Goodman Games to publish the Morningstar Hardcover... My first book!

[RSKennan]

Um, is the new magic system gonna be so far removed that I can't use it with normal D&D? I like being able to use Relic and Rituals 1 & 2.

On a more serious note, the magic system is not entirely new. The spells and the way they are cast is the same as you're used to, but certain areas make a certain type more or less powerful. I'm trying to make it as seamless as possible. I'm also pretty sure that the way I handle this would jibe well with any alternate magic systems that you may use, such as Elements of Magic, though I haven't seen it yet, so I can't be positive.

Enhanced magics are called "signature magics" and hindered magics are called "countersignature magics" The overall level of magic remains strong, and for every signature there is an equal and opposite countersignature. The combined signature/countersignature pair is called an area's "spectrum". Signature and countersignature do not always fall as you would expect, and each signature is a separate unit which may be paired with any other countersignature to further define an area.

These places of power explain why the ancient cultures have not fallen, because if you control or create one, they empower you and often hinder your enemies. Certain places gain a reputation for certain types of magic, such as divination, elemental etc. They help to define atmosphere and theme for an adventure if you want to use them.

The world has not been taken over by them, however, because when one gets too powerful it risks being destroyed by a "Rage Storm" whereby the area's Spectrum is balanced once again.

Hope that clears a few things up.
-Scott

(edit: typos)

 

[blackshirt5]

It does clear it up for me. A lot. Thank you.

When did you say this comes out(I'm a setting slut, I can't wait to pick this up now).

 

[RSKennan]

"June-ish" is the best I can say. Any other questions?

 

[blackshirt5]

Yes. Will you include a feat that allows you to cause critical hits on plants with a herring, just to appease me?

 

[RSKennan]

Herring would be unbalancing. Imagine the damage a 3444th level dual-weilding half space hamster PC with vorpal flaming herrings instead of the usual +98 carp would do in a single round. I bet you never thought of that.

 

[blackshirt5]

Herring would be unbalancing. Imagine the damage a 3444th level dual-weilding half space hamster PC with vorpal flaming herrings instead of the usual +98 carp would do in a single round. I bet you never thought of that.

Ha. Shows what you know. I already took into account that possibility, which in itself is negated by the Vorpal Crystal Bluefish vs. Beast of Caerbannog scenario.

Loser.

 

[Mark CMG]

Congrats RSKennan!

 

[Krug]

Saw it in this month's issue of Previews.. almost there!

 

[JoeGKushner]

So now that we're getting a little closer, do we have a better idea of what the format is going to be like?

For example, will it take advantage of the Complete series? i.e. Wererat socieites, treants, etc...? One of the things I didn't like about the Rat King module is that it didn't use the Complete Guide to Wererats anywhere! From the same company no less.

Any weird or different things done with prestige classes? For example, prestige races, fighting schools, guilds or legendary classes?

 

[RSKennan]

So now that we're getting a little closer, do we have a better idea of what the format is going to be like?

For example, will it take advantage of the Complete series? i.e. Wererat socieites, treants, etc...? One of the things I didn't like about the Rat King module is that it didn't use the Complete Guide to Wererats anywhere! From the same company no less.

Any weird or different things done with prestige classes? For example, prestige races, fighting schools, guilds or legendary classes?

The Chapters are;
I. Age of Majesty: An Introduction to Thraxis
II. Heroes of Morningstar: The Characters
III. Mystic Forces: Magic
IV. Of Nine Empires: An overview
V. [Snappy Title Pending]: Brendir
VI. Gods and Men: Faith
VII. The Canticle: Adventures
VIII. [Snappy Title Pending]: Factions
IX. [Snappy Title Pending]: Monsters

Regarding tie-ins:
Morningstar is designed to allow freedom of choice. For example, I present a version of an artificer, but if you like another publisher's better, it wouldn't be much trouble to use theirs instead. I've also kept certain specific products from Goodman Games in mind while I was working on certain sections. For example, Dopplegangers from The Complete Book of Dopplegangers would fit right in, but nowhere are they necessary for the world to make sense. There are plenty of niches that I've placed for any new elements you want to bring to the table, but I must confess, the amount of new original material I had to fit in left little room for specific inclusion of these elements. The hints are there though, for anyone to find. Perhaps a free web enhancement is in order to specifically place certain other Goodman Games D20 books within the context of Thraxis?

For this first book, prestige classes are handled in the conventional way (I'm pretty proud of how they turned out), however; powerful subraces of elves and dwarves are by default treated as five-level classes, which can multiclass in and out of their racial class. I felt this was the best way to present such powerful races while still maintaining balance.
An ECL is also listed for D20 purists. This decision predates my knowledge of Savage Species, and harkens back to the original D&D game.

That's it for now; I just got off of third shift, and need some rest. Thanks a lot to all of you, and I'll answer any other questions when I get up.