To James Jacobs: A Growing Problem with Dungeon Magazine

[James Jacobs]

James,

Can you comment on Dragon for me for a side topic? Like what Demon Prince/Princess will the next Demonomicon focus on and what possible issue it might be?

I'm not sure why those Dragon editors have been so hush-hush with the next Demonomicon. I can confirm it'll be in issue #353, though.

As for who it's about, I can offer this clue: The opening poem this time around is a sonnet.

 

[Nightfall]

YAY!

Means I only have to wait until Dragon 352 becomes available. Thanks James! Keep up the good work on those Demonomicon articles! *won't worry about who so much as there's a confirmed Demon Prince/Princess sighting* Heck you made Zuggy interesting, so I have faith!

 

[blargney the second]

A sidebar with, "if you don't have the Spell Compendium, use this spell instead..." would be my ideal solution.

Total agreement from me. I don't even have Spell Compendium let alone use non-core spells, but I'd have no problem at all with any sidebar that gives alternate non-core spell lists. I love it when there are options for adventure customization: different character levels, branching conclusions, etc.

There's some really nifty non-core material that could be referenced in passing in sidebars without sacrificing much space at all.
-blarg

 

[Echohawk]

There are - what - 40 hardcovers now by WotC?

Including the Forgotten Realms and Eberron hardcovers WotC has published 79 hardcover D&D books so far.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

As an infrequent Dungeon buyer (and those of less weight than subscribers, and reasonably so), I think having a new signature spell for adventures' BBEG (or even for the front-line troops, to throw the players a curve ball early on) would be a pretty good compromise, especially when dealing with sorcerer NPCs who are likely to cast said spell over and over again. (And who aren't likely to have the spell written down anywhere for the players to get their hands on later, mwah ha ha ha!)

"Grrr! What is this stupid spell they keep using to shoot snakes through the air at us?"

I don't think it's required -- or realistic -- that an NPC that uses unusual spells has a ton of unusual ones. Most of the spells on an NPC's list are utility spells, damage or healing spells. Swapping out just the primary damage spell would make plenty of difference for the feel of the adventure, IMO.

 

[Treebore]

Heres an idea,

ENWorlders have an ongoing monthly thread of what "non-core" spells and what not would be cool to use in the current Dungeon mag's adventures. Then have the mod's "archive" each issues discussion.

Personally, I am fine with Dungeons policy. I've been perfectly capable of swapping out spells, monsters, magic items, and even BBEG, as I've seen fit for over 20 years now. I sure don't need Dungeon magazine telling me how to be a DM. Their advice, excellent maps, and solid adventures have been of great help and inspiration to me over the decades. But a "hand holding" approach telling me how to best swap things out for maximum effect is not something I want or need.

 

[catsclaw227]

I agree. Though, I'd also say another possibility would be to add a sidebar (particularly for bigger baddies) saying, "If you have the Spell Compendium, you may want to consider substituting (this spell(s) for this spell(s)).

I am up for including Spell Compendium and PHB II/DMG II, but if they don't want to include the spells directly, I like this idea, a lot.

 

[crazy_cat]

A sidebar with, "if you don't have the Spell Compendium, use this spell instead..." would be my ideal solution.

Rather than this how about a new sidebar accompanying the "Scaling this adventure" and "Setting this adventure in FR/Eberron" ones called perhaps "Adapting this adventure"

This could include a quick note on spells that the DM could swap in from the Spell compendium and potentially other suggestions such as "if you have the complete X book you could give NPC A additional levels of such and such PrC or this additional feat..."

That way the actual adventure remains core only, but DMs are given suggestions of possible non core material that the writer and editor thought would work well with the adventure.

 

[Mighty Halfling]

How about a sidebar that could be included in the adventure's web supplement that suggests alternate spell, class, feat and magic weapons options? That might be a happy medium.

 

[Mystery Man]

Personally, I'd love to make the Spell Compendium, Monster Manual II, Fiend Folio, and the Complete line of books all "core." That'd free up a HUGE amount of room in our adventures to let them be just that: adventures, rather than adventures pocked with patches of reprinted material. But again, we just can't assume that every one of our readers has access to these books. The hobby's expensive enough as it is.

How about a sidebar with some of the bigger adventures with recommendations, If you have these books try this monter or these spells etc?