Byronic
First Post
I'm wondering, what does everyone think is the real difference between 3.x and 4.0?
I may not have played DnD as long as some people here, but here's my theory.
I'm basing the following on different threads I've read on Enworld and by peaking at books.
Compared to 3ed, 4.0 is:
1) more mathematically balanced. Classes go up rather steadily (1 every 2 levels) and monsters raise themselves with the same mathematics. The Power of 5 thread talks about this as well.
2) more neutral when it comes to setting. This thread for example (same thread as the previous link). explains that the monster manual lacks "fluff"
3) Less realistic. Personally I think that the loss of craft, profession and other skills achived this but I think that this thread might be a more objective way of looking at it. As you can see according to that thread leather and hide armours are far too expensive (Leather is 25g) while Full Plate is too cheap (50g). In 3.5 they are 10g and 1.500 gold. Assuming that 3.5 is more accurate in showing their value (a discussion for that thread) it shows a more unrealistic streak. Now, although we know that this is an RPG and it's imaginary I'm talking about the things relative to the two editions.
4) More streamlined and focussed on battle. I don't have a thread for this on hand though. It also seems more focussed on team tactics rather then individual tactics.
5) The classes are more the same. Some have even made the comment that 4.0 is closer to a classless system. Although 4.0 has given the different classes roles (although, it's more like they acknowledged something that already existed) and sharpened (or as some say limited) their roles classes have still become more the same. The same BAB, everyone rolls, defences are closer to each other. Rituals of course. Classes do not shine as much in their different roles. Some like it, some don't, but I argue that it exits
6) PC's and monsters are stronger, and PC's are more pushed to being "good". This isn't really a matter of speculation, the book actually tells you that it's better to choose good or lawful good.
I think this is enough for now. What do you guys think? correct? Incorrect? Something I missed?
I may not have played DnD as long as some people here, but here's my theory.
I'm basing the following on different threads I've read on Enworld and by peaking at books.
Compared to 3ed, 4.0 is:
1) more mathematically balanced. Classes go up rather steadily (1 every 2 levels) and monsters raise themselves with the same mathematics. The Power of 5 thread talks about this as well.
2) more neutral when it comes to setting. This thread for example (same thread as the previous link). explains that the monster manual lacks "fluff"
3) Less realistic. Personally I think that the loss of craft, profession and other skills achived this but I think that this thread might be a more objective way of looking at it. As you can see according to that thread leather and hide armours are far too expensive (Leather is 25g) while Full Plate is too cheap (50g). In 3.5 they are 10g and 1.500 gold. Assuming that 3.5 is more accurate in showing their value (a discussion for that thread) it shows a more unrealistic streak. Now, although we know that this is an RPG and it's imaginary I'm talking about the things relative to the two editions.
4) More streamlined and focussed on battle. I don't have a thread for this on hand though. It also seems more focussed on team tactics rather then individual tactics.
5) The classes are more the same. Some have even made the comment that 4.0 is closer to a classless system. Although 4.0 has given the different classes roles (although, it's more like they acknowledged something that already existed) and sharpened (or as some say limited) their roles classes have still become more the same. The same BAB, everyone rolls, defences are closer to each other. Rituals of course. Classes do not shine as much in their different roles. Some like it, some don't, but I argue that it exits
6) PC's and monsters are stronger, and PC's are more pushed to being "good". This isn't really a matter of speculation, the book actually tells you that it's better to choose good or lawful good.
I think this is enough for now. What do you guys think? correct? Incorrect? Something I missed?