D&D 4E New "Confessions of a Full Time Wizard" - 4e tidbits!

[KingCrab]

Point-buy is not the standard. It is one of three options...

Oh. I didn't get that from the article. I'm assuming you got this from another source?

It is unfortunate if point buy is not going to be the standard. Could it be that it at least gets listed first out of the three methods?

 

[Kobu]

I kinda wonder if the phrase "You start with six base numbers and get to improve them with points you can distribute where you like. I dumped a bunch into Intelligence and Wisdom, and then bumped up Charisma because someone has to sweet talk the minions." was a hint that they're not using the same point buy where you start at 8s...but instead you use the elite array or something similar as a kickpoint? Presumably you would get fewer points but would end up still getting appreciable stats.

I wonder if someone actually took my suggestion for an unweighted/bonus system.

With the change from negative modifiers to larger ability bonuses for standard scores and a system that seems to want more parity between the various abilities, it makes even more sense to use an unweighted system.

 

[RPG_Tweaker]

That is unfortunate.

Why unfortunate?

It seems better to give options, and let the DM eliminate those that don't mesh with their campaign design.

 

[KingCrab]

Why unfortunate?

It seems better to give options, and let the DM eliminate those that don't mesh with their campaign design.

I actually agree that it is better to give options. I just think point buy should be listed first. If you don't like it, then you can use one of the other options. I just like point buy as the standard.

 

[JohnSnow]

Oh. I didn't get that from the article. I'm assuming you got this from another source?

It is unfortunate if point buy is not going to be the standard. Could it be that it at least gets listed first out of the three methods?

Yes. He got it from Scott Rouse, earlier in this very thread. Page 2, I think, but it might have been page 1.

 

[KingCrab]

Yes. He got it from Scott Rouse, earlier in this very thread. Page 2, I think, but it might have been page 1.

Yeah, went back and saw it already. Sorry I'm slow tonight. Thanks for the pointer anyhow.

From what Rouse said, we still don't seem to know if one will be recommended slightly higher than the others.

I never was suggesting that rolling for attributes should be banned from the books. I just got excited when I read her article and thought that point buy might be the standard out of the various options (Just like in 3e where one is standard though the DMG has other options.)

 

[RPG_Tweaker]

I just like point buy as the standard.

Well, if you are the DM, then point that out to the players... and make it so!

 

[KingCrab]

Well, if you are the DM, then point that out to the players... and make it so!

I'm not a DM much at all these days, and I really hate rolling for stats as a player. Even if point buy is only listed as the first of the options in 4e, I will be happy, since it might reduce the chances I'll have to roll up and play a random character instead of plan a character to fit an idea in my head.

 

[the Jester]

On the subject of rolling vs. point buy:

I much prefer to roll characters, and imc that's how it is done. However, come 4e, I'll prolly allow characters to roll or use the standard array. But maybe not; I may stick to rolling stats, I really like it.

On the subject of Shelly & her articles:

I like them. I am not her target audience- but I like it that there are articles promoting gaming to younger and more female audiences. I like the style of the articles, and I think her enthusiasm really shows. And from how she comes across, I think Shelly is a sweetheart too.

On the subject of Scott Rouse:

Scott, I continue to be very impressed by your poise and reasonableness. Thank you for sticking it out and talking to us. Whether 4e succeeds (as I believe it prolly will) or fails, you have earned high marks for grace under pressure, and a willingness to share tidbits with us when you can. I appreciate it, and I want to thank you again. Thank you.

 

[Lanefan]

For those who have pointed out that a point-buy system allows char-gen without involvement of the DM...while this is true, as DM I'd still prefer to be involved anyway or at least present to answer questions etc., even if it's as simple as having the player generate her character off to the side during an ongoing session. That way, I can nip any problems in the bud, as it were "No, you're not bringing a celestial half-dragon fighter into a 1st-level party!" before too much time gets wasted.

Also, for those who just can't come up with an idea for a character (admit it, it happens to all of us sometimes), it's not that hard to come up with random race and class tables. This is best done by each individual DM, though, to reflect their own particular setting.

To Scott Rouse: thanks for clarifying!

Lanefan