New May WotC cover art

[ShinHakkaider]

Guys, given the fact that the cover has been released, as has the official "blurb," I don't believe I'm overstepping myself when I say this is a core D&D book, not a Forgotten Realms book. While you will certainly recognize many details that are similar/identical to FR drow--since FR drow were based on core drow to begin with--you'll find differences as well.

I know, I noticed the the Core D&D logo on the cover but the fact that the use of the word Underdark came in with the FR campaign setting gave me pause. If it is meant to be a referenced as a non setting specific book I'll check it out.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

I Like everything in the picture but the figure. If it dident have boobs i would have thought it was a guy. The face is kindof dull and should have expressed more venom. I think the pose is also alittle stiff.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Thinking about how I -- as a guy who has never been paid more than a comp PDF copy of a D20 book as a wannabe designer -- would do this, I think I'd expand the influences dark elves are inspired by from spiders to all predators.

It'd keep them grounded in the natural world as elves are, but would broaden what sort of flavor they might have. They'd be more interested in "nature, red in tooth and claw" rather than holding hands and prancing around in the moonlight with their buddies.

If you go along with the (2E?) theory that sahuagin are as to aquatic elves as drow are to surface elves, this is arguably something that's already in place in D&D lore.

So you'd have dark elves with a tiger motif who slip out of the jungle on the darkest nights, riding tigers and slaughtering villagers in their huts -- and possibly even consuming them there on the spot.

You could have dark elves who ride through enormous underground cavens atop dire bats or dark elves with a cobra motif (confusing players who are expecting yuan-ti) and the like.

Or, you know, the actual paid professionals could come up with something even better.

 

[RichGreen]

Guys, given the fact that the cover has been released, as has the official "blurb," I don't believe I'm overstepping myself when I say this is a core D&D book, not a Forgotten Realms book. While you will certainly recognize many details that are similar/identical to FR drow--since FR drow were based on core drow to begin with--you'll find differences as well.

So, does this mean there will be some GDQ/Greyhawk references?

I used to like the drow right up until the disappointing Menzoberranzan boxed set with its terrible art and huge late-2e margins.

Cheers


Richard

 

[Mouseferatu]

Really can't say anymore about the content until the book's out, folks. Sorry.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

So, does this mean there will be some GDQ/Greyhawk references?

I would bet on seeing GH and FR houses given as examples for sure.

 

[Tharen the Damned]

But really, would Orcus be half as cool as he is if Kiaransalee hadn't offed him and thus paved the way for the brilliance that are The Great Modron March and Dead Gods?

You have it right NiTessine, his death and apothesis are what separetes him from two headed canines, overblown arachnids and dark skinned loverboys.

All Hail to Orcus!

 

[Nightfall]

Tharen,

Fine you support the guys that killed off Orcus. Me I support the guys that brought him back. But yeah I guess going from living Demon Prince to undead god had its moments.

I know where's she's hiding Tharen. Hordes of the Abyss showed us.


Rob,

I'm still getting you evil books even if this isn't one of them.

If Ari writes another Drow book it should be somewhere other than in Core D&D.

*will let Tharen and NiTessine spoil it for him to possibly make him reconsider*

 

[Greg V]

Mostly I was pleased that my name was first, until I realized it was alphabetical.

Dang you, Ari (and you too, Schwalb)!

And nope, not really much FR stuff at all (other than things that are true for drow in both FR and Core).

Look for a grittier feel to drow in this book more akin to the original EGG stuff, a la Erelhei-Cinlu instead of Menzo.

 

[Nightfall]

Thanks for letting me know about that Greg. Btw, what else can I buy with your name on it? (I think I have most of it...)