|
Looking at the next issue of Dragon, I found this caption: Bandits in the Path of Fame
by James Lowder
A headstrong princess and her mysterious companion trek to a fallen city, once ruled her family. Can she face the evils surrounding herself and overcome the ancient tests that ward her ancestral throne?
Since I see no reference to anything I can drop into my game, I'm guessing this feature is "fiction". I have a couple of requests.
First, if fiction is included, please clearly label it as fiction in the magazine description. I'd be very disappointed if I made the decision to purchase this magazine thinking that it is going to detail some "tests" that I can use as traps or tests for my PCs.
Second point removed because the error was only present in one place, not repeated as I had thought. "Bandits in the Path of Fame
by James Lowder
A headstrong princess and her mysterious companion trek to a fallen city, once ruled her family. Can she face the evils surrounding herself and overcome the ancient tests that ward her ancestral throne? " lacks the necessary word "by" as taken from the paizo page describing the feature, but on the wizards.com site, they have that word included.
Thirdly, please don't include fiction. It is a waste of precious page count. While there has been some good fiction in Dragon, there are plenty of other sources for fiction for gamers. The magazine is devoted to D&D. D&D is a game. While many players of D&D like "fantasy fiction", that is a clearly different, though related, hobby. I don't want anything about D&D minis in my Dragon magazine because I don't play the game, and it is a different game. I don't want anything about Xbox games because I don't play D&D console games. Heck, even if I did, I would have other sources for that information that are more appropriate (magazines devoted to Xbox titles). Fiction is no different. It is not directly related to the magazine's stated intent.
Quoting from the Dragon main page regarding what Dragon seeks to achieve: "With an emphasis on useful game content, Dragon helps every aspect of roleplaying, introducing new game elements you can use in play, useful tips on world or character building, expert rules knowledge and game design tips, and roleplaying advice applicable to characters and NPCs alike. Whether you’re a player or a DM, you won’t find a better monthly source of official Dungeons & Dragons material."
Lastly, if you choose to include fiction despite my expressed interest in the contrary, detail how I can introduce one of the story elements into play, or provide some design tips based on converting a piece of fiction to a game-useable resource. Otherwise it is just filler that some people will enjoy and some won't - but it isn't something that provides "useful game content".
I personally enjoy the occaisional inclusion of fiction in "Dragon". Especially if it is world specific. I enjoyed the prelude to the "Marked for Death" Eberron novel, and the recent FR fictin. Perhaps once a quarter fiction could be included. The originator of this post does have a valid point. If the fiction is not game related it should not have a place in "Dragon". If the fiction is world specific though, then the story helps the reader identify with the campaign setting which can enhance game play.
Dragon has a long history of including some pretty fine fiction in its pages.
Some of the best inspiration for my game has come from fiction, some of it from Dragon.
Something doesn't have to be labelled "official game content" in order for me to use it in my game or find a way to use it in my game if I like it. It has always been the DM's job to do the final edit.
Pick up a Dragon magazine from 25 years ago and tell me how much was "official" game content that was instantly usable in everyone's campaign? 5%, 10%...??
I agree. The only fiction I have liked anytime recently in Dragon was the Crusader stuff.
Generally I read novels and magazines for fiction; I come to Dragon for my gaming stuff, and the short stories are not very helpful.
I remember when there was ficiton from different campaign settings because it was useful to figure out moods and feelings; I don't think that is relevant anymore thoug with so few settings.
Elaine Cunningham's "A Game of Chance" in Dragon 335 was a great read. I may not call him Elaith Craulnober, but this elf might make an appearance in one of my future Greyhawk setting games. If not, it was still a great read...
LG
|
|
Elaine Cunningham's "A Game of Chance" in Dragon 335 was a great read. I may not call him Elaith Craulnober, but this elf might make an appearance in one of my future Greyhawk setting games. If not, it was still a great read...
LG
I may be developing a reputation as someone who doesn't like a lot of things, which I would have preferred to avoid. Still, I think the magazine can be improved, and I'm willing to offer my advice whether anyone actually wants me to or not. At least, if I've said what I have to say, even if I'm ignored, I can rest assured knowing I at least tried to warn the staff.
