Creative Director
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Hey everyone!
We're building up issue #139 right now, which includes setting up a letters page. And BEHOLD! Our letters folder is tragically empty! So here's your big chance... what about issue #136 did you really like. Or alternately, what did you hate? Got any questions about the Savage Tide Adventure Path (which begins in this issue!)? Do you have any questions about Dungeon in general? Ask away!
The Maps of Mystery have been really awesome lately and I hope you continue the trend. Sideviews, 3-D maps and the unusual environments are useful, attractive and really appreciated.
The adventures have been top notch, as usual. However, I would prefer to see future adventures organized for clarity. Stat blocks all in one place, for example, would go a long way to simplify retrieving information on the fly while running an adventure. Also, long stat blocks that go from one page to another page are very annoying while running a game. Reading the adventures is one thing--I think they could possibly be better organized or presented to make running an adventure gaming session easier.
Stefan Happ
El Paso, TX
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Dear Paizo,
I have been hearing rumblings on the messageboards about a "secret project" that is supposedly being worked on by someone very big in the Paizo heirarchy. I was hoping that some light could be shed on this project as some of the hopeful seem to think the project is centered on some type of Greyhawk paraphenalia. I don't want to get my hopes up too much, so clearing this up a bit would really be helpful. Thank you.
Fake Healer (Dreaming of Greyhawk)
How was that, chief? I could throw together some others. Can we talk about issue 137 or is that off limits for 139?
FH
Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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blah blah blah, T&A on the cover, blah blah blah, women playing the game, blah blah blah, self-righteous anger, blah blah blah
blah, blah
Sebastian
(You're most likely going to have a letter like that in 139 anyway, so I thought I'd just provide a truncated version to provide more room for a response. Also, might I suggest the following response):
blah blah blah, T&A sells magazines, blah blah blah, we're a small publisher, blah blah blah, general business/pragmatic concerns
Ta-Da! The whole debate boiled down to its core.
Issue 136 Is one of those really odd issues for me - It's just coming after the Age of Worms, and so my expectations for the magazine were very different. After a year of eagerly devouring the latest installment of Dungeon voraciously, I found myself having difficulties getting really into reading 136.
Then, a few days later, I sat down and read the Gates of Oblivion - and what a dreary and dark adventure. the flavor of the adventure just dripped through every page - from the writing, to the art, to the maps - the adventure came together very well. I'm hoping to see more from Mr. Austin, provided they keep up this level of quality. I turned to the front of the magazine to give it a deserved perusal. Though I (almost rabidly) dislike Eberron, I read Tensions Rising all the way through - and (here's the odd part) I liked the adventure. It's one of the few pieces of Eberron material I've honestly enjoyed. So, congratulations are in order to Mr. Smalley.
I've enjoyed the time between adventure paths, but I'm itching for more linked adventures from great authors. Bring on the Savage Tide! Give me pirates, and demons, and pirate demons! Undead and barbarians on the high seas! Make me want to kill off my players with rampaging dinosaurs on the Isle of dread. Give me that itch I got when I opened up 124 and read The Whispering Cairn.
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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Why is it that on the internet I can find geek related comics that are consistently funny that are published twice a week (or three times a week), but the Portent can't manage to be funny even once a month? Zagonia is funny. That old Bolt and Quiver comic that ran a few years ago was funny. Isn't there anything in the geek-a-verse better than the Portent? Fart and technology jokes go only so far, even in Star Wars.
And while I'm complaining about comics - Downer still doesn't make sense to me. Maybe it's the constraints of a monthly strip, but I feel like I'm getting about 1/3 of the panels I need to understand the story. On top of that, every time I grow interested in a character, it gets killed off, turns evil, or otherwise exits the scene.
But those are minor complaints, not even sufficient for a good rant. Thanks for publishing such a high quality magazine. Dungeon is better than it has ever been.
Sebastian
San Diego
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Dear Paizo,
I would like to give an enthusiastic (extra pair of) hand(s) to Greg Vaughn for his excellent adventure 'The Coming Storm'. I greatly enjoyed the thrusting of an unknown region of the Greyhawk world into the familiar territories and the exotic templates that accompanied the adventure (specifically the Obah-Blessed). The way these exotics were introduced and the taste of the alien region provided give a nice jumping off point for 'off-the map' adventures in my home campaign. More importantly, they made sense and fit a well rounded plot.
