If memory serves, there was an interesting version of a tarot deck adapted to the exalted universe on the old EC. I don't suppose anyone has a copy of that?
Still, I agree on all points. To answer your 2nd point more specifically, it's never explained. The story starts after the plan has been made, and she already has one by that point.
Getting back on track, I'd have to say it's a tie for me.
If I'm playing a Celestial, Tiger all the way. For a Terrestrial, I can't get enough of Five-Dragon Style.
That's probably a big part of it. I do think of the 5 elements, it would make sense for Wood to have the strongest Asian theme. After all, to a westerner there are 4 elements, not 5.
I'm not really familiar with which artists do which work, but according to the credits the only thing UDON did was the cover. Here's the list.
Eric Canete, Andrew Hepworth, Aaron Nakahara, Pasi Pitkanen, Ej Su, Melissa Uran and Eva Widermann.
I agree that it's not quite the same, but I still don't miss them. Never been a fan of Dwarfs (Dwarves?), The Raksha are a definite improvement, and I think Elemental Dragons are much cooler. I know there are other differences, but I can think of any that would greatly improve Exalted.
Ok, spoilers in white text below. Hopefully this'll work on my first try.
MASSIVE SPOILERS. If you plan on reading the book and haven't already skip this.
The bad guy of the story is a Sidreal with a plan to create an "Empire of Blood", basically a slightly more evil version of the Realm, to...
It's mostly more of the same, although this book has better characters than most. It's pretty light on charms and artifacts, but I'm just proud they didn't put in an elemental lense to bulk it out a bit. Also, the artwork is quite good, much better than Water and Earth.
That's fifth not counting the first trilogy they made. Just wondering, anyone else hate the basic premise of this story? The whole time travel thing didn't seem to fit in with Exalted at all. Just looking for opinions on that aspect of the book.
Still already mentioned sticking with 1st Ed. Just to add onto that, while the setting might change a bit it seems that a great deal of the fiction, character descriptions, information, story ideas, etc will all remain valid. Some books are heavy on mechanical rules, such as S&S. However other...