Mearls on The Core Game

[I'm A Banana]

I'm pretty sure they'll want everyone to be able to play at everyone else's table.

You think? I'm not so sure they care about this, given the amount of control they're giving the DM -- a character that doesn't work outside of a given campaign is probably fine with them, a player who wants to "port over" a character is better served re-making the character from scratch with the other DM's ruleset.

I mean, maybe, but if they're really allowing the DM to build their own campaign, I don't see how portable characters is going to be a priority.

 

[DEFCON 1]

The "core" of the game is 'Role a die. If it's higher than a certain number, you succeed, if it's lower, you did not'.

Everything else is a mod to that core.

(And if you want to identify 'mod' as module or modifier... either works.)

 

[DonTadow]

The "core" of the game is 'Role a die. If it's higher than a certain number, you succeed, if it's lower, you did not'.

Everything else is a mod to that core.

(Any if you want to identify 'mod' as module or modifier... either works.)

I think the point may be missing that Different rules does not mean different options.

The game will hve the same basic rules. A basic player probably will have average skills and abilities.

I Feats and special abilities are going to be equal. Special abilities only deal with the character actual class. Feats may be in subclasses. PLayers will probably have the option to pick their actual special ability or choose a feat (like a barbarian ragee etc).

Spells will probably be auto assigned or have limited choices per level.

Race won't be an option, it's been in every addition and i'm sure was an oversight. But it will be the basics.

Miniature combat can be an option. But the rules will be there for distance and feet.

Combat maneuvers will probably be basic and be more ability driven.

Skills will be bonuses to ability score, possibly from feat choices. I think special abilities will give bonuses to ability scores automatically. Because you can swap these out, there is the "balance" in the two or three types of characters.

The super advanced book will have other races, and all kinds of zaniness for hte hardcore fan. I expect the math to be looser and possibly these classes will be weaker in mathmatical build.

 

[The Little Raven]

You think? I'm not so sure they care about this, given the amount of control they're giving the DM -- a character that doesn't work outside of a given campaign is probably fine with them, a player who wants to "port over" a character is better served re-making the character from scratch with the other DM's ruleset.

They are flat out stating that you will be able to play at the same table with people who want to play an entirely different edition.

Your 1E-loving friend can play in your 3E-style game and not have to deal with all the options he or she doesn't want or need.

Imagine a game where you can play the version of D&D you love best. And then imagine everyone plays at the same table, in the same adventure.

I understand your skepticism, since I hold the same opinion of it truly being all things to all men, especially on the individual basis they are claiming.

 

[I'm A Banana]

They are flat out stating that you will be able to play at the same table with people who want to play an entirely different edition.

True!

I guess I see the idea of a portable character being more subtle than that, though. Sort of: are they really going to care too much if your 1e-style Fighter can't jump over to between Eric's 4e-style game and Bill's OD&D-style game?

Still, it's a good point. That really implies a lot more possible flexibility than I was assuming.

 

[Incenjucar]

A 1E player playing at a 3E table still has to have a character dialed to that campaign, they just don't need to make any choices on how that dial effects them.

Consider 4E's themes. Tack that on to a character and there is instant, if not absurd, power creep. Anyone who joins the party without one, while not significantly weaker, is still weaker. That's one of the few dials that 4E has. 5E supposedly will be riddled with the things.

 

[Gundark]

I understand your skepticism, since I hold the same opinion of it truly being all things to all men, especially on the individual basis they are claiming.

They are not, and they know that. What they are shooting for is the plus or minus one standard deviation of the mean which is the largest number of gamers. When they say that this game is for everyone, it is marketing. They want you to feel like they are speaking to you and that you will get something from this edition. If you fall outside the target portion of the bell curve then...oh well play the game(s) that you enjoy.