I look forward to the Savage Tide AP giving us other looks at 'Undiscovered Greyhawk'!
Gavin Smith
Killeen, Texas
Dear Paizo,
I have been hearing rumblings on the messageboards about a "secret project" that is supposedly being worked on by someone very big in the Paizo heirarchy. I was hoping that some light could be shed on this project as some of the hopeful seem to think the project is centered on some type of Greyhawk paraphenalia. I don't want to get my hopes up too much, so clearing this up a bit would really be helpful. Thank you.Fake Healer (Dreaming of Greyhawk)
How was that, chief? I could throw together some others. Can we talk about issue 137 or is that off limits for 139?
FH
Talk about whatever you'd like... but know that secret projects are secret for a reason. : P
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Issue #136 has been (against my fears, because of being the first after AoW) again a top-notch issue! Well, I didn't liked the cover so much, but as for 98% the things behing it count that's no problem at all.
What I would love to see in Dungeon is, that the Stat-blocks get organized in a single place to make referencing them easier. I just can't imagine how to run Kyuss himself with flipping around those 2.5 pages of his stat-block. Stats that big would be great to have in the web-enhancement as well! Which leads me to the second point of critique (and the last one, promised): Is there any way you catch up with the web-enhancements to the current issue of the magazine?
Maps of mystery rock! The last two (#136 and #137) especially! They help so much in saving time during preparation that I hope you will never let go of those!
Keep the letter section as well (I heard someone asking for cutting them out of the magazine because of the internet). They are still the one thing I read first and they also give me that community feeling.
I am not getting tired of telling you that you're doing a hell of a job at paizo, even if people start asking me if I get paid by you for that. Every issue makes me realize how much you guys care for your/our magazine!
Tom Ganz
Germany
Month after month I have the same gripe about Dungeon. There are only three modules!
Issue #136 was a minor let down only because it didn't have a module dealing with Age of Worms. I was so used to tearing open the plastic to jump to the latest installment. I eagerly await the Savage Tide adventure path. A DM's best friend is the adventure path.
As always, the modules showcase new monsters and a variety of campaign settings, maps, NPCs, new monsters, feats, magical items... Thumbs up. "Tensions Rising" has a strong combination of role-playing and hack and slash. "The Coming Storm" contains an incredible temple map, and the Creatures of Mur provide DMs with a new set of monsters and a template. The yaun-ti Ataman Histchok is a solid boss monster. I might have to slip him into Age of Worms somehow. "Gates of Oblivion" is a high level romp involving the Plane of Shadow. It's great to have access to a module that takes DMs and players through the Shadow Plane.
I'm telling you, the articles in the back are my favorite. Monte Cook's "DM's Fault" article is a continuation of some great readings dealing with DMs and their craft. They hit home. The thieves’ guild is also a great resource. I'll probably use them when the PCs make it to Waterdeep. They'd go well with the sewer stronghold mystery map from issue #128. The magic mushroom article was an interesting read and good "food" for the druid in my party, especially in the Underdark. Countess Vita Al-Adora is an excellent NPC that a module or low level campaign could be spawned around. One could really start a campaign using the articles in the back of issue #136 alone.
The Downer comic is great as always. I discovered it late, so I'm trying to follow along as best I can. I'm a big fan of Kyle Hunter's style. I really appreciate the single illustrations at the beginning of each article.
The mystery map is beautiful. It could be inserted into any campaign world if needed. Another great resource.
Dungeon #136 doesn't waste any pages. I might not be getting to these modules any time soon, as I'm knee-deep in "Three Faces of Evil," but they still serve as a great storehouse of resources, making my job a lot easier. Like I said, my only gripe is that there are only three modules in each issue. ;)
Mike Ames
Pittsburgh, PA
I never really know what to expect from Dungeon, month to month. Sometimes there are games in there that make me go, "hmm I might use this part", or "Well this is fun, but I dont see how I could use that in the capaign I'm running at the moment." Then there are other issues like #136. I started looking through 'Tensions Rising'and went "HA! I was wondering how I was going to get airships into the game, now I know!" This also marks one of the first times Ive been interested in anything Eberron. I understand that you also have to cater to certain setting worlds on occasion, but I'm always hoping for the more open ones. Ive enjoyed the 'Age of Worms path' and hope to run it sometime. I have of course borrowed some elements. I unfortunately wasnt subscribed during 'Shackled City' so I missed out on it. There, I even gave you a place to plug the collected adventure path book. Arent you happy? I am interested in finding more out about the next path, 'Savage Tide'. Will you be selling promotional Water Wings with the Savage Tide and Paizo logo on them?
