Dias Ex Machina Games have read through the GSL and SRD...
...and our tentpole franchise, Amethyst, will be moving towards 4th Edition. The company has high hopes...
Long live our new WOTC overlords.
All hail the overlords...
Don't know that I have really heard of this company, but are they one of the big ones that WotC and the community would be looking for GSL products form?
As for Dias Ex Machina, I sadly haven't looked at your stuff before but browsing through your website, I find myself impressed and interested. I will certainly be keeping a look out.
Don't know that I have really heard of this company, but are they one of the big ones that WotC and the community would be looking for GSL products form?
Psst, spread the word...
You don't have to be a big company to put out quality product!
They all started out real small and unknown at some point...Green Ronin, Goodman Games, Necromancer, etc.
TSR...
Who?
;-p
What was it called--CHAINMAIL!
Seriously though, thanks for the votes of confidence. We'll try not to disappoint. The last game took five years of playing and a full year of writing to develop. We promise to have this one sooner.
I wish to claim we are big, but we are not. Our eyes our big. Our appetite is big. The rest we dismiss as ego. We just love every single post of confidence, every single good review, every single piece of positive buzz. As long as our fan base grows steadily as it has, we hope to be around. We are not about firing out modules or bestiaries like pez. We are about original ideas and interesting stories. We're about the role playing and less the grinding for experience. The waves have turned to 4.0 and we are following it. We hope others will follow us and seek us out when we finally produce.
The website itself looks nice, but you might entertain the idea of using some of your artwork in the background, then framing the text in white. The black on gray is a little bit of a strain on my poor old eyes.
I have to admit, I'm not familiar with your work at all. But, as I look through your posts and your site, the art alone is enough to make me buy the book.
I have to admit the same. The art alone makes me want to pick up the book. Nice stuff.
Not to side track this discussion, but does someone in the community want to start a post that contains links to companies like Dias Ex Machina that are using the new GSL? I'd be happy to make it sticky in this forum so it could serve as a resource for anyone looking to find "hidden gems" like this one that we all might otherwise miss.
Like I mentioned in another post, we are hopeful the GSL will allow a new generation of 3PP companies to shine. For those wishing to know more, the first 30 pages of the 3.5 version (which has no rules, only framing fiction) are available for free from our site in PDF.
I was already excited about 4th Ed, so now I am more so with you guys being on board!
EK
I couldn't view the gallery on the site, but this art does spark my curiosity.
From those curious at our approach, we are "listing" available races and classes in Amethyst while including additional ones of our own. Ones not listed are "assumed" not present in our setting nor are they referred to in any rules as canon. All original Amethyst races are to return. In the old game, we removed Bard and Sorcerer and turned Paladin and Ranger into Prestige classes. In this version (all this is currently not official), we are ignoring Warlock, Cleric, and Paladin from the official Amethyst world and adding in four new classes dealing with the other side of the science/magic coin.
The big addition is the inclusion of something we are currently calling "lifepath" which is "kinda" like Paragon path, only for the Heroic levels. They are in between Race and Class and offer mostly fluff and out-of-combat rules dependent on where the character was born and/or what natural gifts he/she possesses.
They are not as powerful as Paragon paths and are mostly setting related. For those who have read our 3.5 Game, it is related to our "Class Focus" ability all core classes were given, radically widening the number of options at first level. Some feats have a specific lifepath as a prerequisite. There might be dozens of available paths; add that into races and classes and the absence of three core classes probably won't be felt. We removed--ahem--ignored these three core classes because, as the story is set on a real earth, is lacking the "proof of god", thus no divinity.
Obviously, we'll have new racial feats for our races, new paragon paths, as well as new epic destinies, the latter of which we are looking forward to as it is related to the story the characters play in this setting. Foundation spells will return and be closer to their original intent as they were in the 3.5
As we said on the podcast, the 3.5 was about...a 70% representation of the real Amethyst setting. 4.0 should be closer to 85%-90%--though not perfect, it is pretty darn close.
And since someone mentioned they couldn't see our Gallery (Workin' on our end), I threw a few more here...to...you know...show off.
[Teasers + announcements.] (snipped because it was BIG with all that art)
The gallery is working for me, too. It looks like it was an isolated problem, but posting the pictures around should help anyone that can't connect.
