D&D 4E 4E: New power sources, new resource management

[Simplicity]

So from one of the previews, it was said that D&D 4E will have "new power sources" and "new resource management".

Is it just me, or does this sound a heck of a lot like a Mana-based system (i.e., spells cost points which are subtracted from a pool). This has always been one of the most difficult aspects of the D&D system for computer games... And a mana-based system could certainly reduce the size of stat-blocks and streamline spell management.

What do you think? Are spell-levels a sacred cow?

 

[Kunimatyu]

So from one of the previews, it was said that D&D 4E will have "new power sources" and "new resource management".

Is it just me, or does this sound a heck of a lot like a Mana-based system (i.e., spells cost points which are subtracted from a pool). This has always been one of the most difficult aspects of the D&D system for computer games... And a mana-based system could certainly reduce the size of stat-blocks and streamline spell management.

What do you think? Are spell-levels a sacred cow?

Unquestionably. Also, MP is familiar to a huge range of gamers, whereas spell slots send younger players running for the hills.

 

[Aus_Snow]

Red, blue and green bars. Stuff per encounter. 'Nuff said.

 

[blargney the second]

Per-encounter design rocks. From what I've read so far, I think they might be using more of it in 4E.

 

[GreatLemur]

I think it's more likely we'll see something mechanically related Tome of Battle's maneuvers and Star Wars: Saga Edition's Use the Force skill. Spell levels . . . I dunno. They could maybe go away. Probably not, but it'd be nice if they at least found different terminology to use for spell power ratings and character power ratings. Every damn thing in the game being "levels" has always been annoying.

 

[Wormwood]

Red, blue and green bars. Stuff per encounter. 'Nuff said.

Sounds good to me.

 

[GreatLemur]

Unquestionably. Also, MP is familiar to a huge range of gamers, whereas spell slots send younger players running for the hills.

Younger players, nuthin. I'm 30, and I've hated the Vancian system since the Red Box. Still, I don't expect we'll be seeing a mana system in D&D 4E, due to bookkeeping issues. Personally, I'd be happy to put up with it, but I think that's probably the kind of thing they'll try to avoid in the core system.

 

[Shalimar]

Mana or Saga-esque force powers for spells would fix one of my most major gripes with DnD.

 

[Hjorimir]

Red, blue and green bars. Stuff per encounter. 'Nuff said.

Good!

 

[Alnag]

Saga has Force powers! It might be a hint, what kind of magic system will be used. It is about time to do something with Vancian. Hell, it eats 1/2 of PHB!