Of course, maybe my warnings mean nothing, anyway.
But there is another issue, that I do want to address. I voice a criticism of some aspect of the magazine. Someone else says "Hey, I like that". But that's it. They don't say why my criticism is invalid, nor do they really weigh in on the issue.
Gildersleeve - you liked Game of Chance. Does that mean you want to see more fiction in Dragon, less fiction, or only fiction you like? You do realize that fiction is hit or miss - you might like some and might hate others. Did you like the Eberron fiction from a few issues back?
Now, Game of Chance covers 9 pages of content (excluding full page adds, but not partials). A Critical Threat, like from Dungeon Issue #126 and #127 take two pages. If you're looking for an NPC to drop into your adventures, wouldn't a Critical Threat serve your purpose more effectively than the fiction that is included?
I personally didn't like the fiction. I tried to read it. I got bored with it. After giving "the traditional pledge" I was done. I skimmed the rest. And I didn't care. It wasn't enjoyable to me.
Now, I read. I read lots of books. I read history, I read fiction. I've read most of the great books that Western Civilization has to offer. I've read more 19th century literature than you can shake a stick at. I like reading. However, considering the vast resources available to me to acquire reading material (like the library downtown) I can get my hands on just about any book I want, any time I want, to read as I see fit.
That, for me, is the issue. I buy Dragon because I want game useful content. I don't care about "entertainment" or "expanding my horizons". I can do that on my own. I wouldn't mind a book review section. I mean, if they want to turn me on to Elaine Cunningham, the best way would be to include a one-page book review telling me why I'd like her, perhaps comparing her to other authors. What does she do well? Is it cinematic action? Deft and intriguing dialogue? Descriptions so well crafted you couldn't cut them with a knife?
The 9 pages they gave me isn't enough to determine whether a novel is worth reading. I don't think I'd enjoy it from what I've seen, but a review would certainly be preferable.
The sad fact is, Dragon has a limited page count. If it were unlimited, I wouldn't care what they put in. I'd skip what I don't like, read what I do, and worship the staff for the stuff that excites me.
But, that isn't the case. Every page of something is a page less of something else. The staff promise an emphasis on game relevant material. I consider fiction to be a poor substitute. Sure, I could convert it to my game or sift it for ideas, but that is true for any source of fiction, whether it is fantasy or not. Heck, it is true for any story, whether fiction or reality. Basing an adventure on the Donner Party's expedition through the Sierra Nevada's can be just as exciting as anything created.
And, I have to say that I think gaming fiction can have a negative impact on the game. One of my worst gaming experiences was with a DM that wanted to recreate the Dragonlance novels as a D&D game. I hate to be told that I have to do something a particular way because that's how it happened in the book...
In any case, I'll stand by my request for less (or zero) fiction in the magazine. For those who disagree with me, please say so clearly, and explain what you consider an acceptable level. Obviously if the magazine were completely replaced with fantasy short stories you wouldn't be buying it, would you?
So, what's the "right amount"? One 10 page story a year? One 10 page story a quarter? One 10 page story a month? Or none?
Let's actually discuss the issue, rather than saying which fiction we like and which we don't. At some point that is irrelevant, since we can assume that we'll like some and dislike some - what's the right balance.
I've made it plain what I think. Now, let's hear your opinions.
Gildersleeve - you liked Game of Chance. Does that mean you want to see more fiction in Dragon, less fiction, or only fiction you like? You do realize that fiction is hit or miss - you might like some and might hate others. Did you like the Eberron fiction from a few issues back?
The amount of fiction doesn't bother me. I doubt they'll put more in, and if they put less in, I can live with that too. Reading these stories makes me think about the game, though. I suppose that makes it "game content" for me. And yes, I enjoyed the Eberron fiction.
LG
Fiction every couple of issues or so is fine with me. It's usually pretty entertaining and right up my alley -- attention span wise anyway.
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
|
We don't have any stories slated for the next six issues or so, so people who dislike fiction will have a ton of game articles to enjoy. I actually sympathize. I used to hate the fiction in the magazine, just like some of you. Then I was in charge all of a sudden, and I don't want to be the editor who kills fiction outright.