I also have to say I'm liking the back of the magazine as much as the front. The articles always seem to help in either things I was wondering about or hadnt realized I needed help with. One thing I would like to see, and this may sound lame to some people, but a clarification on magic and other powers. How it is adjudicated, how timing works, things of that nature. I mean in the books you have a spells description and its just what it says. Sometimes I need a more clearly explained idea about what goes on. Both out of character and in character. Sometimes I still feel like a kid again when we played 1st edition AD&D and we'd have clerics or mages with a spell list and everything but all we ever did was hit people with our maces and stab people with our daggers because we "dont really get how we 'cast the spells'" I dont know if any of that request makes sense, but there it is, as best as my addled brain can explain it.
James Davis
Houston, Texas
I liked this issue (136). It was fun to read through all of them. And I would like to hold up the first adventure as proof that material specific to a campaign world isn't an impediment to using the adventure. When I read Tensions Rising I immediately thought . . . hm . . . skyship, crash, arcane caster for a captain? I could convert this to a Halruuan skyship for the Forgotten Realms.
I also liked the The Coming Storm and managed to come up with some ideas for converting this one to run in the mountains outside of Rashemen in the Forgotten Realms, using the raiders as Tuigan horse barbarians trapped in the temple cursed by the Wyclaran of Rashemen, and the monks as pilgrims from Tabot in Kara-Tur.
Gates of Oblivion was a fun "non-specific" adventure that could be fun to plop into any setting, especially since the Plane of Shadows is the main 3.5 way to traverse the worlds.
All in all a fun issue that generated a lot of ideas.
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I initially thought Vita al-Adora, the Critical Threat, was stupid; but was eventually won over.
Maybe my first insticnt was because of the unprintable impression Kyle Hunter's winged monkey left a few pages before. Maybe it was that her premise just seemed a little too melodramatic and pat. Maybe it was the vapid expression on someone with Int 18. I think the character hook just had the wrong tone for me. Then I thought about it some more. I realized I was comparing her to Filge and to Dungeon's finest femme fatale, Talakara. (Issue 25 is one of my favorites.)
I took another look at the illustration and reconsidered. The jewelry and midriff-baring costume, pose, ludicrous hip-to-waist ratio, prohibited schools and spellbook are all perfect for a character in the mode of Dragonlance's Fewmaster Toede crossed with Buffy's Harmony Kendall. I doubt she'll have her mansion or even a permanent home in any game I run, since I expect she would be quickly dealt with, but I liked The Order of the Lavendar Rose (even the picture). So I think I might keep her on as the sometimes-minion of Madam Wren and/or sometimes-dupe of Brias Sjeltand(great picture) from #137.
The Gates of Oblivion was an excellent adventure. I imagine that the author poured a lot of pent up and saved thoughts from over the years into the project. It's profound.
The Coming Storm; it's by Greg Vaughan, need I say more. Please pay the man and print more of his stuff.
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I have to say, my expectations for issue 136 were not very high following on the heals of the Age of Worms. Boy was I mistaken. Gates of Oblivion was one of the best adventures published in Dungeon in the 4 odd years I've been collecting them.
I have a few questions pertaining to the upcoming Savage Tide Adventure Path. After the gorgeous cover art for the opening Age of Worms issue, will we get a similar cover for the opening Savage Tide issue? I love's me some Demogorgon, and a sweet cover of the Prince of Demons would almost make my universe complete (the other thing needed for that to happen is for Dragon to give me a Demonomicon article on Demogorgon to go with all the Savage Tide goodness in the next year, do drop Erik Mona a line for me and let him now that he can complete the universe with just one article).
