Player's Handbook II (and other May releases)

[Maggan]

My prediction

The only prediction I have is that Mike Mearls will be the one writing it. Probably right now.

Or is WotC:s schedule so far ahead that it's already done?

Oh well, if it seems good I'll get it. No, wait, who am I kidding? I'll get it, one way or the other!

So, btw, do you think this means that 4e is at least one and a half years off now that we have PH II to look forward to in anticipation/abject horror?

/M

 

[MerricB]

So, btw, do you think this means that 4e is at least one and a half years off now that we have PH II to look forward to in anticipation/abject horror?

Based on what Wizards have said at GenCon, I think 4e is looking a *long* way away.

Cheers!

 

[BryonD]

Based on what Wizards have said at GenCon, I think 4e is looking a *long* way away.

Cheers!

Can you expand on that? Or provide a link if I just missed it.
Thanks.

 

[Digital M@]

Oh, goody. I was just sthinking the other day, you know what would make D&D better? another 200+ pages of rules. I will skip this book, well all of these books. Since when did playing RPGs become an expensive hobby? Someone Yuppyized us without us even knowing it.

 

[MerricB]

Since when did playing RPGs become an expensive hobby? Someone Yuppyized us without us even knowing it.

Diaglo would know better than most of us, but I'd say about 1984-1985 it started to become an expensive hobby. By 1990 the release schedule was in full swing.

The current rate of releases is *slower* than it was in the mid-1990s.

 

[Digital M@]

That explains it, I stopped playing in the mid to late eighties and picked it up again with 3E.

 

[Troll Wizard]

Hmm, my apologies if someone already addessed this...

Perhaps people should look at this book in the light of how DMG II was developed, i.e. crafted to the new and aspiring DM...

PH II could well be designed for the new and aspiring players, step by step instructions on character creation, weighing class abiliities and feats when considering class types you wish to play (e.g. fighter - archer versus fighter sword/shield). Probably several examples of planned out character types. Planning out character class progression and for prestige classes, i.e. the full spectrum of developing your character....

Other possible topics
1. Planning and working "within" your DM's campaign world (dealing with limited selection of feats, PrCs, etc.)
2. Working within your DM's campaign style (Monty haul, RP-favored, etc.)
3. Being a team player (playing nice with the other players)

and of course the customery new feats, spells, and perhaps new base classes and PrCs. I would not doubt that we will see repeated content, though hopefully not too much.

IMO this books is not all directed toward the powergaming, min-maxing, role-playing fanatics, etc. that haunts these boards, but developed and marketed toward the new player who WOTC is hoping to grab as a long-time player and all-important consumer.

Anyway this is just my guess on PH II's content.

 

[MerricB]

Can you expand on that? Or provide a link if I just missed it.
Thanks.

Link:
http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=18299&mode=thread&order=0

Relevant Quote:
Q: 4th edition?
A: As you heard here last year, D&D is doing so well, it's the most popular it's ever been, all RPGs evolve and change. Maybe someday, but right now the success, how much fans love it, how much we love it, we'll not monkey with it just for the hell of it. We'll give you 1-2 years warning. We'll change it if the game needs it. We won't spring it on you.

 

[the Jester]

My Hopes for the PHB II:

No reprinted material!
No new races- of all the ones WotC has published, warforged are the only ones I use.
Tips on playing the game, optimizing character choices, etc.
Tips on getting along both with other characters and with other players.
An emphasis on "the dm is in control of the game".

 

[BryonD]

Link:
http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?sid=18299&mode=thread&order=0

Relevant Quote:
Q: 4th edition?
A: As you heard here last year, D&D is doing so well, it's the most popular it's ever been, all RPGs evolve and change. Maybe someday, but right now the success, how much fans love it, how much we love it, we'll not monkey with it just for the hell of it. We'll give you 1-2 years warning. We'll change it if the game needs it. We won't spring it on you.

Thanks