So I'm working on a batch of articles on creatures of the planes that are sort of like the old Ecology articles from Dragon, and I'm trying to include stuff for both DMs and players like Monster Classes and such. I've got a short list of creatures I'd like to write on which should keep me busy for a while, but I was wondering if there was anything that people would like to see?
Creatures of the Crossroads
Wed, 2009-01-14 00:40
#1
Creatures of the Crossroads
Thu, 2011-08-18 15:39
#3
Re: Creatures of the Crossroads
Well, one place for ecology articles might be the next issue of the 'zine that gets produced here.
I've been thinking it would be cool to have a planes related fanzine centered here but honestly I'm wary about committing to something I may not see through and I know I couldn't do by myself.
If people are interested, I figure starting really small would be key - say 15-20 pages every four months?
Mon, 2011-08-22 16:51
#4
Re: Creatures of the Crossroads
I'm interested, but like your good self, can't make an honest serious commitment due to my responsibilities (work, family etc) in the prime material plane. I would love to be a part of something here though so do please post or contact me with any ideas. I may not get back to you immediately but I WILL always get back to you eventually.
As for my previous comments relating to 'ecology of' articles in Dragon magazine... I have located the few magazines that I have in my Library and have been pouring over the pages with glee, I have found some 'ecology of' articles that pertain to the plains like 'the ecology of the Titans'in issue 357. This issue is a valuable resource (and may be something that others might want to order off of certain market place websights or from the publishers- Paizo_ as a back issue) as it also has a great article about Demogorgon, the demon prince and some Abyssal vestiges.
For those who are interested, there are other issues of Dragon magazine that would be great acquisitions to Planescape fans such as issue 354 which harbours an amazing 14 page special by Ken Marable (with awesome artwork by Tony Di'Terlizzi) about the most famous inhabitants of Mechanus: The Modrons. It carries a brief history and a great similarity to 'ecology of' articles aswell as short interviews with the artist (who discusses Planescape and its creator, Zeb Cook).
Issue 358's 'Savage Tides' feature is a wonderful glimpse of the River Styx and its course through the planes, I quote: From the springs of Pandemonium to its freezing death in the depths of Acheron, the River Styx cuts a deadly planar highway through the most depraved and terrifying realms in the multiverse.
Its author, Wesley Scneider lends a brief insight in to the various realms such as Thanatos, Shedaklah and ghenna; and the illustrator (Ben Wooten) provides a beautiful map that made me tingle the same way I did when I found this site.
Issue 208 (way back when Dragon magazine was still published by TSR) sees writer, Dori Hein erupt on the pages with the 'behind the scenes' article that provides a great insight in to the inception of Planescape, talking about Zeb Cook and other legends like Jeff Grubb (and if you're a fan of mr Grubb like me, you should check out his work and novels in the Dragonlance campaign setting and Wizards of the Coast's baby: Magic the Gathering). The only other Planescape content in this issue are advertisements for 'Planes of Chaos' campaign expansion (yup, that's how old this issue is, 1994: the year Planescape started!!).
And Finally, the issue that broke my heart, the final issue. Issue 359 was to see the end of Dragon magazine as we knew and loved it, with Paizo losing the contract to produce it in the glossy magazine format that we patiently (or not so patiently) awaited each month and WOTC deciding to produce it online as an 'Ezine' (yuck and boohoo). The final issue (359) remenisced all of the magazine's triumphs and TSR/Wizard's bountiful campaign settings including our beloved Planescape. This magazine featured articles discussing the top 20 villains of TSR/Wizards that included Graz'zt of the tanar'ri who sired Iuz and is a legendary enemy of Orcus and Demogorgon, Demogorgon himself and more. The best bit though, is the 'Unsolved mysteries of D&D' section where the ultimate Panescape question is broached:
Who or what is the lady of pain?
There are some great suggestions including the possibility that she may be one of the Ancient Brethren (keep in mind this is just conjecture). Any of these issues are certainly worth a few pounds, dollars, euros (depending on where you are of course) or silver pennies/drops of blood, a soul or two....
Kind regards and keep smiling.
I can't believe that no one would make a suggestion here! I think it is wonderful that anyone would wish to contribute articles like those preposed here. I for one, thouroughly enjoyed the old 'ecology of' documents in Dragon magazine and have a fair few old copies of the magazine that I still love to thumb through every now and again. Note to self, must have another look soon and see if i have any with planescape articles within so i can share and remenisce with all.
Dagon, if you are still around and are still thinking about preparing simillar ecology articles, I emplore you to do so!! I would be most interested to see them, especially anything not covered already by Dragon magazine (or some elaboration on articles already present).
I have been working on some character/creature 'ecology' notes myself (for selfish reasons pertaining to my own created world's requirements) that I would be happy to share if they of any use in putting together your own work. Do you have old copies of Dragon that you can glean the 'ecology' format from or are you going to create your own style of serving up this much saught after information?
Best wishes and best of luck!
Losing one's mind matters not, for one is a fish wearing a dress and the emperor of the celery people.