[poll] would you pay for a Dog20 pdf?

[Kahuna Burger]

So long ago (in a galaxy far away) a detailed guide to dog breeds in d20 terms was floated. As my writing time will be increasing dramaticly soon (a 45 minute commuter rail ride ten times a week better be good for something) I'm actually gearing up to get all the stuff out of may brain and on paper. But artwork might be a problem. I can't draw, and before I solicit help, I need to decide if this will be a for profit venture or not. So would you want such a guide and if so, would you pay for it?

 

[Holy Bovine]

I can't say that I personally would be interested in this. If I really needed info about dog breeds I would just pick up a magazine about them or a remaindered book at my local bookshop. But honestly I can't say that it has ever (or would ever) become important in a D&D game I've run or played in.

 

[WayneLigon]

I would wonder if in fact there was enough difference between dog breeds -- other than by class (working, toy, sport) -- to warrent stats for most breeds.

Now, a book dealing with dogs as companions, with feats, tricks, special breeds, monstrous versions of dogs, an examination of different kinds of Halfling Riding Dogs would be cool. New equipment, of course, and some nice magical items related to dogs. That, I might buy.

 

[Kahuna Burger]

[bump]

could those who are interested give feedback on what they are hoping to see?

Kahuna Burger

 

[Kahuna Burger]

I would wonder if in fact there was enough difference between dog breeds -- other than by class (working, toy, sport) -- to warrent stats for most breeds.

(joke ahead) Mockery of your lack of knowlege of the great variety of breeds and classes withheld cause if everyone knew it there wouldn't be any point to the pdf...

Now, a book dealing with dogs as companions, with feats, tricks, special breeds, monstrous versions of dogs, an examination of different kinds of Halfling Riding Dogs would be cool. New equipment, of course, and some nice magical items related to dogs. That, I might buy.

well of course you gotta have that... I'm considering dog 'classes' similar to those in that mounts book (had been considering it before that book even), a whole new breed for riding dogs, dire versions of many breeds, some equipment for riding dogs, maybe some prestige classes. But in terms of stat-able groups, I can come up with... 7 off the top of my head and I think I have more in notes somewhere. most of those will have sm med and lrg varieties, and thats before 'new' breeds like riding dogs, mage hunters, etc.

Kahuna Burger

 

[FungiMuncher]

A book purely on dog breeds? No, I don't think I would pay for just that.

However, one of the character concepts that I try occationally is a ranger who's a master of dogs. If you broadened the scope of the book to include such things and other topics related to the role of dogs in a fantasy campaign, sure, I'd pay for that.

FM

 

[Nifft]

Specific types of real-world dogs with stats and roles in society. Then, various magic levels and how they'd enhance those roles (and stats). Finally, some nifty tricks that a real-world dog and a magic-enhanced dog would be taught to perform in those roles.

-- Nifft

 

[FungiMuncher]

[bump]

could those who are interested give feedback on what they are hoping to see?

Kahuna Burger

Some things I'd like to see:

- a (brief) look at the history of dogs; the various roles they filled, a description of some unique breeds, etc. But especially, some historical accounts of amazing deeds accomplished by dogs (or at least attributed to them - doesn't have to be true for a fantasy game )

- a description of dog mentality (also brief). How they are different from other canines, especially wolves.

- A "Kennel Master" type of class, a variant of ranger or druid that has dog companions to good effect. Don't give me yet another prestige class unless it's truely prestigious. I really want a core class.

- A look at the established fantasy dogs - blink dogs, hell hounds, fairy dogs, etc.

- As WayneLegion said, new tricks, equipment, all that stuff!

FM

 

[RSKennan]

Hey Kahuna Burger;

It seems like you're trying to take what you know and write about it. It makes perfect sense, and I think with the right angle of attack it could work.

I think that a product such as this could have potential, but it might have to be expanded slightly in scope to reach a wider audience. Though I understand and personally appreciate the fact that dogs come in great variety, and have special capabilities based on breed, maybe a broader approach would have appeal to the everyman...

How about "A Breed Apart" or "Breeds" ; a study of all canine monsters from the SRD-- you could get into the different breeds as much as you want to, and show what effect crossbreeding that specific type of dog with say, a blink dog would have. What about a terrier/gnoll crossbreed etc? Or Doberman Archons? What effects might this change have on their psychology, physiology and abilities? Interspersed with this info would be everything you've mentioned, which would feel like a bonus to the reader.

The main problem with this appraoch would be your own suspension of disbelief and feeling like you're taking the subject too lightly, but the payoff in readers would mean that you could get the real information on these breeds out to more people.

 

[Chun-tzu]

But artwork might be a problem. I can't draw, and before I solicit help, I need to decide if this will be a for profit venture or not.

I wonder if photos might be useful for this kind of PDF. It would be useful for the "breeds of dogs" section, and much easier to get than illustrated work. Of course, the other sections would probably need an artist.