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74 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Oooo...dragons..., November 17, 2003
This review is from: The Draconomicon (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying) (Hardcover)
Long-time D&D players will note that this is the second Draconomicon, the first being a AD&D 2nd Edition softcover that covered dragons in nowhere near the detail that this does. This version of Draconomicon goes into great gobs of detail about D&D dragons...their life, death, anatomy, and psychology. They also discuss how dragons can fit into a campaign; not only as opponents, but as NPCs, cohorts, or even PCs. There are also quite a few new dragon-centered feats, skills, magic items, spells, and prestige classes, both for dragons themselves and for the mortals who cower in terror/awe around them. I personally like the Initiate of the Draconic Mysteries, a monk-themed class that starts to hit REALLY HARD as you go up in level. Some material has been reprinted, such as epic feats from the Epic-Level Handbook. There are also quite a few new monsters in this...while the vast majority are of the Dragon type, or dragon-shaped, there are golems and undead, as well as one irritating little vermin. You'll also get to enjoy sample hoards, to get an idea of what that dragon might normally have in its bed and or/couch. Finally, in the back, you'll find stat blocks and write-ups for 120 separate dragons...10 kinds of dragon (all the chromatics and metallics) and 12 age categories. Each of these can serve as an opponent, a client, or an ally, or sometimes all three. In summation, this is an incredibly detailed source on dragons, and it's quite nice. Both DMs and players can use it. However, if you don't like or use dragons much, don't bother, and stea... borrow a friend's copy.
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43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
D&D Dragons get the book they deserve., January 27, 2004
This review is from: The Draconomicon (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying) (Hardcover)
I had this item on my wishlist for several months, but couldn't get past the relatively bad reviews, and didn't order it because I thought it was too pricey compared to the reviews it was getting here. Amazon put the book on a 60% discount, and I overcame my apprehensions and snapped it up. I am very glad I did so. The book is divided into five chapters and two appendices, listed below for your edification: 1. All about dragons
2. A DM's Guide
3. The Player's Perspective
4. New Monsters
5. Sample Dragons App 1: The Dragon's Hoard
App 2: Index of Dragons The book clocks in at 288 pages. The cover is front and back and portrays what can only be defined as a moment of domestic bliss in the life of red dragons. The content is generally very good. Sometimes it delves into the absurd, such as the rules for non-dragons incubating dragon eggs. Example: Silver dragon eggs must be kept at zero degrees or encased in ice. Wyrmlings which are hatched prematurely can be assisted by placing them in a situation reminiscent of their incubation needs. I just had a hard time thinking of a little hatchling silver dragon encased in a block of ice or a baby green dragon dropped in some 1d4/rnd dmg acid to help them stay alive. This is a minor quibble, and can be easily filed under the "Dragons aren't real, and if they were, they ain't chickens" line of thinking. Otherwise the writing is good quality, and the volume as a whole provides an in-depth look at the physiology, culture, nature and the life and times of D&D's eponymous monster. I'm sorry I hesitated to buy it at the regular Amazon price, so if the discount is gone and you think you might still be interested, I'd recommend getting it anyway. It misses a star only because it doesn't quite measure up to what I consider 5 star WoTC books like the 3rd edition Forgotten Realms campaign setting or the Silver Marches supplement, but it certainly accomplishes what it sets out to do.
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46 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great resource for dragon fans, November 4, 2003
This review is from: The Draconomicon (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying) (Hardcover)
If you think the Dragon section in the Monster Manual just isn't detailed enough for your tastes, this is the book for you. It has tons of both flavor and crunch, including information on the anatomy, physiology, life cycle, history and culture of dragons. There are prestige classes, magic items, feats and spells appropriate for both dragon characters and non-dragon characters. This book is useful for both players and DMs. From a player's perspective, it includes information on how to fight a dragon, and how to aquire a dragon mount or cohort, or even play a dragon as a PC. For the DMs, there is information on how to effectively run a dragon in combat, including how and when to use each of a dragon's numerous combat options, new dragon and dragon-like monsters, how to incorporate dragons into an adventure or a campaign, and most importantly, sample dragons of each major type at each age category, and sample lairs. If you have ever wanted to include dragons in your campaign, this is just the book for you. Even if you didn't, after you read this book, you might just change your mind.
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