We haven't seen much so far, but we know that the Essentials line will target beginners. It's aimed at younger players and DMs who have never played an RPG before, except for maybe the Red Box. However, it is supposed to be fully compatible with the existing 4th edition rules.
We also know which classes will likely be in (4 classes each, one with the iconics, i.e. fighter, wizard, cleric, rogue, the other with 4 other standards, i.e. ranger, druid, paladin and warlock)
We've also heard that there will be no reprints. The question remains whether that means that even staple at-will powers like twin strike won't be in, or feats like Weapon Focus...
I predict:
Races:
- One fixed, one choice stat for everyone.
- Human will probably remain as-is (although I'd prefer Str or Dex or Con +2, and Int or Wis or Cha +2)
- The Tiefling was revised in the last errata, probably in preparation for the Essentials. I don't expect similar fixes to other races.
Classes
- Will be fixed on one build, no V-shaped classes. May include ways to use different secondary stats, like the current fighter.
Individual classes:
Fighter: The current rules around Combat Superiority and Combat Challenge are counterintuitive. For example, you get a Wis bonus to opportunity attacks, but this bonus does not apply to your combat challenge attack. One triggers on move, the other on shift... Hopefully, these are folded into one power somehow.
Ranger: As per no V-shape, we'll see the class going Dex for both ranged and melee (hinted at in MP2). No twin strike, so I assume no 2WF. Probably bow/spear.
Rogue: The difficult part are the stealth rules, but these have gone through revisions already so I assume they will stay as-is.
Cleric: Wis-based ranged only.
Paladin: Very likely Cha only. Needs a revision to Divine Challenge for many well-known reasons.
Combat rules
The core combat rules aren't that complicated, so I assume no changes here. The recent updates to conditions and charge were probably results from Essentials playtests already.
Powers
I predict a lot of simplified, straightforward powers. I don't think we'll see keywords like Reliable or Invigorating.
All attacks will be standard actions, no minor or interrupt.
Epic level?
According to the announcement, the rules will go all the way up to level 30. I don't quite get the point. Beginners won't play so long campaigns anyway, and if they do, they can still buy a PHB or use the Insider.
It would have made more sense to cap it at level 10 to cut down the crunch and have more space for choices and explanations. You'd only need 1/3 of the space for powers and feats.
Level 30 means you have to provide some info on Paragon Paths and Epic Destinies. Maybe these will be replaced with default choices. So a fighter would get some standardized benefits at level 11, 12, 16 and 20, and a box at the side says "you can also choose a Paragon Path instead".
Ok, enough for one post, what are your predictions, hopes and expectations?
We also know which classes will likely be in (4 classes each, one with the iconics, i.e. fighter, wizard, cleric, rogue, the other with 4 other standards, i.e. ranger, druid, paladin and warlock)
We've also heard that there will be no reprints. The question remains whether that means that even staple at-will powers like twin strike won't be in, or feats like Weapon Focus...
I predict:
Races:
- One fixed, one choice stat for everyone.
- Human will probably remain as-is (although I'd prefer Str or Dex or Con +2, and Int or Wis or Cha +2)
- The Tiefling was revised in the last errata, probably in preparation for the Essentials. I don't expect similar fixes to other races.
Classes
- Will be fixed on one build, no V-shaped classes. May include ways to use different secondary stats, like the current fighter.
Individual classes:
Fighter: The current rules around Combat Superiority and Combat Challenge are counterintuitive. For example, you get a Wis bonus to opportunity attacks, but this bonus does not apply to your combat challenge attack. One triggers on move, the other on shift... Hopefully, these are folded into one power somehow.
Ranger: As per no V-shape, we'll see the class going Dex for both ranged and melee (hinted at in MP2). No twin strike, so I assume no 2WF. Probably bow/spear.
Rogue: The difficult part are the stealth rules, but these have gone through revisions already so I assume they will stay as-is.
Cleric: Wis-based ranged only.
Paladin: Very likely Cha only. Needs a revision to Divine Challenge for many well-known reasons.
Combat rules
The core combat rules aren't that complicated, so I assume no changes here. The recent updates to conditions and charge were probably results from Essentials playtests already.
Powers
I predict a lot of simplified, straightforward powers. I don't think we'll see keywords like Reliable or Invigorating.
All attacks will be standard actions, no minor or interrupt.
Epic level?
According to the announcement, the rules will go all the way up to level 30. I don't quite get the point. Beginners won't play so long campaigns anyway, and if they do, they can still buy a PHB or use the Insider.
It would have made more sense to cap it at level 10 to cut down the crunch and have more space for choices and explanations. You'd only need 1/3 of the space for powers and feats.
Level 30 means you have to provide some info on Paragon Paths and Epic Destinies. Maybe these will be replaced with default choices. So a fighter would get some standardized benefits at level 11, 12, 16 and 20, and a box at the side says "you can also choose a Paragon Path instead".
Ok, enough for one post, what are your predictions, hopes and expectations?
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