I won't be switching to D&D 3.5e

[shadow]

I've seen a lot of talk and excitement over the upcoming revised rulebooks. At first I was somewhat excited about some of the rule changes but I recently decided not to make the switch. Why? Well I've taken a long look at things and decided that it not worth the pain to switch.
First and foremost is the financial reasons. Being a poor college student, I don't have a lot of spare cash to burn. I've already spent way too much money on third edition stuff (more than I really should have!) I don't want to have to spend anymore money for an updated version of the core rule books.
Then there is the question of converting everything. Wizards promises that 3.5e will be "backwards compatible", but I'm not really so sure. It wouldn't be a problem if the changes were minor, but from what I've seen many of the changes will be pretty drastic. If I recall correctly, the majority of the spells will be changes, the item creation system will be completely overhauled, and all the mosters in the new MM will be revised. I'm stuck with the option of possibly invalidateding a large portion of my 3e collection to make the switch.
Third of all, I really don't see the big advantage of switching. The old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind. Although there are some problems in 3e, I don't see these as justification for me shelling out any more money for a new addition. I can easily houserule things that are broken in 3e. Besides I'm willing to bet that 3.5e will create just as many problems as it solves. After 3.5e is released people will still be talking about how class x or race y got the shaft.
I'm perfectly happy to stick with 3e, thank you very much.
(...End Rant Mode...)

 

[Angcuru]

HOUSE RULES HOUSE RULES HOUSE RULES!!

 

[Olive]

so you won't be buying anymore books then?

 

[EricNoah]

I know a lot of people are going to stick with 3.0, and many cite the same reasons. The 3.5 rules will be available for free, so that makes the cost issue a little less of a factor but backward compatability and "why fix what ain't broke" are certainly legit reasons.

My added reason for not stepping up right away (if at all) will depend on what computer support will be available. It will also depend on how motivated my players are to buy new (or update their old) PHBs and learn new rules.

I think I predicted a while back that there would be a fairly noticible schism here on the boards. That'll be interesting to see how it pans out.

 

[Bendris Noulg]

I'm primarily in agreement... Kinda.

I know that I'm not changing over to the new rules. However, I will be digging through the SRD looking for improvements. For instance:

New Haste? In.

New Ambidexterity? Nope.

If I find that I'm changing more than I'm not, I'll pick up the books (in time) to express my support. If not, well... Maybe if the economy picks up I'll consider it. I have a feeling I'll likely be getting the Monster Manual; but the other two are iffy.

 

[Aeolius]

Switching to 3.5 will only cost you the price of printing the updated SRD and resulting web-enhancements onto paper. Buying the books would be better, of course, but not necessary.


Aeo
(the former 1e AD&D diehard old-timer)

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

My added reason for not stepping up right away (if at all) will depend on what computer support will be available. It will also depend on how motivated my players are to buy new (or update their old) PHBs and learn new rules.

Computer support? You mean E-tools? I didn't think anyone still used that.

 

[WizarDru]

I think he was also referring to PCgen and possibly other tools. I know I'm looking forward to DMGenie hopefully supporting 3.5.

 

[Angcuru]

I would prefer to use the system the way it is with a great deal of house rules. Changes to classes, general rules, etc.

For example, Blackshirt recently implemented a nice rule that makes the idea of characters getting better at evading attacks as they gain levels reasonable. Just add half of your base reflex save to your AC, rounding up if odd before dividing. Of course he does the same for our foes, but it makes the game a bit more beliveable.

 

[EricNoah]

I'm referring to e-tools or whatever else will do the job. And since the PC Gen people are now also the e-tools people, it'll all pretty much happen around the same time (if it happens at all).