MerricB said:
However, what do you hope is in the set? How do you hope it simplifies the rules?
I'm betting they'll limit the feat and spell list, as well as combat options. No grappling, trips, sunders, or disarms; no AOOs; and maybe no distinction between Move actions and Attack actions (everybody just gets one action: move, attack, cast, use magic item, or charge).
Stuff like drawing weapons or equipment (and the distinction between the two) will be eliminated. The "characters are encouraged not to use ranged weapons or cast spells while threatened, because such actions provoke AOOs" rule will be streamlined into "Characters cannot use ranged weapons or cast spells if they are adjacent to an enemy".
Synergy bonuses will go away, and I bet the skill list will be streamlined (no open-ended Knowledge, Craft, or Profession skills). Maybe they'll eliminate skill choice (especially cross-class skills) and instead give classes fixed skill ranks in fixed skills (like the AD&D thief).
I wonder if they'll keep the rules for spells per day and spell preperation, or instead use the simpler and far more familiar Mana Point system? In other words, instead of a 1st level Wizard with a 14 Int having 2 first level spell slots, he'll instead have 2 mana points (and 1st level spells cost 1 mana each). The whole concept of slots and preperation may go away; the New Basic D&D might forgo Wizards and Cleric in favor of Sorcerers and Favored Souls.
Hmm.. it'll be interesting to see what they do.
They'll undoubtedly include minis and dice.
Actually, BAM, there you go: I predict the new BASIC D&D will simply be the Miniatures Skirmish game rules packaged with monster figures as well as PC figures, treasure and level tables (and a guide on how to modify the mini's stats), a slim "DM's guide", and an adventure.
-z
