Tyranny of Dragons

I received an email on April 14th and wanted to share it with the community. The fact that all settings will be supported was reassuring. Though like most Greyhawk fans I'm skeptical. However, I'm also an optimist and look forward to seeing what D&D Next has to offer...

On April 12th , the Tyranny of Dragons panel took place at PAX East. The panel displayed a whole load of artwork from D&D Next and the Tyranny of Dragons storyline which will launch it. Some interesting facts emerged:

• Tyranny of Dragons is a STANDALONE product; no Player's Handbook or Dungeon Master's Guide is needed.
• · All "key" settings will be supported; this apparently includes Eberron wilth Keith Baker.
• · Forgotten Realms is the 5E flagship setting (no surprise there).
• · Chris Perkins is single. Yup, seriously, someone asked that.
• · Dragonlance lives! But they'd "need a specialist" to revive it.
• · D&D Next is "97% done"
• · No prices, dates, or product covers; sorry!
• · Forbes has some stuff here.

 There was a lot of artwork shown off. Above is an example, check this thread for lots more.

Later

Argon

Artist's of Dungeon & Dragons

With the recent passing of David Trampier on March 24th, 2014. I started thinking about old school artists from Dungeons & Dragons past. I also started looking at some recent artists as well... Though to honor the memory of David Trampier and all old school artists who created the imagery for the D&D game. I wanted to keep it old school. So, who is your favorite old school D&D artist, and/or favorite piece of art that inspires you and your D&D game?

Later

Argon

What if Prince Galssonnan defeated Prince Ivid in the Turmoil between Crowns?

We all know too well what occurred when Prince Ivid became Overking of the Great Kingdom. It set the Naelax house down a path of destruction which eventually lead to the fall of the Great Kingdom...

Would the Great Kingdom still exist, if Galssonnan had became the Overking? Would the church of Hextor lose favor and be forced out of the Great Kingdom? Would Pholtus or Heironeous become the main religious influence in the Great Kingdom? Would the Pale be the new seat of power for the Church of Hextor? Most importantly would the Malachite Throne ever exist at all? 

This and many other questions can only be answered by you the Greyhawk fans. So what do you think would be different if the Cranden's controlled the seat of power in the Great Kingdom after the Turmoil between crowns?

Later

Argon

Ancient Brethren

I was doing some research which lead me to some ancient brethren of oerth. The flan seemed to corner the market on such supernatural beings. Mok'slyk the Serpent, comes to mind. Many see him as a demonic creature of unknown origin. History tells us, he gifted arcane magic to the Ur-Flan people. I'd say to the flan people in general--though many people would dispute that with me...

The Flan were a very pagan-like people who worshiped the old faith. Nowadays the old faith only mentions gods. Who's to say the old faith did not include creatures like Mok'slyk as part of the flan pantheon. The sibilant beast had a stranglehold among the flan. When the migrating oerid's starting conquering the flan people--he turned his attention to the oerid's.  Lord Kargoth comes to mind, his dealings with Demogorgon affected him for eternity and those that served under his banner. It seems demons were very much accepted by the flan people.

 Which stands to reason how the Horned Society came to fruition. The demonic influence over the flan people would of put the devils at a disadvantage in the blood war. Hence their need to influence the dominant mortal race's on oerth. While the Horned society itself was officially established in 513 CY, it is rumored that the horned society originated as a druidic order that preyed upon the flan people. This also helps explain why Iuz forces would invade the lands held by the Horned Society. Though rumors persist that the Horned Society exists as it once did. As whispered threats against society as we know it.   

All this is food for thought. Though if it were up to you who would be included among the Ancient Brethren of Oerth?

Later

Argon  

For the Love of Greyhawk

Recently, I was chatting with some long time Greyhawkers on IRC at #greytalk on the Otherworlders server. It was a slow night and the chat drifted a bit here and there. However, there was a discussion regarding some old files that a long-time greyhawk fan was uploading to his blog. Thus the Greyhawk Codex resurfaces for all Greyhawk fans to enjoy and peruse as they see fit...

 The Greyhawk reference collection found here  http://ghrefco.blogspot.com/ . Is a wonderful collection of  material that one can reference for canonical sources. Many people like to stay the course and make their creation follow all canonical resources.  I for one don't bother much with canon material for my game or my submissions to e-zines or websites. However, I do believe all officially published material from the ip holder needs to follow established canon.

It appears both views are up for debate on the site itself. I urge all fans of the setting to chime in. I wonder what you think?

Later

Argon

Black Moon Rising

On January 30th 2014 something rare will happen, we will have the second new moon in the same month which is known as the black moon. This got me thinking about Francois Marcela-Froideval's Black Moon Chronicles. Which was the basis on which the 2001 Chainmail setting was derived from, or better yet Western Oerth...

The Black Moon is known as a Super moon, which means it will appear much bigger in the sky then a normal Moon. The tides will be higher than normal. The Black Moon will be visible through the day time only. A Black Moon is seen as an omen of change and hidden truths, that will be brought to the surface.

Sounds like there was a Black Moon when Stratis was slain by mortal heros' of various races. The truth being that fighting against the essence of war will not bring about peace. Instead a war for the weapons of Stratis was brought about. The victor will become the new god of war?

The Black Moon Chronicles follow a different path then the chainmail setting did. However, one can easily see the influences from Black Moon Chronicles on the Chainmail setting.

With D&D Next coming to fruition soon enough. I Wonder if there will be a Black Moon Rising? I think it would make for an interesting way to bring back a published Greyhawk setting, without upsetting the established canon for the eastern part of Oerth. What do you think?

Later
Argon

The First of Fireseek has passed. What's your Greyhawk Resolution?

It's been a while since my last post. With the new year comes a new vigor. So I decided to list some Greyhawk related resolutions I intend to keep... I resolve to make sure I have at least one post per month for the Canonfire Crier. I resolve to make one new post per quarter on the OerthJournal-CanonfireChronicles blog. I also resolve to be part of the machine that get's OJ #27 and Canonfire Chronicles #2 published this year.

These are some of the resolutions I tend to keep this year. What Greyhawk resolution are you willing to make and keep this year? Please post them here!

Later

Argon