One of the problems with assessing 3.5E is that a lot of the changes don't draw attention to themselves... but clarify the rules greatly.
One example of this is the change to penalties: they are no longer typed except in rare instances - in fact, I don't know of any, so if you've found a typed penalty, please post it here!
For instance, the spells doom and bane have changed:
Doom:
3E: The subject is shaken, suffering a –2 morale penalty to attack rolls, checks, and saving throws.
3.5E: This spell fills a single subject with a feeling of horrible dread that causes it to become shaken.
Shaken definition: Characters who are shaken take a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Bane:
3E: The character's enemies suffer a -1 morale penalty on their attack rolls and a -1 morale penalty on saving throws against fear effects.
3.5E: Bane fills your enemies with fear and doubt. Each affected creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and a –1 penalty on saving throws against fear effects.
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One of the rules issues I often had was with two modifiers, one a penalty and one a bonus. Which did you use? Both? The better absolute value? Now, there is no confusion.
(Incidentally, penalties stack, unless they both come from the same spell or ability, if I read the Magic chapter correctly)
This is one of the big "hidden" changes of 3.5E for me. How about you? Are there things changed that improved the rules for you that weren't immediately apparent?
Cheers!
One example of this is the change to penalties: they are no longer typed except in rare instances - in fact, I don't know of any, so if you've found a typed penalty, please post it here!
For instance, the spells doom and bane have changed:
Doom:
3E: The subject is shaken, suffering a –2 morale penalty to attack rolls, checks, and saving throws.
3.5E: This spell fills a single subject with a feeling of horrible dread that causes it to become shaken.
Shaken definition: Characters who are shaken take a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Bane:
3E: The character's enemies suffer a -1 morale penalty on their attack rolls and a -1 morale penalty on saving throws against fear effects.
3.5E: Bane fills your enemies with fear and doubt. Each affected creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and a –1 penalty on saving throws against fear effects.
####
One of the rules issues I often had was with two modifiers, one a penalty and one a bonus. Which did you use? Both? The better absolute value? Now, there is no confusion.
(Incidentally, penalties stack, unless they both come from the same spell or ability, if I read the Magic chapter correctly)
This is one of the big "hidden" changes of 3.5E for me. How about you? Are there things changed that improved the rules for you that weren't immediately apparent?
Cheers!
