Search results

Why make the material redundant? Why not have a small rulebook that holds the common rules, then make each of these three books a supplement that references the common rules? In fact, you could even break down those three supplements into even smaller chunks so that groups can freely mix &...

I'd like to see the default for 5e be Vancian casting, with wizards proficient with daggers, staves, and slings. A 1st level wizard is an apprentice who can cast a couple of spells per day, then can use a sling to attack with so that they're not totally useless in combat when not spellcasting...

I like the term "Baseline D&D" for the rules that represent the common foundation of the D&D game. Edit: If the "core" or "baseline" rules are all kept in one book, why not just call it "The Dungeons & Dragons Rulebook"? Even if there are some optional rules contained in the rulebook alongside...

What should become of the spike filled pit? Definitely keep it in the game. If the DM doesn't like them, he doesn't have to use them. I can't imagine that the rules for spike filled pits would take up very much space in the rulebook.

Rule 0 is absolutely essential. It's the rule that allows the DM's common sense to overrule anything in the book. It's the rule that shuts down the rules lawyers. The DM is the final arbiter of the rules and his authority is absolute. It's the cornerstone of the game. It's the DMs...

I think there may be some miscommunication here. I never said that they should release only the core rules on day 1. I think they should release a core rules product + one or two expansions on day 1. They could even bundle those products together in a slipcase for people who want to buy them...

I'm guessing that if you're running a 1e-style character, then all your feats, skills, powers, etc. are pre-chosen for you and "baked into" your character class. If you're running a 3e-style character, you get to pick and choose which feats, skills, powers, etc. you want.

Why would any DM let the players walk all over him like that? If I'm running the game, then I decide which options are available and which options aren't. If players can't deal with it, then they have the option of not playing. Period. The DM's decision is final. If there are things that I...

Actually, at the time when Basic D&D was released in the early 80's it was the golden age of D&D, long before the unsold and unsellable books of the 2e era in the 90s, the 3e/3.5e switchover era of the early 2000s, and the current 4e era. The 1983 Red Box Basic Set is still, by far, the biggest...

I think this is pretty doubtful. From the L&L columns, it sounds more like the character classes in the core game will have pre-defined abilities. There would be a separate section of optional rules that would deal with building characters and choosing abilities rather than having them...

Actually, cavaliers could only improve their physical ability scores (str, dex, & con). Paladins (as a cavalier sub-class) could also improve their charisma. The rate of gain was very slow, however. It took, on average, 9 levels to gain 1 point. In practice, the effect on play was pretty...

Catering to the same dwindling player base that exists now is a recipe for failure. New players are the key. The old BECMI sets still remain the best introductory D&D product ever released. There's a lot that can be learned from that edition. BECMI is far more newbie friendly than 3e or 4e...

Multiple covers won't happen. It increases the cost of printing, decreases the visual identity of the brand, and creates confusion among new customers. However, I could potentially see dust-covers with alternate art being possible, if they were profitable.

Yes, I absolutely do believe it will satisfy a significant portion of gamers. Consider Basic D&D (1977 - 1992). It was 4x4 and successfully ran alongside AD&D 1e and 2e for 15 years. It was quite popular, acted as a gateway for new players, and was an alternative to the more complex AD&D. It...

One thing to consider is that if hp are used as plot protection against all attack forms, then high hit point classes like fighters will have the best protection against all attack forms - including mind-based attack forms. Low hit point classes like wizards will have the worst protection, even...

Looking at some of the quotes from the designers, they're saying things like wanting to take the best of all editions and trying to find the core of D&D. This leads me to think that 5e might actually be taking D&D closer to its roots rather than aiming for another reinvention.

I think it all depends on how saving throws are implemented. In the older editions, the chance of succeeding at a saving throw only depends on the class and level of the target. High level characters tend to make saving throws pretty consistently. To balance that, high level spells tend to...

I'd prefer the core rules to be a single rulebook of 64 to 128 pages. It only needs to contain the most essential material. Everything else, including the bulk of the monsters and magic items, can be in the supplements.

Think of the core rules as a hamburger. The 4x4 model is a meat patty and a bun. Some people just want a meat patty and a bun. Most people, however, want toppings on their burger. That's where the supplements come in. It's easier to start with a meat patty and bun burger and add the...

I'm ready for 5e. I doubt that I'd actually play 5e, but I'd like to see what Cook & Mearls come up with. I'd probably just buy the core rulebooks out of curiosity like I did for 4e. WotC lost me as a customer in 2003 with the switch to 3.5. After some initial excitement for 3.0, my game...