| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Kuje |
Posted - 13 Aug 2007 : 22:53:35
Just thought some of you would want to see this issue because it contains some interesting FR articles or FR related articles.
Alzrius posted over on ENworld:
"Giant Poster - A huge double-sided eight-panel poster comes with the issue, commemorating the "Paizo Years" of Dragon and Dungeon. One side has the complete picture of the "Incursion" covers, while the other has (what I assume are all) the covers from Paizo's issues of the magazines.
Editorial: The Last Session, by Erik Mona - Erik reminisces about the last Ptolus session, and now the last Dragon, giving Jason Bulmahn, Mike McArtor, and F. Wesley Schneider all several paragraphs to say their own goodbyes as well.
Scale Mail - The letters column is packed with people sorry to see the magazine go.
The Top 10 Issues of Dragon, by Tim Hitchcock and Nicolas Logue - The best ten issues of Dragon are remembered here, covering not just their release information, but also their gp value, aura, cost, caster level, and notable articles. These are the issues that are widely considered to be the best of the best.
Unsolved Mysteries of D&D, by the Dragon and Dungeon staffs - The people who know D&D best set out to solve some of the game's greatest mysteries! What really caused the Mournlands? Who is the Lady of Pain? Whatever happened to Carl Sargent? These mysteries and more are explored by the people who know them best!
Time Dragons, by Mike McArtor - A new dragon for the last Dragon! These epic dragons are quite possibly the strongest dragons in existence (the dragon gods withstanding). These temporal-travelling dragons are incredibly powerful, being CR 24 as wyrmlings, and CR 90 as great wyrms! Along with a host of time-related powers, they can even travel through time itself, making them some of the mightiest creatures in D&D.
Demonomicon of Iggwilv: Apocrypha, by James Jacobs - The Demonomicon is a vast repository of demonic knowledge, but even if has apocrypha; bits and pieces that seem related, but still questionable. This article covers how the fell tome categorizes the denizens of the Abyss into six categories (including a new loumara: the CR 12 manitou), and then covers five new up-and-coming lords. Interestingly, while these new demon lords don't have stats per se, they're all given a base creature to refer to (along with a CR, and a few notable abilities), which should then have the new Demon Lord template applied. This makes it possible to fully stat out these new lords yourself. The five revealed herein are Ardat the Unavowed, Dwiergus the Chrysalis Prince, Lascer, Lord of the Shadow Shoal, Shaktari, Queen of the Mariliths, and Ugudenk the Squirming King. A sidebar covers where to find previous "Demonomicon" articles, and another has James's thanks to everyone who supported the series.
1d20 Villains, by Jason Bulmahn, James Jacobs, Mike McArtor, Erik Mona, F. Wesley Schneider, Todd Stewart, and Jeremy Walker - Twenty of the most nefarious names in D&D are covered here, from Meepo to Strahd von Zarovich and back again. Each covers their origins, current activities, and sources with more about them. Each also has a piece of associated new crunch, from Meepo's pump-action shotgun to Strahd's Skeletal Steed, and so much more! Several are nods to classics that fans of the game might remember, such as charon's claw, the Orcusword, or the left ear of Vecna. Great stuff!
Treasures of Greyhawk, by Gary Holian and Rick Miller - These are the magic items of Zagig and the Company of Seven themselves: heward's bell, heward's lyre of truth, keoghtom's spidery map, keoghtom's staff of purification, murlynd's hat, murlynd's rattlesnake whip, nolzur's orb, quaal's cloak, quaal's surreptitous armor of expedience, robe of the mad archmage, tasha's grinning idol[/i], and yragerne signet. A sidebar covers using these items with Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk.
The Wizards Three, by Ed Greenwood - Elminster, Mordenkainen, and Rautheene meet again at Ed's place, and for the first time in a while, Dalamar joins them! The four of them have a merry time while Ed himself hides and hopes he's not discovered (in other words, it's business as usual).
Elminster vs. Raistlin, by Cam Banks, with Ed Greenwood and Margaret Weis - The powers and weaknesses of these two strongest mages are examined, as well as their tactics that they'd use to overcome each other. I won't reveal who the winner is, of course, but it's quite interesting to read about what they'd do in a duel.
Ecology of the Tarrasque, by Ed Greenwood and Johnathan M. Richards - The Monster Hunter's Society returns! Or at least, they serve as the open and closing to this ecology. The Tarrasque's history, physiology, and psychology and society are all covered, and we're given an advanced, CR 30 Tarrasque. Sidebars cover what you'd know about it with a Knowledge (arcana) check and Tarrasque-based plots.
