Meepo and Silverthrone...
Let's try to play nice, okay, guys??
Meepo, Silverthrone wasn't out of line just yet, no need to start anything, okay? I have a lot of respect and liking for you (kobolds rock!) but s/he's just as entitled to an opinion as anyone.
Silverthrone, I'm afraid I don't know you, but you seem ok to me so far. Try not to rise to the bait, okay?
Now, on topic... I must respectfully disagree with you, Silverthrone. I think that dnd's systems for combat and character definition are fine for what they are: methods of keeping stuff abstract enough to allow for dms to describe things in detail. I also disagree with your statement that the BoVD is unnecessary for those who are ready for it. First off, you haven't seen it yet, so that's kinda a hard statement to back up (unless you helped playtest it?), and secondly, show me some mechanics for torture. Show me stats for Demogorgon.
Ever read the 2e Complete Villain's HB? It was great! Yeah, I knew how to make a good villain before that, but it was a gold mine of ideas. Ever checked out AEG's Evil? It had a lot of "gold" in it too, even though I'm good at making evil stuff already. I suspect the stuff in the BoVD will be similar: not much new, but a fantastic source of ideas.
But neither of us know yet since the book isn't out yet, so let's try not to make blanket judgments like that until we see it, okay? Just my opinion, but that smacks of "My mind's made up, don't try to change it with evidence."
No offense to either of you guys intended; all this, naturally, is imho.
