AU - first impressions?

[Dr. Strangemonkey]

there was a big discussion of psionics on AU versus normal DnD psionics.

The basic difference that AU will introduce if you want to use AU magic and DnD psionics is that characters that are basically magic characters will have a fairly open ability to use psionics or psionic themed stuff.

The person who started this discussion was playing in a setting where the difference between psioncs and magic was very important so he was relatively unhappy with this.

But me, I like the way the psionics feat works a great deal.

My copy of AU hasn't come yet- curse You local lazy FedEx deliverymen, It's a two day package, Two Day!!!!- but I am really looking forward to seeing one of my players look over it.

I plan on unveiling the book to him seperately from everyone else, just because he is going to have at least four distnict moments of absolutely ecstatic surprise and delight as he thumbs through the book, and I want him to appreciate this on his own.

While I play his copy of Knights of the old Republic, another thing that is having trouble making its way to my town....

 

[anonystu]

warning: campaign ideas ahead, ignore if it's not your thing, (mods: I don't intend the sidetrack the discussion, just answering a question, but if you want me to edit this out, just give the word)

You play a verrik because it interested my player, and so we developed a little bit of history: the verrik didn't resist particularly strongly when the giants started "caretaking" the land, but asked that the sites which were holy to their worship of the earth be left pristine.

The Order of Magisters (a mostly human organization aiding the giants) were having none of this: they built their schools directly on top of these sites, finding they made very good places to conduct research on. The verrik started to resist, and for their troubles, now all verrik must, at early adolescence, register their truename with the school at the closest city to where they are, and then get a small mark branded onto their necks to indicate that they have registered. It is notable that all verrik have to do this (because of both a grudge with their magisters, and their distrust of the innate power verrik witchery wields), while only those with notable magical power have to register for other races.

That said, while the Order of Magisters would rather wipe them off the earth (after a few experiments, of course), the Giants keep a number of them as valued servants (and trusted because their truenames are held), serving in this particular case, as telepaths within the judicial system.

 

[TiQuinn]

This book completely meets my expectations.

Thats why I am not buying it. It is too far from what I like and what I expect. Some of the stuff in there is just brilliant. The classes especially. But I will never use them. Right now I am trying to get to the point where I have less books to reference at the table, and since the book is sar far in left field I feel I would have to do more work to make sure everything fits with it.

I look at this work as a collector of Baroque art would look at a Picasso. I can appreciate the talent and the mastery and I can acknowledge that the work is a good one. But I will never buy it.

Aaron.

I have to admit that as much as I dig this book so far, I wouldn't want to try and incorporate it into a 3.0/3.5 game. I'd probably want to just play an AU campaign itself rather than try and use bits and pieces. Just my initial thought.

 

[Desdichado]

Being in the middle of DMing a F. Realms game, and playing a variant Spelljammer setting with another DM, AND being tempted by the Savage Worlds game, I have more games than time. Sad, but true.

It's a much better problem to have than the reverse, though, isn't it?

 

[Desdichado]

How much setting is implied with this book? Can you run a Diamond Throne (or something that sorta resembles it) with this book, or do you really need the campaign setting?

 

[Tuerny]

How much setting is implied with this book? Can you run a Diamond Throne (or something that sorta resembles it) with this book, or do you really need the campaign setting?

You really need the campaign setting.

There is about as much setting material in it as there was in the PHB.

Of course with two modules coming out, you can probably use those to keep you busy until the campaign setting arrives.

 

[thedangerranger]

I don't think there is enough world specific tidbits to know geography, politics or really anything world specific.
I'd have the PC's start in a largely human small city and just add it to the map after the fact when the Diamond throne stuff comes out.

 

[anonystu]

While there is no political, geographical, historical data, there is much more of an implied feel. It's not mandatory, but it's more there.

You see this most notably in the races: the PHB is rather vague on how the cultures work and interact, but AU gives you a stronger feel. It's not: "Litorians act this way towards race Y." but the races are closer knit.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

nt

 

[JacktheRabbit]

nt