Savage Tidings: Demon Days, by Wolfgang Baur - The last Savage Tidings recaps each of the previous Savage Tide adventures to examine how the characters got where they are. It also covers possible allies (or even replacement PCs), as well as what could come after Demogorgon is defeated.
Volo's Guide: Myth Drannor, City of Song, by Eric L. Boyd - This (spoiler-filled regarding recent FR material) article covers contemporary Myth Drannor, including a map of the city, and a city stat block.
Dragonmarks: Echoes of the Mourning, by Keith Baker - This article examines possible causes of the creation of the Mournlands, what happens when you travel through it, and a new feat, Mourning Mutate, which you can have if you lived through the Mourning.
Sage Advice - This last Sage Advice covers, appropriately, topics relating to death. There's also a sidebar covering how long the column has continued, and that it continues still online. Also, the little mouse that's been the column's recent mascot waves goodbye (I really love that little guy - kudos to artist Andrew Hou!).
Class Acts
Adventurer: Body Modification, by James Lafond Sutter - This covers several non-magical surgical modifications you can make to yourself, such as embedding small weapons into yourself, making an internal pouch, or using your own flesh for a spellbook (though this takes the new Skincaster feat).
Arcane: Wizard Guide, by Amber E. Scott - This article covers all of the basic information about wizards, putting all of their tables as well as a list of choice feats and PrCs in one place.
Divine: Forgotten Faiths, by F. Wesley Schneider - Presented here are six esoteric gods from the history of D&D: Ezra, The Guardian of Dead Gods, Kanchelsis, Mellifleur, The Queen of Air and Darkness, and Raxivort. Each has their divine level and alignment, several paragraphs of description, and a listing of their portfolio and domains.
Warrior: The Universal Key, by Jeremy Walker - Can't unlock a door? Bust it down then! Here are several new pieces of equipment designed to bring down barriers in your way, as well as a new magic item, the skeleton key, and a new feat, Fine Flaw. It also quickly covers existing items that bypass or destroy locks from other books.
Finale: Arcane Lore Abilities, by Monte Cook - Monte himself presents eight new feats for arcane spellcasters, each specially designed to have atmosphere to go along with their crunch: Countenance of the Mage, Ears of the Mage, Eyes of the Mage, Footsteps of the Mage, Hands of the Mage, Name of the Mage, Presence of the Mage, and Voice of the Mage.
Comics - Nodwick, by Aaron Williams; Dork Tower, by John Kovalic; The Order of the Stick, by Rich Burlew; and What's New? with Phil and Dixie, by Phil Foglio. All of these classic comics say goodbye to Dragon in their own way." |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| GRYPHON |
Posted - 04 Dec 2007 : 16:01:18
And the so-called online version is very disappointing at this point in time... |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 04 Dec 2007 : 15:50:28
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
I am so sad this magazine is discontinuing, especially since they had recently started having regular FR articles within (after having only the odd one here and there).
I know. It's so unfair. |
| Alisttair |
Posted - 04 Dec 2007 : 13:40:40
I am so sad this magazine is discontinuing, especially since they had recently started having regular FR articles within (after having only the odd one here and there). |
| questing gm |
Posted - 03 Dec 2007 : 19:11:22
The only LGS that opened in my hometown recently stocked one copy of this issue. It feels really ironic that the first Dragon i bought was the last. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 25 Nov 2007 : 02:17:44
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
The info on Myth Drannor was also welcome, though I wonder what'll happen to the 'new' City of Song, not to mention the Dales, with the Spellplague.
I assume you're talking about the City of Hope? |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 24 Nov 2007 : 18:43:19
I loved #359, especially the Demonomicon information. My sole real regret is that we never got to see 'Demonomicon of Yeenoghu' (what can I say, I like gnolls).
The info on Myth Drannor was also welcome, though I wonder what'll happen to the 'new' City of Song, not to mention the Dales, with the Spellplague.
BTW, while cleaning around the house today, I found a copy of DRAGON #91 or so, with several articles covering the Nine Hells by our very own Mister Greenwood. Ah, what memories it brought back. |
| Daviot |
Posted - 01 Sep 2007 : 07:18:51
Picked up my copy yestertoday (Friday afternoon), freshly off my local store's shipment truck. Sad to the see it go, but am enjoying it so far. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 29 Aug 2007 : 01:32:17
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Went to my local gaming shop--they had sold out of new Dragon mags for the time being. Darn.
