And it's a mixed bunch, but that's no surprise. Some fantastic pieces, some I don't particularly like, but that's art for you!
Thankfully there are only 2 reprinted pieces (the exorcist and the changeling spy) aside from the symbols and dragonmarks.
One thing I did notice is that a couple of cultures, namely the Aereni and the Talenta halflings, barely make an appearance in the gallery, which is a shame. Death worshipping elves and dinosaur riding halflings are some of the setting's largest departures from the core world, so it would have been nice to see some art to exemplify that.
I think the prize for the most evocative piece goes to this one:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/70.jpg
We know they added weapons via the various leaks from ENworld and RPG.net. I was curious to see them. Especially to see if the Talenta Tangat remains 'scimitar like' since the piece of art in the 3.5 ECS which identified it as such was called out as being in error in the eratta. The new stats being near identical ro a scimitar.
Mostly good, I'm really looking forward to seeing that house Ghallanda paragon path, I always liked that often overlooked house.
If nothing else the Motivational Poster thread has a lot of new material to work with.
One thing I did notice is that a couple of cultures, namely the Aereni and the Talenta halflings, barely make an appearance in the gallery, which is a shame.
Yes, I'm sad not to see more elves - either a really good Aereni or a Tairnadal with veil raised (like the Revenant Blade from the 3.5 PGtE). The Valenar soldier shown has his veil down in battle, which gets a "tsk" from me.
Needless to say, not all of these make it into the book. Someone's already posted about the Heir of Siberys. I'm sad about this one:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/53.jpg
... I didn't work on the EPG, so I don't know the full story here. But it looks like an aberrant paragon path, and I'm 99% sure that's not in there. Hopefully it will appear at some point in the future!
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/70.jpg
Can someone tell me what/where this is? Is this in Argonessen? Maybe I'm having a braindead moment, but this isn't ringing any bells.
I really like the Deva pictured alongside a Half-Orc and Halfling. I've been anticipating describing Deva as a little more human in appearance than the standard fluff, but this guy is pretty cool looking. It's the first Deva art I've seen that I've really liked. I could still do without the wings on his armor, though. I don't think I'll ever get into that bit of fluff.
I also really like the last image. We don't see enough non-caucasian characters, in my opinion--especially ones that aren't wild natives and/or blatant rip-offs of real-world cultures in africa/asia/whatnot. I like the style, I like that she's an artificer, and I like that she's pretty (in my opinion).
For the most part, I really like this art. I'm so pumped that 4E Eberron is finally here.
What's the deal with the 'marked Half-elf (or human) that's clearly been mingling with Valaes Tairn? It seems a bit incongruous. There aren't enough pictures of actual Valaes Tairn to warrant that one, in my opinion.
I thought only half-elves could grow facial hair?
The part that bothered me the most about the Valenar warrior's veil being down was that he's sporting facial hair.
I thought only half-elves could grow facial hair?
I don't like that picture, either, as I mentioned above. He seems to be a dragon-marked human or half-elf with an obsession for Tairnadal culture. Weird.
I do believe, though, that Keith was referencing the elf on horseback charging the Hobgoblin. That elf should definitely have his veil raised.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/53.jpg
... I didn't work on the EPG, so I don't know the full story here. But it looks like an aberrant paragon path, and I'm 99% sure that's not in there. Hopefully it will appear at some point in the future!
Strangely enough, that's the picture they used to illustrate the Hybrid Ranger on DDI. It was in sketch form back then, though.
That probably has little to no relevant to what it was actually supposed to be, though. With an aberrant mark so prominent, it probably was some Aberrant marked PP.
Can someone tell me what/where this is? Is this in Argonessen? Maybe I'm having a braindead moment, but this isn't ringing any bells.
It's Metrol in Cyre.
By the state of the buildings and the sunlight, it may even be pre-Mournland.
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http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/59.jpg
Is that supposed to be the LoBster? The head seems smiliar, although the rest doesn't really compare to the ECG cover!
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/50.jpg
What's with the dragonmark? The picture suggests a House Tharashk PP, but the mark doesn't match up with anything.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/61.jpg
A Cannith standard? That strikes me as unusual. I can't really see the need for such a symbol.
It's Metrol in Cyre.
By the state of the buildings and the sunlight, it may even be pre-Mournland.
Oh! That's what it is. I really like that one. Pre-Mourning you say? Maybe, but it seems unlikely.
It's Metrol in Cyre.
By the state of the buildings and the sunlight, it may even be pre-Mournland.
Thanks. I've never read anything about...er...spires in Metrol. Were these mentioned in the past, or are these new? Those crazy Canniths...
Thanks. I've never read anything about...er...spires in Metrol. Were these mentioned in the past, or are these new? Those crazy Canniths...
The description in Five Nations doesn't mention them, but they do fit with the map of Metrol on page 82. I hadn't realise the plateaus were quite that high, but hey...there are crazier things out there!
