|
| Thread: Dragon Utopian Alignment |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 3 4 · «PREV / NEXT» |
|
Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
|
posted February 10, 2004 07:51 AM |
|
Edited By: Consis on 20 Mar 2005
|
|
gerdash
Responsible
Famous Hero
from the Animated Peace
|
posted February 10, 2004 08:05 AM |
|
|
|
DrakeMaster2
Adventuring Hero
known as goshimasta
|
|
posted February 10, 2004 12:19 PM |
|
|
Nice pics...
I think there should be skills and heros.
Dragon Magic, Dragon Controlling, Dragonmancy, Dragon POwer.
Dragon Master, Dragon Controller, Dragon Knight, Dragon Druid, Dragon Lord, Dragon Lich, Dragon Sorcerer etc.
Units I can think of are, Frost Dragon, Iron Dragon and Drake, Wyrm, Wyvern and Dragon Hawk.
____________
You wanna dragon? Then talk to the drakemaster2
Known as Goshimasta
|
|
Styq
Known Hero
Grandmaster Leadership
|
|
posted February 10, 2004 02:07 PM |
|
|
Just wait....
Consis is going to show you "Alternative Azrue(Blue) Dragons", "Alternative Green Dragons", "Alternative Red Dragons", "Dragon Turtle", and "Dragonne"
____________
Leadership is nothing but being a good actor,
just like bravery is nothing but being a fool
|
|
regnus_khan
Responsible
Supreme Hero
[ Peacekeeper of Equilibris ]
|
|
posted February 10, 2004 07:08 PM |
|
|
Quote:
Dingo, Svarog, Styg, and Regnus_Khan thankyou for your kind words but I absolutely cannot take any credit here. I did not paint these magnificent pictures.
LOL
I know that you didn't paint them. I'm just too lazy to find any pics or other media images that would be useful.
Still, you deserve that comment, notwithstanding that the pics are not yours  .
____________
|
|
Asmodean
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Heroine at the weekend.
|
|
posted February 11, 2004 12:16 AM |
|
|
Love the pics Concis. They speak to my soul man, about beauty and truth.
Any of you guys ever read the DragonLance series of books? These pics are very reminiscent of the art from them. They were a loosely based D&D franchise.
Anyhoo. There was the goddess of Evil, Takhisis, and she took the form of the many headed dragon - pretty much identical to Tiamat from the cartoon of D&D.
Her minions were the evil dragons, and they were:
White dragons: Smallest and fastest, breathe frost and icicles. Also stupidest of the dragons due to the inbreeding required to have a reptile that can withstand the cold.
Black Dragons: Most cunning of the lot, breathe acid and have the ability to cast death spells, kind of the evil clerics of the dragon lot.
Blue Dragons: The army backup, breathe lightning (possible ranged troops here.)
Green Dragons: The largest of the dragons and most powerful in battle, breathe noxious gas.
Red Dragons: The van of a dragon army, they breathe the sterotypical fire.
The evil dragons inspired Dragonfear, their presence weakened the resolve and shattered the hopes of defending armies.
In the books there were also Draconians. These were 'Dragonmen' that were spawned by using evil clerics and mages to pervert the eggs of good dragons.
The god of good Paladine was represented by the 'Platinum Dragon' and in the books good dragons are all some sort of metal colour:
Brass dragons: ?
Silver dragons: kind of the good version of black dragons.
Copper dragons: the good version of blue dragons.
Gold dragons: like the red dragons, only gold and good.
Bronze Dragons: ?
Good dragons inspired Dragonawe, they were like casting mass prayer on a defending army.
I dunno too much about the good dragons, in the books they mainly came in to save the day and the story focused on silver and gold dragons.
There was also mention of sea dragons, but they never appeared in the books either, I imagine them to be kind of loch ness monster/plesiosaur type creatures, with huge big flippers instead of wings.
So theres already 11 possible dragons, some repeats of earlier Heroes dragons, some new, plus bone dragons, ghost dragons, fairy dragons, crystal dragons and dragon golems.
