|
I was looking at the cover Paizo has posted for Dragon 351. I thought the art of Lord Soth was really cool, and can't wait for the issue. However, I also noticed the little cover blurb announcing monthly articles on Eberron and Forgotten Realms. That brought some confusion and sadness into my head.
I've been reading other spots here and there where the folks at Paizo say they like stuff that is "world neutral" for the magazines. The theory most often stated seems to be that if its not world specific, you increase the chance that more people will buy it. I agree with that. So why, now , are they going to allow articles in every issue to be devoted to specific worlds. It doesn't make much sense when compared with what they've previously said. Unless they've received lots of requests for such, which I'll have to assume. Either way, its confusing. Not to mention the fact that in my own humble opinion FR and Schmeberron get more than enough attention as it is (while other equally deserving worlds get short-shrifted).
And just as an aside, I also noticed that the top of the cover for 351 said Campaign Classics, and then gave a list of worlds, a list that included both Eberron and FR. For one, I thought that the Campaign classics issue was devoted to those that no longer get "the love" they once enjoyed. Two, while FR is definitely a "campaign classic", I really don't see how they could inlcude Eberron on that list. I know a lot of folks like it, but to consider something thats only been out a few years a "classic" seems to suggest that some folks don't know the meaning of the word.
There are FR articles that belong in Campaign Classics if they are articles about dead-FR settings (Kara-Tur, Zhakara, Hordelands, and Maztica) and I believe it was hinted there will be a Kara-Tur article in the magazine.
As for Eberron, you're right about that. Doesn't deserve an article in Campaign Classics.
As for Dragon publishing one FR and Eberron article per magazine, I am sure they will compensate by giving guidelines on how to adjust the material to homebrew or other campaign settings.
I really don't care for "Core Beliefs", but that pleases the Greyhawk fans and the magazine has to please some group sometimes. I don't play Eberron either, so the article on Eberron might be useless to me month to month or they might have a new feat, monster or spell I could steal for my games, who knows?
The FR articles per month make me happy though, since I run FR. :D
I'm on the opposite side of the fence from Aberzombie. The addition of monthly columns for FR and Eberron is the only thing that will get me to renew my Dragon subscription.
There are only two currently-published WoTC campaign settings for 3.5 and I think it's not unreasonable to expect (and find) monthly features for both in the official D&D magazine.
|
|
I'm on the opposite side of the fence from Aberzombie. The addition of monthly columns for FR and Eberron is the only thing that will get me to renew my Dragon subscription.
There are only two currently-published WoTC campaign settings for 3.5 and I think it's not unreasonable to expect (and find) monthly features for both in the official D&D magazine.
Oh I'm not sad about adding monthly, world-specific articles. Since they always talk about wanting stuff less world-specific that was just the confusing part. What I'm sad about is that something else is going to have to be cut in order to make room for the new stuff. That means less space for other goodies such as Demonomicon, new monsters, new spells, Ecology of, etc.
Plus, as you pointed out, WotC fully supports both of those settings, which seems to be more than enough. If you put out too much, you run the risk of having to put in sub-standard material in order to fill space. I'd rather see less stuff, with higher quality.
Director of Games
|
Hello all,
Generally we strive for material that works in any campaign setting, so as to be of most use to as many readers as possible. Over the last year or so, however, we have also come to realize that we were missing an opportunity by not providing a steady stream of EB and FR material in ever issue. As the only source for such material outside Wotc, and with fans clamoring for the content, it seemed like the best choice.
That said, from now on, each issue will contain at least a 4 page article devoted to FR and EB. Some months they might be a bit bigger, depending on what comes down the pipe, but 4 pages is the minimum.
Jason Bulmahn
Managing Editor of Dragon
You can always grab new spells, feats, monsters, whatever from the FR and EB articles if they present them. That's what I do with "Core Beliefs". I may not run nor care much for Greyhawk, but I always use the new spells in those articles every time it comes around. :D
Over the last year or so, however, we have also come to realize that we were missing an opportunity by not providing a steady stream of EB and FR material in ever issue. As the only source for such material outside Wotc, and with fans clamoring for the content, it seemed like the best choice.
Jason Bulmahn
Managing Editor of Dragon
Kudos to Jason and everyone at Paizo for always seeking to improve their products and for always being willing listen to the customers. I'll be renewing for sure!
|
|
Hello all,
Generally we strive for material that works in any campaign setting, so as to be of most use to as many readers as possible. Over the last year or so, however, we have also come to realize that we were missing an opportunity by not providing a steady stream of EB and FR material in ever issue. As the only source for such material outside Wotc, and with fans clamoring for the content, it seemed like the best choice.
That said, from now on, each issue will contain at least a 4 page article devoted to FR and EB. Some months they might be a bit bigger, depending on what comes down the pipe, but 4 pages is the minimum.
Jason Bulmahn
Managing Editor of Dragon
Thanks for the comments Jason. That's really all I was hoping for was a bit of an explanation. I'm sure I can speak for everyone here when I say that we all appreciate that you fine folks at Paizo take the time to pay attention to what we are saying, unlike (it sometimes seems) the folks over at WotC.
And while I don't really care much for schmeberron, I'm glad that there will be some more FR content.
Now, with that settled, let me also say that in looking at the cover for 351 I also noticed that something seems to be missing - any mention of Spelljammer. Say it isn't so! I mean come on, if you're going to have D&D techno-magic (as in the aforementioned schmeberron) at least have the common courtesy to throw a bone to those of us who admire the setting that brought it to us first.