SensoryThought
First Post
Recently my 4e group of 4 split the party - a long term campaign split due to differing goals. As a result I am running the two groups in parallel (3-4 sessions then swap). I took the opportunity for the players to create 4 new essentials characters to join the long running PCs for the off weeks.
The players took as assassin (executioner), bladesinger, hexblade, and slayer. All commented they feel like they have a relative lack of abilities, despite being the same or higher level. The slayer finds the class particularly boring but is enjoying being a revenant and his backstory. The bladesinger likes her powers but is also enjoying being a little more morally grey. The executioner is having fun, even if all he does is garrote people. The hexblade is relatively new, and I think the essentials character makes a better introduction than the standard 4e warlord she started with.
Personally I like the flavor of Essentials, but I don't know if Wizards learned anything other than D&D players will always find ways to gripe about something new. Scratch that - if the learned that lesson they wouldn't be attempting 5e.
The players took as assassin (executioner), bladesinger, hexblade, and slayer. All commented they feel like they have a relative lack of abilities, despite being the same or higher level. The slayer finds the class particularly boring but is enjoying being a revenant and his backstory. The bladesinger likes her powers but is also enjoying being a little more morally grey. The executioner is having fun, even if all he does is garrote people. The hexblade is relatively new, and I think the essentials character makes a better introduction than the standard 4e warlord she started with.
Personally I like the flavor of Essentials, but I don't know if Wizards learned anything other than D&D players will always find ways to gripe about something new. Scratch that - if the learned that lesson they wouldn't be attempting 5e.