General RPG DiscussionDiscussion of all RPGs and non-system-specific topics. DM/GM/player issues, settings, etc. Rules discussion belongs in one the forums below.
I dunno...do we really think the Assassin is going to be the only shadow class coming out? I know there have been theories that the cover of the PHB3 was photoshopped "Psionics" over "Arcane" from PHB2...
I think this means Assassin will be shadow, that it will not see print in any book (only available through the DDI), and that for more shadow classes, you'll have to wait (perhaps until PHB4), and that the PHB3 cover is correct in adding only psionic as a new power source (shadow getting minimum support necessary to run the Assassin, but only from DDI)...
I actually would recommend you going for a color laser printer instead. Much cheaper in the long run (which comes quickly if you regularly print out creature stats and rules for your game).
In July the Psion will be unvieled as one of the PHB3 previews.
Discuss some of the concepts of the Revenant.
At GenCon a talk about possibilities beyond level 30.
Further in the summer more previews in DDI for 2010 material.
I'm really looking forward to the Psion preview. Imho, no D&D edition is complete without psionics, so it's about time!
Regarding the revenant and the assassin I'm somewhat relieved that they'll be DDI-exclusive. Both aren't things I'd like to have in my game. Them not being included in any of the printed books will make it easier to pretend they don't exist.
While I'm a bit nervous about the concept of exclusive DDI content in general, it might actually be a good solution for borderline stuff like this.
'Possibilities beyond level 30', however, seriously sends shivers down my spine. I'm not even comfortable with the epic tier as is and still undecided if I'm really interested in ever playing in that level range. Now levels beyond 30? I don't think so. That would be a terrible idea.
I very much hope we will never see levels beyond 30 but rather additional options for level 30 characters being unlocked with XP. Pay XP to buy some 4th tier (legendary?) features.
I'm not particularly excited about the Assassin class myself, as I think his niche is pretty well covered by the rogue. If the new assassin class differentiates himself by shadow powers, as many are speculating, it doesn't seem to really match "assassin" in its generic sense (someone who kills for money). It would seem to be a "shadow slayer" or "gloom blade" or maybe even "ninja" (since they were rumoured to have mystical powers). An "Old Man of the Mountain" who lives in a Shadowfell stronghold and commands his fanatical minions to strike wherever shadows reach is a pretty awesome villain though.
The Revenant however, is all sorts of awesome. I liked the idea of the necropolitan in 3e, but aside from sounding like a type of ice cream, it had the baggage of entire civilization behind it. Revenants however, can show up anytime, anywhere. A character who dies in the game could also come back as a revenant with the DM's approval in levels below "raise dead", particularly if the player is deeply invested in his character.
Other than that though, it is a pretty light month for me since I'm not an Eberron fan. Too much steampunk/magi-tech for me.
I dunno...do we really think the Assassin is going to be the only shadow class coming out?
No. And there are at least three obvious shadow strikers (the other two being ninja and shadowdancer), so dropping one of them into a D&Di exclusive isn't a problem with future development, either.
Add me to the list of those concerned about the idea of "beyond level 30".
I was also pretty darned sure someone from Wotc had said there would be no "add on" system or rules for anything else, that level 30 would be it and that's why Epic was built in from the get-go.
Then again, I could be mis-remembering from vague recollections.
Regarding the "beyond" level 30 topic: I would be concerned if they brought out *hyper-super-epic* type rules. I didn't get that impression from the column; I imagine it would more be surrounding extended level 30 play. After all, there's no need for it to be roughly 10 encounters as with other levels as there's nowhere to go. Maybe it'll be focused on the fulfilment of epic destinies and building that into a large section of play..
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I tend to play characters (and want to play characters) for years and years. Or decades in one case. Having some minor advancement for over 30, and support of that kind of stuff would be great.
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I would be happy to see a post-30th level ruleset with a few caveats:
1. Andy Collins and anyone else whose name appears on the 3E ELH must not be allowed to contribute anything. Nope, not a thing. They must never be forgiven.
2. It is properly playtested. No, not subject to groupthink amongst the WotC employees: give it to the guys on the WotC CharOp boards. They have a better grasp of game mechanics than the pros so let them run with it.
3. The mechanics for skill challenges, solo monsters etc... are actually finalised. In other words, no basic game mechanics are in a state of flux.
4. Upper Krust from these boards is hired to give advice. As one of the few people who seems to have really thought and thought and thought about high level D&D play he needs to add his expertise to the process.
5. WotC asks White Wolf nicely for permission to release a 4E version of Exalted. Now that would be cool... and very unlikely to happen.
With those conditions met (and numbers 1 and 2 are the real non-negotiables for me) then I would be very interested in seeing a legendary/immortal tier ruleset.
I got the impression that PHB3 will only have 5 classes. Since we already know monk and psion does anyone have speculation on the remaining 3?
My guesses:
Psychic Warrior (psionic defender)
Sohei / Templar (divine defender)
Shugenja / Spiritualist (primal controller)
Setting for 2010 - Kara-Tur
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EDIT: don't mention the hybrid rules in the CB update tomorrow though, unlike the monk... I hope it is still in,
The hybrid playtest material which was released in Dragon 374 will be in this weeks update to Character Builder and Compendium. The updated hybrid playtest that was recently featured in Dragon 375 will not be in until next month's update. Hope that clears things up!
I much prefer having exclusive content on DDI. It means more material, I rather not have something showcase on DDI then get put in a book since it means that whole section in the book is of no value since I already got it on DDI. Plus it means that section of the book could have been used for something new. So if the Assassin was in a book that would mean another class would be pushed off.
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The hybrid playtest material which was released in Dragon 374 will be in this weeks update to Character Builder and Compendium. The updated hybrid playtest that was recently featured in Dragon 375 will not be in until next month's update. Hope that clears things up!
My god, you're right. The 2010 setting is New Hampshire.
I could really go for the campaign setting that the PA Podcasts took place, PoL or whatever. With plenty of Rudy the Undead Hound, sprained uvulas, and whatnot.
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