Other than that, let me say keep up the good work!!! I haven't ever had a subscription up until now, but I must say that the direction the magazine is headed really makes me think it is time to subscribe. Always before, I felt like I had to look at an issue first to make sure I wanted it, but since you changed to the new format I haven't missed a single issue. As near as I can tell, that can only mean one thing... You guys rock!!! Keep em coming. Without you guys, D&D wouldn't be half as fun as it is.
While I enjoy Dungeon quite a bit, one thing I would love to see added to the book (or maybe its big brother, Dragon) would be a one-or-two page monthly section dedicated to blank forms and data sheets.
What do I mean? Here are some suggestions:
-- A "Transformation data sheet" where the DM or player could assemble stats for a wildshaped druid or polymorphed individual.
-- A set of cards to copy important monster/character stats (you did one of these a while back, I'd like to see a better one).These would be useful for initiative orders, environmental skill checks and Saves.
-- 3x5-sized forms to jot down key spell information on.
-- Similar forms to jot down key magic equipment information on.
-- A PC history questionnaire.
-- A loot list. You could write down what loot was found, where loot you got it and what you did with it.
-- A ship's layout (or wagon's layout) that allows the DM to map out where cargo is placed. For example, certain portions of a ship hold more stuff than others.
-- A body-slot chart where players and DMs can map out locations of items on characters.
Just brainstorming for ya! Best of luck.
John Simcoe
Mount Wolf, Pa.
Hm. This is the second time the letters bin has gone empty this year. Maybe it's time to trim the letters page allotment? More space for gaming content is a big plus in my book.
I agree, Greg Vaughn really delivered with The Coming Storm. But I think the next Styes installment from the formidable R. Pett will break his serve.
I actually haven't got a copy of 136 but Vaughn (:)) is really on song at the moment so it may take some nerve but I always relish a battle with old Bhut Head himself, he's already tried to claim the Weavers as one of his own on another thread and I can't get much of a better compliment than that.
Hm. This is the second time the letters bin has gone empty this year. Maybe it's time to trim the letters page allotment? More space for gaming content is a big plus in my book.
I have to disagree there. the letters pages take up very little room, and also there are other things on those pages like adds and oddn ends begining of the book type stuff like previews. If you look at the issue we're talking about in fact the actual letters and answers only take up 2 pages or less spread out over 3. I personally havent written before now, but wiosh I had. Granted since I have written this time everyone will see what a goober I am. heh. Anywho, I think its probably people just dont always remember to write in, especially snail mail since everything is electronic now. My mom complains i dont write her even though I call atleast once a week. I hope people do start writing more here or atleast do like we've done and submitted things on the forums. Hearing different ideas or views can help alot. If nothing else sometimes its good for a laugh.
Well, I could talk your ear off, but I'm writing from prison... I mean work, work, right. There are many things I've enjoyed about Dungeon (and Dragon for that matter) and subscribe to both. I've only recently been a subscriber, before now I've picked up someone else's junk as my treasure at used bookstores. However, I would like to make one request on behalf of my gamers (which includes the wife, imagine that). I would like to see a good sea-faring adventure, perhaps a linked one, and perhaps some water-wise campaign tips for those of us who haven't DM'ed one in a while. I've been looking for this in Dungeon since well before the whole Pirates of the Carribean 2 scene started to come up. I, and my gamers, would really appreciate it.
Well, I could talk your ear off, but I'm writing from prison... I mean work, work, right. There are many things I've enjoyed about Dungeon (and Dragon for that matter) and subscribe to both. I've only recently been a subscriber, before now I've picked up someone else's junk as my treasure at used bookstores. However, I would like to make one request on behalf of my gamers (which includes the wife, imagine that). I would like to see a good sea-faring adventure, perhaps a linked one, and perhaps some water-wise campaign tips for those of us who haven't DM'ed one in a while. I've been looking for this in Dungeon since well before the whole Pirates of the Carribean 2 scene started to come up. I, and my gamers, would really appreciate it.
heh sounds like you are ready for the next adventure path. I'd recommend picking up the WOTC book "Stormwrack" it's full of stuff youd want to use for the kinda stuff your looking for.
I agree, Greg Vaughn really delivered with The Coming Storm. But I think the next Styes installment from the formidable R. Pett will break his serve.
Hear that Mr. Vaughan, Pett's got another one under his evil sway...
