she use a Spell Storing Infusion of Dimension Door to get out of the restraints at the end of CoT? DD is a 4th level spell, and with the half-level requirements on that infusion, she would have to be 8th level at the end of CoT. Right?
Hellcow 08-17-05, 03:35 AM	My original notes have her at 7th, but now you mention it, I'mm 99% sure you're right (there's a 1% chance I'd come up with some other way to make the scene work, but I'm too tired to go back and try to figure it out right now). So apparently she STARTED at 7th level at the begining of the book, but made it to 8th by the end... ;) Anyhow, they're all around 8th in Shattered Land, and I don't expect them to advance as fast as normal PCs might. I'm a stingy DM.
Papa_duval 08-17-05, 04:29 AM	Just back to the original point of this thread. If i was going to stat up Pierce, i'd make him as an urban ranger varient. It would explain his preference for the bow, as well as why he isn't focused on the wilderness. And if i had to choose a favoured enemy for him, it would have to be either human or undead. (since he was built to fight both) Keith, have to say, best of the eberron fiction books i've read so far.
Tek 08-17-05, 05:00 AM	I'm not sure about the Urban Ranger. While most of City of Towers DID take place in Sharn (like 95% of it, really), I didn't see Pierce as being acustomed to it, nor more skilled in it. Back in the wild, I seen him as more at home, being a scout for the army and all. Remeber, he hid and 'played' with the Valenar elves out in the wild, not in some city.
Papa_duval 08-17-05, 05:58 AM	I was thinking urban ranger more because it explained his stealth abilities, his preference for the bow and his ability to track in a city, whilst not requiring him to have a wilderness focus like a normal ranger. Its not a perfect fit, but since he doesn't rage, nor does he use the skirmish ability of the scout, it seems to be the best fit.
aelryinth 08-17-05, 06:50 AM	Kindly note that both Dain and Lei are members of Dragonmark Houses, even if he has foresworn Deneith. This makes him a potential Heir (Siberys Deneith Mark Mind Blank vs the Dreaming Dark!) and mixing their bloodlines is a no-no. ===Aelryinth
Charles Phipps 08-17-05, 10:04 AM	Kindly note that both Dain and Lei are members of Dragonmark Houses, even if he has foresworn Deneith. This makes him a potential Heir (Siberys Deneith Mark Mind Blank vs the Dreaming Dark!) and mixing their bloodlines is a no-no. ===Aelryinth Only to the sick and prejudiced Houses of the 13.
Euangelion 08-17-05, 02:20 PM	I was thinking urban ranger more because it explained his stealth abilities, his preference for the bow and his ability to track in a city, whilst not requiring him to have a wilderness focus like a normal ranger. Its not a perfect fit, but since he doesn't rage, nor does he use the skirmish ability of the scout, it seems to be the best fit. Urban rangers (either the UA version or the Races of Destiny version) still have ties to nature, including wild empathy and animal companions. If he has ranger levels, he doesn't have many. Scouts get a few bonus feats as well, and the archery ones are on the list. Just because he gets a bonus scirmishing doesn't mean he's always going to be doing it. I'd say something like fighter 2/scout 6 or fighter 4/scout 4.
Edymnion 08-18-05, 02:20 AM	And you know, Keith, I still want to know how Lei was getting around having to shell out massive amounts of xp every time she used that spell storing infusion. She seemed to do it every 3 pages, I'm amazed she managed to level up at all unless she had some way not to pay that xp (like taking it out of craft reserve or something).
Hideous Phidias 08-18-05, 02:11 PM	Ok, loved the book it was a good read. I read it faster and with more intenisty then most other D&D books I have read. Cannot wait for the the second or the third. Things that I was wondering was the Bow that Peirce uses what kind is it. What kind of arrows does he like to use other then normal ones. I have always had a love for the ranged fighter type and think that Peirce is a good example of a well built one. I mean I can take a guess at what warforged items he has built in to him but the large bow is what I want to know about. Was very sad to see the death of Jode. He was my favorate character. But, I think well all know that the halfling is always the first to go. and besides I thike that he may be with the party in the way of the small vial the daine took from the stuff he gave tothe gnome.
Hellcow 08-21-05, 08:27 PM	And you know, Keith, I still want to know how Lei was getting around having to shell out massive amounts of xp every time she used that spell storing infusion. To which I'll simply say that there is a reason she's able to use spell storing item as often as she does other than "She just doesn't care about leveling" - and for the time being, that's all I can say.
Edymnion 08-21-05, 08:33 PM	To which I'll simply say that there is a reason she's able to use spell storing item as often as she does other than "She just doesn't care about leveling" - and for the time being, that's all I can say.Yeah, I know, thats the same answer you gave last time too :D
Hellcow 08-21-05, 09:00 PM	Yeah, I know, thats the same answer you gave last time too :D And you'll note that no new novel (well, of mine) has come out in the interim. It's not something that is explained in City of Towers - and not something I'm going to explain until you've had a chance to figure it out on your own.
Edymnion 08-21-05, 09:02 PM	And you'll note that no new novel (well, of mine) has come out in the interim. It's not something that is explained in City of Towers - and not something I'm going to explain until you've had a chance to figure it out on your own.Well, it was worth a shot :P
Raziel_Brokodar 08-25-05, 08:08 PM	Yeah, great novel Keith, it's one of my favorites! (nevermind the mixed reviews or complaints that some people had) It's great in description and development (character development especially ;) ) I could go on and on about the characters... hehe Finished it a couple of weeks ago BTW... :D You got my email I assume? :confused:
Hellcow 08-25-05, 09:44 PM	You got my email I assume? :confused: Yes - between GenCon, Conquest, personal travel, and a half-dozen deadlines I have just been extra-swamped this months. Sorry!
Raziel_Brokodar 08-25-05, 10:10 PM	Yes - between GenCon, Conquest, personal travel, and a half-dozen deadlines I have just been extra-swamped this months. Sorry! Ok, cool... thanks then :D