TerraDave
5ever, or until 2024
Its really more a “feeling” then anything else, but is 4E, at least in some ways, going back to pre 3E (or 2E) versions of D&D?
While a feeling, I will try to make some arguments for it:
-PCs playing one class their whole career, with multi-classing a more exotic alternative
-Tying races and classes more closely together (or, having better mechanics to do that)
-Choice of spell-like powers a main way to customize characters
-Simpler monsters
-Simpler and more robust approach to encounters, treasure, and XP
-Less emphasis on corner cases and suboptimal choices
-(some to many) simpler rules
-More room for DM adjudication
-More of a “B/E D&D” tone to the flavour text
-More of a “B/E D&D” approach class branching and immortal ascension
(though AD&D also had “ascension” rules)
Of course, I can come up with counter arguments. There are specific changes from “canon”, and more generally 4E retains (or actually strengthens) 3Es core mechanic and emphasis on (mechanical) options for players and DMs.
But still, it gives me this feeling.
While a feeling, I will try to make some arguments for it:
-PCs playing one class their whole career, with multi-classing a more exotic alternative
-Tying races and classes more closely together (or, having better mechanics to do that)
-Choice of spell-like powers a main way to customize characters
-Simpler monsters
-Simpler and more robust approach to encounters, treasure, and XP
-Less emphasis on corner cases and suboptimal choices
-(some to many) simpler rules
-More room for DM adjudication
-More of a “B/E D&D” tone to the flavour text
-More of a “B/E D&D” approach class branching and immortal ascension
(though AD&D also had “ascension” rules)
Of course, I can come up with counter arguments. There are specific changes from “canon”, and more generally 4E retains (or actually strengthens) 3Es core mechanic and emphasis on (mechanical) options for players and DMs.
But still, it gives me this feeling.
Last edited:
