Bront said:
Issues that they'll probably tweek?
If they're going to put out a 4th edition, I hope they go further than just tweaking the system. Some changes I think should be made:
1) A proper fix for multiclass spellcasters needs to be found. This in turn may result in a whole bunch of knock-on changes, but that's fine. They should not even think about announcing 4th edition until they have a solution to that problem.
2) Something needs done about races with a +1 level adjustment. They are currently generally not worth the expense. I don't know what should be done, but I think something is needed. This is another issue that should be resolved before 4th edition is announced.
3) Metamagic and counterspells need more work. The current rules are a decent first attempt, but they should go further. Bringing in Monte's idea about heightened/diminished versions of all spells is a good idea. There are others, I'm sure.
4) Some of the classes are too fixed in their progressions. I'd like to see ability trees like those seen in d20 Modern brought in, at least for Monks, Paladins, Rangers and Barbarians. This allows more customisation of characters with a minimal increase in complexity of the system as a whole.
5) A minor point, but a pet peeve of mine: Mithral Full Plate is medium armour. There is therefore absolutely no reason a Barbarian shouldn't wear it, and get an AC equal to the party Fighter. I don't see an obvious fix to this one, though.
6) They might want to remove the Strength penalty from halflings and gnomes. At the moment, it's not sensible to play a Small Fighter. They're already suffering for using small weapons, having reduced carrying and lifting capacities, and reduced movement rates, do they really need to suffer a lower Strength as well, and be hit with all these same penalties twice?
7) Half-orcs and Half-elves are underpowered. They should either be brought onto a par with the other PHB races, or removed and placed in the MM as options there (since all monster races are now designed to be playable, that's not exactly a hardship).
8) Ditch weapon familiarity. All that results from it is that every Dwarf with any warrior-type class will use the waraxe or the urgrosh, which hardly promotes diversity, does it? Besides, dwarves are already the most powerful race; they could stand to be toned down a bit.
They absolutely should NOT remove alignment (or the paladin LG restriction) or Vancian magic. They also absolutely should NOT increase the default power level of the game. It is very good as it stands, and it's far easier for a group to increase the level to suit themselves than it is to reduce the level.