D&D 3E/3.5 Thoughts of a 3E/4E powergamer on starting to play 5E

[TwoSix]

Better than my class. My informal logic class was held at a farm, and whenever I tried to make a point, the professor would point at the scarecrow and shout, "Strawman!"

I thought the class might be in Scotland, until I realized no true Scotsman would hold a logic class on a farm.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[EzekielRaiden]

Martial powers in 4E were less versatile and of limited effect compared to non-martial powers, but this was balanced by an increase in brute force. Little in 4E could really compare to martial classes in 4E when it came to brute force.

It bears pointing out that the consensus most powerful class in each role for 4E were Fighter, Ranger, Warlord, and Wizard. Three of those are martial.

Thus far, this jives with my experience of things as well. Fighters are beastly, Rangers can kick all kinds of butt (ours dropped 78 damage from two crits at the start of a fight yesterday--admittedly, in part because of Stalker Shaman bonuses, but still), and Warlords get *all* the love when discussing leaders whether mathematically or thematically. Ironically, Wizard took a while to earn the distinction of "best controller." In fact, I'd almost say Wizards were the class that grew the most over 4e's run...if it weren't for the big, big goodies Paladins got in Divine Power (and, more arguably, the incremental improvement to Warlocks over time).

 

[TwoSix]

Thus far, this jives with my experience of things as well. Fighters are beastly, Rangers can kick all kinds of butt (ours dropped 78 damage from two crits at the start of a fight yesterday--admittedly, in part because of Stalker Shaman bonuses, but still), and Warlords get *all* the love when discussing leaders whether mathematically or thematically. Ironically, Wizard took a while to earn the distinction of "best controller." In fact, I'd almost say Wizards were the class that grew the most over 4e's run...if it weren't for the big, big goodies Paladins got in Divine Power (and, more arguably, the incremental improvement to Warlocks over time).

You know, if I wanted a generic version of D&D, with a small number of versatile classes, Fighter/Ranger/Warlord/Wizard wouldn't be a bad place to start.

 

[Tony Vargas]

You know, if I wanted a generic version of D&D, with a small number of versatile classes, Fighter/Ranger/Warlord/Wizard wouldn't be a bad place to start.

Why ranger rather than rogue?

In fact, I'd almost say Wizards were the class that grew the most over 4e's run....

Certainly if you include Essentials. Every essentials 'Heroes of ____' supplement added new spells that any wizard could take advantage of, they ended up with more powers than any other class, hands-down. More sub-classes and 'builds' of their original sub-class, too. Just like they have the most sub-classes and most spells in 5e.

 

[EzekielRaiden]

Certainly if you include Essentials. Every essentials 'Heroes of ____' supplement added new spells that any wizard could take advantage of, they ended up with more powers than any other class, hands-down. More sub-classes and 'builds' of their original sub-class, too. Just like they have the most sub-classes and most spells in 5e.

Yeah, Wizards got a LOT of love in late-4e. Too much, if you ask me--they needed some, but good God, did we really need six "original subclass" (ugh, I f**king HATE 4e's subclass system) builds, PLUS four subclasses, one of which had its own like, three or four variations for focusing on particular spell schools? It got pretty ridiculous after a while.

That's a good place to start, though, if you want to trim 4e's waistline a bit: slash the Wizard to pieces, ruthlessly culling all but the best options. You'd still end up with a fantastic, versatile controller, but with half to quarter the sprawl.

 

[Ancalagon]

Last night was the first session. Mostly uneventful.

Keep up posted how it evolves.

 

[thecasualoblivion]

Completed a second session last night. I'm surprised how automatically I've switched into my old 2E playstyle. I would describe that style as "letting other people go first". Here's an example:

I let the Rogue, Bard, and Barbarian go first. They open doors, chests, go into rooms first, take the lead in searching, ect. When the bad stuff happens, it happens to them first. I then go help deal with the bad stuff when it happens. It's just taking the pose of "backing people up", hanging back ready to help out. This was exactly how I played 2E when we did exploration heavy games, and though it's been a long time since I've played 2E(I've run a few campaigns more recently), it still surprised me how quickly I slipped back into that mindset.

Mostly we've been exploring rooms in some haunted house. I'd say 80% of those rooms were empty. Not my favorite aspect of D&D by a long shot. Being level 1(just got level 2) there really isn't much to do for my paladin beyond "I swing a sword". I will say that playing carefully both in and out of combat has meant I have yet to take any damage.

 

[Tony Vargas]

Completed a second session last night. I'm surprised how automatically I've switched into my old 2E playstyle.... it still surprised me how quickly I slipped back into that mindset.

Some of the loudest and most consistent praise of 5e that I've noticed is often phrased in terms of 2e. "Best edition since 2e." "Most fun I've had since 2e." That sort of thing. Such praise is not without merit. I ran a successful AD&D campaign that went 10 years, and straddled 1e/2e. I find I run 5e in a very similar style. Not quite identical, because I tend to run low-level modules published adventures for 5e, while 2e it was an original ongoing campaign already at mid-levels.
But, still, lots of rulings/judgment/improv, all kept 'behind the screen' - and lots of fun.

Mostly we've been exploring rooms in some haunted house. I'd say 80% of those rooms were empty. Not my favorite aspect of D&D by a long shot. Being level 1(just got level 2) there really isn't much to do for my paladin beyond "I swing a sword". I will say that playing carefully both in and out of combat has meant I have yet to take any damage.

Wow, not exactly gripping. I'm guessing your haunted house is The Death House bit of CoS... it can be more dynamic and atmospheric than what you're experiencing... and it should get better.

After 1st level, 5e doesn't call for nearly the caution you've been displaying, either. By the time you're on to the main adventure, you should find yourself doing a lot more with your Pally.

 

[thecasualoblivion]

Some of the loudest and most consistent praise of 5e that I've noticed is often phrased in terms of 2e. "Best edition since 2e." "Most fun I've had since 2e." That sort of thing. Such praise is not without merit. I ran a successful AD&D campaign that went 10 years, and straddled 1e/2e. I find I run 5e in a very similar style. Not quite identical, because I tend to run low-level modules published adventures for 5e, while 2e it was an original ongoing campaign already at mid-levels.
But, still, lots of rulings/judgment/improv, all kept 'behind the screen' - and lots of fun.

I agree somewhat with the assessment, though not the sentiment. It's like 2E, but I'm not necessarily enthusiastic about it being so. Also, the 2E I most enjoyed was heavily modified and played more like 3E/4E.

Wow, not exactly gripping. I'm guessing your haunted house is The Death House bit of CoS... it can be more dynamic and atmospheric than what you're experiencing... and it should get better.

After 1st level, 5e doesn't call for nearly the caution you've been displaying, either. By the time you're on to the main adventure, you should find yourself doing a lot more with your Pally.

I think it's more the other players. The atmosphere is there, but they seem to be into going over every room with a fine tooth comb.

The caution isn't necessary, but it's my style. Its more badass when I don't get my ass kicked, and let other people get into the trouble. As for higher levels, we'll see. All my stuff except for one thing is daily based. I see a lot of plain old swinging in my future.