Sum up the Diamond Throne Setting

[Felon]

I've got a DM who is looking to start a campaign in the Diamond Throne setting. As a plyaer, what do I need to know going in?

IIRC, humans aren't the dominant race, but rather giants and some others are. Is that right? What else is going on?

 

[Henry]

OK, here's enough without breaking any copyright laws:

Dragons are near-mythic creatures who left the continent to journey "west." Close to 2000 years ago, the dominant race (humans) and allies were attacked and defeated by a sudden incursion of Half-dragon, half-demon servitors called the Dramojh - they were left behind, and grew in strength. They created a slave-empire hell-on-earth, and over centuries stamped out all resistance.

Cue 1700 years later. The Giants across the sea to the east, exploring westward, came across the Dramojh evil empire. Incensed with righteous fury, they kicked Dramojh booty (because in addition to the slaves lacking any will to resist, the Dramojh had grown decadent over the millenia.) They EXTERMINATE the Dramojh. They freed the humans,etc. and set themselves up as stewards, rebuilding the land, cities, schools... (think the allies and West Germany post-WW2).

Cue 200 years later, the Giants are still in charge, and most humans think it's a good thing. However, there's starting to be contention. Thanks for all you've done and all, but...

There are gods, but they don't necessarily exist (think in Eberron flavor), ritual and ceremony is a HUGE part of life for all peoples because of its power, and there are a number of threats, from secret organizations, monstrous humanoid militaries who are also recovering from the Dramojh's wake, things uncovered in the evil ruins of the Dramojh, etc.

------------------------------

If you follow the updated timeline, there's a big plot twist. Don't know if your GM wants you to know this, but:

[sblock]The Dragons have returned. They tell the Giants, "thanks for helping with the Dramojh problem. Now get out." The Giants haven't quite given an official response yet... [/sblock]

So hopefully that gives you an idea of the main plotline.

 

[Odhanan]

The Diamond Throne is, for me, a pretty good example of what a believable high fantasy setting would look like. It feels right, and yet just by providing you the frame of the setting. The details, and where the setting goes from there, are left to you, DM, to decide. You make the setting your own. There isn't a set "metaplot" that would reveal itself like in, say, the World of Darkness of old. Yet, bits and pieces of background hint at such a metaplot that you could generate if you want one for your campaign.

Another interesting feature is the variety of decors in the Diamond Throne. Weird locations that you wouldn't find anywhere else. My favorite is the Floating Forest, where you have literally patches of land hanging on branches of giant trees, which creates multiple layers in the wood. There's an art piece in AE that shows the Floating Forest. I find it incredibly inspiring, for some reason. The piece's from Michael Komarck, I think. I love his art. Here's another sample (from the MCAE Art Preview):

 

[lukelightning]

There are gods, but they don't necessarily exist (think in Eberron flavor).

DT takes it one step further: since there is no divine/arcane magic distinction in AE, there are no "divine spellcasters." Worshipping a god doesn't give you magic powers, no matter how full of faith you are or how real the deity is.

And a good percentage of the population are atheists. Even if there are "gods" they could just be considered powerful beings/demons/spirits/high level spellcasters etc.

 

[Imruphel]

It's also a bit dull, IMO. As far as I know even Monte himself doesn't use the setting. The ruleset is quite good but the setting lacks that certain compelling something that sparks a multitude of plot ideas (well, at least that's the effect it had on me).

 

[Jaws]

It's also a bit dull, IMO. As far as I know even Monte himself doesn't use the setting. The ruleset is quite good but the setting lacks that certain compelling something that sparks a multitude of plot ideas (well, at least that's the effect it had on me).

I agree to a point. If your DM isn't good on making his own adventures or converting them then I would tell him to skip AE.

Not much out there for adventure support as the partners that were suppose to do that fell through.


Peace and smiles

j.

 

[JoeGKushner]

Well, that's not quite true. They haven't bombed earth from above with products, but Firery Dragon has something like three books out, and then there was the Mystic Eye One. More adventure support than Iron Heroe's has I believe no?

 

[Jaws]

Well, that's not quite true. They haven't bombed earth from above with products, but Firery Dragon has something like three books out, and then there was the Mystic Eye One. More adventure support than Iron Heroe's has I believe no?

Mystic Eye: Siege on Ebonring Keep
Fiery Dragon: Plague of Dreams, Circle of Rites
Edit: Jumped the gun. Blue Devil Games has an adventure in the back of Akashic Nodes and Tell it to my Axe. I forgot about those as they aren't that good.

Iron Heroes:
Fiery Dragon: Dark Harbor
Goodman Games: Song of the Blade, To Duel with Dragons

Both Fiery Dragon and Necromancer Games promised adventures for AU/AE but real life got in the way and they never happened.


Peace and smiles

j.

 

[Henry]

Well, that's not quite true. They haven't bombed earth from above with products, but Firery Dragon has something like three books out, and then there was the Mystic Eye One. More adventure support than Iron Heroe's has I believe no?

Still, Mystic Eye ceased due to either end of contract or from personal issues; Fiery Dragon ceased because they're favoring the supplement and board/card games more, and there aren't any other 3rd parties. But Malhavoc has issued a pretty good amount of support, considering they're doing it almost by themselves (their Ironwind miniatures for AE are still going strong, I believe).

 

[Jaws]

(their Ironwind miniatures for AE are still going strong, I believe).

Nothing new has come out since AE did.


Peace and smiles

j.