This is a game that found its root in fantasy fiction. I was discouraged that the main sources of inspiration for Eberron are listed as the Maltese Falcon and Indiana Jones. Both movies.* Meh.
At some point, some editor will kill fiction in the magazine entirely. Short fantasy fiction, as an art form, is dying a very slow death, and some day a Dragon editor will contribute to its ultimate demise. A certain segment of the audience will shower him (or her) with praise and garlands.
That editor will not be me.
--Erik
i would so rather have extra ecology or class acts articles in there. average fiction is 12 pages. that means we can do a one page class act for the new classes and a one page class act for the old ones. and i'm wondering what the heck happened to coup de' grace, winning races, and gaining prestige. i liked those articles.
This is a game that found its root in fantasy fiction. I was discouraged that the main sources of inspiration for Eberron are listed as the Maltese Falcon and Indiana Jones. Both movies.* Meh.
At some point, some editor will kill fiction in the magazine entirely.
....That editor will not be me.
--Erik
Good, for all the reasons you listed.
I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed Elaine Cunningham's "Game of Chance," and in recent years, Thomas Harlan's Crusader Earth series.
The day that D&D completely divorces itself from its fiction roots is the day the hobby is doomed. It is a game of making up stories, and we all benefit from reading some well-written ones.
Short fiction in Dragon has always been a nice alternative to actually comitting to a longer book when you're just not in the mood for it. I've read some and flipped passed others, but I do not resent its occasional appearance in the magazine. So, keep it coming, but maybe every 2 or 3 issues. That's my 2 coppers.
|
|
Regarding the length of Game of Chance, it begins with a 2 page illustration (and 1/6 page of text). It is a total of 18 1/2 columns of text after ads are accounted for, which corresponds to 6+ pages, for a total page count of ~8 1/6 pages of content.
And of course, all inclusive, it was spread over 9 pages (not counting full page ads).
So, Erik's right when he says the fiction doesn't equal 12 pages of the magazine.
And Erik - I'm not hoping you're gone anytime soon, so I'll be happy with the interlude that we'll be getting. There really are some examples of fiction in Dragon that I liked, but considering it as a whole I could do without it.
Still, I'd like to get your opinions specificially on two issues I brought up.
1) Do you think that when announcing the content of upcoming issues you can clearly label short stories in some identifiable manner?
2) If fiction is included, can it be worked back into the general articles? The example I use is the older "Ecology" articles that would focus on a particular individuals encounter with the creature - though they often failed to put enough emphasis on the creature in question.
Such a change might help satisfy those who feel the game is too crunchy, without providing "fluff" that some feel is irrelevant.
Just a thought.
I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed Elaine Cunningham's "Game of Chance"
As previously stated, I, for another...
The day that D&D completely divorces itself from its fiction roots is the day the hobby is doomed. It is a game of making up stories, and we all benefit from reading some well-written ones.
I agree. And no offense to the undeadDM, who is both articulate and well-read. I've been clinging to this game since '79 and love the fiction that's grown around it. It may not be around 500 years hence, but it's certainly entertaining now. I hope we can agree to disagree.
LG
Hey, I did read Ivanhoe...twice!
Generally I read novels and magazines for fiction; I come to Dragon for my gaming stuff, and the short stories are not very helpful.
Wait...Dragon's not a magazine? I'd better go tell my local B&N so they can stop stocking it on the magzine racks.
- Chris Shadowens
...This is a game that found its root in fantasy fiction...
...At some point, some editor will kill fiction in the magazine entirely...
...That editor will not be me.
And bravo to you, Erik, for that commitment. While I haven't read every short story that's made its way into Dragon over the years I like that it's there. I've also liked the few excerpts from novels that've found their way into Dragon's pages. Easier to skim the few magazine pages than stand in the aisles flipping through paperbacks (which was how I spent my cash-poor youth since I usually had enough money for only one book so it had to be a really good one.) I suppose the folks against the short stories do have a smallish point about it not being "game material" but only in that it's not numbers and charts. I'd be hard-pressed to believe there are D&D fans out there that didn't read some sort of fantasy book at some point in life and want to play in that world or play a charcter based on one they just read about. So how can a fantastical tale not be gaming material? Because it lacks the "crunch"?