It looks like the circular building in the foreground is the Metrol Arena, left of that is the Cathedral of the Sovereign Host, and the blue glowing building is the Lightning Rail station.
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I think the real problem with this art selection is that it's too biased towards the dragonmarks. The nations barely have any representation at all, save for a couple of Valenar and a guy with a Karrnathi standard.
No dragonhawk soaring over rural Aundair, no legions of Karrnathi undead, no Shadow Marches swamp wader, no Eldeen ranger, no Lhazaar pirate, no Aereni necromancer, no Darguun goblinoids...I could go on, but I think you get the idea ;)
Most of it is just too generic.
I had always thought, that the map of Metrol on pg. 82 of Five Nations was a little weird and now I know why.
Agreed. I had completely forgotten about this map. Thanks for reminding me, trolls.
I think the prize for the most evocative piece goes to this one:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/70.jpg
Nice! Cathdral of the Sovereign Host and Metrol Arena right in the foreground, too.
... I didn't work on the EPG
It surprised me, really...
I'd definitely call this an epic fail...
I don't like that picture, either, as I mentioned above. He seems to be a dragon-marked human or half-elf with an obsession for Tairnadal culture. Weird.
Its actually the art for the Paragon Path Medani Trueseer. Its an odd choice of dress for a Medani...
It surprised me, really...
I'd definitely call this an epic fail...
I think that is a silly comment. Keith is busy spending his time on exactly what he spent his time on for the 3e variant of Eberron; working on the setting. He is the major credit on the Eberron Campaign Guide. So what if he didn't spend time on the Eberron Players Guide? That book is nothing more than a collection of PC mechanics. Its the least important part of what makes a campaign setting a campaign setting. Its the Campaign Guide that does that. Complaining that he didn't work on the Player Guide is like complaining that he didn't designed the 3e Campaign Setting by himself...
At least, those are my two cents.
There are some really good pictures though. Unfortunately, they are in a rather small minority I think.
I think the real problem with this art selection is that it's too biased towards the dragonmarks. The nations barely have any representation at all, save for a couple of Valenar and a guy with a Karrnathi standard.
No dragonhawk soaring over rural Aundair, no legions of Karrnathi undead, no Shadow Marches swamp wader, no Eldeen ranger, no Lhazaar pirate, no Aereni necromancer, no Darguun goblinoids...I could go on, but I think you get the idea ;)
Most of it is just too generic.
I'll have to agree. Of course, a large factor is the existence of dragonmarked PPs and nonexistence of national. Hopefully there will be greater variety in the ECG.
Anyway, I'm mostly pleased
. Well done.Can someone tell me what/where this is? Is this in Argonessen? Maybe I'm having a braindead moment, but this isn't ringing any bells.
I really like the Deva pictured alongside a Half-Orc and Halfling. I've been anticipating describing Deva as a little more human in appearance than the standard fluff, but this guy is pretty cool looking. It's the first Deva art I've seen that I've really liked. I could still do without the wings on his armor, though. I don't think I'll ever get into that bit of fluff.
I also really like the last image. We don't see enough non-caucasian characters, in my opinion--especially ones that aren't wild natives and/or blatant rip-offs of real-world cultures in africa/asia/whatnot. I like the style, I like that she's an artificer, and I like that she's pretty (in my opinion).
For the most part, I really like this art. I'm so pumped that 4E Eberron is finally here.
What's the deal with the 'marked Half-elf (or human) that's clearly been mingling with Valaes Tairn? It seems a bit incongruous. There aren't enough pictures of actual Valaes Tairn to warrant that one, in my opinion.
first pic in question is on the top of the page, the one that describes the Mournlands and Cyre.
The marked Valaes Tairn is on the page with the House Medani paragon path.
I think the real problem with this art selection is that it's too biased towards the dragonmarks. The nations barely have any representation at all, save for a couple of Valenar and a guy with a Karrnathi standard.
No dragonhawk soaring over rural Aundair, no legions of Karrnathi undead, no Shadow Marches swamp wader, no Eldeen ranger, no Lhazaar pirate, no Aereni necromancer, no Darguun goblinoids...I could go on, but I think you get the idea ;)
Most of it is just too generic.
I agree with some of it, an Eldeen Ranger type would be nice, so would some Aereni art, however, a Karrnathi Legion and some of the other stuff you mention makes me think of the Campaign Guide.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/EPGArt/61.jpg
A Cannith standard? That strikes me as unusual. I can't really see the need for such a symbol.
Neither did I, but it makes sense after all. It's the picture for the Mourning Savior.
As you can imagine, I just got the book!
I think the real problem with this art selection is that it's too biased towards the dragonmarks. The nations barely have any representation at all, save for a couple of Valenar and a guy with a Karrnathi standard.
