Dragon #354

[kenmarable]

So are the modrons that followed the "Rogue" Secundus also Rogue Modrons now? Are they LN(E) or still "pure" LN?

I don't specifically address their alignment, mostly because there's a whole lot of them. But I would say that yes, they are rogue since they no longer follow Primus' orders. However, there are so many of them that they can't just be hunted down and destroyed like the ordinary stray rogue modron. It remains to be seen how the heirarchy handles the situation.

With their alignment, I'd say some are definitely LE, but most are probably still LN - at least for now. With the way modron orders pass through the chain of command, all the lower ranks know is that the rank above them ordered them to leave. They have little to no clue about the secundi and their fight over succession. I'm not sure if it made print (or made print intact), but I did have a feat that I would see many of the Dark Modrons having. Part of that feat gave them the Evil subtype. But over time, I can see an interesting struggle even among those who left between those who are innately still lawful, and those who have been thoroughly tainted. Not to mention that any rogue that is destroyed returns to the energy pool. So without a new source of energy, the dark modrons are destined to decrease in number. Some fun plot potentials there.

Okay. *makes note not to screw around with Ken's adventure, and let the man have his own free reign*

Yeah, that's the "more recent work in Dragon that I can't talk about" I mentioned when I applied to write for Burning Sky. But believe me, just because I wrote the modron article doesn't mean I no longer need a good editor!!

Yes, I have to say to Ken Marable, beautiful job on the new events with the Modrons. Very wonderful way of spicing up the multiverse. I can't wait to unleash modron drama on my PCs!

Thanks. My hope was to do more than just "here's their stats for 3.5". I also tried to give the duodrones and tridrones in particular some interesting features to spice them up in particular.

I'm sure some people will find it utterly absurd, and others (hopefully) find it pretty cool, but much of the new history I provided was inspired by the phrase "dark modrons" that popped into my head years ago. If you do use them, I'd be interested in hearing how the campaign goes.

To heck with modrons. That Elder article sounds like twelve kinds of awesome.

Agreed! I have too many (N)PC ideas already, but that concept alone just drips with really fun potential. I'm even more eager to get my copy now!

The fact that there are also modrons is merely gravy on the icing.

Um... yum??

 

[Jer]

Ken -

So with all those terms being overlapped, I just settled on:
-- True Modron (or just Modron) - standard fellas still part of the hierarchy
-- Rogue Modron - same stats as true modrons, but with a little to a lot of non-Lawful Neutralness in them. These are the ones hunted down and destroyed as quickly as possible.
-- Exiled Modron - A version more playable as a PC, and close to what 2e had as a playable race. These are the ones who are formally expelled.

Was it your intention that the modrons that marched off to Acheron with the rogue secundus be considered Rogue Modrons too, or would you consider them regular modrons "just following orders". I know how I am going to run with it, but I'm curious about your intent. (I love the backstory on this, by the way, and since my players are just getting to the level where they're ready to do some Outer Planar exploration, a massive Modron War is going to be incorporated into my campaign soon).

I loved the article as a whole - I hope that Dragon gives us a sequel with some of the rest of the modrons too. And I hope we don't have to wait until next April to get it

 

[Shemeska]

II'm sure some people will find it utterly absurd, and others (hopefully) find it pretty cool, but much of the new history I provided was inspired by the phrase "dark modrons" that popped into my head years ago. If you do use them, I'd be interested in hearing how the campaign goes.

I remember you talking about them a few years ago.

And I used your "dark modrons" as well actually. Way back before Dragon 354 they were one of the major inspirations I had for a page or so long story snippet, Twisted Logic and Rogue Modrons, that along with a general loathing I had for formians at the time. I did that back in '04, and it was done on the fly as a forum post, so pardon its quality.

 

[Razz]

I loved the article as a whole - I hope that Dragon gives us a sequel with some of the rest of the modrons too. And I hope we don't have to wait until next April to get it

That's too scary to think about.

 

[Ripzerai]

As interesting as it is to explore how the modrons were corrupted by Orcus, I think it's just as interesting to think about how Orcus was corrupted by the modrons.

 

[PrinceXaxor]

There can be only one!

(It took that long?)

Guess I'll have to get this from Paizo directly.

 

[Alzrius]

Ok, either we are getting a golem made of holy scripture OR we are getting a golem made of canons.

There's a difference between a cannon and canon.

 

[jasin]

Could anyone who has this issue give me some info on the elemental ninja crunch in the class acts? Please and thank you!

I could...

The Complete Adventurer ninja is a Wind ninja: he can become invisible and later insubstantial, like the wind. The article offers alternatives to ghost step for Fire, Earth and Water ninjas, flavoured by the appropriate element, but still intented to help the ninja get the drop on their opponents in order to use sudden strike.

 

[Shazman]

I could...

The Complete Adventurer ninja is a Wind ninja: he can become invisible and later insubstantial, like the wind. The article offers alternatives to ghost step for Fire, Earth and Water ninjas, flavoured by the appropriate element, but still intented to help the ninja get the drop on their opponents in order to use sudden strike.

That's interesting. Could you give me more specifics on how each of these elements change their ki power abilities? I hate to be a bother, but it will probably be a while before I get this issue, and I'm chomping at the bit for more ninja info. Thanks!

 

[Razz]

Question about the modrons in the article. Are they now Constructs or Living Constructs? I am assuming Constructs because of the way the Tertian was revamped in Dungeon #144, though I would have to say it'd make more sense to have had them as Living Constructs.