Other than that, I like some of your concepts and projects for the setting. Do you have any information on how I can go about getting a copy of the book in Brazil? I mean without having to specifically order abroad or requesting one at my FLGS and waiting forever? In other words, do you distribute globally or only nationally?
The gallery is working for me, too. It looks like it was an isolated problem, but posting the pictures around should help anyone that can't connect.
Other than that, I like some of your concepts and projects for the setting. Do you have any information on how I can go about getting a copy of the book in Brazil? I mean without having to specifically order abroad or requesting one at my FLGS and waiting forever? In other words, do you distribute globally or only nationally?
Well, my pandering and promotion only goes so far. Gleemax is obviously tolerating this minor breach in protocol as I post images and talk about our game (and we thank you so very much :D ). Shipping and pricing is something probably best discussed at our forum, where I will answer it there. I made this post to discuss our plans and get feedback and I don't want to push the buttons of our overlords by self-promoting it tooooo much.
We released the 3.5 TWO months before 4.0 so we knew we were a rottweiler barking in front of the bulls of Pamplona. Now that it's passed, we're one of those kids running behind, slapping the bovines on the butt and screaming how awesome it is to be in Spain...and behind the bull's ass instead of in front of its horns.
We released the 3.5 TWO months before 4.0 so we knew we were a rottweiler barking in front of the bulls of Pamplona. Now that it's passed, we're one of those kids running behind, slapping the bovines on the butt and screaming how awesome it is to be in Spain...and behind the bull's ass instead of in front of its horns.
Not that it has anything to do with your amusing analogy, but you do know that bulls can kick, right? ;)
As soon as I get a new job, I know what I'm buying.
Although I appreciate your enthusiasm, I would suggest you spend the money of your new job on food and shelter. Despite Leichenreiter's belief, you cannot actually "eat" our book.
Oh you don't want to know what I can actually eat :D :D :D
In that case, on the issue of total disclosure, our Amethyst 3.5 version supplies 5% of your daily requirement of sodium and fiber, is a significant source of sodium peroxide and ferrous sulphate, and has added benzene to make you grow big and strong. We reccomend one book a week as needed.
...And if you enjoy that, you're sure to enjoy our 4.0 Amethyst, with added taurine and niacin. Side effects may include dry mouth, permanent blindness, and speaking in tongues.
im currently listening to your podcast, and am upset about the little word changes, and different spellings you have to use to make it comply to the gsl.
i think that is garbage, but its cool your more patient and tolerant a person than i am.
setting idea sounds awesome! love the art.
if you keep the rules simple and with the same design motto of 4th edition i will likely pick it up. I want to be able to pick it up knowing 4th editions rules, and then read your book and not have to learn a new system.
on the other hand if you are trying to introduce a lot of new subsystems, complicated rules, and unbalanced crunch i might be turned away.
another note: you mentioned ignoring the paladin, cleric, and the warlock for your setting, and personally im not to keen on that idea. If you could work them into the setting that would be awesome. I think thats the only thing i dont like about it. Also im positive my wife wouldnt be interested if she didnt have deity choices. I wonder if you can be creative and find a way to also merge the astral plane into the earths solar system to keep the gods in.
Im not saying to not be original or anything but i love Eberron's saying "if it exists in dnd, it exists in eberron."
all about keeping doors open instead of closing them.
la la la la la la so thats all my feedback...take it or leave it. if you care or not im just 1 person.
good luck in your endeavors and ill be checking out for news.
I've read a preview of the 3.5 book just now, it looks really interesting. I'll keep an eye out for your 4th edition book, but I'd appreciate it if you could find a way to incorporate the paladin, cleric and warlock. If not, I'll probably still pick it up, but fitting those classes in would be nice.
Two comments about that...
Wow...well, I have to ask you in return: Would you want us to compromise the uniqueness of our setting to allow something like that? When you start compromising like that when dealing with a work of fiction, the first thing you usually compromise is your integrity. When you play Midnight, do you look at it and go, "needs more magic." Part of our setting's concept includes elements that force us to remove these classes...let me explain:
In the real Amethyst--and what will appear in the new 4.0--there are three types of magic:
1. Draconic, the power of god to create something by naming it--the magic possessed in the language of the greatest species. Wizards use this. There would be no Warlock.
2. Naturally enchanted--inorganic. We established materials like Angelite, Coruthill, and Magnarros as elements which respond differently under the saturation of magic. This actually spreads to all corners of science. There are thousands of materials and combinations of elements that produce different results. This brings back Alchemy and an enchanted metallurgy as those with the know forge items of enchantment by simply being aware of the exacting ratios required.
3. Naturally enchanted--organic. The same as monsters, some people suddenly possess magical abilities on their own from birth. In the 3.5 setting, we only addressed this slightly, as we didn't want to bog down the 3.5 book too much with more rules. Since we always had intended to downplay divinity, 4.0 gave us the opportunity to do it right. So those with powers to heal, raise the dead, or cure disease are part of these freak occurrences. Obviously, some of these people are deified and worshiped while others are sometimes outcasted. In the 3.5 book, we referred to one type as a Vivicator.
We are pulling out divinity because is a true real world, god would be as silent as he always is. In Amethyst, there are no actual clerics or paladins, though you can replicate something cleric-like by choosing the appropriate lifepath. Then you can go on to Fighter, Rogue, Wizard...whatever you like.
Because our magic system operates like this, Warlock is also a bad fit. Though we tried, we can't make it work without altering the class, which is strictly prohibited by the GSL.
Of course, you can put them back in your own homebrew games, but Amethyst is first and foremost a story-based setting, not a game mechanics-based setting. So, we decided to keep our integrity and not compromise that aspect of the game. Despite the removal of these three classes, we have reinserted 4 new ones dealing with the science part of the world. We also have the aforementioned Lifepath (also called Origin--we're not sure yet) which greatly widens character options and individuality at first level. Some of these re-insert cleric and/or paladin-like abilities without the need to turn to divinity for answers. Even rituals dealing with divnity will be ignored.
I wrote the first novel of Amethyst, which came to 175 000 words. We keep ourselves loyal to the source material, which means, no proof of god, and a real earth with real problems based on ones encountered now.
Oh and we are changing the names of our races and monsters because we want to...and because we already did it half-way anyway with the first book...
I imagine I may not have answered your question to your liking but your game is your game...do what you will with endorsement from me...but the setting that we have written is presented this way for a reason. Its not because we don't like paladins or clerics. They simply do not exist in a world with a silent and unproven god.
Wow...that was deep...
In Amethyst, there are no actual clerics or paladins, though you can replicate something cleric-like by choosing the appropriate lifepath. Then you can go on to Fighter, Rogue, Wizard...whatever you like.
If the fleshy bits of fluff are there the Divinity may be worked in. You said, select the right lifepath you could replicate a cleric-like character, why not expand this a bit. Naturally enchanted--organic. The same as monsters, some people suddenly possess magical abilities on their own from birth. You touch on the Vivicator but maybe the people that are naturally enchanted but they simply believe they are touched by the Divine. If religion still exists, the people could draw this natural power yet simply think that there god gave them the power to preform such miracles (we have this happening right now in real life, why not play on that). The source of the power remains something in game you already have yet the character doesn't realize that just where the power comes from.
If its not possible thats cool to.
Not to say that I didn't do anything other than disrupt your argumentation: well, the PHB does state that Clerics and Paladins get their powers from being "ordained" and not normally from faith or blessings. I don't know if that part of the class is or isn't considered "core" and could be subject to fluff changes; if it is, having "Paladins" and "Clerics" in Amethyst that don't need ordination might be against the GSL.
And to SerenaDawn, hah, no I definitely wouldn't ask you to compromise the integrity of the setting to include Clerics and Paladins, I suppose it would seem like "selling out." I said that if you couldn't, I'd likely still pick up the book because the intro that I read in the preview looked quite interesting. You may have taken my post a bit differently than I'd intended
.If religion still exists, the people could draw this natural power yet simply think that there god gave them the power to preform such miracles (we have this happening right now in real life, why not play on that).
Yes religion exists in Amethyst. In fact, they are ones you already know of (Christianity, Islam, etc). Are there those within the setting possessing a natural ability that appears bestowed from god? Of course. They are an extreme rarity. These healers are not common. In the setting, they are present in as little as 1 in 100 000. Every faith can claim to possess one such sanctified member. However, there are also those with no faith whatsoever, and are able to do this purely from a natural power they cannot explain. Other know very well where they power originates and understands there is no intelligence or deification beyond said gift. We don't want cleric in the story because we don't want a set class that defines these abilities or these gifts. We want anyone to able possess this, even a small child may possess the power to bring someone back from the dead (although from a character creation standpoint, THAT would not be a possible option). Because of this doubt, there is still no proof of god in Amethyst, despite the claims of many of those who believe. In the ovulation, there is a character named Mahan who is called a Cleric by another, though he is not. He is referred to as a cleric because he is, in fact, a Muslim holy man.
