Dragon #357

[Shemeska]

Just got my copy in the mail today, and despite being dead tired after having spent 12 hours at work today, this latest issue has my attention. So as not to steal Alzrius's thunder, I won't give a full rundown on the issue, but I'll mention what has snagged my attention for the moment.

Demonomicon: Demogorgon - *drool* Demogorgon's origin now rounds out the big 3 of the Abyss in terms of the ways that tanar'ri can form: Grazzt was born of Pale Night, Orcus began as a mortal petitioner, and Demogorgon appears to have been formed spontaneously by the Abyss when larvae/petitioners first began to appear in the Abyss from the deaths of mortals on the prime material (and he might have actually been the first tanar'ri to form that way).

Ecology of the Titan - haven't read it in much depth yet, but it seems interesting. However there's no mention of the greek pantheon even though d&d's titans of carceri (including cronus who gets a stat block) mentioned in the article are the same titans who birthed the greek gods. Still, while it's unfortunate and a bit puzzling that it doesn't incorporate that lore, it's a nice origin myth to use if you're only using the Grayhawk pantheon and not the wider multiverse that includes the greek gods, etc.

Savage Tidings: *fiendgasm* Eric L Boyd follows up on his portion of the AP in Dungeon with a trio of vestiges for some more abyssal lords locked in the Wells of Darkness. Astaroth, Ansitif, and Cabiri are covered and there are mentions of Gargauth, the Fraternity of Order, and gobs of other little treasures, including this little gem:

As Cabiri explored the depths of the Abyss, it is believed that he discovered some of the truth behind the creation of the Obyrith race, a discovery that compelled him to resurface and seek out the obscure fiends known as the baernaloths.

 

[Alzrius]

So as not to steal Alzrius's thunder, I won't give a full rundown on the issue

Yeah, but now I can't start on a new thread on it. You just never miss an opportunity to steal the joy from my life, do you?

 

[PrinceXaxor]

Yeah, I thought you'd get a kick out of the mention of the baernaloths Shemeska.

Good issue, but I could have done without the gardening article.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Ecology of the Titan

OooOOoo, now THIS is what has struck my interest. Titans have been, in my opinion, severely underutilized throughout D&D's history. I look forward to this article more than any other. Did they provide an example of an advanced Titan or Titans?

 

[deClench]

O.M.G. You guys are killing me! Is someone going to spill on the contents?

 

[Beckett]

I was pretty surprised to see it this close after the latest Dungeon. Highlight for me is Demonomicon- Demogorgon. 33CR of badness. Being one of his thralls is tempting, what with Dual Actions as a supernatural ability at 4th level.

Looks like the comics are all getting ready to wrap up.

Next month is looking pretty good: St. Cuthbert, The Master's Forge (article by Rodney Thompson on making masterwork items), and Checkmate- six new monsters based on those awesome chess covers from the 80s.

 

[Razz]

Someone spill the contents already!

I'd like to know more details on what's in it, especially Demonomicon. Class Acts and Volo's Guide are the others I'd like to know more about.

 

[Vascant]

Demonomicon: Demogorgon
This could perhaps be one of the better done as far as history/background and stat block. I also think D.'s stats finally fit his position. When compared to previous articles, this one is a bit short and missing some pieces, makes me wonder if D will be receive additional material in Dungeon so why duplicate pages or the author missed a few steps.

Class Act: Adventure - Dirty Priests and Holy Thieves, kind of boring some may be into this, 4 new feats and 5 new Skill Tricks

Class Act: Arcane - Transversed Arcana, 5 new class abilities to replace either the familiar or scribe scroll.

Class Act: Divine - Plant Companions, enough said...(I haven't been bored enough to read this and probably never will be)

Class Act: Warrior - Monk Guide, everything and ever chart you could ever want dealing with a monk. No more skipping over countless pages, could be very handy if playing a monk.

Volo's Guide: Even though I am a Greyhawk person, this series is always a good read. Today Volo captures our attention with Sememmon and Ashemmi (Full stat blocks are included). The guide talks about their love for each other, escaping Manshoon's grasp and their dealings with the Moonstars.

Dragonmarks: While I do not care for Eberron as a setting, there have been some interesting bits and pieces; artifact spells and living spells are some of the better reads. Now living spells has been enhanced with a new prestige class Spell Sovereign. (Note, like many I think there are to many Prestige Classes however I love them when they actually relate to something other then page count.)

 

[Razz]

Demonomicon: Demogorgon
This could perhaps be one of the better done as far as history/background and stat block. I also think D.'s stats finally fit his position. When compared to previous articles, this one is a bit short and missing some pieces, makes me wonder if D will be receive additional material in Dungeon so why duplicate pages or the author missed a few steps.

Can't wait for this one!

Class Act: Adventure - Dirty Priests and Holy Thieves, kind of boring some may be into this, 4 new feats and 5 new Skill Tricks

Finally, some new feats in Class Acts already...and new Skill Tricks!

Class Act: Arcane - Transversed Arcana, 5 new class abilities to replace either the familiar or scribe scroll.

I never liked Alternate Class Features, but I see why it's popular and I do allow them in my games. It really does help out with multiclassed characters who end up with similar abilities and want to switch (Barbarian/Rogue with uncanny dodge, for example)

Class Act: Divine - Plant Companions, enough said...(I haven't been bored enough to read this and probably never will be)

This is interesting...they haven't even done an Epic Feat like this either (one Epic Feat allows a Magical Beast as an animal companion). Now Druids can be more...druidic!

Class Act: Warrior - Monk Guide, everything and ever chart you could ever want dealing with a monk. No more skipping over countless pages, could be very handy if playing a monk.

I always thought the "guide to" thing was silly. Sucks to see this thing continue until the end of the subscription.

Volo's Guide: Even though I am a Greyhawk person, this series is always a good read. Today Volo captures our attention with Sememmon and Ashemmi (Full stat blocks are included). The guide talks about their love for each other, escaping Manshoon's grasp and their dealings with the Moonstars.

I've been wondering what's going on with those two, that article should be a nice read.

Dragonmarks: While I do not care for Eberron as a setting, there have been some interesting bits and pieces; artifact spells and living spells are some of the better reads. Now living spells has been enhanced with a new prestige class Spell Sovereign. (Note, like many I think there are to many Prestige Classes however I love them when they actually relate to something other then page count.)

I love Eberron, but don't have time to really enjoy it as a Player or DM since I have my hands full with my FR game. I love new prestige classes, the more the better. So it's a prestige class for Living Spells? I thought Living Spells don't have intelligence, how can they gain levels?

 

[Vascant]

So it's a prestige class for Living Spells? I thought Living Spells don't have intelligence, how can they gain levels?

Prestige Class for arcane spell casters that can create living spells for a limited time, also has some special features dealing with living spells. In some ways kind of a specialized summoner. Interesting enough where I created the NPC Designer script for it last night so I can use it in my game, it fits perfectly for an up coming session.