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Hello, all.
I've just finished reading Dragon #330. I've had it for a couple of days, but I couldn't get to it right away. Before my general comments, I'd like to point out one error that I noticed. I did not check any of the numbers in the magazine, so I think this is the only non-mechanic error. In the article "Volume Veneficus" the side-bar on page 72 lists the new spells by class. Venemous Volley (page 73) is listed as a Clr 2, Drd 2, Sor/Wiz 2 but it does not appear on the side-bar.
I assume the spell description is correct?
Now, although this was a high quality issue, I felt that I did not personally get much that I could take away and use. I do hope that other readers did get more out of the articles, and I'm sure my turn will come again.
I had been looking forward to "Enter the Far Realm". I'm a DM, but I have to point out that this article had little for players. The total length of the article is 16 pages, of which only 5 pages might have relevance to a player - the section on Cerebrosis and spells. The "Escalation" is an interesting addition to the spells, and I'd like to see more types of spells that include an ability to "increase the effectiveness" for a price. That fits with my concept of how magical spells should be cast. In any case, I didn't feel that the article was compelling enough for me to work at including in my campaign. As it is presented, I think it might have functioned better in Dungeon.
The next feature artile, the Umbragen, is also not terribly useful to me. I am a player in an Eberron campaign, and we are currently headquartered in Sharn. Still, as a racial variant, a prestige class, and racial feats, the article has a lot to offer someone creating a new character. Although I generally protest the setting specificity, it is well done, and I'll happily take more like this. However, I'd love to see a sidebar on adapting it to other campaign worlds so the useful information is not simply discarded by those who do not use Eberron.
"Coming Home" is a waste of space in my opinion. I don't buy Dragon magazine for fiction. There are some pieces that I've enjoyed in the past, but far more that I disliked or didn't find interesting. I don't mean any offense to Matt Forbeck - his writing is good, though undistinguished. I'd certainly prefer to see fiction discarded completely. One thing I like about Dragon is it provides an archive of resources. I can go back to an earlier issue and still find things that are relevant to my game. The fiction is not. Once read, it has no further use to me. I'd rather have something that continues to be useful for several years - something to justify bringing this issue to my gaming group through the next several months...
The Ecology of the Chuul article is interesting. I've used the Chuul before, particularly in Tammeraunt's Fate. Still, I find the ecology article difficult to adapt. If I didn't feel like including a new island in my campaign world, where would I have the Chuul's originate from? Other than that somewhat limiting presentation of their origin, I think the article was interesting. On more than one occassion it mentioneda chuul propensity for creating traps. Nowhere in the article did it describe what kinds of traps they would make. Considering their abberant physiology, I would have liked to see some examples. Craft(Trapmaking) is not listed as a chosen skill in the Chuul's stat block in the Monster Manual - some indication of how and what should have been included for those references to have any actual meaning. Since they were a large part of justifying non-hostile interaction with humanoids, they were an essential element.
The Tools of the Assassin - Bazaar of the Bizarre had some interesting items. When an item uses a source other than the DMG, I'd like to see it specified. I think the "Arcane Penetration" ability is interesting. I know they're not in the DMG. I have all of the Complete Books, so I expect I will find it if I look - however, if I'm missing one or two it would be nice to know where I will find it. That might sway my purchase decision.
Volume Veneficus has the error I mentioned before, though it does provide some interesting ideas for interesting "themed spells". On the sidebar "serpentine foci" it mentions that the focus "must be the caster's familiar, magically coerced..., or trained using the Handle Animal skill..." It later says that "You can only use snakes with the animal type to cast these spells." The PHB indicates that a familiar is treated as a "magical beast" for any effect that depends on its type. While I interpret the iformation to indicate that a "normal familiar" may be used, I think it is unclear and perhaps confusing. As an "official magazine" for D&D, any opaqueness should be rectified before printing.
The Prestige Class presented in "The Jester" is interesting. I suppose it was included because it was "kind of funny..." Well, I didn't find any humor in it. The prestige class has some interesting abilities and mechanics, but I can't really see a prestige class requireing 10 levels in a base class as being something "common". What I find particularly shocking is the assumption that a 12th level character will be working a street corner. Individuals with more than ten class levels will be exceptional individuals. The numbers in a kingdom are miniscule - and most of those have official positions... It just seems that the class doesn't fit well into the typical world, simply because of the high level requirements. Other than what appears to me as a fundamental inconsistency in the presentation of the article with "world building" in the DMG, I like the class. It might make an interesting villian at some point... The suggestions for Encounters is good, though expanding it with a few plot hooks might be good. Indicating a suggestion for what a jester might need help from the party with, for instance? Or explaining a possible way in which "a villian of the worst sort who uses his reputation or skills to some fiendish end" does so.
