D&D 4E 4E: Saving throws...

[Man in the Funny Hat]

So I am wondering why they are revamping or making Saving Throws "more like a new thing"? Why fix it if it ain't broken?

I think its for a more unified combat mechanic. Currently for melee attacks we have determine AC, roll to hit, roll damage if successful, then move on. For spells we determine save DC, roll to save, adjust otherwise mandatory effects if successful.

Since they are cutting back Vancian spells, it's going to be better to have a spell combat mechanic more like melee: determine save AC (not dc), roll "to hit", apply damage/other effects if successful, then move on.

 

[Aloïsius]

That's a terrible idea, too. What would be so wrong with a wand granting a bonus to all spells cast?

Because such an item will be the only interesting choice for a spellcater. We are all complaining about the big six and the xmas tree effect, and they had an item that can boost your spell attack by +6 ! It's simply broken if it work like this, you can bet than every wizard will spend ALL of his ressources to have such an item, and nothung else. Why care for utilitarian or defensive gear when you can be sure your ennemy won't be able to reach you ?

 

[Kwalish Kid]

Because such an item will be the only interesting choice for a spellcater. We are all complaining about the big six and the xmas tree effect, and they had an item that can boost your spell attack by +6 ! It's simply broken if it work like this, you can bet than every wizard will spend ALL of his ressources to have such an item, and nothung else. Why care for utilitarian or defensive gear when you can be sure your ennemy won't be able to reach you ?

Would that kind of demand for one wand mean that... wizards get the shaft????!!!!!

 

[Merlion]

I think they'll eliminate touch attacks entirely.

Lord I hope not.

 

[Merlion]

I sincerely hope that they will do away with different bonus types and only allow the highest bonus to apply (regardless of its source). Different .

Lord I hope not.

 

[ArmoredSaint]

I've read that in SWSE, certain armours add not only to your Reflex Defense, but also to your Damage Threshold and Fortitude Defense. Which armours are those? What is a "Damage Threshold?" Could someone explain these mechanics in greater depth? SWSE either hasn't hit the shelves here yet, or all the copies were bought up and I missed it.

 

[drothgery]

I've read that in SWSE, certain armours add not only to your Reflex Defense, but also to your Damage Threshold and Fortitude Defense. Which armours are those? What is a "Damage Threshold?" Could someone explain these mechanics in greater depth? SWSE either hasn't hit the shelves here yet, or all the copies were bought up and I missed it.

Does improve fort def:
Padded fight suit
Armored flight suit
Vonduun crabshell
Stormtrooper armor
Battle Armor
Armored Spacesuit
Heavy Battle armor

Doesn't improve fort def:
Blast helmet and vest
Combat jumpsuit
Ceremonial armor
Corellian powersuit

So most armor gives a bonus to fort def.

Unless you've got certain feats, talents, species abilities, or are some size other than medium, your damage threshhold is equal to your fort defense. If you take more damage than your damage threshhold, you get knocked down the condition track. You're only dead if you take more damage than your damage threshhold when you get knocked down to zero.

SWSE has been out for a few months now.

 

[Pygon]

DM: The bodak sends his gaze at you *rolls dice* He hit. You died.
Player: I don't get to save?
DM: No, 4e streamlined all of that. Here's a new character sheet, let me know when you have it ready... ok, your turn, Driz'ztylon.

That's one reason I wouldn't like saving throws baked into the attempt. To not even have a chance to roll your own dice to save your life is not a good thing. You don't get to roll your dice and say, "Ha! Eat that!"

 

[hong]

DM: The bodak sends his gaze at you *rolls dice* He hit. You died.
Player: I don't get to save?
DM: No, 4e streamlined all of that. Here's a new character sheet, let me know when you have it ready... ok, your turn, Driz'ztylon.

No different to "the giant rolls to hit with his greataxe... 20! ... 125 points of damage! Oops, you're dead, already?"

If this is an issue, you could just turn things around so that the players roll all the dice. It even appeared in UA as an optional rule.

 

[Pygon]

Well not exactly. If I see a giant coming at me (I'll probably hear it much sooner than that), there are spells I can use to slow him down and weaken him. A bodak is kind of a sudden thing. Gaze attacks have such a sudden quality to them... you see it, you're either alive or not.