Now surely that's too much, but there COULD be a dragon town, IF the dragons were scaled down in stats, but who would believe that?!
Or should each towm have dragons for their very own? That might get tedious, although it would maybe deal with the
sheer amount of dragons available if there were upgrades.
Plus there's heroes. A dragon hero would pretty much have to be better than a regular one, since dragons have inbuilt spellcasting, plus they's almost certainle have good combat skills. Or do they 'shapeshift' and cop out that way. And if Ubi puts heroes on the battlefield how does that work?
Dunno, what's the general view?
____________
To err is human, to arr is pirate.
|
|
ThE_HyDrA
Admirable
Famous Hero
The Leader of all Hydras
|
posted February 11, 2004 01:31 AM |
|
|
Dragons – The Icon of the Heroes Series
This statement was certainly true when it was applied to Heroes of Might and Magic II. The Black Dragon was the most feared and revered creature game, even appearing on the side of the box. It deserved this position, the artwork was astounding, and probably the best dragon I’ve ever seen (including these pictures) though I would have liked some variation between the Green, Red and Black Dragons other than their colour schemes.
It is almost certain that Dragons will make a return in Heroes V, but I am most worried about how the new art style will affect the Dragons’ omnipotency. From what I have seen of the creature artwork, especially the angel looks pathetic and does not tie in with the Series at all. The champion/cavalier is good, and the archer is also commendable – they do not look like they are from the same game.
Dragons in Heroes V shouldn’t be considered as any more special than the other high-level creatures. It seems as though you are placing an emphasis on their importance in the series. Dragons should be powerful, yes, probably the most powerful, but not overshadowing other creatures with special terrains or towns that pertain to them and them only. I’ll explain what I mean below:
“For example: if an evil red dragon, that has a dominating personality, wants to go somewhere that it can rule in terror then perhaps it might be found somewhere that is most suited for that goal.”
Firstly, I would like to make mention of the word ‘evil’. The Red Dragon may be aligned with an evil town, but I don’t see the point of grouping a whole swarm of dragons’ personality into one word. Not all red dragons would be evil, not all might have a dominating personality. I think you may be trying to personify creatures too much. In Heroes, dragons don’t rule, Heroes do. Dragons rule on the battlefield, but not on the adventure map. Creatures should stay as generic as possible, to try not to confuse things. The Dragons should have dwellings that pertain to their looks, not their personality, because Heroes doesn’t deal with that element of gameplay, and is not entirely focused on Dragons.
By now, you may have realised that I am not the biggest dragon fan. In fact, I would like to minimise the amount of dragons in Heroes V. One statement that I find the most true in this thread is the following, by Xenophanes:
“Too many Dragons simply leads to redundancy.”
I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. Although, contrary to his opinion, I think the limit of Dragons should be closer to the number found in Heroes IV, including the WoW expansion. This would lead us to about 5 Dragons. My own opinion is that there should be around 5% of the creatures to be Dragons.
So, if there were 120 creatures, there would be 6 Dragons.
Black Dragon
Gold Dragon
Red Dragon
Green Dragon
Bone Dragon
Faerie Dragon
Or something along those lines.
I do not support the idea of basing Heroes V dragons’ art style on games such as the Dungeons and Dragons series, because that would lead to an uninspired creation. I would like the Heroes V dragons to be unique, so if I were a developer, I would take no regard of the pictures – apart from trying not to copy them to create a truly unique dragon. These wonderful pictures can be used as inspiration, but I would not like a copied rendition of one in the game, simply because it would not be new, not because the pictures aren’t good or don’t suit the game.
“This is why I continue to argue that by applying personification we can achieve desired results that fans can enjoy…I think these are qualities that gamers look for in their favorite heroes games.”
I completely disagree. Personification of dragons is redundant and unrealistic in the series. Dragons shouldn’t be treated with any more grace because they are more powerful than other creatures. I would certainly not enjoy a Heroes game completely dominated by Dragons. I can accept a dragon being the most powerful, but not having multitudes of Dragons, each with their own personality.