Regarding regular features, I like the editorial and Scale Mail. First Watch was surprsingly interesting, which made the magazine seem something of a let down when I reached the features... I think I'll pick up "Hamunaptra"... "Dungeon This Month" always seems like a waste. I already have Dungeon #120. The RPGA section also doesn't help much. Even if they pique my interest, their website is so confusing that I'm disinclined to attempt to participate.
I like Sage Advice. The answers this time seem entirely appropriate, which is good. I'm still waiting for a response to my question regarding ability damage and stat-increasing items. I recently had a PC who took 18 points of Con damage from Large Scorpion Vemom. They had a Con of 15, but were using an Amulet of Natural Health +2. I let them live, but I wonder what the official ruling is...
Class Acts had some interesting ideas. The "Implacable" Barbarian is an interesting variation, though the mechanics don't support the flavor. "Implacables study defense first to protect others and only secondarily to protect themselves." Some form of ability to grant an AC bonus to nearby characters or somehow take damage would have made this class variant somewhat stronger.
Songs of Peace is somewhat interesting. I assume that "Vow of Peace" refers to the rules presented in "The Book of Exalted Deeds". Again, a reference would be appreciated.
The Multiclassed Cleric doesn't really indicate anything new or useful. However, my current character in an Eberron campaign is a Bard 1/Cleric 11. Those bard levels game me some additional skill points that allow me to know many languages. With make ranks in Diplomacy and every possible synergy bonus, well, there isn't anybody I can't talk to... An indication that taking bard for the language skill might have been an interesting choice - in addition concentration is a class skill for bards but not rogues, allowing for a cleric to avoid using all of their cleric skill points on increasing concentration.
Flaws for Commoners was laugh-out-loud funny. I wish there had been more "April Fools" articles throughout. I particularly like "Delicious" and "XP Farm".
The Druid animal companion article was somewhat interesting, but the strict limitation on distance makes it difficult to fully utilize an animal companion well. In any case, providing a primer for inexperienced druid players is a good thing.
The Celtic Warrior provides one useful feat. It should indicate whether the bludgeoning damage from the spear butt is the same as done by the spear point. The background information doesn't translate well into direct suggestions for characters, but it is useful for a DM that is interested in a celtic themed campaign.
I found Monk Styles to be somewhat useful. I would certainly allow them to be used in my game. The Paladin by Night doesn't offer as much. Of course, it does print a feat that is useful if one does not have it from the Eberron Campaign Setting.
Flights of Fancy offers us some more mundane equipment. I think that is wonderful. None of it seems unbalanced, which is even better. Listen checks to notice the singing arrow are an important mechanic that should have been included. If I use the arrow to warn my friends of dager, what is the likelihood that they will hear (before range penalties?)
Merchant Rogues does offer useful advice on taking ranks in "profession".
The "Sorcerers are Special...ists, too" is interesting, and seems balanced. Considering your space constraints the inclusion of 10 spheres (by use of opposites) was clever and rewarding.
"Verbal Components" is also something I will bring to the table the next time I play a wizard.
This issue of Dragon presented the "Warlock" as the favored class for the Umbrage Elves. I'd like to see occassional Class Acts articles for these other classes. One per issue to divide between the 12 base classes presented in the Complete Series would cover the group in a year. Perhaps another could be added that dealt with Psionic base classes as well as possible "race" suggestions on a rotating basis. Two additional pages to the magazine would be good, as long as they were on a rotated basis, and not strictly non-core every issue.
Thanks for taking the time to read my comments. And thank you for a generally good issue.
Flights of Fancy offers us some more mundane equipment. I think that is wonderful. None of it seems unbalanced, which is even better. Listen checks to notice the singing arrow are an important mechanic that should have been included. If I use the arrow to warn my friends of dager, what is the likelihood that they will hear (before range penalties?)
Yay, thanks! B-) Since the arrows are meant to be heard, I would set the initial Listen DC at 0 (the same as for people talking/general noise). The good people at Dragon might have further input, though. :-)
-Amber S.