Just as you said, D&D has its roots in fantasy literature. I think to completely ignore that would be a shame and a disservice to some degree for all D&D fans.
- Chris Shadowens (who seems to be on a bit of a tirade today.)
As a reader of Dragon from issue 48, I think the fiction has added a great deal to my games. As I get older I find less time to create from scratch and therefore pluder the novels I read for ideas. Without the fiction in Dragon, I would have never read several of the great authors that have graced these pages. If they continue to eliminate the fluff, I may never understand Downer (I know thats Dungeon, but if fluff is elimanated from Dragon, then Dungeon will be next) Just my 2cp
I think it's okay for Dragon to publish a short work of fiction on an occasional basis. WoTC publishes so many books, by so many different authors, I simply don't have enough time to read them all (does anyone?) From the ones I *have* read - a few are really good, and few are, uh, not so good...
So if Dragon can give us a "sample chapter" every now and then, it's useful in helping people determine which author's books might appeal to them the most. As for being applicable to gaming, a good story about Waterdeep should provide a FR DM with lots of "flavor" ideas to use in describing the city. Any character in a story can become an NPC (friend, villian, henchman, etc) to introduce to your group. If it sparks the imagination in any way, shape, or form, then I'd say it's "game related". But of course, what inspires one person may not another. You may occasionally have to tolerate a story/article you don't like. *shrug*
|
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
|
1) Do you think that when announcing the content of upcoming issues you can clearly label short stories in some identifiable manner?
Yes, absolutely.
2) If fiction is included, can it be worked back into the general articles? The example I use is the older "Ecology" articles that would focus on a particular individuals encounter with the creature - though they often failed to put enough emphasis on the creature in question.
While I don't plan to return to the old Ecology format (sorry, Johnathan!), I think you'll start seeing more "fluff" in the articles. Actually, I think you've been seeing that a lot, lately.
--Erik
I don't mind the fluff in articles; they help a lot with mood for me. A good example was Ed Greenwoods cities of the realms stuff. Mostly fluff, but alot of it pertained to what I could do with a group or as a player there.
I guess part of my thing against some of the fiction has been quality. I'm no literary critic, but like DeadDM said, I have plenty to read and have read ALOT of stuff. The Cunningham stuff is ok, she is good, but the Eberron fiction was crap, to be honest. It blew. I would rather read George RR Martin, Robert E Howard or David Eddings for my fantasy fiction.
If I am going to read D&D books, I will usually select some of the better authors, like Rich Baker, Weis and Hickman, Salvatore or the like. Alot of the fiction from WotC is nto always strong, and I don't know that higlighting it is going to be good alot.
I can understand Erik not wanting to kill the fiction, but I wouldn't mind neglecting it until you can up the quality again. There have been some big name authors in Dragon before. I would rather have a good story by a good author not D&D related per se than weak world based fiction.
|
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
|
This is going to sound a bit like a copout, but when a new editor takes over a magazine, it sometimes takes a while for content purchased by other editors to make it into print. I would say that the Elaine Cunningham and Jim Lowder stories are more representative of the type of fiction I'll be printing in Dragon than some of the stuff that appeared immediately before it. That said, I did enjoy Richard Lee Byers's "The Silverfish," which I didn't buy, so the pendulum swings both ways.
--Erik
|
|
I did get issue #336 in my mailbox yesterday. I read through it briefly. That is to say, I read the article on Haunted Houses by James Jacobs and I consider it one of the 25 best articles to ever appear in Dragon. I also read the birth of the dead, and it had some interesting ideas, so I'd say I enjoyed it.
Bandits in the Path of Fame, however, I didn't read. I started to, but it didn't catch my interest. I'll try to go back and read it, but only so I can make effective critique later. Already I know two important things. It failed to catch my interest in the first page (with the illustration), and when I flipped the page, a quick skim didn't show me anything I wanted to know more about. Secondly, the fiction doesn't provide anything that I can directly import into my game.