No dragonhawk soaring over rural Aundair, no legions of Karrnathi undead, no Shadow Marches swamp wader, no Eldeen ranger, no Lhazaar pirate, no Aereni necromancer, no Darguun goblinoids...I could go on, but I think you get the idea ;)
Most of it is just too generic.
Let's hope that art of that type will be in the ECG, since that's where the world-info is supposed to be anyway.
first pic in question is on the top of the page, the one that describes the Mournlands and Cyre.
The marked Valaes Tairn is on the page with the House Medani paragon path.
I knew where they were on the page. ;)
I was actually questioning which place the first image represents. It turns out it's Metrol.
I find the Medani heir with the Tairnadal obsession a particularly strange choice among many. I hope I'll better understand and appreciate the choices in artwork once the book's in my hands.
In other words: He could be a half-elf born and raised in Valenar, who developed the Mark of Detection without having any political ties to House Medani.
In other words: He could be a half-elf born and raised in Valenar, who developed the Mark of Detection without having any political ties to House Medani.
It's definitely easy to invent a backstory for a 'marked Khoravar who has joined himself to the Valaes Tairn.
The real question is: Why did such a picture warrant inclusion in a sourcebook?
I would've used that space for something more iconic, or at least more typical, for a Medani heir. If this is a picture emphasizing the possibilities of unaffiliated dragonmarked heroes, fine. The context, though, didn't give me that impression.
The marked Valaes Tairn is on the page with the House Medani paragon path.
Yeah, I've got no explanation for this. He's got a beard and small eyes - he definitely doesn't look like an elf to me. And yes, it's Lyrandar that has close ties with Valenar. You certainly COULD make up a story for it, but there's no explanation in the book (it's not like the backstory has changed to have lots of dragonmarked Tairnadal) for it. So I don't know what the designer had in mind when submitting the art order, but it certainly puzzled me when I first saw it.
Of course, there's nothing stopping a khoravar from training with the double scimitar, just as a gnome or goblin could learn to use the tangat if they wanted.
The Valenar soldier shown has his veil down in battle, which gets a "tsk" from me.
"The spirit of my lands carried me across your border and my forebear guided my blade through your guard. But you will face me."
"The spirit of my lands carried me across your border and my forebear guided my blade through your guard. But you will face me."
An interesting take RedRider!
It could also be a kind of a Valenar insult:"You're not good enough to face my great ancestor. You're just trash, and I'll take you out".
I just noticed how the artwork for the Identification Papers and the scroll are blank. Thats awesome! Totally going to photoshop in some goodies for player handouts on those.
Relevant to our interests?
Relevant to our interests?
Yes, in that it was intentionally done for this very purpose. I did notice, though, that those "blank" papers are no longer blank in the EPG itself.
Yeah, but now I have to anger some athority figure to get my DM to demand to see my identification to I can pull out this.
Wouldn't it technically still be a House Sivis Arcane Mark on there instead of the Ghallanda one, seeing as Sivis are the notaries of Eberron? (Yes, I'm nitpicking, I know. They told me to stick to what I did best..)
He is by far my favorite interior artist for any Eberron book (Wayne Reynolds being my favorite overall). To me Prescott's stuff was the look of Eberron. When the first previews came out for Eberron way back in 2003 in one of the magazines(cant remember which), the thing that got me excited for the setting was the sketches they included, which were mostly Prescott.
And now, no Prescott at all.
I got to say I'm disappointed.
Seems like they have trouble with the whole "Thousand feet high", "Towers branching off other towers supported only by a bridge and levetation magic", and "Skyway".
No one I know has given me an accurate picture of Sharn yet, yeah.
Seems like they have trouble with the whole "Thousand feet high", "Towers branching off other towers supported only by a bridge and levetation magic", and "Skyway".
Indeed, the picture of Sharn was just "off". That was a picture of a city, alright, and it even had towers; but that was not the City of Towers. It bore very little resemblance to Sharn as we know it.
The closest I've seen was one of the covers of the Heirs of Ash novel trilogy. It sported immensely tall towers and skyway, but it failed in that most towers extended straight from the ground to the sky (Whereas in description, most of Sharn's towers reach only into the Middle City, then have bridges connecting to the bottom or middle of towers that extend into the Upper City), the city wasn't wide enough around, and that most of the towers shown were too modern looking.
Still, it's the best of the bunch.
Yeah.
The closest I've seen was one of the covers of the Heirs of Ash novel trilogy. It sported immensely tall towers and skyway, but it failed in that most towers extended straight from the ground to the sky (Whereas in description, most of Sharn's towers reach only into the Middle City, then have bridges connecting to the bottom or middle of towers that extend into the Upper City), the city wasn't wide enough around, and that most of the towers shown were too modern looking.
Still, it's the best of the bunch.
Yep. It all looked like planned construction, and all built in the same period. Sharn is built on plateaus, also, not on a single stretch of solid ground. The elevation of the surrounding land seemed incorrect, as well. Altogether, this looks nothing like the Sharn we've read about all these years.