D&D 4E 5E as a Rewritten 4E with Flavor Bits from Other Editions?

Gundark · Jan 28, 2012

I'm seeing lots of comparisons to earlier editions, to the point that 4e people are saying "what about us?".

So no I don't think 5e is 4e re-skinned .

Umbran · Jan 28, 2012

I vote no, both from the, "that's not what I'd like to see," and the, "that's not consistent with what they've said so far," perspectives.

Ichneumon · Jan 28, 2012

So far, it's been a struggle to find 4e-introduced elements that have made it across. At-will is just about it, along with the dragonborn and warlord.

If I adopted the sentiment of "including any 4e element makes it a 4e rewrite", then I'd vote yes. But I don't.

TheAuldGrump · Jan 29, 2012

I think that it can't be - not if they are sincere in trying to regain the folks that dropped 4e.

I also think that if they want to keep the 4e crowd then it has to be.

In all, I think that it won't be much like 4e, but will have some means to implement 4e elements.

So, both and neither.

The Auld Grump

Thornir Alekeg · Jan 29, 2012

Tallifer said:
I think the absolute core will be retrocloned OD&D/AD&D akin to Microlite.

The next layer will be very much 3.5: powerful Vancian magic, feats for fighters, different class mechanics, spells will have specific conditions and details rather than a handy list of universal conditions and timers, 3.5 multi-classing, no roles, more skills. (I also predict no healing surges.) With some Pathfinder-like improvement of casters like first level at-will spells and cleric channeling.

I think things from the Fourth Edition like rituals, martial powers, treasure parcels and milestones will only be represented in sidebars and slim optional books. I also strongly suspect that in order to build a 4th style fighter you will have to sacrifice a lot of damage and feats to get a few cool but nerfed powers. But as long as the Wizards keep the Fourth Edition Character Builder operating, I will remain happy.

My feeling is that this is close to what they are attempting. From a couple of snippets I've read I think one set 4e rules (likely optional) they will try and keep is some of the battlefield control rules. One of the goals of 4e was to try and make the battlefield a more active part of combat, so rules for pushing, pulling, active terrain etc. I think will make the cut.

Raith5 · Jan 29, 2012

Personally I would really like a rewritten 4th ed

but it is not gonna happen!

But I think it is fair and reasonable that the new system will enable a player to emulate 4th edition.

Whether you can emulate your favored system is the test that all of us will be leveling at this system. If it fails the 4th ed, 3rd ed, or early editions crowds then it is not going to be a success.

Bobbum Man · Jan 29, 2012

From what I've read, it looks like 5e will be another 3rd edition rehash.

I don't really believe that they are trying to be inclusive at all. It sounds like they are making a game for people who love to wallow in rules...and those of us who don't will have to go digging through a mountain of mechanics with a shovel to find the game that we want.

I've pretty much written this game off already.

rounser · Jan 29, 2012

Given that dragonborn, eladrin and warlords loom large as "the implied setting of 4E" for me, and mechanics come secondary to getting the world behind the game right, then yes, I can't see 5E as anything other than Fourth Edition 2: Electric Boogaloo (now with added Castles & Crusades*).

*: If the source on dragonsfoot is any guide.

Mark CMG · Jan 29, 2012

rounser said:
Given that dragonborn, eladrin and warlords loom large as "the implied setting of 4E" for me, and mechanics come secondary to getting the world behind the game right, then yes, I can't see 5E as anything other than Fourth Edition 2: Electric Boogaloo (now with added Castles & Crusades*).

*: If the source on dragonsfoot is any guide.

This thread isn't really about predicting what the final product will be but rather if it would be a success if it is merely a 4E rewrite. A lot of tidbits seem to suggest it won't cleave all that close to 4E but have some elements, core or optional, so I guess the poll really is there to generally gage if moving away from 4E makes sense for the designers. You might want to start another thread to hash out just how many elements are cause to predict an implied setting. No offense, as I fully understand that to be a valid concern for you.