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I agree that 0 is where I would, in fact, default to. Still, considering that they are meant to be heard, that seems a little unfair, actually. Perhaps they should have the added bonus of suffering only half the penalty for range (-1 for every 20 feet instead of -1 for every 10 feet), or perhaps the DC should simply be set lower.
Regardless of what was intended, I think they deserve chiding for failing to include it. It may seem basic, or it may seem obvious, but that hardly helps when a player insists that the arrow should be heard 300' away and the DM feels that the other PCs must still succeed on a listen check. Who's right? Who's wrong? Which is best for the game? In a disagreement that could arise, I prefer (as the DM) to say, "Fine. Let's look it up. Okay, the arrow lists the DC to hear at 0, with only half the normal range penalties. Well, in that case the DC is 15, not 30. Bill, Kravnar the Slayer hears the piercing whine of Hel's screaming arrow. It sounds as though it is coming from the north, within 1/8 of a mile".
edit - replaced "have" with the correct, though phoenetically similar "half"
Consider me chastened.
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Consider me chastened.
I don't want my comments to necessarily apply to you personally. As I mentioned, your article was generally fine. Asking the authors to always include what I consider essential is probably not as easy as making sure the editors think from a rules perspective... I think they could have opted to include something. In any case, I'll go ahead and apply it to my games, using a DC 0 and apply standard range penalties. If the PCs don't think that is fair, well, tough. But I still hope other DMs can avoid an argument....
The "Sorcerers are Special...ists, too" is interesting, and seems balanced. Considering your space constraints the inclusion of 10 spheres (by use of opposites) was clever and rewarding.
Thanks for the kind words! This is my first published article, and I'm a combination of excited and nervous. Getting a positive review right out of the gate helps so much!
I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive - I think my mailman is playing a prank on me. ;) I can't wait to see the article!
The "Sorcerers are Special...ists, too" is interesting, and seems balanced. Considering your space constraints the inclusion of 10 spheres (by use of opposites) was clever and rewarding.Thanks for the kind words! This is my first published article, and I'm a combination of excited and nervous. Getting a positive review right out of the gate helps so much!
I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive - I think my mailman is playing a prank on me. ;) I can't wait to see the article!
Zherog...
Here's your reminder... you promised to post the query that your article resulted from once the magazine was published....
I'm just curious... it helps me to see what has been successful for other folks.
- Ashavan
Indeed I did. Here's the piece of the e-mail I had sent Mike originally about this idea:
7) The sorcerer gets beat up quite a bit as being underpowered - but it really has some nice flavor. One quick and easy boost to a sorcerer is to allow them to specialize. While a wizard specializes in a certain school, this rules variant would allow sorcerers to specialize in a theme - fire, cold, death, etc. The article will describe the concept and offer a few examples.
And from that little blurb, the Sorcerer Sphere idea was born.
***
The mailman finally stopped playing games with me and delivered my copy yesterday. It's both really cool and really weird seeing my name as the author of an article! I must have opened to that page at least three times! Mike did an awesome job laying out the article!
Mine STILL isnt't here. I thought they said two weeks is normal in US. Well 1st + 14 days is 15 (today). Still no Dragon. At this rate my Waldenbooks will have it before I do. FRUSTRATING.
Alrighty, then - Sarah did a great job laying out the article. :)
This issue of Dragon presented the "Warlock" as the favored class for the Umbrage Elves. I'd like to see occassional Class Acts articles for these other classes. One per issue to divide between the 12 base classes presented in the Complete Series would cover the group in a year. Perhaps another could be added that dealt with Psionic base classes as well as possible "race" suggestions on a rotating basis. Two additional pages to the magazine would be good, as long as they were on a rotated basis, and not strictly non-core every issue.
I, too, would LOVE to see this . . . I wouldn't suggest replacing any of the core classes, but just adding one or two non-core class to the Class Acts a month would be outstanding, especially since the material presented in books like Complete Arcane and so on aren't part of the SRD or Open Game (they aren't, are they?). Outside of further supplements from the folks at Wizards, a magazine like Dragon would be the ONLY place to see further material on the warlock (playing my first warlock character in a game tomorrow - wish me luck!), the hexblade or the favored soul.
I know it's a fine line to walk - how much material do you want to cover/support in a magazine that everyone might not have in the first place - but if nothing else, some mentions of these non-core classes might steer some readers towards purchasing the Complete... books and so on, right?