So, while there are high notes in the magazine, I'm very glad to hear there won't be any fiction in the next half dozen issues or so.
|
I for one don't mind a little fiction here and there. Unfortunately, there are very few writers, in my opinion, who are still very good at creating a compelling and entertaining short story. People I consider masters of the short story - such as Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard - could write a story that might take up two or three pages, and it would have been incredible. Some other writers can't even do that in an entire novel, let alone a few pages. There are a few currently living writers whom I think have been or still are decent with a good short story. Elaine Cunningham is one. Brian Lumley is another. Stephen King (I can hear the anger screams now) used to be very good with a short story (Jerusalem's Lot coes to mind). I know my tastes are different from a lot of other people's, but those are some of my favorites. I'm sure there are many other talented writers out there, but I'm just really picky.
My point in all this great and terrible ramble, is that I'm happy with the occasional fiction in Dragon, as long as it is well written and can capture my imagination. In short, as long as it entertains.
Erik, you have a hanging asterisk in your first post. "This is a game that found its root in fantasy fiction. I was discouraged that the main sources of inspiration for Eberron are listed as the Maltese Falcon and Indiana Jones. Both movies.* Meh."
I assume that it was going to lead to a footnote saying something along the lines of, "Yes, I know the Maltese Falcon was originally a book, but most people have only seen the movie." Course I'm a huge Dash Hammett fan; I think everyone should read the Maltese Falcon (and The Thin Man and Red Harvest and and and...)
-Amber S.
P.S. I usually skip the fiction, fwiw.
Edit: Apostrophe, asterisk...they both start with "a," right?
|
Contributor
|
Yeah, I usually skip the fiction too. Still, every so often I read a piece that I really enjoy it. The George R.R. Martin piece or Gregory Keyes's Fool Wolf stories that Dragon published a while back were fantastic. I guess I prefer fiction that inspires me to think about adding new things to my games rather than fiction that is inspired by the game. I know I love the really older pulp stuff
like Clark Ashton Smith, R.E.Howard, and of course Lovecraft, and those were all short stories, I just don't have the palate for a lot of the more contemporary stuff. My personal preference would be to publish a few pieces a year, some I might like, some I won't, but I'd really hate to see that option disappear altogether. It makes it easier for me to run a storytelling game, by occassionaly reading a well told story.
Erik, you have a hanging asterisk in your first post. "This is a game that found its root in fantasy fiction. I was discouraged that the main sources of inspiration for Eberron are listed as the Maltese Falcon and Indiana Jones. Both movies.* Meh."
I assume that it was going to lead to a footnote saying something along the lines of, "Yes, I know the Maltese Falcon was originally a book, but most people have only seen the movie." Course I'm a huge Dash Hammett fan; I think everyone should read the Maltese Falcon (and The Thin Man and Red Harvest and and and...)
-Amber S.
P.S. I usually skip the fiction, fwiw.
Edit: Apostrophe, asterisk...they both start with "a," right?
Sure it wasn't an ampersand?
I am always astounded by the amount of good taste I find on these boards between you and Aberzombie (Hammet, Lovecraft, Howard and even Steven King - I liked Jerusalem's Lot too). Now all we need is a little John Milton, and some Shakespeare and we're all set.
Oddly enough I skip the fiction to for the most part though I do remember a very funny piece though I am blanking on the name and author about a woman marrying an ettin'g nephew (who was of course an ettin himself (though not the dumb-looking and dirty D&D ettins who can go the way of bards and lava "Opie" children - Oh are bards still around? My bad.) Well anyhow it may have been called "The Old Ways are Best" or I might just be quoting a line that gets used a few times in the piece. Still it was nice, self-contained, and I don't think it had a novel tie-in - just short fiction. You know I had heard that Paizo was planning on doing something with some really AMAZING fiction once. Oh well....
