Dragon 400: Born of Shadow Themes

[Saracenus]

Matt James has some more themes for ya all (behind the paywall):
Born from Shadow

There are two themes:

• Student of Evard
• Gloomwrought Emissary

The Student of Evard has access to one of his grimoires and the powers of the theme are attained by study of it and other documents of the shadowy mage.

The Gloomwrought Emissary gains their alternate theme powers from being a citizen of the city of Gloomwrought and that city produces some shady folk.

All in all, a good addition to the themes that we got in Dragon 399.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

An article connected to necromancy spells the resurrection of rituals... how fitting

 

[Incenjucar]

I like them. Their level 5 and 10 abilities are interesting, narrow enough to be reasonable and flavorful, and don't break anything, while providing some interesting possibilities. Bravo. Too bad Strike from Shadows doesn't work for the Vampire's attacks though. They really need to give them a decent weapon option.

 

[Dannager]

Oh look. A ritual. Post-Essentials. Huh.

Also, WotC probably ought to give Matt more projects.

 

[Colmarr]

Oh look. A ritual. Post-Essentials. Huh.

Assuming this is a shot at the Essentials naysayers, I feel compelled to throw Aristotle back at you:

"One [ritual] does not a [resurgence] make".

 

[Matt James]

Thanks for the praise, guys! I am very pleased with how it all turned out in the end.

 

[Aegeri]

An article with two themes and I don't have to house rule either of them! They are good as well! Huzzah!

 

[Matt James]

An article with two themes and I don't have to house rule either of them! They are good as well! Huzzah!

I can't give you XP so you will just have to settle for an interweb high-five.

 

[Mengu]

I like them, though a bit disappointed there's nothing for a ranged implement user. The "adjacent target" and "melee or ranged weapon" restrictions seem a bit random. But maybe my ranged warlock and sorcerer are just jealous.

Favorite bits - I like that you can dodge the self inflicted damage of Essence of Death with necro resist. Last Sight Vision is a great tool for DM and PC. Like the weakening on Strike from the Shadows, I think it's an underrated condition, and fantastic against elites and solos. Love Ghostwalker, while it's good for escape as the fluff suggests, it's even better for getting in the thick of things.

Not so favorite bits - nothing.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Unlike the previous article on themes, at least this one acknowledges that certain classes like the Invoker do exist.