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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MrMyth" data-source="post: 5597583" data-attributes="member: 61155">I think there have been some issues with the roll-out, but they aren't nearly as severe as you make them out to be. They've mainly been in the advertising department, the issues with the Red Box, and the wishy-washying on the magic item system. Compatability? Not an issue at all.   Sorry, but... that's just flat-out wrong.  Look, the two situations are simply not comparable. When you went from 3.0 to 3.5, it was a situation where different versions of the same book contained outright contradictory information. A 3.0 Ranger and 3.5 Ranger had different class features, skill lists, spell names, etc.  The 4E PHB and Essentials material? Have nothing like that. A 4E PHB character undergoes no changes upon the advent of Essentials, whereas a 3.0 character might involve a full rebuild. The most significant changes take place in the back room behind the DM screen, involving treasure distribution and magic item access, and even that is largely depending on the mood of the DM.  Not referencing the PHB on the back cover? Sure, its a bit silly. But the problem, if there is one, is with that lack alone - not with any perceived difficult using the material in this book alongside the material in the PHB. The reason it primarily mentions the Essentials books is because that is what it primarily builds on.  Your hypothetical problem is identical to someone wanting to use Psionic Power along with the PHB. It can't be done - Psionic Power is 99% useless without PHB3. I'd say the ratio with Heroes of Shadow is actually much better than that. Does that mean Psionic Power is a new edition? Heroes of Shadow is a new edition? That either of them is going to confuse and confound newcomers? Maybe yes, maybe no. Most store owners will know enough to know the difference. If you really have a player running into a situation where no one is aware and they are ending up with a less than ideal set of books... yeah, I agree it is an unfortunate situation, but I also suspect it is rare to the extreme at best. Indeed, at the moment, solely a hypothetical issue rather than a real one.   I won't argue on the german issue - but I think that's a seperate issue entirely.  Meanwhile, asking for them to give you free stuff or imply that exchanging your books is either needed or wise... sorry, I don't think I agree. That wouldn't help address your hypothetical of a new player trying to figure out what to get, nor is it needed for existing players.  Since, again, all the material remains compatible.</blockquote>

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