Here's to fiction,
GGG
As a Realms fan, I have loved the Richard Lee Byers, Paul S Kemp, and Elaine Cunningham stories that have appeared, and without inflaming the age old setting debate, those stories definately have a purpose in a gaming magazine that covers the setting that the stories are from.
|
|
I am always astounded by the amount of good taste I find on these boards between you and Aberzombie (Hammet, Lovecraft, Howard and even Steven King - I liked Jerusalem's Lot too). Now all we need is a little John Milton, and some Shakespeare and we're all set. GGG
First of all, GGG, thanks for the compliment. Second, I haven't read any Milton, but I'm always up for a little Shakespeare. I've always loved his stuff. Macbeth is one of my favorites, but I also like A Midsummer Night's Dream (which Neil Gaiman touched on very creatively in the Sandman comics). Edgar Allen Poe is another great one (Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Purloined Letter, The Telltale Heart). Some of my other favorites: Jules Verne (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea), H.G. Wells (War of the Worlds), and Edgar Rice Burroughs (the Mars books).
I will say, however, one of my favorite writers is Frank Herbert. I have, of course, read all the Dune novels (even the ones by his son, which are OK), but I have also read a number of his other books. I had a five book set of his that my brother got me years ago: Destination Void (a classic), The Jesus Incident, The Lazarus Effect, Whipping Star, and The Dosadi Experiment. For a long time, those were the only non-Dune books of his that I had. Then, about a year ago, right before a trip to Japan, I found three of his shorter novels in a Borders. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. It reawakend my love for his work and I am currently planning on tracking down as many copies of his other novels as I can, even if I have to buy them used.
Anyway, I have rambled on long enough. Maybe this can turn into a thread (or we can start a new one) were we all share what books and authors we like.
Actually there is a section of threads about books down in the "AMAZING" portion of the messageboards.
GGG
|
I'm not a big fan of fiction on Dragon too, but i have to admid that there really were some highlights (like the G.R.R. Martin story).
But I like the idea to have something gaming-related in each fiction-article.
It could be a description of a magic item featured in the story, stats for one of the characters or similar stuff.
With that, there could be something useful in there for the readers that normally skip the fiction.
While DeadDMWalking I will agree is a well read, well spoken individual I'd have to say that I'd have to disagree with him on the short story content inside the magazines. First and foremost as a DM its our job to develope a story that our players can get involved with and immerse themselves in. And if anything the short stories have helped me to frame out and flesh out NPC personalities that I put into my games. Now I might not necessarily USE every character that they decide to put in their short stories and magazines but that is my own decision to make. I also look at it as another source for which a campaign could be based upon. We'll give Elaith of Waterdeep and his story as an example. What if there was another person in the room, or the room next door that overheard his fight and murder of the young noble and ask that the NPC's do something to right the "wrong doing" of the noble's death. With the story you at least have something of a background that you are familiar with and can reference if you need. The question is what would make it different to you that would make it more game/magazine worthy? Maybe a couple of stats blocks at the end of the story of the major characters in. Me personally I could see this as at least a good bit of information for someone to try and get quests to become a Guilded Rogue or a Divine Seeker. (Intentionally using FR Prestiege classes because of the story world baseline) *shrugs* Again its all in how you view the stories. Believe me in at least in viewing these threads I've had my eyes opened to other options. Maybe this one will turn yours. *smiles*
|
|
For me personally, there are a few issues regarding the fiction in Dragon. First, I don't believe anyone likes all of it. Personally, I enjoy less than 30%, so it makes it a marginal addition for me. I hated Under Command, beyond my ability to tolerate it. But I can live with fiction. I just don't like most of it.
Now, the fiction in Dragon doesn't really seem to have a clear role. Is it there for the enjoyment of the reading audience? I'd reply that if a majority or even significant minority dislike it it fails in that regard. Something better should come along.
If it is there to inspire our games, I could accept that as a valid reason. Still, I think providing stat blocks or some "game mechanic" to transfer to the game would be useful. Although I might not use it, I'd accept that this is "game useful content" which is why I buy the magazine.
Now, short stories themselves have limitations. There are a lot of short stories that I've really enjoyed. Most of them are science fiction. Usually a short story provides "an event" well. It usually does a poor job at developing characters and dialogue.
Now, in D&D I'm looking for characters and dialogue. It is a role-playing game. What's more - it involves groups of heroes. The group I DM for is up to 5 players, and we'll probably be up to seven before the campaign is over. The group I play with on Sundays is down to 5, but will probably add one more, and the group I play with on Tuesdays is another four. Fiction that focuses on a single character doesn't inspire my games the way that fiction that focuses on a group would.
