D&D 4E If 4e went in this direction...

[AbdulAlhazred]

In the latest D&D Podcast they talked about this in regards to Paragon Paths. Someone had asked if it was ok to change Paragon Paths or Epic Destinies once they were chosen, since they couldn't find a written rule or mechanic about. They're answer was basically 'Why the heck not?'. They professed that they didn't see how it would effect balance. So as long as it made since in game, go for it.

The same could be used with themes. In fact, with some themes it just makes sense. If you get bit by a vampire at 11th level, the easiest way to represent the change is to drop your Gladiator theme and add the Vampire theme. It doesn't mean you were never a vampire, but this new condition has pushed that part of your personality down a bit.

Sure, but it isn't all that profitable IMHO to discuss what we can do OUTSIDE the structure of the rules of the game in a discussion of the design of the game . Not that I disagree with you. The questions are more about how can the rules be structured to provide that kind of flexibility OOTB? Obviously there are limits to what the system can lay out and creative hacking on it is always a powerful tool, so there need not be perfect answers.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

An easy way to make themes for later levels is embracing the "boon" design of DMG 2.
Whenever you feel the need, you can just add a boon which gives a power and an item bonus associated with that. (or even an untyped bnus)

The only thing preventing that is the unability of both char generators to modify items. (Boons are implemented and can even add things like a new power, see corellons boon of arcane might... although there is a bug which makes multiple boons of arcane might useless)

 

[Matt James]

I agree, UngerheuerLich. The boon design could provide some of the same alternate avenues.

 

[Matt James]

Here is a quick little example of a profession that might be applied to a base character. As my article explains, I want to flesh this out more, but I need to get some sleep

Loremaster - Profession for 4e D&D - The Cobbler

 

[TwoSix]

Here is a quick little example of a profession that might be applied to a base character. As my article explains, I want to flesh this out more, but I need to get some sleep

Loremaster - Profession for 4e D&D - The Cobbler

Using the ritual format for profession checks is very nice. Good idea!

 

[Matt James]

Using the ritual format for profession checks in very nice. Good idea!

Thanks! Because professions that produce goods are very similar to rituals, I wanted to keep the format similar to make it as easy to understand as possible.

 

[Jack99]

Here is a quick little example of a profession that might be applied to a base character. As my article explains, I want to flesh this out more, but I need to get some sleep

Loremaster - Profession for 4e D&D - The Cobbler

Hi Matt

I usually like your work, but I am not sure I would want D&D to go the way of layers. I am sure there are lots of good arguments to do it, but to me, it seems like: more, more, more - instead of what it should be: less, less, less.

If I wanted more stats, more skills, more "powers/spells", more rules for what i can and can't do, I would go play the edition that shall not be named, or its slightly more contemporary copy still in print.

 

[Matt James]

Two new official WotC themes -> Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying Game Official Home Page - Article (Born from Shadow)

 

[UngainlyTitan]

Here is a quick little example of a profession that might be applied to a base character. As my article explains, I want to flesh this out more, but I need to get some sleep

Loremaster - Profession for 4e D&D - The Cobbler

I think the ideas are interesting but your Cobbler pdf keeps crashing IE9 on my machine.

I seem to have come to this thread late so before I make any comments I would need to look at this again.

 

[Matt James]

I think the ideas are interesting but your Cobbler pdf keeps crashing IE9 on my machine.

I seem to have come to this thread late so before I make any comments I would need to look at this again.

Sorry for the delay in response. I'm very busy with some big design projects. I'll try to get a new, more detailed, theme up soon. I am very pleased to see this design-space being expanded upon. There are many great new articles and pieces coming out that present new themes.