worlds and monsters is in my hands

[Belorin]

Anyone got any indepth info?
I should be receiving mine from Amazon soon, I'm just impatient.

 

[Voss]

They were hinted at about the warlocks power sources... "the stars and the darkness between them". Maybe "far realms" will look more like "outer space" (E.T. alien-like) rather than "abominations from a outside reality".

Hopefully the second. Aliens (& sci-fi) in fantasy has been done before and is always rather goofy. I'd rather not see another return to the temple of the frog or expedition to the barrier peaks.

Anyhoo, the bare bones is pretty much what I expected. I'd like to hear about some actual meat, but this one seems slightly more useful than R&C. There might be ideas to work into plot lines and settings, and not just 'and this is why we did it'.

 

[TwinBahamut]

Ugh, Far Realms... I was hoping that one would fade away.

On the other hand, the rest of the cosmology looks great, so I am happy.

Any more information on the Shadowfell and Elemental Chaos?

 

[Doug McCrae]

They were hinted at about the warlocks power sources... "the stars and the darkness between them". Maybe "far realms" will look more like "outer space" (E.T. alien-like) rather than "abominations from a outside reality".

They're one and the same, HP Lovecraft/RE Howard style.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I wonder though how closely they will follow the old-style/Lovecraftian style or go someplace entirely new, with it.

I personally would LOVE to see some sort of plane of existence where beings that weren't gods persay, but have the ability to "twist" the turns of someone's life to change fate. Since that was what I originally thought of when they said "stars" since stars play such a important role with the idea of fate and/or future events, ie: star-crossed lovers.

 

[Zaukrie]

Far Realms is in! Sweet. I love the weird stuff, and the Far Realms gives a DM plenty of opportunity to put in the weird stuff. I am pleasantly surprised by this.

 

[Stilvan]

Here's a rundown on the Far Realm (which I jumped to because I'd never heard of it )

In summary, based on the fluff, it is definitely Lovecraftian but more on the 'outside and bizarre reality' side than the 'outer space' side.


The Far Realm is formally acknowledged in the cosmology, and 'is responsible for monstrosities that haunt the universe'. Specifcally, all aberrations are linked to it.

A Far Realm specific reason is suggested as a source of the conflict between the illithid and aboleth.

Perhaps taking a cue from WFRP, the Far Realm is said to 'seep in' sometimes, overlaying the landscape with an unnerving sense of dread, even distorting it, and tainting the flora and fauna. Strange new creatures emerge from this 'polluted reality' and insane practitioners sometimes 'willfully merge the natural and the obscene'

Also mentioned is that aberration is not a type. Type is now distinct from Origin - so you have Humanoids (type) with an Origin of fey (eladrin) , aberration (mind flayer), elemental (archon) , natural (man)

Finally there's a page and a half or so on the mind flayer: in short: they are essentially the same as in the previous edition just with fewer powers (taken from the set of those that most define them) that are easier and clearer to run. There are a few mechanical tidbits about mind blast and dominate each being a 'renewable power - useable once per encounter', whereas tentacle lash and grab are basic attacks backed up by situational powers 'bore into brain', 'thrall' and 'interpose thrall'

So far the book seems to be pretty close to Races and Classes in terms of value - and for me it is having the same effect: reinforcing my faith in the designers, making some things clearer in a positive way, increasing my enthusiasm for 4e. If you enjoyed R&C I'd recommend it.

 

[Gundark]

ugh...you guys with the book but no info to give....bastards....

 

[Fallen Seraph]

Hmm... The Far Realm may have taken the place of the Feywild in my game-world. The sounds of it, fits literally perfect with my game.

 

[Nahat Anoj]

In summary, based on the fluff, it is definitely Lovecraftian but more on the 'outside and bizarre reality' side than the 'outer space' side.

Hmmm, so maybe the Far Realm is not the source of star-pact warlocks?

A Far Realm specific reason is suggested as a source of the conflict between the illithid and aboleth.

Did they say what that was, or did they leave the source of conflict uncertain?

Perhaps taking a cue from WFRP, the Far Realm is said to 'seep in' sometimes, overlaying the landscape with an unnerving sense of dread, even distorting it, and tainting the flora and fauna. Strange new creatures emerge from this 'polluted reality' and insane practitioners sometimes 'willfully merge the natural and the obscene'

This reminds me of "The Lost Vault of Tsathzar Rho" from the DCC line of adventures.

Also mentioned is that aberration is not a type. Type is now distinct from Origin - so you have Humanoids (type) with an Origin of fey (eladrin) , aberration (mind flayer), elemental (archon) , natural (man)

Cool!