[InzeladunMaster]

Originally Posted by thormagni

So, recognizing that some of my gaming buddies have backed away from rpgs, I'm interested in the group's overall feelings about the 4th edition of D&D.

Temporarily, mind you. I am very ambivalent toward 4E.

Originally Posted by thormagni

Personally, I am fairly ambivalent. On the one hand, I am intrigued by some of the changes, like making it possible for 1st level characters to have an exciting fight, and for spell casters to continue to be useful after an hour of adventuring. The idea of giving every player something interesting to do throughout the night's game is certainly encouraging.

All of these were promises made for 3E, too. I feel like players have this already if they want it. Some players just like to sit around and do little. I am not sure solving everything through mechanics is the best plan. But still, promises promises. I have heard this before.

Originally Posted by thormagni

And hard-coding the idea of role-playing by setting up systems for social, ah, combat also sounds pretty interesting (and is certainly something I have railed about before, at length.)

This could be interesting - or cumbersome.

Originally Posted by thormagni

On the other hand, I am less than enthralled with the complete switch to a "map and figures" game. And what I have heard about the fairly rigidly set "roles" is discouraging (What would be the purpose of a role-playing heavy but combat light character in a game which seems to define everyone by their combat specialty?)

I have to admit I am very turned off by the "role" concept. It seems too "computer RPG" for me. It also forces "well-balanced" groups, instead of interesting groups that might have to overcome their weaknesses.

Originally Posted by thormagni

And a big negative for me is the sheer amount of 3.5 material I have accumulated. I guess on a book-by-book basis I probably had as many 2nd edition books, but those were flimsy, black-and-white softbound books. Not the well-illustrated, full-color hardbacks that are my 3.5 collection. That is a lot of money and shelfspace invested just to see them go obsolete.

I am in in complete agreement here.

Originally Posted by thormagni

I guess the big deciding factor for me is the group. If anyone is interested in playing 4th edition, I will play it. But if no one shows any interest, I'm not sure I will even pick it up (yeah, I know. I don't believe myself when I say this either.)

I am not all that interested. I really like the Savage Worlds system I am working on right now.

Originally Posted by thormagni

Does anyone want to try the new edition or have thoughts one way or another?

I will try anything, of course, but the money and shelf-space issue... Ugh. I certainly don't want to buy anything I won't like or use, so I really will have to try it before I buy it.