Still, writing a group of people into a story is much harder than creating a Conan or Drizzt. Though they have supporting characters, I don't think there is any doubt about who is the "primary" character.
That isn't to say that I'd dislike all fiction. I'd really enjoy well-written campaign journals told from the characters perspective. I've done quite a few of those, and my group usually enjoy them. I've inspired others to do the same, and I'm looking forward to getting the final "epilogue" chapter to a campaign we ended last Spring from one of the players.
But, while I would enjoy that type of fiction, I don't think that the majority of readers would. So, I'd prefer to see them drop "stand-alone" fiction altogether, and instead emphasize short fiction that supports the game article. The descriptions of turning undead from October's issue are a good example of what I mean by that.
|
|
Looking at the next issue of Dragon, I found this caption: Bandits in the Path of Fame
by James Lowder
A headstrong princess and her mysterious companion trek to a fallen city, once ruled her family. Can she face the evils surrounding herself and overcome the ancient tests that ward her ancestral throne?
I'm not a big fan of fiction in Dragon. I'd prefer it kept to an absolute minimum, as I get plenty of fiction from other sources.
This particular story struck me as fairly bland and uninteresting, and I only read it because basically I'll read any story put in front of me.
However, the twist at the end really impressed me - I never saw it coming, so that'll teach me to pay more attention when reading Dragon. I'm glad I did read it, and if anyone hasn't bothered doing so yet I recommend that you give it a go.
So, I'll put in a request for more fiction that I enjoy, and less fiction that I don't enjoy!
|
|
I think it would be great if they could get some big-name writers to contribute that don't normally do so. I'm talking people like Mercedes Lackey, Piers Anthony, maybe even Stephen King. It would be interesting to see what kind of stuff they would come up with. Of the three that I mention, I've never readanything by Lackey, but I at least know her name (although I'm not sure I spelled it correctly). I know Stephen King can write pretty good short stories (at least ones that I can enjoy). I'd be interested to see what someone like Piers Anthony could do with just a few pages to work with.
I think it would be great if they could get some big-name writers to contribute that don't normally do so. I'm talking people like Mercedes Lackey, Piers Anthony, maybe even Stephen King. It would be interesting to see what kind of stuff they would come up with. Of the three that I mention, I've never readanything by Lackey, but I at least know her name (although I'm not sure I spelled it correctly). I know Stephen King can write pretty good short stories (at least ones that I can enjoy). I'd be interested to see what someone like Piers Anthony could do with just a few pages to work with.
I like Piers Anthony, but I prefer his non-Xanth stuff, like the Mode series and the Incarnation series. Just ordered his "Bio of a Space Tyrant" - looking forward to it.
Wasn't Amazing Stories a vehicle for fiction? Bring that back and then there's no need for it in Dragon. I don't really mind the occasional fiction in Dragon, but I so rarely read it and there could be so much else included in the mag.
However, I will go back and actually read the ones that have been in since Erik started and see if I like his picks any better... when I have some time. :)
|
|
I think it would be great if they could get some big-name writers to contribute that don't normally do so. I'm talking people like Mercedes Lackey, Piers Anthony, maybe even Stephen King. It would be interesting to see what kind of stuff they would come up with. Of the three that I mention, I've never readanything by Lackey, but I at least know her name (although I'm not sure I spelled it correctly). I know Stephen King can write pretty good short stories (at least ones that I can enjoy). I'd be interested to see what someone like Piers Anthony could do with just a few pages to work with.I used to read Piers Anthony religiously. I had read all of his books up to a point in the 90s, including Bio of a Space Tyrant. That is a series I'm glad I read, but I almost had to put it down.
I don't want to spoil anything for you, but Bio of a Space Tyrant has some very "traumatic" experiences in the first 100 pages. Maybe I wish I had never started reading it. I only finished reading it to "reverse" the bad parts of the beginning. So, it doesn't get worse, but that wasn't what I was looking for in my "fantasy".