Even personification could not rescue Dragons from becoming extraneous if there are simply too many of them. Aside from this, Dragons’ looks can also cross over and coincide negatively with another creature’s appearance:
This is a Hydra clone that is superfluous in the game and once again complements how diverse dragons can become, up until the point where they are not referred to as dragons, but a specialised name.
I am completely against these types of creatures from entering the realms of Heroes of Might and Magic. This applies to the tiamat, and any other clones. If there were to be so many variations of Dragons, NWC might as well have called the game ‘Dragons of Might and Magic’. Seeing as they didn’t, I believe it is the Heroes who are meant to have the personality, not the dragons.
My thoughts on Hydra vs. Black Dragon in Heroes V:
Stats: Hydra: Black Dragon:
HP 300 400
Attack: 30 40
Defense: 35 40
Damage: 50-100 40-80
Cost: 6,000 + 2 Sulphur 8,000 + 2 Sulphur
Special: Regeneration, No retal. Same as H4
Attacks all adjacent creats.
“I think dragons in Heroes5 should have a native terrain, however, I believe their native terrain should be associated with the precious resource that is required to generate them.”
Sorry for the quotes being all over the place… Anyway, I totally disagree here again. Why have a native terrain!? What makes them so exceptionally special? A simple dwelling, like the rest of the creatures would suffice. Dragon domination is certainly not something I would like to see in Heroes V. Having a native terrain is definitely a step towards this.
“I think we need more dragons than the few we have currently.”
No. The Dragon numbers in Heroes III were far to excessive, and I, undoubtedly, do not want another repeat of having just about every creature in the expansion being a dragon. There must have been around 20 dragons, out of 100 (un-upgraded) creatures. Far too many.
Finally I would like to end with the sentiment that we do not need more dragons, and I don’t want them governing gameplay, being personified, and having their own terrains. To add what Consis said:
We should have these views about Dragons in the Heroes Series:
A. Fear Them
B. Love Them
C. Despise Them (Titan Lovers)
D. Wish There Were Fewer
For me, I would say A and D.
Consis, I congratulate you for creating such a wonderful thread, and it would be music to the ears of Dragon lovers. I congratulate you for being able to find so many pictures that provide an insight to the world of dragons, and how they could be represented. Even though I disagree with just about everything, I cannot be biased, and will award a great thread, so, I would just like to say: Bonus Applied.
____________
"Dragons may breathe fire, but Hydras have many heads." - The Creed of Hydras
"As the Dragon drew its breath, the Hydra pounced, swiftly but powerfully, and the Dragon was defeated.”
|
|
Asmodean
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Heroine at the weekend.
|
|
posted February 11, 2004 02:07 AM |
|
|
Yeah, after writing my own post, and reading Hydra's I have come to the conclusion:
Too many dragons spoil the broth.
Red/Black
Green/Gold
Fairy/Golem
Bone/Ghost
That's 8 dragons. If H5 doesn't have upgradable troops, and all these dragons are kept in the game, then that's potentially 8 towns with dragons as their top monster. Unless some of them are neutral creatures - which I hate btw.
To me it would be a copout if Ubi just gave each town it's own dragon as a top monster. They might as well just call it Dragons of might and magic.
Save it for the Dragon Expansion pack - where each town gets it's own unique dragons, and existing dragons get an extra upgrade or something like that.
I would miss angels and phoenixes too much for a start.
And HC would be clogged up with 'Which dragon's the best' threads.
____________
To err is human, to arr is pirate.
|
|
gerdash
Responsible
Famous Hero
from the Animated Peace
|
|
posted February 11, 2004 04:12 AM |
|
|
Asmodean:
you only seem to list the most negative ways to implement having many types of dragons. no wonder your conclusion is extremely negative.
you could also say that electricity is bad if you want to read a book sitting in a chair because with the aid of some electricity you can make your chair an electric chair. but why should you make your chair an electric chair if you just want some light to read a book?
the idea is just to have many types of dragons in order to personify them more and that's it. some people have said that the many types of dragons should be top creatures in towns, but that's just some people, not the main idea imho.
ok, the more constructive question is: why do you not like dragons as neutral creatures?
ThE_HyDrA:
imho, from one point of view, dragons would not start to dominate the game if there were many types of them. imho what counts is their rarity.
but from another point of view, it would theoretically be possible to personify angels and titans, but somehow i don't feel like suggesting it at all (maybe it's because different types of those creatures might not be so much visibly diverse, or maybe because of their different lifestyle).
on some level of abstraction we do have only one generic titan, angel and dragon. green or red or black would simply indicate the strength level of the dragon. so, because the strength of dragons is diverse enough, this number of dragon types might be reasonable.
just like we have one generic type of skeleton for any creature raised by necromancy while the skeletons resulting from different types of creatures might be more diverse than any dragon.
========
getting a little off-topic now:
i think this topic might be somewhat connected to the topic of divine top level creatures commanded by a mortal hero (as usual, i am interested in the more conceptual approach). if a hero shouldn't be able to command dragons, why should he be able to command phoenixes, devils, titans and angels?
the topic was about making the divine top level creature summonable only. the top level divine creature like titan should imho be something that you worship, not something you command in battle and use as cannon fodder at will.
you could instead pray for the divine creature's assistance (or just build a temple for the creature -- the top level creature "dwelling") and one of them will come to aid you in battle, and leave when you have won the battle or lost the battle (all your mortal creatures are dead). and you wouldn't be able to tell it what enemy creature it should attack. if it's angels maybe you could ask for resurrection of some specific troop at a specific time, but maybe that would also better be ai-controlled.
the problem with this is imho that some of the top level creatures are divine and immortal (titan, angel, devil, phoenix), and some are clearly mortal (dragon, behemoth, hydra). also, imho the mortal creatures should not be something that you can summon (dragon might be exception here maybe), but should travel with your troops.
whatever, imho those other top level creatures shouldn't be contollable by mortals either, not just dragons.
========
and last but not least, my internet explorer doesn't seem to want to load the pictures in this thread anymore, i guess it's the same problem Regnus_Khan had. and right-clicking doesn't tell me where the picture is linked from with this version of ie.
and i wonder how happy is the admin of the server that hosts the picures. people who open this thread to read recent posts often don't even look at the pictures in older posts, still the pictures are downloaded every time. this could be one of the reasons why they use thumbnail images on the original site: you only download the pictures that you want to see in full size.
maybe it would be a better idea to at least post them as thumbnails that link to the full sized pictures:
<url=slkjdfskjdfkag><img>kashgfjkahf</img></url>
|
|
Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
|
posted February 11, 2004 04:32 AM |
|
|
Server Technical Difficulty
Ok everyone don't panic if your computers aren't downloading the images anymore. It's ok. It's not your computers and it isn't Heroes Community fault. The website www.wizards.com is down at the moment. Once the website gets back up and running the pics will do what they are supposed to do so just relax and let's wait out the server problems of this website.
I'm sure they have someone trying to fix it as we speak. I'm not the only person that visits their website you know. This would include the enitire set of fans for "Never Winter Nights" as well as any D&D fan playing with 3rd edition rules and a computer hooked up to the internet. We're talking millions of people and that would definately motivate them to have a speedy recovery.
____________
Roses Are Red And So Am I
|
|
zero
Hired Hero
of Hyrule
|
|
posted February 11, 2004 04:48 AM |
|
|
the dragons are nice i can't wait for h5 to come out it will have even sweeter dragons
____________
I am the one who will lead you to the Final Destination
|
|
regnus_khan
Responsible
Supreme Hero
[ Peacekeeper of Equilibris ]
|
|
posted February 11, 2004 05:59 AM |
|
|
Consis,
I know that quite well. I think more dragons are going to appear now. Look below
Some kind of crystal red dragon:
Some kind of air dragon rider:
Some kind of glass dragon and a killer:
I think that's enough. For more, go http://www.saberfire.com/dragons/indexpictureshigh.html
____________
|
|
Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
|
posted February 11, 2004 08:23 AM |
|
Edited By: Consis on 20 Mar 2005
|
Blue Dragon Alternatives
Wow, there have been so many good points I'm not sure where to begin. The enthusiasm shown here is quite invigorating. I would first like to say that I enjoy your company friends and I very much enjoy the variety of comments. It is most certainly anything but boring considering the differences presented.
Now, firstly I want to think deeply on what The_Hydra has said. As I think about it you have not only a good point but it is, indeed, the case to be. I agree completely about how dragons have been portrayed and used thus far in Heroes. You are very focused on two main directions it seems. You are very focused on the "Heroes" of might and magic as opposed to the "dragons" of might and magic. You also seem to be very focused on the importance of the creature called the "Hydra". I don't blame you nor do I disagree. In fact I agree so completely that I'd like to offer a suggestion concerning the 5% remark. If you think only 5% of the creatures should be dragons then I agree and would like to apply the same rule to the Heroes. What if 5% of the Heroes were Dragons? I completely agree with the amount of influence you have set forth as what you think the number of dragons should be in the game. After all, if one sees a dragon too often then one might get a little too accustomed to the encounter and thus losing a certain amount of wonder and excitement when one normally might him or her self in that situation. Yes, indeed, I feel we need to hold on to the magic of the rareness of encountering such magnificent creatures. You say 5% and I agree. I also suggest the dragon influence be carried over to the Heroes category as well. That might mean having only two Heroes that are Dragons and that is perfectly fine with me.
Gerdash, you want to know why I object to the neutrality of Dragons? I feel so strongly about these wondrous creatures that I absolutely must demand a story! The_Hydra would disagree(and I respect that), however, these creatures are too complex, too beautiful, too strong, to simply be waiting for Heroes to come along and add them to their armies! I mean, come on! Are we to think that the dragon simply sits their until its a.i. is activated and then moves into place like a robot? Give me a break. Give me history! Give me culture! Give me a Dragon with a name!
Regnus_Khan, thankyou for posting your pics they are interesting.
Here are some Blue Dragon alternatives to wet your imaginative appetites:
This harmless little baby seems to be very comfortable in a magical forest, or is it the maternal nature of it's master:
http://dragons.monstrous.com/Pictures/Dragon_Master_15.jpg
This Blue Dragon seems like it could live in the dessert:
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/dlcs_gallery/dlcs_pg235.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_20
Here is a lighter Blue Dragon mounted with a rider(like a slave):
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/dlcs_gallery/dlcs_pg78.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200
Now this is a most excellently armored Blue Dragon(fantastic):
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/mm35_gallery/mm35_pg72.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200
I moved this one from a different post because this is where it belongs. This picture is about as chilling as it gets when facing down a Blue Dragon:
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/draco_gallery/75589.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200311
And finally, one might ask where Blue Dragons come from and one might answer, "The glaciers under the northern lights that sit still beneath the stars."
http://dragons.monstrous.com/Pictures/Dragon_Type_05.gif
____________
Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
|
|
Styq
Known Hero
Grandmaster Leadership
|
|
posted February 11, 2004 03:01 PM |
|
|
Didn't I tell u? He will post alternatives to any dragon that exists in the D&D Monster Manual.
____________
Leadership is nothing but being a good actor,
just like bravery is nothing but being a fool
|
|
Asmodean
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Heroine at the weekend.
|
|
posted February 11, 2004 08:21 PM |
|
|
To Gerdash:
It's not just dragons as neutral creatures that I am opposed to - it's ALL neutral creatures. I would prefer that all crits that appear in the new game are recruitable from one town or another. Neutral creatures are almost always imbalanced against the regular troops in your army as castle growth surpasses that of simple dwellings - and you have to go around collecting them each week, which can be infuritaing when you're waiting your turn in hotseat games.
And I was so not looking for the most negative view!
Originally I was quite intrigued by the idea of a solely dragon based town, it has a certain appeal.
But in writing my own post and reading some of the others then I decided that perhaps the heroes games already have enough dragons in it's history to justify including anymore in H5 - which could also exclude Ubisoft from coming up with any new and possibly more interesting top level troops by just copping out with a new type of dragon.
THEN I tried to put a more positive spin on it by suggesting a possible dragon expansion packs which would satisfy all the dracophiles out there without alienating those heroes players that are so big dragon fans.
BTW - one regnus khans pic - the one of the shiny silver dragon with the female rider is from those books I mentioned in an earlier posts. I recommend them for all fantasy fans.
____________
To err is human, to arr is pirate.
|
|
Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
|
|
posted February 12, 2004 06:35 PM |
|
Edited By: Consis on 20 Mar 2005
|
Green Dragon Alternatives
I would like everyone to keep in mind that these pictures are for alternative dragons. If someone were to ask me which one is my favorite I would not be able to answer the question because I'm a person who can't go off of one single dragon to satisfy my aesthetic needs. Just like paintings and art sculptures(and my food ), I also need variety when it comes to dragons. One dragon is not enough to explain such beauty. Just as I argue for dragon identities, I do also believe they have the human beauty of diversity in a highly complex cultured existence. Their culture of existence being that which is evolved and advanced in higher planes of consciousness. Not only we humans, but I say that dragons, too, live by the phrase, "I think therefore I am".
Are they truly majestic? I would have to respond that some might be. Just as not all humans choose to behave royally, neither do many dragons.
I still agree that dragon population should be low enough to make them a rare species but I think there should be more dragons involved in the Heroes game. I certainly do not want a dragon for every town. That sort of associates them with something as boring as an assembly-line-built automobile. Indeed, I think we must increase the number of dragons involved in Heroes while maintaining the rareness of the species from which they come.
Here are some Green Dragon alternatives.
I think the swordsman is there to show comparative size with the Green Dragon:
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/mm35_gallery/mm35_pg75.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200
Where do Green Dragons live mostly? Perhaps in the forest for natural habitat protection:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/fr_art/places/theforestofwyrms.jpg
And finally, ask yourselves what it would take to truly control a powerful creature such as a dragon. Perhaps a very powerful and magical orb-of-dragon-control. And perhaps one of the drawbacks of using the orb is being slowly transformed into a dragon yourself:
http://dragons.monstrous.com/Pictures/Dragon_Master_07.jpg
____________
Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
|
|
Svarog
Honorable
Supreme Hero
statue-loving necrophiliac
|
|
posted February 13, 2004 01:57 AM |
|
|
Personally, I am against any broad personification of dragons or other creatures. You feel that dragons should get a bigger part in the game, because you find them too good to be so “unimportant”. But some other people like some other creatures and they would find it better if there are more creatures of that kind.
“but from another point of view, it would theoretically be possible to personify angels and titans, but somehow I don't feel like suggesting it at all”
But it is possible. There were 12 titans in the Greek mythology and there are more orders of angels in the hierarchy.
So, not good idea to have more of a kind of any creature other than human. Why human? Because we are human, and it’s normal that we should have the biggest part. Even in the world of mythology and fantasy, it has always been humans that dominated the biggest part of it.
However, I do agree that some creatures (dragons especially) should be more involved in the game than others. This was successfully done in the Armageddon’s Blade “Dragon Slayer” campaign. It would be great if as the campaign story unfolds, the history of some creatures reveals itself.
But a whole town for dragons is just too much. I even think that 5% of dragons is a bit high also.
Gerdash’s idea is rather interesting. But I think we shouldn’t sacrifice gameplay for reality and dragon dignity. If we do, than the creature itself acts like a spell or an artifact, since you can have only 1. Plus, I can’t see anything wrong with the old approach, if you think of building the top level creature dwelling like paying allegiance to a certain deity, and that deity grants you the ability to have some fearsome servants of his own.
____________
The meek shall inherit the earth, but NOT its mineral rights.
|
|
Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
|
posted February 13, 2004 04:08 AM |
|
Edited By: Consis on 20 Mar 2005
|
Red Dragon Alternatives
Hey Svarog you have a good point.