Loved the Eberron content. I'm a huge fan of Matt Forbeck's writing, and the short story didn't dissapoint. And the umbragen were a neat, non-FR take on the drow. I can easily see using them either as villains, both in Eberron and homebrew.
And I agree that the jester should have been aimed at a lower entry leve.
My own comments on Issue 330
I’ll start out with a brief comment about the cover art. Now I am not familiar with the work of James Ryman, so my comments are of course nit picking to the extreme. I am aware of the effect which actually dates back to before Eberron of bizzare facial tattoos, but a perfect set of teeth? I at least expect a full article on orthodontia spells in a future issue. And the flayer looks like he is wearing a “Robin” mask. Perhaps it really is the boy wonder mind flayer after all?
I liked the article on the Far Realm. The various monsters ranged from OK to good, but all in all this was something one could easily put into any campaign. The Article on the Umbragen was also good. The story “Coming Home” was a very good short story. I realize that not everyone likes short stories in Dragon, but I strongly suggest you should continue such stories on occasion in the future. Assuming, of course, that they are like this story which also takes a number of interesting ideas and plays with them. Living spells is an obvious one, but the notion of loose lava ash and “swimming” under it to get full cover should get light bulbs forming over many a DM’s head.
The Ecology of the Chuul was … well let’s just say that before I read the article I would have thought anyone mad to write an article on the ecology of the Chuul, but afterwards, I might even use them on occasion myself. Bazzar of the Bizarre often lives up to its name, and a few of the items are … well bizarre. Volume Veneficus was also Bizarre in its own way as well. It’s ok by itself, but some of the illustrations from Chuck Lukas really bring the ideas home and make them appealing.
The Jester was interesting and of course I actually like and look forward to Andy’s Sage Advice. Finally I have to make one comment about the only real “April Fool’s Joke” in the issue. (Last fall I was at a local Con and we were doing a funny game where we were playing kobolds – but medium sized ones because the DM didn’t want to be bothered with the size rules. We all got to draw for special feats, and my character at one point got the equivalent of the “Delicious flaw.” He wound up getting killed by one of the other member’s squigs, but at least he was tasty.)
I finally got a chance to read through it on the weekend, and I think most of my comments have been addressed. However, there's one thing I'd like to disagree with everyone on...
That fiction piece was terrible. Dragon typically includes just about the right amount of fiction... Just enough that it provides a bit of a reprieve without wasting space in every issue. As a result of this balance, though, Dragon's editors don't really have the experience to deal with Forbeck's writing. Honestly, that was some of the most cliched crap I've seen in a long, long time. I was writing at that level when I was in grade eleven -- and no, I'm not exaggerating. If I were the author of that piece, I'd be embarassed that anyone saw it. A friend picked up the magazine and was reading the story and started laughing his ass off because he couldn't believe that story actually got published.
I'm not saying that the guy can't write, or that the story was useless, it's just that Forbeck is obviously the kind of writer who really needs an editor to help him polish his work. It's first-draft quality, no better. From an amateur, that'd be decent work -- but I expect better from a pro, or even semi-pro.
Is there that much of a fiction shortage for Dragon magazine that the Forbeck story was the best you could come up with? Or did you accept his story because he's also got a novel? (Which hopefully has been edited and polished, unless we've gone back to the "good ol days" of publishing as many horrid D&D novels as we can churn out...) Or were you just too short on time to get the story edited properly? If you're hurting that badly for fiction, let us know. There are a ton of extremely talented D&D players out there who know how to write great stories -- and how to polish them. If you're going to publish fiction (and I hope you do continue publish the occasional short story) let's make sure it's as good as it can be, OK?
My one disapointment was that The Celtic Warrior piece was written from a historical perspective instead on drawing on the myths and tales of that period. Heroes such as Cuchulainn perform feats of arms that are every bit as impressive and fantastic as anything you'll see in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and I would have liked to see a broader look at this tradition. As a case in point, the article describes the sling as primarily a defensive weapon - but in The Tain, Cuchulainn's deadly skill with the sling halts an entire army! Though with that said, this would be far too large a subject for a Class Act. The article does a fine job of addressing the historical subject, so I'm not slamming Kieran Turley (especially with a name like Kieran) - I simply would have prefered a different approach.
Oh, and what was up with that Umbragen article? That Baker guy is a hack.
Hi, Keith! :-D
-Amber S.
