It's blowing my mind, the enormous leap some here are making that Ayoub is apologizing for WotC's prior statements, disclaimers, and notes in books like "The Making of Original D&D" on the racism and sexism in classic D&D books.
That would be a weird apology since that disclaimer is still in place on all odler products.
I mean, part of the power of apology is that if done well people can read a lot into it.
it certainly helps that we have no idea what was actually said…
I have it on good authority (my imagination), that Ayoub said a lot of nice things about you.
I had no idea that was even an option...
A safety officer?
I don't think that's what we're seeing. I think we're seeing a return to classic, pulpy, Tolkien/Howard fantasy, and moving away from "you're starting your shift at the campus coffee shop" cozy D&D. (Not a knock on Strixhaven, I really enjoyed running that campaign, but that tone was really starting to influence the rest of the game.)
lol no.
I think you're seeing what you're wanting to see. Given their publication history, the increasingly diverse and young composition of the player base, and the absolute explosion of the romantasy genre, all indications are that WotC will continue to pursue its current strategy of inclusive settings that emphasize roleplay and story.
Based on one book that we know basically two things about: a Jeff Easley piece that is said to be a cover illustration and some optional rules in that one book -- not a line-wide readjustment to their brand new core books -- to make the game a bit grittier.
(Dungeons & Dragons)
Rulebook featuring "high magic" options, including a host of new spells.
