catsclaw227
First Post
Lanefan said:While I'm in the opposite camp: while computers can be handy when made to do what *I* want (usually by writing my own program), if the game forces me to use one to do what *it* wants (in other words, gives me a program that I can't change to suit my own desires) then I'm not interested. Period.
I agree that I don't want my game to be confined by a software system and set of rules, but the "computerization" of D&D doesn't need to mean that at all.
I would like to see the ability to export standardized stat-blocks, rulesets, and options into XML or an open standard that can allow the multitude of talented RPGer/Programmers make the game more rubust for those that want to use it in different ways. All the great software out there, PCGen, NPC Designer, DM Genie, Dundjinni and CC3, RPGExplorer, Roleplayingmaster, etc.., are immensly helpful to me when I GM, yet very few can exchange data.
Also, simple tasks like copy/paste from PDF into my own documents for player handouts, homebrewing and PbP gaming also constutues the computerization of D&D. There are more and better ways to improve our game with computers.
MadMaxim said:The only problem I really have with the system is the amount of time required to prepare sessions for high-level parties. It's not that I don't like to prepare for a session. It's even a part of the fun for me, but statting up a 20th-level Wizard can take an entire hour, if you want to get it all right (like I prefer). So, I'd say a general streamlining of the rules, but I still love it as it is.
This is how some computerization can make things easier. Set some parameters, generate your 20th level NPC and then tweak afterwards.
A'Koss said:I do believe we need to keep the class-based system, but offering more choices of abilities within that class (like many of the Iron Heroes classes do) would be a good way to go. Hit Points - yes, but compress the disparities between the classes as well as high level stat boosts. Races - fine. They are so integral to the game you couldn't just remove them anyway (no matter how much I'd like to see the wee folk - gnomes and halflings stricken as PC races ). Templates are a good idea, even if they sometimes get abused as is typing creatures.
I would like to see skills take a bigger role and better design the feat system ala Iron Heroes. Maybe even offer "Feat Points" like skill points and make each incremental ability less powerful. I want to see a compressing of the HP system. I like the way True20 does hit/damage.
I want to keep templating, move magic closer to the AE way of doing things, or maybe even get rid of the whole Vancian magic thing. (that will never happen). There's got to be a way to reduce the overpowered spell chaining that can occur.
I would like to see the unification of rules. Make Grapple, Turning, Melee all play out the same way, simply with different effects.
Design the RAW to support (at minimum) 2 or 3 modes of play: Low magic, medium magic, high magic.
Just my thoughts....