[AU] Introducing the Council of Magisters

[BlackMoria]

Greeting, All.

Monte has just made the important announcement concerning the formation of the Council of Magisters.

Link here Council of Magisters Announcement

So, who are we?

The others will introduce themselves in due time. I am Del Shand a.k.a BlackMoria. I have been a DM/Player since 1975, and an ENWorlder since before the release of 3E. I have been a playtester for Malhavoc Press since Monte started using external playtesters. I am honored that Monte asked me to be a member for the Council.

So, what does the Council of Magisters do?

The Council has number of roles. Our main 'mandate' is to assist Monte with the 'Fanbase' aspects of AU, allowing him to focus on design, content and the business aspect.

As such, the Council of Magisters are fans just like you. And our job is to make your experiences with AU when it is released the very best.

Just a small amount of what is being planned.

A official website in the near future. Done by fans. Supported by fans. That's right. We want you - your ideas, your suggestions, your articles, your fiction. In short, the website will be shaped and evolved by the desires and wishes of the AU fanbase. Beside content from Monte himself, there is going to be articles and the like from the Council of Magisters. And articles from the fans themselves that are approved. When the diamondthrone website goes live, we will make a big announcement. We look forward to your input and your ideas.

A 'Volunteer' program - where people like yourself can volunteer to run AU gameplay demos and events at conventions. Volunteers can earn credits with Malhavoc Press for products for helping 'spread the word' concerning AU. The Council of Magisters is developing a 'demo kit'. When we are ready, we will make an announcement both on the official site and on the EN boards. Stay tuned....

The Council of Magister will approve fan sites who want to run AU based content and who want to have links on the official sites.

The Council will be the 'questions and answer' people for questions concerning AU and the Diamond Throne. You can still ask Monte directly on this message boards but you are more likely to get a quick answer from member of the Council, given how busy Monte is going to be.

There is going to be contests as well. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements.

And far more..... I could go on and on but you will hear about more of the Council of Magisters initatives in the near future.

If you want to contact the Council directly, we have an email account at councilofmagisters@yahoo.com

If you want more information about some of the Council's activities and initatives; or you just want to contribute ideas on what you want to see the Council do on your behalf, let us know. If you do contact us, allow for some delay in response. We are just three people and we are still finalizing details on a number of things.

The floor is open..... what do you want to Council to do or undetake to make your AU experience the best?

 

[BlackMoria]

Could I impose upon a moderator to sticky this announcement (it is sinking fast with the message traffic) to the top of the thread list for a bit. That way, no one will miss it in the clutter.

My thanks if this is possible.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

I'll at least bump it by saying its nice to see such customer support. And AU is the game I'm waiting for, sure I'll get 3.5 but AU is what I really want.

 

[EricNoah]

The Council of Magisters created an AU combat example potential fans will want to check out.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

very cool but I wanted a different end to the story.

 

[Foundry of Decay]

That combat example is enough to make me cry. The last time I wanted a Game book this bad was back when 3e was slated to be released.

I *love* the non static way that casting on the defensive is handled in the example. I believe currently you have to roll a concentration check DC20, but I'll be adopting the AU way of doing that immediately.

As for what can be done by the council to make the AU/Diamond throne experience the best, I have to say that I'm already pleased to hear what will be coming out, so I can't offer up any other suggestions.

Perhaps more examples like the combat examples now and then would be good.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

currently its 10 or 15 +spell level for concentration. AB+ spell level makes the difficulty scale fairly well with your level. I give it a big thimbs up.

I like AB or BAB+ a certain number for tumble as well (so hopefully we'll see that chane here as well)over a static number. What I don't like are the reflex saves or whatnot to respond. So seriosuly kudos for the concentration rules here in AU.(especially since according to shadowstar tumble is still static in 3.5 so I suppose concentration still is as well in 3.5)

 

[coyote6]

The combat example was nice.

Notice the mention of a "Sneak" skill, and not separate Hide & Move Silently -- I kind of like that. There are very few characters that buy up one but not the other.

 

[Shard O'Glase]

I had totally missed that, yet another thumbs up. But why then separate spot and listen, shouldn't it just be perception.

 

[BlackMoria]

Glad you like the combat example. There will be more coming in the very near future.

I meant what I said about people eager for AU having a say and influence with the Council. That firmly in mind, what would you like to see for a combat or situational example showcasing the mechanic or concept from AU?

Let me know and the Council will try to make it happen, keeping in mind we can't spill the whole beans due to some NDA considerations (at least until GenCon when the AU is released).