I like Piers Anthony, but I prefer his non-Xanth stuff, like the Mode series and the Incarnation series. Just ordered his "Bio of a Space Tyrant" - looking forward to it.
|
|
I like Piers Anthony, but I prefer his non-Xanth stuff, like the Mode series and the Incarnation series. Just ordered his "Bio of a Space Tyrant" - looking forward to it.
I only ever read his Incarnations of Immortality series, but I thought that was excellent. I even keep hearing rumors that they've optioned On a Pale Horse for movie treatment. I hope that is true.
I'd really enjoy well-written campaign journals told from the characters perspective. I've done quite a few of those, and my group usually enjoy them. I've...
I'd like to humbly put in a vote against this idea. Very little is as boring to me as reading about someone else's campaigns. I can hardly stand to read about my own. :-p
Well no, reading my own is interesting, cause I remember it.
-Amber S.
Looking at the next issue of Dragon, I found this caption: Bandits in the Path of Fame
by James Lowder
A headstrong princess and her mysterious companion trek to a fallen city, once ruled her family. Can she face the evils surrounding herself and overcome the ancient tests that ward her ancestral throne?I'm not a big fan of fiction in Dragon. I'd prefer it kept to an absolute minimum, as I get plenty of fiction from other sources.
This particular story struck me as fairly bland and
ninteresting, and I only read it because basically I'll read any story put in front of me.However, the twist at the end really impressed me - I never saw it coming, so that'll teach me to pay more attention when reading Dragon. I'm glad I did read it, and if anyone hasn't bothered doing so yet I recommend that you give it a go.
So, I'll put in a request for more fiction that I enjoy, and less fiction that I don't enjoy!
I really enjoy Jim's work in general. I was sorry we haven't seen much more than occasional review by him since issue #208. Jim's work usually includes those nasty little hooks and twists that stop you in your tracks. Obviously, however, I'm not unbiased.
Cunningham's short stories and the ones Greenwood did were great as well. These people are far more creative than I and if I can take bits and pieces or even ideas to make my campaign more interesting..........all the better.
For those that insist that fiction include material that can be lifted for their game -- rather than simply a good story for the sake of a good story -- allow me to reference 336's "Bandits in the Path's of Fame." by James Lowder.
If you're looking for adventure hooks and monsters, the story has plenty. Here's just a sampling, each with plenty of potential to plug and play into your next game.
1. A princess seeking a guide as she goes to claim her destiny.
2. A hunter harbors a secret.
3. Exotic-sounding proper nouns: Hrengbad, Nahkla, Zalantis, Ysilda, Salaghul, Dementae, Andrath, Sul, Feral Lands, Deepvein Moutnains. (all of these came from just a single column on pg. 50).
4. Red and Black ant-men seek human bones to serve as pins to hold together their monstrous constructs.
5. An elaborate trap with thick chains.
I'd really enjoy well-written campaign journals told from the characters perspective. I've done quite a few of those, and my group usually enjoy them. I've...I'd like to humbly put in a vote against this idea. Very little is as boring to me as reading about someone else's campaigns. I can hardly stand to read about my own. :-p
Well no, reading my own is interesting, cause I remember it.
-Amber S.
So... what you're saying is that all those times you've told me you enjoy my campaign story, you were less-than-truthful? :P
I'd really enjoy well-written campaign journals told from the characters perspective. I've done quite a few of those, and my group usually enjoy them. I've...I'd like to humbly put in a vote against this idea. Very little is as boring to me as reading about someone else's campaigns. I can hardly stand to read about my own. :-p
Well no, reading my own is interesting, cause I remember it.
-Amber S.
"No, no, no, let me tell you about my character, he's sooooo kewl. He's a psionic paladin who can turn orcs' brains into platinum."
From what I've read what makes for a good campaign very rarely makes for good literary fiction for that matter mid and higher-level D&D doesn't even make for good fiction with spells like raise dead and the like killing whatever tension might have been built up. This is I feel a problem with pretty much the entire WotC book line, but in particular those books based on actual modules.
GGG
So... what you're saying is that all those times you've told me you enjoy my campaign story, you were less-than-truthful? :P
Oh, man. Never ask a woman if she was telling you the truth. Just step in front of a moving bus next time. It's a lot less painful. Trust me on this one.
I can't - the bus company around here is on strike. :D