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Creative Director
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Hm. This is the second time the letters bin has gone empty this year. Maybe it's time to trim the letters page allotment? More space for gaming content is a big plus in my book.
I think the primary reason that we've been getting less letters are these messageboards. They're a lot more convenient for a fair amount of our readers, but we've got far more readers than regular visitors to these boards. PLUS: The letters section also gives us a handy place to put adds and talk about the magazine, so it's not going anywhere.
Dear Dungeon,
Please state the exact number of Ninja-Pirates that will be present in Savage Tide. That is all. Thank you.
This issue made me realize just how much I love the Adventure Paths. It was a solid issue, but without an AP adventure, it felt like something was missing. Same goes for #137.
I'm not suggesting "all-AP, all the time", just pointing out how big a part of the magazine that it has become that I felt a noticeable void without it.
Big kudos on bringing back the kamadan, and the other new creatures in that issue were quite good, too.
Thanks for the great responses, everyone! We may have to start these threads even when we have enough letters, just for the ego boost....
At the same time, we were wondering if anyone has any further questions for us. You guys are our best indication of what the audience in general is wondering, so we'd really like to know what YOU want to know. Plus, questions give us even more of a chance to talk about ourselves. We like to talk about ourselves.
Thanks again!
Thanks for the great responses, everyone! We may have to start these threads even when we have enough letters, just for the ego boost....
At the same time, we were wondering if anyone has any further questions for us. You guys are our best indication of what the audience in general is wondering, so we'd really like to know what YOU want to know. Plus, questions give us even more of a chance to talk about ourselves. We like to talk about ourselves.
Thanks again!
Dear Dungeon,
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Sanguine in Seattle
:P
Maybe you guys can throw this in with the rest of my previous response to this thread, assuming you are going to publish my "letter."
I didn't think of this until later on, so here it goes:
Is there any possibility we might see any Paizo products related to the Savage Tide Adventure Path? I would love to see map packs, complete encounters and magic item cards specifically tailored for those future adventures. I haven't purchased any of the "compleat encounter" products yet, mainly because I am horrible at painting miniatures, but if Paizo was to publish a Savage Tide related series of map packs, encounters and item packs, I'd would be very inclined to purchase them. A map pack of a ship deckplan would be particularly well received. Thank you.
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I would love to see a picture of the paizo stuff! I once have seen a pic of Erik Mona, but I would like to see pics of James and , for example, Christpher West as well.
As paizo is supporting the Greyhawk setting (which I am about to love more and more) how about a column which details areas of Greyhawk, NPCs, citys and so on... The column would last for years and newcomers to Greyhawk would have a chance to get to know the setting better. I have a hard time finding infos about Greyhawk, so such a thing would be a hit!
At the same time, we were wondering if anyone has any further questions for us. You guys are our best indication of what the audience in general is wondering, so we'd really like to know what YOU want to know. Plus, questions give us even more of a chance to talk about ourselves. We like to talk about ourselves.
Thanks again!
Is there any chance of expanding the magazine into including additional adventures each month?
Adventures using non-core mechanics?
Can we get a group photo? (And no hiding behind rulebooks and papers! I found my copy of Dungeon/Dragon that had Erik Mona in it...)
And my personal biggie:
Age of Worms hardcover.
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As i bought issue #136 i was quite anxious to see how Dungeon goes back to "normal" (a pretty weak attribute for anything within these pages) after the grande finale of the 'Age of Worms' adventure path. I was quite pleased to see so much high quality content in there and no sign of it beeing a filler issue between the adventure paths. My favorite was 'The Coming Storm' by Greg A. Vaughan. Great story and great artwork too! I really liked the scorned-template. The critical threat by Ashavan Doyon was the best i've seen in months. A highborn noble obsessed with necromancy pretending to be a vampire was just great. I really like how she keeps the charade up with potions and magic items. I plan on using her sometimes within one of my campaigns but she really should think about this twice when dealing with my overly paranoid players!
