D&D 4E Essential 4e: Heroes of the Forgotten Lands

[Obryn]

I just snagged my copy a few hours ago, and it's pretty cool. I don't think I'd want to run 4e using only it - these new subclasses are no replacements for PHB Fighters, Rogues, and Clerics - but it's good to have more options.

On a glance, there's nothing "4.5ish" at all about it. It really is just what WotC said it was going to be - a collection of new options, specifically aimed at newer players, and secondarily aimed at bringing lapsed players into a subsection of 4e where the class and race options are more familiar-seeming.

-O

 

[Drezden327]

I got my copy this afternoon. While I don't think it is 4.5, I think you can call it 4.3 or some such. Most of the feats are just better than what's been previously offered. There are new mechanics presented -- such as no encouter powers, Thief's tricks, etc. Races all got new ability score or power options; skill DCs got changed, etc. In short, this is a little more than new options.

I also got the Rules Compendium -- which is nice to have all of the rules (for now anyway) in one little book.

No info on any other domains BTW.

Daren

 

[CasvalRemDeikun]

Seconded. I'ld love to hear any available news about upcoming Warpriest domain features beyond Sun and Storm.

Agreed. I really hope to see Transmutation School stuff, among other things (maybe the Necromancer in Heroes of Shadow will be another Wizard school). We already have Transmutation powers(including the amazingly cool Slimy Transmutation or whatever). What other domains would be plausible?

 

[Obryn]

Whoa - I hadn't seen this before.

Weapon Focus specifies Weapon Attacks now. There's finally a corresponding Implement Focus, which does the same for Implement powers. It kinda screws over Swordmages, but overall I'm very happy with this switch - and it's one I've been thinking fits the designers' original intent since the 4e release.

-O

 

[CasvalRemDeikun]

Whoa - I hadn't seen this before.

Weapon Focus specifies Weapon Attacks now. There's finally a corresponding Implement Focus, which does the same for Implement powers. It kinda screws over Swordmages, but overall I'm very happy with this switch - and it's one I've been thinking fits the designers' original intent since the 4e release.

-O

While I don't particularly care for that change for my staff wizard (who will be revamped into an Evoker Wizard), overall I think it is a good idea. Of course, if an ultimate focus feat that covers a specific weapon, giving a bonus to implement and weapon attacks, I might be okay with that. Oh well, I guess I will be swatting at stuff a little less effectively than before (especially with the Melee Training changes, but that is what the Staff of Striking is for).

 

[Someone]

On a glance, there's nothing "4.5ish" at all about it. It really is just what WotC said it was going to be - a collection of new options, specifically aimed at newer players, and secondarily aimed at bringing lapsed players into a subsection of 4e where the class and race options are more familiar-seeming.

-O

Whoa - I hadn't seen this before.

Weapon Focus specifies Weapon Attacks now. There's finally a corresponding Implement Focus, which does the same for Implement powers. It kinda screws over Swordmages, but overall I'm very happy with this switch - and it's one I've been thinking fits the designers' original intent since the 4e release.

-O

So, which one is it? It's just new options, or also updated rules? I keep hearing it's compatible with already published material, but feats, races and whatnot are changed around, and it's starting to be a bit confusing and worrying for the people who doesn't have a DDI subscription.

 

[Obryn]

So, which one is it? It's just new options, or also updated rules? I keep hearing it's compatible with already published material, but feats, races and whatnot are changed around, and it's starting to be a bit confusing and worrying for the people who doesn't have a DDI subscription.

It's both, but updated rules are nothing new to us 4e players. If that's the dividing line between edition steps, we're probably past 4.5 already and well into 4.9.

(See also: MM3 monster damage, changes to Magic Missile and Infernal Wrath, changes to Stealth skill, number of free action attacks allowed per turn, changes in Aid Another, etc.)

-O

 

[pemerton]

So, which one is it? It's just new options, or also updated rules?

It's updated rules in the same way that the Errata (sorry, "Updates") are updated rules - only this time integrated into a published book instead of as a discrete PDF.

If you've been playing without the errata then I imagine you'll cope if you keep doing so. On the other hand, if official rules are important to you (eg organised play) then presumably you've already been keeping up via the errata.

EDIT: A bit late to the party . . . that's what I get for replying without updating since I opened the page!

 

[Jack99]

I got my copy this afternoon. While I don't think it is 4.5, I think you can call it 4.3 or some such. Most of the feats are just better than what's been previously offered. There are new mechanics presented -- such as no encouter powers, Thief's tricks, etc. Races all got new ability score or power options; skill DCs got changed, etc. In short, this is a little more than new options.

Daren

I called it 4.24 a while ago, how right was I?

 

[Majoru Oakheart]

It's updated rules in the same way that the Errata (sorry, "Updates") are updated rules - only this time integrated into a published book instead of as a discrete PDF.

It isn't in a PDF...yet. I believe you'll see that the Updates for October will, in fact, be HUGE as it erratas all the old feats to use the Essentials wordings, all the old Wizard powers to have new keywords, effects on a miss, and just to change the powers that are different. Probably, there will be a couple subtle changes to the rules as well to go with all the Essentials stuff.

In fact, I wouldn't be completely surprised if the "October" update was moved ahead to September 21st. Also, since the character builder update for this month was changed to September 21st as well, I expect all of the Updates will be in there, along with the Essentials classes(just in time to make characters for the first session of D&D Encounters on September 22nd).