For that reason and others, we decided to pull these two classes. They are just not in sync with our setting. But as said, let this not stop anyone for doing what they like if they purchase the book.
...And yes, I will post the results of this thread on our forum and I hope you guys will come and continue the conversation there...
And to SerenaDawn, hah, no I definitely wouldn't ask you to compromise the integrity of the setting to include Clerics and Paladins, I suppose it would seem like "selling out." I said that if you couldn't, I'd likely still pick up the book because the intro that I read in the preview looked quite interesting. You may have taken my post a bit differently than I'd intended .
Oh, no worries, Mr Kabob. I barely take myself seriously.
Hopefully, this week, I hope to have a blog up on our site which will track our progress as we develop this new game.
So if you have an adherent of one religion as a bad guy (or maybe even as a good guy, being promoted above the other religions) I wonder if you'll run into problems...
The GSL specifically says that you cannot "depict, in any text, graphical or other manner...exsiting real-world...religious groups or practices...as a group inferior to any other group or in a way that promotes disrespect for those groups or practices, or that endorses those groups or practices over another."
So if you have an adherent of one religion as a bad guy (or maybe even as a good guy, being promoted above the other religions) I wonder if you'll run into problems...
Oh yes, I made a point to read that clause the moment the GSL was released. And no, I am not worried. For one, despite what you may surmise, no one religion is promoted as superior or inferior to any other in Amethyst. In fact, by refusing to introduce proof of any deity, we do not mess with the status quo of modern day. Our 3.5 book (which allowed clerics) detailed the various religions without endorsing weapon choices, domain preferences, or including additional powers.
For every bad religious guy, there would be a good religious guy. If we have fanatical and fearful zealots like those from Baruch Malkut, we have nobility and valor from those in Abidan.
One interesting side note...we make a point of not endorsing any one faith, and in fact, keep the scientific preference through most of the book, endorsing evolution over intelligent design. Given that, our only negative comment was from someone who claimed we had a creationist agenda...so I guess people will read what they want to.
Oh yes, I made a point to read that clause the moment the GSL was released. And no, I am not worried. For one, despite what you may surmise, no one religion is promoted as superior or inferior to any other in Amethyst. In fact, by refusing to introduce proof of any deity, we do not mess with the status quo of modern day. Our 3.5 book (which allowed clerics) detailed the various religions without endorsing weapon choices, domain preferences, or including additional powers.
For every bad religious guy, there would be a good religious guy. If we have fanatical and fearful zealots like those from Baruch Malkut, we have nobility and valor from those in Abidan.
One interesting side note...we make a point of not endorsing any one faith, and in fact, keep the scientific preference through most of the book, endorsing evolution over intelligent design. Given that, our only negative comment was from someone who claimed we had a creationist agenda...so I guess people will read what they want to.
Sounds good Serena. Just something that struck me, but it sounds like you've already given it due consideration.
Your material looks very interesting, by the way. I've no doubt I'll be giving it a closer look.
Sounds good Serena. Just something that struck me, but it sounds like you've already given it due consideration.
Your material looks very interesting, by the way. I've no doubt I'll be giving it a closer look.
Well, we just started a blog on our site. It will track our progress. We have no intention on keeping things secret and hope to wet appetites with our plans. So far, to use computer game jargon, we have reached alpha with races--meaning I have written them and now all I wait for are my coworkers to tell me I am full of crap.
Well, we just started a blog on our site. It will track our progress. We have no intention on keeping things secret and hope to wet appetites with our plans. So far, to use computer game jargon, we have reached alpha with races--meaning I have written them and now all I wait for are my coworkers to tell me I am full of crap.
In good old D&D tradition, shouldn't the fans do that? :D
In good old D&D tradition, shouldn't the fans do that? :D
You obviously have us confused with professionals.
By the way, for those interested, we have a development log now up so people can track our progress of our 4ED revision.
For example...here is our entry on Gimfen, which is the Amethyst Gnome/Halfling...
RACIAL TRAITS
Average Height: 3’3” – 4’3”
Average Weight: 30-40 lb.
