So I had the chance to look at the new core books and all I can say I will not be picking these books up.  I mean what is up no Barbarian, Bard, Druid, or Monk?  What gives with axing two of the best skill adventures in the game?

I think a goodly bit of this is planned for the already announced PHB2, but, yeah, it rankles.

On the whole I find 4th edition to be fine.  I really don't mind the missing classes, and they will be back soon enough.  The books really do take a bit of reading through, and I think you should at least borrow one to read before you make up your mind on whether you like the new system or not.

I have heard people talk about 4th edition with a lot of trepidation, and I admit to grumbling myself.  Having read through the PHB (haven't even cracked the DMG or MM yet), I realized that I heard a lot of these misgivings before.

Mostly when D+D became AD+D, then more with Revised AD+D, and then even more with Skills and Powers and then 3rd Edition, and of course with the release of 3.5 came the usual amount of ire.  This edition will stand the test of time, especially since it seems to be a much more revision friendly format than 3rd or 3.5 were.

Just my 2 cents.
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Groomie



Stupidity got us into this mess, why can't it get us out?

I probably will read through at some point, but I just get an mmorpg feel from the new layout.

I felt that way to.  There is, to an extent, an mmorpg feel to the new system, but when you think about it, it makes sense.  Many new players might only have rpg experience from WoW or EQ, and having that feel would make them feel more comfortable with the game.

Having played a demo, and having read through the character class system a couple times, it seems to be a fine revamp.

I can see players being upset over the apparent incompatibility of existing books with the new system.  Background and Pantheons should be fine, but trying to convert Weapons of Destiny to 4th ed might be fairly difficult.
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Groomie



Stupidity got us into this mess, why can't it get us out?

Yeah, i peeked at a phb at Barnes & Noble when i was wandering through the mall. What's up with dropping those core classes? Has anyone heard of when Wizards will release them? I will pick up at least the phb, maybe the other two later.

Also, as a side note, after the whole flood thing is through, I'm looking for a D+D group, if any are looking for another member.. i must have my rpg fix.. =]

Also, side note side note, good luck Jerod! Our geeky hearts and thoughts are with you and your plight.
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"Those who speak, do not know.
Those who know, do not speak"
Tao Te Jing

Our hobbies are our habits are our addictions. Choose wisely.

I am also interested in joining a 4e game


If anyone knows of one, please let me know!



e!
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I've bought the books, I've played a quick game (on D&D game day) and I can say that I like the new edition.

However, in doing some research on how to adapt the new rules for my Unbound Adventures supplement, I've discovered the very loose rules for generating random encounters and I must say I'm disappointed.

One thing that was great about the older editions (especially 1st edition) was the large amount of tables for monsters by region and level for random encounters. The tables in the back of the Monster Manual don't have any numbers associated with them. They require the player to choose from available monsters of a certain level and then roll a die that is most appropriate for the number of options... bleah!

They also suggest using a deck of monsters built from D&D miniatures stat cards, which if one doesn't have such cards, is also disappointing.

Grrr.. Well, I guess I'll have to give it a try with their "random" tables and see how it works. I do like the monster encounter templates however, the real trick is going to be making some encounter templates for solo characters and parties of less then 4 characters.

-Peter