Regarding the coming adventure path 'Savage Tide' i have a question: I read somewhere that about one third of the AP will be situated on the isle of dread. Do we have to expect to see some kind of reprint of the 'Isle Of Dread'-backdrop or the poster map from issue #114? I guess you can't just reference to this issue because it would be a bummer for readers that got into Dungeon later. But to reprint this information would be boring for readers that are loyal to the mag for years. I'd really like to know how you'll solve this problem. And will the 'Savage Tide' have a main artist like Steve Prescott was for AoW? He did an awesome job...To end this, let me say thanks for this great magazine. It's better than ever before and i really enjoy reading it every month. Keep up the good work. Greetings from germany.
Andree Diekmann, Hamburg, Germany
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(...)Regarding the coming adventure path 'Savage Tide' i have a question: I read somewhere that about one third of the AP will be situated on the isle of dread. Do we have to expect to see some kind of reprint of the 'Isle Of Dread'-backdrop or the poster map from issue #114? I guess you can't just reference to this issue because it would be a bummer for readers that got into Dungeon later. But to reprint this information would be boring for readers that are loyal to the mag for years. I'd really like to know how you'll solve this problem.(...)
Andree, you can just order the backissues at paizo! I have done this once (ordered around 15 issues) and they took only 4 days to arrive here in germany.
And I am pretty sure that's the solution paizo will presenting you, as you're right, that reprinting the whole backdrop would not be a good idea!|
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I have issue #114. That wasn't the point, but the staff at Paizo has the claim to deliver all the infos needed within the adventure itself. This is why we don't see that much material from non-core books in the adventures because they'd have to reprint all the relevant rules so that DMs can use it without having to buy the certain book. I guess this will be the same with back-up information...
Btw, four days? Wow!
Can we get a group photo? (And no hiding behind rulebooks and papers! I found my copy of Dungeon/Dragon that had Erik Mona in it...)
I don't know if a group picture of the Paizo staff even exists, but this is me (having just run the Seattle Idiotarod with my team Alpha Rho Rho, the Pirate Fratority):
EDIT: In retrospect, I have very few pictures of me NOT in some sort of bizarre costume. A more normal, if a year and a half out of date, picture is hosted here.
I have noticed that every few issues an NPC has their own page toward the back of the magazine. Can you make this an every issue occurance? I was wondering if we could send in our character concepts with stats and stories and you could use them? Just give us some rule to go by.
By the way, thank you again for printing my last question in issue 130.
Brent D. Norton
Monte Cook's Dungeoncraft column was much-needed, and I hope DMs don't use perceptual blinders when they read it.
The mirror is sometimes not a person's best frind, and Monte turns a mirror which may been unflatering on us all.
However he is not harsh and unrealistic in what he observes, and we can all learn a thing or two what to do, and what not to do, when we open ourselves to constuctive criticism.
The rest of the DM's Toolkit was of great use, too. I hope to see more Maps of Mystery, Critical Threats (The Countess was a hoot!), groups for my PCs to join or face, and other short articles and tables of interest in each issue of Dungeon.
Tensions Rising was a nice change from the Eberron stuff that we have been getting recently. Im not saying that the previous adventures were bad (far from it) but it was good to see a non-mystery adventure set in the wilderness rather than Sharn.
The Coming Storm was great. The artwork was fantastic and the map was excellent. Seeing the kamadan in 3.5 was cool as well. A nicely thought out adventure with a simple yet effective plot.
Gates of Oblivion was pretty good. I especially liked the idea behind the adventure and the different gates. My problem with the adventure stems from the fact that it followed right after the last AOW adventure and we were again innundated with the liches and vampires from the MM. How many monk/shadowdancers are there in the world? A minor beef, but one that still grates on me a bit.
The other stuff is middling to great as usual. Downer was okay, Monte was good, the campaign workbook stuff was decent, and the map of mystery got my heart pumping so much that I sent in a couple of proposals about it almost straight away.
Tensions Rising was a nice change from the Eberron stuff that we have been getting recently. Im not saying that the previous adventures were bad (far from it) but it was good to see a non-mystery adventure set in the wilderness rather than Sharn.
I echo Phil L.'s sentiments completely. Eberron has so much to offer outside the standard mystery themes, and it's good to see us head in that direction. I was not an Eberron fan, and I'm still not sure I am, but our group is giving it a shot - and we had an absolutely blast with Tensions Rising.
Despite my expectations (fears?), I thought the AoW-less issue #136 was one of the best to come down the pike in years. More of this, please.
