An observation about 4E class books

[Glyfair]

I have noticed that there has been a large focus in 4E on class books from WotC and 3rd parties. To a lesser extent this applies to the race books I am seeing from 3rd parties.

In previous editions these were quite useful to DMs. Sure, the players got new classes, feats, magic items, etc. In 4E you don't use most of the things for NPCs (at least not very often). So, these books have a very limited appeal to me as a DM.

Personally, I would like to have seen at least a section with NPCs from these classes. For the race books, I believe that would be even more appropriate (although the books might have that section, I haven't delved into these yet).

Thoughts?

 

[Crothian]

As a DM I would only use the concept of the classes from 3e and I'll do the swame for 4e. I never care about the stats and the actual mechanics of the classes as a DM.

 

[Scribble]

With the new monster rules I rarely ever use the npc templates.

Normally I just make a monster as per normal, and make the powers either inspired by or reminiscent of class powers, if for some reason I'm trying to emulate a class.

I don't like to stick close to classes though when I make npcs, I prefer to just make them fit whatever they are.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I don't like to stick close to classes though when I make npcs, I prefer to just make them fit whatever they are.

Same.

Besides the fun of just reading this stuff as a fan of the game. Specifically for being a DM, I find it good simply because these new options it gives my players, gives me new options for DMing. I have a Primal-oriented party means I can have emphasis on spirits and such. It is a good source for spurring on my own creative thought.