Essentials Rules Compendium preview copy in hand

[abyssaldeath]

Is it just a book of compiled rules or do they try and do a better job of explaining the rules by using more examples or more descriptive text?

 

[GMforPowergamers]

are the condtions layed out like in the PHB1 (in there own little boxes)?

and how easy is the index to use (well I guess is there an index)... if I need to look up grappling, or opp attacks/actions, or skill DCs how hard are they to find?

 

[thalmin]

Is it just a book of compiled rules or do they try and do a better job of explaining the rules by using more examples or more descriptive text?

They do use more examples and different descriptive text. It seems clearer, but that might be because I am already familiar with the rules.

 

[thalmin]

are the condtions layed out like in the PHB1 (in there own little boxes)?

and how easy is the index to use (well I guess is there an index)... if I need to look up grappling, or opp attacks/actions, or skill DCs how hard are they to find?

Conditions are covered in just over 6 pages, not in their own boxes. They are each covered again in the glossary.
Index pointed me to each skill. Likewise OA's, but I find no mention yet of grapple or tripping.
edit: I am reminded down thread that tripping and grappling are not part of 4e.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Conditions are covered in just over 6 pages, not in their own boxes. They are covered again in the glossary.
Index pointed me to each skill. Likewise OA's, but I find no mention yet of grapple or tripping.

cool, one last one (but it might take a while)... in general would you use this to quickly look up a rule at the table?

 

[vic20]

Do they speak to the new magic item rarity?

 

[thalmin]

cool, one last one (but it might take a while)... in general would you use this to quickly look up a rule at the table?

Right now, yes, but I need to find out why Grappling and Tripping aren't here, and see what else is missing and where they would be found.

 

[Aegeri]

Index pointed me to each skill. Likewise OA's, but I find no mention yet of grapple or tripping.

That's because neither of those exist in 4E Grapple should technically be covered under the rules for grab though, but it is pretty straightforward rules wise. Tripping has never existed in 4E, so I'm not sure why you would think it was there.

Can you tell me if the rules for coup de grace are still in the book?

 

[thalmin]

Do they speak to the new magic item rarity?

Yes. Indexed under Rarity. Explanations of types of items in each catagory are mostly:
Common item: single enhancement or property. But few cities have magic shops where items can be freely purchased. Adventurers will need to seek out the artisans who can create these items, but "without the shopping trip becoming an adventure in its own right."
Uncommon and Rare items were created in the distant past, their creation secrets lost in time.

There is no list of magic items in this book.

 

[thalmin]

That's because neither of those exist in 4E Grapple should technically be covered under the rules for grab though, but it is pretty straightforward rules wise. Tripping has never existed in 4E, so I'm not sure why you would think it was there.

Can you tell me if the rules for coup de grace are still in the book?

Sorry, I'm a victim of playing 4e and Pathfinder at the same time. It could give a person whiplash (rules for which I don't believe are in either game).

Coup de grace is covered.