So, Dark Sun: It's officially out. What do you think of it?

[Scribble]

Again, I specifically stated that this did not have to be deliberate on WotC's part- merely that they simply didn't care.

And again I don't agree that they "didn't care."

I think they didn't think/realize/fathom that anyone would make an issue out of a non issue.

 

[Neonchameleon]

OK. Assume four functional limbs with the lower set able only to carry off hand weapons and light shields.

Weapon loadout: Executioner's Axe, Handaxe, Light shield. Build: Marauder Ranger.

Did I just hear the phrase "Throw and Stab" - or Twin strike when one of the attacks is an executioner's axe? And with a decent AC when you combine a light shield with Two Weapon Defence.

Weapon loadout: Glaive, light shield, dagger. Build: Polearm Fighter

You just gave Tide of Iron and an extra point of AC to the polearm fighter, as if they weren't already scary enough. Two AC with a rhythm blade, three with hafted defence, four with two weapon defence. *Winces*

Weapon loadout: Fullblade, staff of ruin, empty. Build: Swordmage

A fullblade wielding swordmage with a staff of ruin helping his implement powers off dual implement spellcasting and swordmage warding? Yeaaaah.

Saving the best for last:

Weapon loadout: Paired shortswords (lower arms), heavy shield, free (upper) arm for grappling or throwing javelins/handaxes. Build: Tempest Fighter.

It's a Tempest Fighter who's also carrying a heavy shield for defence - and can use Brawler powers. Here's a good idea...

That's both off the top of my head and before we start talking about hybrids.

Now a Thri-Keen paragon path to use all four weapons might be a good idea. I'm not sure after looking at my above builds.

 

[nightwyrm]

I'd second MrMyth's suggestion that WotC commission the art before they finalized the mechanic. It happens quite frequently with their M:tG products and I think they have a whole collection of unused Magic art that just wasn't right for a card's final mechanic.

 

[Connorsrpg]

I'm, back....Ah a little on the actual books. Nice. We don't have them in Australia yet. Reading on...O-oh. More on this thri kreen art and what opinions are. C'mon, is this for real? At least do us the courtesy and fork this arguing over one pic vs one rule vs its my opinion, vs stop misinterpretting my opinion. Oh no my skin is turning green again....head hurts....outta here.
C

 

[Aegeri]

I'm, back....Ah a little on the actual books. Nice. We don't have them in Australia yet.

That's odd, I ordered through a non-FLGS and they got here before last weekend (yes, that utterly astounded me I can assure you!). I will post more when I am done digesting them.

I will say on art the following though: I am not an artist so I respect anyone who can draw something that isn't a hideous stick figure myself. Unfortunately I do have a complaint here: We're diddled again on art of cities and places! I mean, these aren't just setting materials they are essential player aids as well. All the description in the world won't match a fantastic picture of a city or similar, that really gives you a good impression of what this place is like. I really agree with previous posters complaints there isn't enough landscape artwork in the DSCG to really show you what it's like to live there.

More art Wizards!

 

[Danzauker]

Rumors say that WotC's will include a disclaimer sticker now on products:

WARNING!
Cover illustration for presentation purposes only.
Actual classes and races inside might differ.

 

[Connorsrpg]

Couldn't agree more on needing more landscape art in dnd full stop. As a DM I need a LOT more pics of cool places I want to show the PCs. I have FAR too many character pics.

Unfortunately, to show cool landscapes and even place pics, you have to look beyond dnd. Even the Magic concept art I saw was quite evocative on this front.

 

[Storminator]

I think there's a pretty good chunk of landscape and place art in the DSCS. I'd heard the various "too many portrait" complaints before I saw the book, so when I got my hands on it I opened it up to the last page and started flipping forward. There's a lot of places before you get to the character building section. I think if you start with the classes/races/themes section, you saturate on portraits before you get halfway thru the book.

PS

 

[hvg3akaek]

I'm, back....Ah a little on the actual books. Nice. We don't have them in Australia yet.

Yeah, WotC Australia is apparently less than proficient when it comes to new releases. Amazon was able to get them here quicker (and cheaper) than WotC's Australia branch...

 

[I'm A Banana]

As such, Thri-kreen who could wield weapons in both sets of hands would potentially be quiet doable in 4E. It would mainly just mean that they could have more of a choice of which weapons to attack with at any given time. And maybe there could be the occasional power or paragon path to let them take a couple big swings.

This is how I would've loved it to be done.

The fact that it's not just inspires me to write an article for Dragon this weekend.