Hey Amber!
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Oh, and what was up with that Umbragen article? That Baker guy is a hack.
I'm not going to touch that issue. At least not in regards to the magazine.
But I do have a concern about something else. I'm currently playing a cleric of the silver flame in an Eberron campaign and I notice that the "example cleric" uses a longbow in the EBerron Campaign Setting, but no penalties are given for non-proficiency, and no feat is taken to get that ability. This cleric doesn't have the war domain, so I'm a little confused. Since I've got the leadership feat and I'm going to have over 50 followers beginning next week, I'd like to know how they managed that....
"I realize that not everyone likes short stories in Dragon, but I strongly suggest you should continue such stories on occasion in the future."
I loved them when they were just good fantasy stories by good fantasy authors, not just advertisements tied too strictly to D&D in general and WotC's latest flavor-of-the-month specifically.
I miss stories that were just good fantasy, not weak RPG fanfics. Hell, I remember when honest-to-God authors like Joel Rosenberg used to contribute pieces on occasion.
But I do have a concern about something else. I'm currently playing a cleric of the silver flame in an Eberron campaign and I notice that the "example cleric" uses a longbow in the EBerron Campaign Setting, but no penalties are given for non-proficiency, and no feat is taken to get that ability. This cleric doesn't have the war domain, so I'm a little confused. Since I've got the leadership feat and I'm going to have over 50 followers beginning next week, I'd like to know how they managed that....
It's a mistake. If you download the Eberron errata, it mentions that the cleric should have taken the martial weapon proficiency feat.
However, given the martial nature of the church, you could certainly choose to split it in to for purposes of domains - give the priests of the ministry access to Healing and Protection, and give the templars Exorcism and War.
Contributor
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I loved them when they were just good fantasy stories by good fantasy authors, not just advertisements tied too strictly to D&D in general and WotC's latest flavor-of-the-month specifically.
I miss stories that were just good fantasy, not weak RPG fanfics. Hell, I remember when honest-to-God authors like Joel Rosenberg used to contribute pieces on occasion.
Short stories that tie in with a product are the exception, not the rule.
The mailman finally stopped playing games with me and delivered my copy yesterday. It's both really cool and really weird seeing my name as the author of an article! I must have opened to that page at least three times! Mike did an awesome job laying out the article!
I'm making my debut in Dragon's pages in the next issue (331, Class Acts, Druid), and am sure that I'll be opening to my own article at least ten times. Okay, twenty. Actually, I don't think that I'll even have time to read anybody else's article because I'll be so amazed that I'm actually in Dragon. ;)
And the mailman had BETTER NOT play tricks on me by sending my issue late. :) I may die from anticipation.
Congrats, William!
ive been looking thru some old back issues and cant find the flaws for wizards did i miss em or are they non-existent as of yet im designing a new baddie for my world and hes an evil wizard that has delved into kidnapping(hence the adventure hook) but i want him to be extra bad(and as we all know bad guys usually have at least one weak spot) so i wanted to use the flaws im thinking of possibly the "loudmouth" from the bard list and maybe the ponderous spellcaster from the cleric flaw list...what do you guys think....
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ive been looking thru some old back issues and cant find the flaws for wizards did i miss em or are they non-existent as of yet im designing a new baddie for my world and hes an evil wizard that has delved into kidnapping(hence the adventure hook) but i want him to be extra bad(and as we all know bad guys usually have at least one weak spot) so i wanted to use the flaws im thinking of possibly the "loudmouth" from the bard list and maybe the ponderous spellcaster from the cleric flaw list...what do you guys think....
Issue 327 has flaws for Sorcerers. There are a couple that a wizard is eligible for. I don't think they've specifically done a class acts for Wizard Flaws, but there was a recent issue that included flaws based on race.
I recently picked this issue up at the local "Barney Knob" and while I've only read through to the end of the "Enter the Far Realm" article I thought it was great! I've been wanting to run an Eberron campaign focusing on Xoriat and this is a perfect link for me. I was also going to incorporate the Sanity rules from the Unearthed Arcana (or Call of Cthulhu d20, I think the mechanics are a little different, been a while since I read through CoC d20.) I also thought I'd include some monsters from Cthulhu d20 as creatures that got left behind when Xoriat was closed off. I was also looking to eventually work in Malhavoc's Chaositech stuff, creating an even more chaotic source of evil for the PCs to fight off or lose their minds to. I'll have to try to find Gates of Firestorm Peak as well as some of the other titles mentioned in one of the article's sidebars.