Oh bugger, I got my copy today at the bookstore... they had about half a dozen left, which were just put on the shelves but Dungeon sold out in like a week. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 29 Aug 2007 : 01:05:46
Went to my local gaming shop--they had sold out of new Dragon mags for the time being. Darn. |
| questing gm |
Posted - 22 Aug 2007 : 06:10:20
It's really sad for people like me who has never seen a single issue of Dragon sold on the shelves in bookstores.
This is a sad goodbye as much as a sad hello when i had hoped to see an issue in the future. That dream would never realise now.
Goodbye, Dragon. The Dungeon will follow you soon. |
| Daviot |
Posted - 17 Aug 2007 : 10:08:45
Well, I'm certainly looking forward to it (and not just for Volo's Guide). And the newsstand date of the 29th places it the day after my birthday. I can't think of a more apt gift. ~_^ |
| Reefy |
Posted - 16 Aug 2007 : 01:13:09
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Reefy
I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on this, but I imagine it'll be a week or two before I can get it here across the pond.
Well met
Don't despair, I just picked this up today, Reefy  (My FLGS is Traveling Man)
Good stuff, as my FLGS is over half an hour away, I won't have chance to try and get it till the weekend anyway. I'm not confident of finding it either, Cambridge doesn't have the stores it used to. |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 20:47:17
quote:
Originally posted by Reefy
I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on this, but I imagine it'll be a week or two before I can get it here across the pond.
Well met
Don't despair, I just picked this up today, Reefy (My FLGS is Traveling Man) |
| Reefy |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 18:12:24
I'm very much looking forward to getting my hands on this, but I imagine it'll be a week or two before I can get it here across the pond. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 12:22:19
I would have liked to have seen that in the Orcus entry. In fact, I was kind of expecting it given the Lolth entry and other recent Paizo mindset on things. As far as Charon's Claw goes, I liked the comment about potential other powers in regard to Mythallars as well. Nice work on the article, especially with the various villains from all around the D&D multiverse. |
| Shemmy |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 08:40:12
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJRand I liked the stats for Charon's Claw (definitely the right way to go making it a lesser artifact, and thus avoiding the "pricing trap.")
I had more fun with giving it alluded quasi-magical abilities, based on its Netherese origin, and the notion of the sword's intelligence being a bound fiend. But not firmly defined, so plenty of room to play with the truth of the matter.
quote:
The Lolth article mentions her pre history as Araushnee and the Silence as well, continuing Paizo's trend of keeping things inclusive.
I thought folks would appreciate that. I had a similar stance with the Orcus entry, but it unfortunately got majorly cut down for space reasons from what I submitted (so an attempted rationalization of H4 with the rest of planar lore, Dead Gods, etc didn't make it). |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 02:39:55
I'm trying to figure out if I missed something with Ed's last comment in the "Unsolved Mysteries" article, but I won't ruin it for anyone.
I didn't look at the editorial yet, nor the "Time Dragon" article, but I really liked the Demonomicon article, especially the guidelines for creating demon lords (I wish I had these guidelines when I made Xvim's Mother for my campaign).
Manshoon's ring is pretty snazzy, and I liked the stats for Charon's Claw (definitely the right way to go making it a lesser artifact, and thus avoiding the "pricing trap.")
The Lolth article mentions her pre history as Araushnee and the Silence as well, continuing Paizo's trend of keeping things inclusive.
I have to say I enjoyed the final "Wizards Three" more than the one from the recent anniversary issue, which just felt like it was missing something, and not just Dalamar. This one felt a little more like the article of old, even without the crunchy bits, and I actually got a little choked up over Dalamar's return.
I really liked the CR 30 Tarrasque they put in the ecology article . . . essentially reinforcing that its a "scalable" legendary threat.
I liked the write up of Myth Drannor, and not only did it emphasize that the ruins aren't quite tame yet, but it reinforced that Malkzid was setting the stage for a while before he made his move, which I liked.
Interesting Anubis news in the "Forgotten Faiths" article, and its nice having some 3.5 information on Kanchelsis and The Queen of Air and Darkness.
I really liked the arcane feats that Monte Cook wrote up for "Class Acts." Many of them are kind of minor "wizard flourish" abilities that could come in handy once in a while, but really play on the RP side of things.
::Sigh:: but that's it now . . . its really over. The "Sopranos" reference, while funny annoys me nearly as much as the end of that series did. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 01:40:37
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
Adventurer: Body Modification, by James Lafond Sutter - This covers several non-magical surgical modifications you can make to yourself, such as embedding small weapons into yourself, making an internal pouch, or using your own flesh for a spellbook (though this takes the new Skincaster feat).
