| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Erik Scott de Bie |
Posted - 11 Jul 2012 : 18:06:41
I wrote this article, specifically about drow in the Realms, and thought I'd bring it to folks' attention.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/drfe/divinedrow
The conversation in the Community Thread is mostly about mechanical implications of having flavor-based prerequisites for the character themes: http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/29224663/Dragon_413_-_Scourges_of_Lolth?pg=1
Cheers |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Diffan |
Posted - 15 Jul 2012 : 17:40:16
Got a chance to read the article and the discussion about prereqs. From the article itself, very well written and I enjoyed the themes greatly. If I ever make another male Drow warrior, I think I have some ideas for the themes presented. Also, from Char_Ops POV, the themse seem to be somewhat well received (despite the rumbles about prereqs).
As for the discussion on Prereq, I can see both sides to the story. For example, the Bladesinger class (NWCS) has no restriction on Race even though it's had an iconicly "Elven" prerequisite. Not even drow could be Bladesingers and I'm sure people here would find the notion horrid. But 4E's design philosophy is to put the requirments on the DM and I think that's a good thing. But when they are implemented into the mechanics, it's harder for the player to break out of that sterotype or try something different because many DMs are going to see that and say "Nuh-uh, ther's a prereq so adhere to it." even if it's just for fluff. OTOH, keeping to a theme with prerequisites sorta infuses the character with more build-in flavor and a LOT of players enjoy that sort of thing. I'm about 50/50 when it comes to prerequisites because I hate Alignments for Paladins but I'd make it a requirement to be an elf, eladrin, or half-elf to be a Bladesinger. And as Erik mentions (several times in the discussion, I might add) he wasn't for prerequisites except for the bare minimal "trained in Religion" which is a great use of the skill and background possibilities IMO so that's a possibiliy to add in there too.
As for using the Character Builder, it's simple to override. To gain one of the "Divine Female Drow" themes, simply start making a Female Drow with a divine class, take the theme, then go back and change the race, sex, and class. You'll get a little house icon by the theme that means "Homebrew" and go from there. It'll still print up on the character sheet and you'll still have access to it mechanically. Easy-Peasy |
| GRYPHON |
Posted - 15 Jul 2012 : 15:07:09
More good stuff... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 12 Jul 2012 : 01:55:24
Woot! Lunchtime reading at work.  |
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