[APG] Dragon's Hoard Issue One Preview

[Jraynack]

Welcome to the first issue of Dragon's Hoard, the Alea Publishing Group's newsletter with perks!

In this issue Players and Game Masters will enjoy:

• An update to the Noble multiclass character featured in Feudal Characters: Noble. Please Note: You do not need to purchase this product for the update - it is included in the preview below.
• A preview of our product Feudal Characters: Possessed. This features all that you need to get started making a possessed character until its release with 7 new powers up to level 6, including metamorphosis powers and the Infernal power source. Plus, these powers have a little something special for Warlocks with the infernal pact.
• Be a part of our playtest crew by pouring over our new rules for noble titles. We included 5 noble titles to start your path toward being a king!
• 3 new paragon paths: Ancestral Knight, Dark Champion, and Knight of the Dawn.
• Feudal Obligations: Will you ally yourself with House Caitiff? These new rules explore allegiances with noble families or other organizations. House Caitiff is featured in this issue with new bloodline powers, quests rewards, and an at-will power for joining her cause.
• 24 new powers in all.
• Finally, two maps of the city of Caldor for use in your homebrewed or Feudal Lords Campaign setting.

[raptor112]

I just bought it a day or two ago and While I haven't gotten to give it an in depth look, I like what I saw for the most part. I do have one concern with the possessed multiclass feat, under the benifit for taking the main feat, one of your choices is Hedge magic. It seems WAY too powerful, the ability to do a fast cast of a ritual, without components, book, scroll or even the feat nor does it give a level limit on what level you can cast...I know its only a preview but it just seemed wrong. I do love the concept behind it though.

[Jraynack]

Originally Posted by raptor112

I just bought it a day or two ago and While I haven't gotten to give it an in depth look, I like what I saw for the most part. I do have one concern with the possessed multiclass feat, under the benifit for taking the main feat, one of your choices is Hedge magic. It seems WAY too powerful, the ability to do a fast cast of a ritual, without components, book, scroll or even the feat nor does it give a level limit on what level you can cast...I know its only a preview but it just seemed wrong. I do love the concept behind it though.

It is one of the reasons we decided to give a little sneak preview - to hear what you and others have to say before its final release. However, you are slightly mistaken. They still need components to cast a ritual, reach a milestone, and spend an action point, but I believe the final version will have a few more restrictions.

Thanks for your comment and happy gaming.

[Stogoe]

I just picked DH#1, as well, and I have to say I'm in love. The Noble Titles and Feudal Obligations are wonderful, and I'm desperate for more Commands - the idea tantalizes me with its, well, deliciousness. Once you see how it works it's obvious that it's a great way to implement followers - hijacking the ritual system for commands to followers is sheer elegance in its simplicity. I would also love to see more Obligations in the vein of House Caitiff. Two nitpicks about the Benefit, though; giving dagger proficiency seems needless as all classes already have it. Second, as there aren't any at-will attacks higher than 1st level, there's no way to replace a higher at-will attack power with Caitiff Shadow Strike. On the whole, though, it's a work of beauty. I haven't dug through the Possessed or the Paragon Paths in much detail yet, but I'm excited by what I've seen so far.

[Jraynack]

Originally Posted by Stogoe

Two nitpicks about the Benefit, though; giving dagger proficiency seems needless as all classes already have it. Second, as there aren't any at-will attacks higher than 1st level, there's no way to replace a higher at-will attack power with Caitiff Shadow Strike.

Thanks for the comment - the dagger does seems needless since I am sure future classes will have access as well (I don't know how that slipped through, but it's easily fixable). Another good point with the at-will attack power - I was thinking along the lines gaining it beyond 1st level by using the Retraining rules. I will have to modify the explanation of the rules as well so players are able to do that.

My editor and I really didn't check the rules on that one - but I will post an update ASAP (it is one of the problems of having the rules since June is that you can't assume anything and must triple check everything).

On commands - it is the last part of the Feudal Lords Player's guide I am working on. It is definitely the direction I am going. I am looking to create rules that are symbiotic. In this case, commands, royal titles, and the noble class will work nicely together should players choose to take that route. But, there will still be nice rewards for being a peasant as well (we can't let the nobles have all the fun ).

Thanks again and hope you enjoy the rest - Happy Gaming.

[raptor112]

I didn't realize they still needed the components, but it still seems a little over powered, there is an epic level ring in the adventures vault that cuts down casting time (and admitiedly cost too) in half...and its a 24th or 26 level item (I can't recall which since I don't have the book in front of me) and something like hedge magic you can get out of the gate, by taking the feat at first level. I don't want you to think I don't like the product, in fact I'm looking forward to the final product, I really the concept behind the possessed multiclass.

[Stogoe]

Originally Posted by Jraynack

Another good point with the at-will attack power - I was thinking along the lines gaining it beyond 1st level by using the Retraining rules. I will have to modify the explanation of the rules as well so players are able to do that.

That makes perfect sense. I'm looking forward to the Players Guide thanks to the previews - especially the Obligations and Commands.

[Jraynack]

Originally Posted by raptor112

I don't want you to think I don't like the product, in fact I'm looking forward to the final product, I really the concept behind the possessed multiclass.

Nothing of the kind - after looking at it a bit, we decided to adjust it to once per day, after at least one milestone is reached, cost an action point, still need components, and limited to only arcane rituals.

Note: besides the exceptions listed under hedge magic, characters still need follow the rules for the rituals - this means level limits (a 6th level character still can't cast a 7th or higher level ritual).

[Jraynack]

Originally Posted by Stogoe

That makes perfect sense. I'm looking forward to the Players Guide thanks to the previews - especially the Obligations and Commands.

No prob - the tricky thing is that "Retraining" is not in the GSL, therefore we cannot reference it . But I am sure we can work around it.

[raptor112]

Originally Posted by Jraynack

Nothing of the kind - after looking at it a bit, we decided to adjust it to once per day, after at least one milestone is reached, cost an action point, still need components, and limited to only arcane rituals..

Might I also sugest having the ritural caster feat as well, there are plenty of classes that get it for free, so that shouldn't be a problem.

[Jraynack]

Originally Posted by raptor112

Might I also sugest having the ritural caster feat as well, there are plenty of classes that get it for free, so that shouldn't be a problem.

That is a solid suggestion.

[Stogoe]

Still, Hedge Magic runs up against the same problem as 3.x Polymorph - every new supplement adds versatility to the ability. Maybe requiring that you select a specific Ritual (subject to retraining) would be enough. I don't know.

[raptor112]

Any chance we can get a heads up when issue 2 is coming out? Also do you guys have a time table on when the Feudal Lords PDF is going to be released? I am really looking forward to both, especially to see how hedge magic works now.

[Jraynack]

Originally Posted by raptor112

Any chance we can get a heads up when issue 2 is coming out? Also do you guys have a time table on when the Feudal Lords PDF is going to be released? I am really looking forward to both, especially to see how hedge magic works now.

Issue 2 is on the backburner until the Possessed Multiclass and the Feudal Lord's Player's Guide.

As stated in editorial, Dragon Hoard issue's will be sporatic - but hedge magic will appear in the final release of the Possessed Multiclass (which should be soon).

I am still hoping for a January release, but the holidays are getting the better of me. There is always last minute, innovative details to set us apart from other setting books, but are time consuming. In the end, its make for a better product.

[Arawn76]

I hope your still on schedule?

[Jraynack]

Originally Posted by Arawn76

I hope your still on schedule?

The holidays waylayed me (along with some personal issues - nothing serious), but I am aiming to get a lot accomplished in the next two weeks.