J. Kendall
Atlanta, GA
Monte Cook's Dungeoncraft column was much-needed, and I hope DMs don't use perceptual blinders when they read it.
The mirror is sometimes not a person's best frind, and Monte turns a mirror which may been unflatering on us all.
However he is not harsh and unrealistic in what he observes, and we can all learn a thing or two what to do, and what not to do, when we open ourselves to constuctive criticism.
The rest of the DM's Toolkit was of great use, too. I hope to see more Maps of Mystery, Critical Threats (The Countess was a hoot!), groups for my PCs to join or face, and other short articles and tables of interest in each issue of Dungeon.
I forgot to mention that I'm no real fan of Downer. While I love Kyle's spot art, I have no real love for his comic strip. I think those pages would be better served with more DM's Toolbox type material or maps.
And I forgot, you can use my town address if you like:
Mike Griffith
Tobyhanna, PA
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I think the primary reason that we've been getting less letters are these messageboards. They're a lot more convenient for a fair amount of our readers, but we've got far more readers than regular visitors to these boards. PLUS: The letters section also gives us a handy place to put adds and talk about the magazine, so it's not going anywhere.
Actually, I'm rather fond of the Letters and the Dungeon staff's replies. In fact, I read the editorial and then the letters, before anything else.
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While I enjoy Dungeon quite a bit, one thing I would love to see added to the book (or maybe its big brother, Dragon) would be a one-or-two page monthly section dedicated to blank forms and data sheets.
What do I mean? Here are some suggestions:
-- A "Transformation data sheet" where the DM or player could assemble stats for a wildshaped druid or polymorphed individual.
-- A set of cards to copy important monster/character stats (you did one of these a while back, I'd like to see a better one).These would be useful for initiative orders, environmental skill checks and Saves.
-- 3x5-sized forms to jot down key spell information on.
-- Similar forms to jot down key magic equipment information on.
-- A PC history questionnaire.
-- A loot list. You could write down what loot was found, where loot you got it and what you did with it.
-- A ship's layout (or wagon's layout) that allows the DM to map out where cargo is placed. For example, certain portions of a ship hold more stuff than others.
-- A body-slot chart where players and DMs can map out locations of items on characters.
Just brainstorming for ya! Best of luck.
John Simcoe
Mount Wolf, Pa.
Excepting the adverts (admittedly, the smallest I’ve ever seen in a magazine, and all of them related to the magazine’s subject), I find Dungeon to be a balanced, near-perfect batch of gaming goodness. I like J. Simcoe’s suggestions, but I think they would go over better as web enhancements. Dungeon is packed to the gills with great info now, and I would begrudge losing any of it to templates and forms.
If you're looking for some extra stuff like loot lists n' such, check out the Extras section on the d20 SRD site. Don't forget to drool over the digital map projection section as well.
I'm a pretty easy-going guy, and generally I do not like to criticize, but I would have to say that The Portent consistently baffles me in a couple of ways. First, I wonder if I missed something in the joke. The latest one: the guy has an iPod video device and downloaded some movies for it, but goes on to complain that the screen is too small to see what the movie is. Is that the entire joke, or is the anachronism of an iPod in such a setting also considered part of the humor?
I understand that occasionally some humor escapes me, so I'm not going to rail against the strip, because it may be popular as far as I know. I just really, really, don't get it. No offense.
A big reason why I post here is because rather than enter a big lottery where maybe my post might see the light of day--instead I just push a button and the cool folks at Paizo get to read it--and maybe even respond! Certainly I get responses from all the other readers here (a fine group indeed) and most of the time that's all the incentive I need. Well...also I'm longwinded and most of my posts would gobble up the entire letter section, and here people don't mind that so much. Heh.
As for questions for the Dungeon staffers to let you know what the readers are wondering here's something that's been on my mind. Me and a lot of my friends love modules not to run, but as events going on behind the scenes, events that motivate the events they run into. It can make any game feel more alive having something like Savage Tide or Age of Worms going on and the players getting hit with the fallout from it. That said, I would love to see a Campaign Fallout section about how the events in a module affect the world around it. It would also make a natural way to bridge characters into adventure paths or other connected adventures midstream. It would also triple the value of a magazine like Dungeon for people who LOVE the creative stuff you guys come up with, but aren't so much into module based gaming per se.