Every revolution of 'Core' books themed by Power Source?

[Scholar & Brutalman]

I think it looks likely. I recall seeing someone mention that there appeared to be Wizards releases after the DMG that looked like martial and arcane sourcebooks, but I can't find the reference. That makes me think that Wizards' current release plan is something like:

PHB1, MM1, DMG1: Martial, Arcane, Divine.
Complete Thug
Complete Nerd
Complete God-Botherer

PHB2, MM2, DMG2: Psionics, Wild, Artifice
Complete Lunatic
Complete Eco-Freak
Complete Mad Scientist

etc.

 

[The_Fan]

I like this idea, and it makes sense since the teaser cover of the PHB even says "Guide to Martial, Divine, and Arcane Heroes."

I will miss the monk, the bard, the druid, and their friends, but I would rather see them done well the first time.

 

[Glyfair]

Hmm. I don't see why a Sorcerer couldn't be in another supplement that refers to the first PHB. (Nor, actually, why it's required).

Because I expect that the non-niche "official" classes will all appear in the PHB series. Maybe they won't, but I think that's a long shot.

I wouldn't know whether it's required or not until I see the wizard. However, designers have been talking about the design, so we know it's on the drawing board.

 

[Rechan]

As for folks who are saying "Sorcerer won't appear in later book", um. It has been announced that we'll see all the classes in the 3e PHB some point and time.

Also, we're going to see the Swordmage (Arcane defender), and I bet dollars to donuts the Bard is the Arcane Leader. Didn't they say something about an Arcane book coming out in 2008?

 

[The_Fan]

As for folks who are saying "Sorcerer won't appear in later book", um. It has been announced that we'll see all the classes in the 3e PHB some point and time.

Also, we're going to see the Swordmage (Arcane defender), and I bet dollars to donuts the Bard is the Arcane Leader. Didn't they say something about an Arcane book coming out in 2008?

Maybe introduce three new power sources in each cycle, and then create a complete-type book? Then introduce some "missing" classes in those books. Like, the Bard, sorcerer, and swordmage appear in the arcane book.

 

[Glyfair]

Maybe introduce three new power sources in each cycle, and then create a complete-type book?

That's my other issue with this. Based on comments, I assume WotC has planned out the next few years in general. I just don't see 3 power sources a year working.

If they stick it out through their expected life span of 4E then we are talking about 20+ sources of power. Some have suggest psionics, Incarnum and even Nature. By the middle of this we are going to have exhausted the normal sources and start seeing ridiculous sources.

 

[Rechan]

Maybe introduce three new power sources in each cycle, and then create a complete-type book? Then introduce some "missing" classes in those books. Like, the Bard, sorcerer, and swordmage appear in the arcane book.

They've also mentioned the Illusionist and possibly the Necromancer as their own classes. Which, if these guys don't show up in the PHB (And the Warlock isn't the Necromancer), then they'll probably be in the Arcane book.

 

[Szatany]

That's my other issue with this. Based on comments, I assume WotC has planned out the next few years in general. I just don't see 3 power sources a year working.

If they stick it out through their expected life span of 4E then we are talking about 20+ sources of power. Some have suggest psionics, Incarnum and even Nature. By the middle of this we are going to have exhausted the normal sources and start seeing ridiculous sources.

Don't worry it's not that bad: In 2008 we get arcane divine and martial right? Then in 2009 we get, say, psionic ki and wild. In 2010 we get necro far realms and something else. And THEN in 2011 we get D&D 4.5 and the circle starts again. Simple

 

[Belorin]

What is this Arcane book of which you speak?
I think in all likelyhood that after the first PHB only one or two new power sources will be introduced per year allowing for a good mix of classes for both new and old sources.
Remember, in 3.x what was labeled one thing in 4E can be redefined or regrouped, Nature may be relabeled Fey and Ki may end up as part of Martial.

Bel

 

[Glyfair]

What is this Arcane book of which you speak?

During the lead up to WotC's announcement, a lot of information got out early. A bunch of info leaked from the company with the Israeli license.

In one post we got a list of some of the 2008 products. Given that the rest of the information was shown to be true, I don't doubt this list.

FR campaign setting
Dragon-related book
Magic Item book
Arcane book (a later post corrected the translation to this)
Martial arts book (or possibly just martial book)