Chaos Disciple's page

I think the Campaign Classics concept would work better as a monthly feature in the magazine. One good atricle about an old game world in every issue. The articles could have a simalar format so each world gets a consistant and equal amount of attention. Personaly I dont think even a standard source book covering all the classic game worlds could hold enough information to please a vetrean player of one. And a single Magazine issue to adress all the worlds sounds like it would be just a tease. But a chunky regular feature in the magazine that takes an in depth look at each of these worlds individually could keep older players interested in every issue.

Responding to comments from DeadDMWalking

DeadDMWalking wrote: "Regarding point #1, I also feel that Dragon has a lot of material that I'm not going to use in my game because of the manner in which it is presented. I'm not bringing ...".

I think we agree on point #1

DeadDMWalking wrote: "Point #2 - Some variant rules are good. I really like Unearthed Arcana. Still, the game has to follow a particular "baseline" to make sense. That really limits the ability to offer alternative rules in a meaningful fashion. In the game I run we are using spell points. Still it changes things the designers never mentioned - things like Pearls of Power. Because a single change can have far reaching effects, it is difficult to do #2 well. If they're not going to do it well, they shouldn't do it at all."

I will suggest that all variant rules be introduced in Dragon Magazine so the community can give feedback before they go into source books. I think this may have helped with your spellpiont issue and would no doubt improve the quality of future D&D books.

Although I did not refer to variant rules in my suggestion I do find them useful but they can still add cluter to the game system so they must be designed very well.

Now consider my original point that they should provide articles that expand on existing material. An example is; I would prefer to see an article that showed how to alter an existing PrC to fit several differant campaign settings instead of several new PrC's that can only be used in one setting.

Also I did state a need for "alternative game mechanics" these are not variant rules but actually replace existing rules to accomidate a certian playing style an example of this would be like the old Battlesystems or Solo adventures from previous editions of D&D. I could easily write an article with 3E game mechanics for Mass combat or Solo games but im not sure Dragon mag would even consider it (Btw if these rules have already been made available please let me know)

DeadDMWalking wrote: "Point #3 - The game could be improved. Eventually they'll come out with another edition. Hopefully it will be really good. Perfect even. Still, there isn't much room for a groundbreaking concept that fits within the 3.x rules."

I am aware that 3E has a very ridged game balance and that its difficult to break new ground in granite but im confident that the only way for our favorite game to evolve is break out the hammer and chisel or even jackhammers and make Dragon Magazine the construction zone for the next edition. I belive this premise would make Dragon more entertaining for its readers and for more valuable to D&Ds future.

In my opinion these changes could definatly increase the popularity of Dragon. And knowing my game designs may be included in a future edition of D&D would certianly inspire me to send in more inovative article ideas.

DeadDMWalking wrote: "I'd rather see them continue to do what they're doing - provide a mix of races, classes, spells, feats and PrCs along with articles that make us think or educate us. Historical articles or conceptual takes on campaign settings are all good. "

I agree these features are good and they can still be available within the scope of my suggestions but they must be covered in a different way.

I think there is a way Dragon Magazine can stay competitive and its not by going back to what it was in the 80's or 90's. Instead it needs to be the most cutting edge product available to the D&D gamer. Dragon should be used by WotC as an outlet for exposing D&D players to radical new ideas that expand upon the standard D&D game.

If Dragon Mag articles do not differ from the basic game material it becomes just another place to find the most common information. To stand out from the rest I suggest the following

1) Stop adding to common themes like spells, feats, prestige classes, magic items, etc. these are already covered by too many other sources. This way more unique articles that have information harder for an average gamer to acquire can be accepted.

2) Include more articles that present new and creative uses for material already published and alternative game mechanics to encourage a wider variety of playing styles.

3) Provide atricles that introduce groundbreaking concepts in rule mechanics that could eventually spawn a new and improved version of the game.

I have several article ideas that apply to the points Ive mentioned. But before submitting them Id like to know if these changes in the magazine would appeal to the D&D community or Dragon Mag staff.