Average Starting Age: 30 years.
Estimated Life Expectancy: 500 years.
Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma.
Size: Small
Speed: 6
Vision: Normal
Languages: Gimfen, English
Skill Bonuses: +2 Bluff, +2 Theivery
Builder: Pick two of the following skills: Craft(electronic), Craft (mechanical), Craft (Power Armor), Craft (Techan Armor), Craft (vehicles), Craft (Techan Weapons). These become trained skills.
Disruption Reduction: Gimfen do not disrupt technology if held like all other echan races.
Techan Option: Because of your ability to hold technology without breaking it down, you may choose a techan class instead of a traditional fantasy one.
Scurry: You movement is not reduced if you crawl or squeeze. You can also drop to prone as free action. (See the D&D 4E PLAYER’S HANDBOOK on the definition of “Crawl” and “Squeeze”).
Tiny frame: You cannot Bull Rush targets bigger than you. (See the D&D 4E PLAYER’S HANDBOOK on “Bull Rush”).
Jump Charge: If you charge with intent of a basic attack, you gain a +2 bonus to hit and only need to move 1 square to initiate the charge.
You obviously have us confused with professionals.
By the way, for those interested, we have a development log now up so people can track our progress of our 4ED revision.
-- snip --
Jump Charge: If you charge with intent of a basic attack, you gain a +2 bonus to hit and only need to move 1 square to initiate the charge.
You don't need to be a pro to be a nerdrage target. :P
And I was checking out your site today (updating the sticky thread) and saw the devlog. I was on a rush and didn't stop to read everything, though.
And since you pasted the race here, I'll take the chance to make a comment: This is purely speculative (since I didn't playtest), but the "move 1 square to initiate a charge" looks easy to abuse...
Shift away (move action) + Jump Charge (standard); rinse and repeat.
That's pretty cool...
And I was just informed that our 3.5 version of the game has also been bestowed an HONORABLE MENTION from the 2008 Ennie Awards for Best Setting.
Congrats! ;)
The GSL specifically says that you cannot "depict, in any text, graphical or other manner...exsiting real-world...religious groups or practices...as a group inferior to any other group or in a way that promotes disrespect for those groups or practices, or that endorses those groups or practices over another."
So if you have an adherent of one religion as a bad guy (or maybe even as a good guy, being promoted above the other religions) I wonder if you'll run into problems...
Doubtfull, as you're indicating that specific character, and his motivations and goals being the reason for his actions. The fault lies with that character, and not with the overall theme.
If your product opened with something like "All people who are part of X are idiots because..." then you wil have a problem.
Doubtfull, as you're indicating that specific character, and his motivations and goals being the reason for his actions. The fault lies with that character, and not with the overall theme.
If your product opened with something like "All people who are part of X are idiots because..." then you wil have a problem.
Wow...it's weird that you say that. Our very first line in the game is a scathing attack against Odinism.
Wow...it's weird that you say that. Our very first line in the game is a scathing attack against Odinism.
Yours too? Damn.... ;-p
Wow...it's weird that you say that. Our very first line in the game is a scathing attack against Odinism.
nuh uh.
BTW, on an off-the-record side, can you believe this artwork didn't get an Ennie nom? Is there no justice?
I didn't do the art myself, so I think I am fair to say that it just goes to show that color sells. Can't we make an argument for good B+W work?
BTW, on an off-the-record side, can you believe this artwork didn't get an Ennie nom? Is there no justice?
I didn't do the art myself
You got Rob Liefield to do it!?!?!?
While I like a LOT of the artwork (the second two pictures definitely rival anything WotC produces in terms of quality), some of it isn't _that_ great.
Just my opinion.
You got Rob Liefield to do it!?!?!?
While I like a LOT of the artwork (the second two pictures definitely rival anything WotC produces in terms of quality), some of it isn't _that_ great.
Just my opinion.
Who? (someone whispers in my ear...something about comics) Ohhhh...
I will admit we post lower quality images here and usually only segments of the final peices. Everything has been cropped in some way...
Promise not to tell my staff. I'll show you guys a few full size peices. Shhhhh...don't tell anyone...
Okay....just this once...
Now if only I could find an artist for my setting.
Were the originals in color?
Of course not!
If they were, we might... I loved getting the mention for best Setting but everyone mentions our art and...well, you know. We'll blow their doors off with the revised 4ED. We have full color and a new cover...