I personally want to try and gather a strong push for the 5% that ThE_HyDrA mentioned. I feel good about 5%. Somehow I think that's perfect. I think that would give the perfect balance. You hear that Ubisoft and Muadib? I really think 5% dragon influence and creatures would be great! If you think about it 5% gives all the other creatures in the game their fair share of attention and it wouldn't detract too much from the majority of attention that should be focused on Heroes themselves(as ThE_HyDrA says). LoL, now I know why you're a mod! I think I love that number!! Heh Heh Heh LoL
Why is it that Red Dragons always seem to be associated with some sort of evil alignment? Does anyone know? I certainly don't. Perhaps it is the way the observer perceives the creature i.e. "the eye of the beholder". For whatever reason I have yet to see a single rendition of a Red Dragon done in a friendly way. Whatever the case may be Red Dragons do seem to instill a bit of fear in myself. I can't help but think, "run away", the closer I get to those devilish eyes of theirs. Well here are some interesting pics that might ignite your imagination of one day becoming a dragon slayer.
The initial pic showing clear human feelings towards this uncharted species. Note how the observer's decision to flee leaves the animal with complete apathy. Is this a common occurrence for the creature or can it even see him running for his life:
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/mm35_gallery/mm35_pg76.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200
Unshakable and cunning, this Red Dragon personifies pride with the upmost dignity:
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/draco_gallery/75595.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200311
It would seem that the character of this Red Dragon could stab you right to your heart where the fear comes most willingly:
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/draco_gallery/75625.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200311
Is there a soul out there that doesn't believe in the connection between dragons and magic? Don't buy it, let this be the dream that sets you free:
http://dragons.monstrous.com/Pictures/Dragon_Master_19.jpg
Finally, let the fighting cease and magic stop. When the day is over and the war subsides where do Red Dragons go to spend quality time with their families:
http://www.wizards.com/leaving.asp?url=/dnd/images/draco_gallery/77505.jpg&origin=dnd_ag_200311
____________
Roses Are RedAnd So Am I
|
|
gerdash
Responsible
Famous Hero
from the Animated Peace
|
|
posted February 13, 2004 08:23 AM |
|
|
Quote:
Gerdash’s idea is rather interesting. But I think we shouldn’t sacrifice gameplay for reality and dragon dignity. If we do, than the creature itself acts like a spell or an artifact, since you can have only 1. Plus, I can’t see anything wrong with the old approach, if you think of building the top level creature dwelling like paying allegiance to a certain deity, and that deity grants you the ability to have some fearsome servants of his own.
just to make things correct, it was not my idea, i am just a supporter of this idea. it was a natural conclusion of some discussions here, i don't know if any one person can really get credit for the idea.
i wonder how this would sacrifice gameplay, though. you would still have many levels of mortal troops that could be quite powerful at high levels. and the divine assistant is always on auto-combat and doesn't waste much time nor is it necessary to make an extra click with your mouse. it would even not be too powerful in the late game.
|
|
Asmodean
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Heroine at the weekend.
|
|
posted February 14, 2004 03:19 AM |
|
|
[quote you would still have many levels of mortal troops that could be quite powerful at high levels. and the divine assistant is always on auto-combat and doesn't waste much time nor is it necessary to make an extra click with your mouse. it would even not be too powerful in the late game.
I'm not sure I like the 'divine assistant' idea. If it's not even going to be powerful in the late game then what's the point? Some other 'non' divine troop will therefore accumulate in a big stack and IT will be the important factor in the final few battles. I'd rather have a big stack of Titans, rather than just one non-controllable Titan and a big stack of genies/nagas.
A grail creature protoecting a town is alright in this case, but I think too many fans would be turned off the idea of just One top level creature in your army.
If there IS the suggested 5% dragon influence, and this filters through to having dragon heroes, nobody has yet answered my question? Should dragon heroe's be somehow different to humanoid counterparts and how?
____________
To err is human, to arr is pirate.
|
| |
|
|
