Rhenny
Adventurer
I just finished reading the game books for Dragon Age RPG 1&2 and I'm really impressed. In about 60 page (book 1 player's guide) there is enough to make a really great rpg experience even though the spell system is basic and very limited.
From what I've read, and what I've heard from the D&D Experience transcripts, it seems like D&D Next will be using many of the concepts from Dragon Age (and other similar systems). I think that is wonderful.
I especially like the way Background and Class provide templates to add to Abilities and Ability Focus (specialized abilities that are nested under each ability like Thieving (DEX), Axes (Strength), Bows (Dexterity), etc.
Classes advance and give different options that include adding to abilities, adding to ability focuses, adding options (or powers), adding Talents or increasing already known Talents (novice, journeyman and master). Since PCs can only add 1 to a primary stat bonus or 1 to a secondary stat bonus alternating every other level, attack and abilities scale more gradually than D&D 4e. I like that very much.
Checks and saves are made using ability scores (and focus bonuses if applicable), and the DCs of tasks do not scale. Actions checks are rated by difficulty (easy, average, challenging, hard, etc.) and each has a set DC. I like that also.
Characters have armor class (based on active and passive defenses), but armor also has DR. (Not sure DR will make it into D&D Next, but it is interesting).
The healing system is simple...all PCs can try to heal using a skill check, success will add back to lost hit points, while spellcasters can learn a heal spell and a mass heal spell eventually. Hit points can be gained through longer rests and 8 hour rests.
They also have a mechanic for combat stunts, explorations stunts, and social stunts (which are basically a variety of boons that give players more options when they make specific rolls with the die). I could see this mechanic being added to the d20 Crit Hit rule. Perhaps giving PCs an option when they crit, do do other stunts (like pushing opponent, knocking prone, adding damage, getting through DR, imposing penalties to future creature rolls, etc.)
Also, Monster AC does not scale..but many monster have DR based on armor/hide properties. I love this.
Of course, Dragon Age uses 3d6 to resolve all actions. I kind of like that (making a bell curve where 10 becomes average so a bonus of even +2 is substantial), but D&D Next will never go that way.
Are there any Dragon Age RPG players out there? What are your thoughts about Dragon Age as an inspiration for D&D Next?
From what I've read, and what I've heard from the D&D Experience transcripts, it seems like D&D Next will be using many of the concepts from Dragon Age (and other similar systems). I think that is wonderful.
I especially like the way Background and Class provide templates to add to Abilities and Ability Focus (specialized abilities that are nested under each ability like Thieving (DEX), Axes (Strength), Bows (Dexterity), etc.
Classes advance and give different options that include adding to abilities, adding to ability focuses, adding options (or powers), adding Talents or increasing already known Talents (novice, journeyman and master). Since PCs can only add 1 to a primary stat bonus or 1 to a secondary stat bonus alternating every other level, attack and abilities scale more gradually than D&D 4e. I like that very much.
Checks and saves are made using ability scores (and focus bonuses if applicable), and the DCs of tasks do not scale. Actions checks are rated by difficulty (easy, average, challenging, hard, etc.) and each has a set DC. I like that also.
Characters have armor class (based on active and passive defenses), but armor also has DR. (Not sure DR will make it into D&D Next, but it is interesting).
The healing system is simple...all PCs can try to heal using a skill check, success will add back to lost hit points, while spellcasters can learn a heal spell and a mass heal spell eventually. Hit points can be gained through longer rests and 8 hour rests.
They also have a mechanic for combat stunts, explorations stunts, and social stunts (which are basically a variety of boons that give players more options when they make specific rolls with the die). I could see this mechanic being added to the d20 Crit Hit rule. Perhaps giving PCs an option when they crit, do do other stunts (like pushing opponent, knocking prone, adding damage, getting through DR, imposing penalties to future creature rolls, etc.)
Also, Monster AC does not scale..but many monster have DR based on armor/hide properties. I love this.
Of course, Dragon Age uses 3d6 to resolve all actions. I kind of like that (making a bell curve where 10 becomes average so a bonus of even +2 is substantial), but D&D Next will never go that way.
Are there any Dragon Age RPG players out there? What are your thoughts about Dragon Age as an inspiration for D&D Next?
