D&D 4E 4E Model?

[JoeGKushner]

One of the thing that WoTC did with 3rd ed, is the first Adventure Path/Trail with a set of adventurers designed to take players from 1st to 20th level.

If 4th edition came out, would it be possible to come out with a single book covering the first half of a character's adventuring character and another book to finish it off?

As various boxed sets, Start's Set, etc... come out, they have non-random miniatures in them. Is it possible that there'll be a DM starter set of miniatures that is non-random and meant for low-level play in the first book so to speak?

Web service software for character creation/storeage?

Return to a more 'classic' art style with some nods to other styles in various sectons?

Do you think it'll still be three core books? One boxed set? Four books? (PHB for characters and a PHB for spells/spellcasters.)

 

[edbonny]

I think they'll stick with the 3 book format. We gamers, as customers, have been trained by years/decades of playing to perceive DnD a certain way. All DnD games start with this basic: Players get a PH; DMs get a PHB and MM. After that, it's the style of the individual game that then determines what other books are added.

Speaking of models though, I have often wondered what this new game could be modeled after and I keep coming back to the idea that 4e should resemble an MMO (such as WoW or City of Heroes) primarily in terms of gameplay where characters are at peak performance each time a battle begins. As most know, characters in many MMOs regenerate their health <hit points> & their mana/endurance <spell points> continually, rather than in DnD 3 where characters rest to regain spells and heal up (if divine healing is not available).

 

[delericho]

The core rules will probably be in the same three-book model we've seen for the past three editions. Hopefully, Wizards will also debut a Basic set at the same time, which will look a great deal like the current Basic Game. And, ideally, they'd also issue a PC tool for character generation and adventure design (which they'd also keep updated as new releases come out) at the same time... however, I doubt very much that this would be the case.

As for adventure support, I would like to see either Wizards or Paizo producing a hardcover Adventure Path for all levels in the PHB, again at the same time. I definately expect to see Dungeon starting a new Adventure Path as close to the release date as they can manage. I would rather they didn't go with the two book approach suggested, as I suspect that would actually become one book, with the upper levels being neglected.

 

[Nightfall]

My 4th edition model: The Scarred Lands has another Titanswar and I'm on the ground floor to starting a new d20 revolution!

 

[blargney the second]

Return to a more 'classic' art style with some nods to other styles in various sectons?

If you mean less spikes, that'd be all right in my books!

 

[Nightfall]

I'm inclined to agree with getting more classic artists back. But I want some Jeff Easley and some Clyde Cadwell too! Got nothing against new artists but those were and are my all time favorites.

 

[Lanefan]

As for adventure support, I would like to see either Wizards or Paizo producing a hardcover Adventure Path for all levels in the PHB, again at the same time. I definately expect to see Dungeon starting a new Adventure Path as close to the release date as they can manage. I would rather they didn't go with the two book approach suggested, as I suspect that would actually become one book, with the upper levels being neglected.

I'd far rather see individual adventure modules than a hardcover book. That way, I can pick and choose which ones I want to buy (probably but not always the ones I'd also want to run).

And if they could come in a separate cardboard cover that has the map on the inside a la many 1e modules, that'd be even better!

Lanefan

 

[DaveMage]

3E was an attempt to draw the old players back.

4E might therefore be an attempt to appeal to the next generation.

I expect that the entire model will change. If it doesn't, it may be like 2E was to 1E, and see players depart.

 

[buzz]

So sayeth buzz:

4e will follow the model WotC has set for 3.x: continued incremental improvement based on player feedback and design efforts. It will compile the various additions and clarifications seen in supplements (polymorph, swift/immediate actions, reserve feats, etc). It will not be a major departure from the current game.

It, and likely every future edition, will be in the accepted PHB/DMG/MM format.

Here endeth the lesson.

Aside: I'm curious to see what happens with the new SW Saga RPG. Part of me wonders if some of the simplifications being introduced will see their way into D&D... but part of me believes that they will remain "forked" for use in SW only.

 

[MerricB]

Note that the current model for introducing people to the game is:

Step 1: D&D Basic Game
Step 2: D&D Player's Kit and D&D DM's Kit

Also, the adventure Scourge of the Howling Horde is specifically designed for new players and DMs, and likely its follow-up The Shattered Gates of Slaughtergarde as well (levels 2-7).

Doing non-random sets of minis is something that Wizards has contined to investigate to see if is feasible; sadly not, save for the Basic Game.

If 4th edition came out, would it be possible to come out with a single book covering the first half of a character's adventuring character and another book to finish it off?

No. I really doubt this, mainly because even the first half of adventuring is overwhelming to newcomers. It also is extremely unfriendly for experienced gamers. ("So, you're saying I need two books to create my character?") The Rules Cyclopedia was great because everything was finally together.

Web service software for character creation/storeage?

Only if the system is simplified.

Return to a more 'classic' art style with some nods to other styles in various sectons?

Err... what exactly is a 'classic' art style, anyway?

I think that what we'll see is a different style of art than in the 3e core books, but the 3e core books don't dictate what 3e art looks like in any case! (Have a look at Frostburn and the completely fantastic picture of the Frost Giant and his friends...)

Cheers!