Races and Classes--I has it!

[Sir Sebastian Hardin]

Can we get a Hi resolution version of the mini? I can barely see anything.

 

[Xethreau]

People seem to go "Wow, this thread has made me want to get the book". I'm honestly curious how this thread is different from the other preview threads - I didn't see any of the about-face in the other threads.

For me, its the realization that there is more flavor to that book than what has been posted already.

 

[IronWhim]

Tolkienesque.

Elves being taller also moves them more into the Sidhe of legends rather than the weird, not-very-elfy elves we've had for so long.

 

[Zurai]

Elves being taller also moves them more into the Sidhe of legends rather than the weird, not-very-elfy elves we've had for so long.

Yep. I get the picture they're aiming more for the Sidhe than the Sindar (at least for Eladrin), for which they'll get eternal love from me if they can pull it off. The Sidhe are one of my favorite mythologies.

 

[Scott_Rouse]

For goodness sake man! Step behind a screen the next time you change clothes!

Seriously though - thanks Scott for giving us our first picture of a dragonborn (the mini) and your various responses in this thread. Much appreciated.

Cheers

Can we get a Hi resolution version of the mini? I can barely see anything.

This mini is not new. It came out in War of the Dragon Queen (July 2006) but it is an accurate representation of a Dragonborn.

 

[Irda Ranger]

Huh. I thought you were hugely skeptical of 4e in general.

I am hugely skeptical of a few design choices they've made (the non-good Warlock and the "Golden Wyvern Adept"-ness of feat names chief among them), but on the whole I am positive about 4E. I guess I'm just not one to post to threads unless I think I have something to add, and I don't see "This is cool." as a real addition to the conversation.

Yep. I get the picture they're aiming more for the Sidhe than the Sindar (at least for Eladrin), for which they'll get eternal love from me if they can pull it off. The Sidhe are one of my favorite mythologies.

Yeah, I've definitely be getting a Sidhe vibe from them (particularly the Eladrin). The nature of the Feywild has a lot to do with that. For the record, I think this is really cool.

I'm also hoping there are some more "chaotic" or "evil" alternatives to the Eladrin who can flit between our world and the Feywild. If none are provided, I'm going to use goblins for that.

 

[Clavis]

Elves being taller also moves them more into the Sidhe of legends rather than the weird, not-very-elfy elves we've had for so long.

Yes, and no. "Sidhe" is actually just a shortened form of "Aes Sidhe", or People of the Hills. The "Sidhe' part means "hills". In Irish lore, the Aes Sidhe could look tall or short, resemble animals, and seem old or young. They could be homely, or so sexy that you willingly give up your life for a kiss. They live inside the hills, and their realms are filled with illusion. Some have courts filled with pomp, and others don't. None have a morality that resembles humanity's at all. They are VERY unlike Tolkien's chaste, self-righteous elves, which is not surprising considering Tolkien's stated dislike for all things Celtic.

If you want to replicate the Sidhe, you have to cross 1st edition elves with 1st edition Illusionist Gnomes, and give them polymorph-like abilities. Tallness has nothing to do with it, because the apparent height of the Aes Sidhe is an illusion too.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Elves being taller also moves them more into the Sidhe of legends rather than the weird, not-very-elfy elves we've had for so long.

Vaguely reminds me of the Corum novels http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corum

 

[Rechan]

I guess I'm just not one to post to threads unless I think I have something to add, and I don't see "This is cool." as a real addition to the conversation.

Nor is "This isn't cool". I'm certain you can find something to say about the things that you like that is beyond "This is cool". Like, how you plan on using it. Or why you think it's cool. Or whatever.

I'm also hoping there are some more "chaotic" or "evil" alternatives to the Eladrin who can flit between our world and the Feywild. If none are provided, I'm going to use goblins for that.

Kobold can also work for that. Kobolds are based on fey that live in deep caves.

After reading Pathfinder, it occurred to me that goblins are the critters from the movie Gremlins. Little sadistic dark-humored bastards that live for mayhem. Casting them in the mold of Gremlins makes me not want to give them a culture, or even distinctive "females".

 

[Najo]

Scott, if I'm not mistaken Najo runs a game store, so I think his question reflects his worry of not having it in stock for Tuesday's release.

Yes, I do own a game store. Yes I would like to make sure we are ready for Tuesday. Our tracking info says they are in route still and deliver tomorrow. I would prefer to get them earlier because when this happens and street date is broken, we can't react by selling them. Also, if there is a shipping issue, we can't correct it at the last minute and get the product fixed or adjust orders.

I know WOTC does this because of the bad game stores that break dates and spoil product releases. But the good game stores need to be identified and then rewarded/ protected against this. I would have loved to have my shipment a week earlier. I could prep my sales team, plan displays and get ready to support a big release much easier.

For example, we get Magic from distributors the day before we get it from WOTC. We get it the day before release from WOTC, which means we have to entert he product into our database, prep the team, rip product for singles and set up displays all at once the night before everytime Magic releases. The only reason the sales team is ready for the set is because of the spoilers and the prerelease event. Anyrate, not trying to rant. Just hoping to offer insight for Scott to pass along to who it matters.