Anything regarding plastic/cosmetic surgery? |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 01:38:16
quote:
Originally posted by KnightErrantJR
I got mine in the mail today . . . I'm kind of hesitant to open it, but at the same time, I really want to dig into this.
I sooooo know how that feels... |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 15 Aug 2007 : 01:37:40
I'm looking forward to picking this up. I'm not keen at all on the reborn Myth Drannor stuff, but that's because of personal prejudice more than anything else.
The Greyhawk stuff sounds pretty fun (yes, I like that setting too).
quote:
Elminster vs. Raistlin, by Cam Banks, with Ed Greenwood and Margaret Weis - The powers and weaknesses of these two strongest mages are examined, as well as their tactics that they'd use to overcome each other. I won't reveal who the winner is, of course, but it's quite interesting to read about what they'd do in a duel.
With all due respect to the authors, this is actually a little too reminiscent of the X vs. Y threads that many people hate (myself included) for my liking... :-/ Duel tactics, interesting...X vs. Y, who wins? No. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 23:50:50
I got mine in the mail today . . . I'm kind of hesitant to open it, but at the same time, I really want to dig into this. |
| AlorinDawn |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 21:54:34
I excitedly purchase issue #92 (Bridge of Sarrow cover) way back when and have read every issue since.
I shall look with hope to the horizon for whatever replaces the Dragon, covet my collection like any good wyrm would, and salute the Dragon, for it has provided me with great joy over the years and it will not be forgotten. |
| KnightErrantJR |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 21:36:05
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Great. Wanted to hear more on all these (especially Mellifleur, Kanchelsis, and the Queen)... except Raxivort? Don't recall him.
God of Xvarts . . . hm . . . that kind of summed that up. |
| sleyvas |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 20:08:48
>>Divine: Forgotten Faiths, by F. Wesley Schneider - Presented here are six esoteric gods >>from the history of D&D: Ezra, The Guardian of Dead Gods, Kanchelsis, Mellifleur, The >>Queen of Air and Darkness, and Raxivort. Each has their divine level and alignment, >>several paragraphs of description, and a listing of their portfolio and domains.
Great. Wanted to hear more on all these (especially Mellifleur, Kanchelsis, and the Queen)... except Raxivort? Don't recall him.
>>The Wizards Three, by Ed Greenwood - Elminster, Mordenkainen, and Rautheene meet again at >>Ed's place, and for the first time in a while, Dalamar joins them! The four of them have >>a merry time while Ed himself hides and hopes he's not discovered (in other words, it's >>business as usual).
Aye, I'm glad to be seeing this one.
|
| freyar |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 18:16:45
I seem to recall some information on WotC's page and a discussion on EN World that the "slush pile" of queries has been killed due to the facts that it was too huge and that many people had resubmitted their queries to WotC anyway. But I'd agree that anything Ed wrote wouldn't be in the slush pile. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 16:00:47
quote:
Originally posted by Skeptic
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Maybe they'll end up being included in the "subscription-only" sections of the FR/D&D website, once the full revamp [Gleemax launch] of online RPG services from WotC is completed.
Do we know if all the unpublished material of Dragon/Dungeon is in WoTC hands ?
Both Paizo and WOTC said they got most of it, so yes it is. However, some of it is a slush pile but it still might be printed. I'm assuming Ed's material isn't in the slush pile. :) |
| Skeptic |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 14:58:01
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Maybe they'll end up being included in the "subscription-only" sections of the FR/D&D website, once the full revamp [Gleemax launch] of online RPG services from WotC is completed.
Do we know if all the unpublished material of Dragon/Dungeon is in WoTC hands ? |
| The Sage |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 07:02:02
Maybe they'll end up being included in the "subscription-only" sections of the FR/D&D website, once the full revamp [Gleemax launch] of online RPG services from WotC is completed. |
| Dargoth |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 06:41:17
The 54,000 dollar question is whats to become of Eds upublished City of Faerun article........... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 14 Aug 2007 : 06:18:30
Agreed.
And thanks Wooly. I'm interested in speculation about Her Serenity, for sure... because it's fun to speculate about such things, but I'd never actually plot anything for the Lady in an actual campaign. Part of the point of the Lady is that she is an enigmatic, emblematic being, a mysterious force beyond expectation and thus representative of the grander secrets of the Planescape setting. Defining her limits her, and in doing so makes the planes a little more mundane.
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