D&D Next/Dungeon Command

[Morrus]

"Year of the Drow"? Seriously? When can we stick a fork it those things?

I assume it'll last most of the year.

 

[Markn]

Anyone for Year of the Flumph? Who's with me?

Flumphs FTW!

 

[JoeCrow]

Next packet will be out around GenCon (definitely available at GenCon, may be available online in advance of GenCon, at the same time as GenCon, or shortly after GenCon, they're working out the details). All of the classes have been revised to respond to feedback. They're getting positive feedback on most major core areas, except healing; but healing won't get a big change until after the next packet, due to time constraints.

Clerics will get some free healing, separate from spells.

Hit points will get cut down some, both in terms of PCs' and monsters' hp totals, and in terms of damage done. Should have about the same results, but with smaller numbers and better scaling.

New packet will include character generation rules and cover levels 1-5.

I think that covers the core D&D Next updates. I didn't listen to the Dungeon Command part of the podcast.

For folks who want a bit more detail, the D&D Next stuff runs up to 14 minutes into the podcast, then it goes to the Dungeon Command stuff.

For this next packet, the rest mechanic hasn't changed much.

There will be some new pregens. Every class should have a new mechanic, "tied to character creation" (except the wizard, they're still working on that one.)

Healing is the same, but might feel more effective since they're shrinking base hit points. You "might feel in more danger." Clerics will get automatic healing through Channel Divinity instead of having to use spells. Specifically mentioned it being "like 4th".

No wizard change in this packet, but they mentioned wild magic and specialization as future options, "how wizard uses spells" as primary differentiator.

They're testing a new mechanic for the fighter, unique to the class. Meant to make the fighter a "highly skilled combatant, who has a lot of flexible options each round", also mentioned as a dial that can be adjusted for desired complexity on the same character as you level up and get more comfortable with the system. Multiclassing was mentioned.

Monsters are still a work in progress, and will "change dramatically" before final product time.

Next packet (after this Gen Con one) will be more for DMs and adventure creation and in that one monsters and magic items will be more prominent.

The armor system and weapon table have been completely redone.

Character gen is "fairly quick" as little as 10 minutes. Option for equipment package based on class and background. They're thinking of calling "themes" "specialties" now.

Background is what your character does in the world, class is what you are, speciality is how you do those things.

That's pretty much the more detailed version. Hope you like it.