The Whackback

Wow. Lots of changes. Interesting stuff. Warlord looks cool, and some interesting new races. Why are they saying they're not going to add some staple classes (Barbarian, Bard, Druid, Monk) till later supplements? Sounds like a rip-off to me. And they are removing gnomes as a core race? Blasphemy.

And fighters styles being more strongly defined by their main weapon? That's rather cool.
 

I have been following the rumor mill on 4th edition too...mostly for the same reasons that I read some of the pap that the far right put out...so I can get that rush of outrage that reminds me that I'm still alive.

Seriously, I'll play this new version...might even buy a book or two...but who's going to run this new "game"...My thoughts are that it is fixing a lot of broken stuff but I wonder if it will still be "D&D" when it is all over...
 

The biggest improvements (and real problems with 3rd and 3.5 D&D) were: 1) some classes were too jacked (spell casters), 2) the game doesn't scale right to high levels and 3) it's tough for experienced gamers to make the character that they really want.

Of these flaws (which I hope 4th fixes) it's #3 that was the most troubling for me and the one that I most hope that they fix. I think that the designers think gamers should thumb through a list of prestige classes and then think "yeah, I want to be one of those".

For me, I usually know what I want and have a HELL of a time finding a way to build it with the rules.
 

To be fair, though...I think that the 4th Edition may be the coolest thing for the game, ever. I keep seeing glimmers of an effort for WOTC to have tools that will allow us to game online...and charge us monthly fees.

The online gaming thing could be just the thing for us. And the monthly fees (if we can afford them) could help them stay afloat and profitable...which means that they might not have to hit us with a 5th edition any time soon. I read somewhere that they're just like software-they make all their money when the updated rules (program) comes out...and then they don't make any $ until the next go around. Perhaps this new revenue model will create a better product for us.
 

I just hope the on-line gaming experience is all it could be. I imagine us all sitting in front of our computers with a cigar in hand, sipping a libation while tearing down monster after monster.

I think the DM's job will be simpler and, therefore something I might be able to pull off without going though a freakout.

I can't believe their not making pixie's a core race, what-the-fuck- ever.
 

Was that sarcasm, Midnight Mage? Yes, I agree that playing remotely probably sucks...but it seems like there is a LONG stretch without gaming, every year from late October through (if the weather works out!) January...maybe online gaming could give me a taste until I can get the real thing!
 

No sarcasm, (except the bit about the pixie) or is that ironic.....not sure, but I sincerely think it could be fun. i do foresee some paradigm shifts we may have to go through to get the most out of the new medium, but I'm game.