Now, time to brew some coffee and read about the Umbragen!
- Chris Shadowens
My ten cents on Issue #330:
I like having fiction in Dragon. I think one short story a month would be great--but I don't really want to see cliched RPG fanfic. One of the best things about well constructed fiction is an element of surprise, which often fails to appear in many D and D related stories: surprise in terms of character, plot, or just some damn fine writing that knocks the reader back.
I'm not sure why so many Dragon readers get their back up over fiction. I've read the comments from other readers who say they see Dragon as 'reference material', but I guess I see it differently: it's my window into the Dungeons and Dragons world, and as such, I want to learn more about the world(s) perhaps more than I want reams and reams of 'crunch.' I'll be honest: articles on prestige classes and such bore the living hell out of me *unless* there is a rather extensive story or 'cream' behind it. For me, the story is more important than the game mechanics. I expect to be thrown out of the D and D club now.:>
I really enjoy the "Ecology' articles, which I guess isn't surprising. I like the little nods to pop culture we've been seeing of late (recommending 'Napoleon Dynamite', the little 'Evil Dead' shout-outs, etc.).
I'm a recent convert to the wonderful world of Eberron, so any material on that is usually gleefully digested. (And oh, how I held out on buying that Eberron Campaign Handbook. Not getting me on another world, I said. Sigh. Why did it have to be so much fun?)
As for the 'Far Realms' stuff--you know, H.P. Lovecraft should just get his name on the Contributers list every month. The man did inspire in ways he never knew. He's added as much to gaming without realizing it as Burroughs.
So, a good issue. Well worth the money and time.
Pretty much agree with you...it's a window into the D&D world. And sometimes the fiction introduces you to a concept in a better way than reading a rule. I mean I did not REALLY get the Highguard concepts of combat in the old Traveller game until I read David Weber's stuff....and then SHAZAM! <G>
And so far I've tried to grab EVERYTHING that has Eberron on it. I love this setting!
PS: I received 330 the day AFTER I complained so I guess 2 weeks can be 15 days...
-Dave
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Glad people are digging the issue. The next two are solid as well, in my clearly biased opinion. #332, which is currently in layout, includes a meaty article from Keith Baker on Eberron's "Cult of the Dragon Below," which could easily work in concert with Bruce Cordell's "Into the Far Realm" article to form the backbone of a chilling (and delightful) campaign.
--Erik Mona
Editor-in-Chief
Dragon & Dungeon
sweeeeeeeet
The Far Realm article is very interesting, just can't wait to see more alienation from this world. I might even use it in a Ravenloft campaign for the corrupting reality wrinkle of fiends. See it appear soon on the Fraternity Of Shadows site.
What first struck me when reading the mag is that THREE fan letters are from Québec :) Woohoo!
Joël
Hmm...looks like a thread is back from the dead. I'll just throw in that 330 is one of my favorite issues EVAR! I hope to see plenty more Far Realm or Xoriat stuff soon. (The Xoriat monsters in 349 were another good look at the madness on the edges of D&D cosmology.)
Hi Dwelleth. I'm glad you like the article. It holds a special place for me, since it's the first article of mine that was published.
But for the whole caster level thing, with your opposed school, you're considered two levels lower, so that means you learn opposed sphere spells two level s later than you should.
Does that mean that you learn your main specialized sphere spells one level earlier because you're one caster level higher?
This was my original idea, yes. I like a lot of things about the sorcerer, but one of the things I dislike is the way it gains spells later than a wizard. I saw spheres as a way to at least partially solve that, at least for an area of spells the sorcerer is really darn good at casting.
Also, let's say you're an Elemental savant, and you took energy substitution (cold), and your main sphere is cold as well, therefore your opposite sphere is fire. If you were to learn fireball, or a higher level fire spell, since all your energy subtype spells now are considered cold, does that mean you now learn them at the rate you would a cold spell? Or is the elemental savant class feature applied normally, only once you HAVE learned your firespell (2 level highter than normal)?
I don't have an answer here, since I'm not particularly familiar with the elemental savant prestige class. I'll see if I can dig out my book later on and read over the class. It's probably going to be one of those cases, though, where it's a DM's call how the two rules interact. But I can certainly read it over and give you my interpretation.
Cheers!
--John