pogre's brief playtest remarks

[pogre]

We had a lot of fun with the playtest and like the direction the game is going.

The players really enjoyed the themes and thought they added a lot to the game.

I am a miniatures maniac, it is a big part of how I enjoy the game, however, several players thought not having the game as miniatures dependent was a positive. For me - if you love minis use 'em - if not don't. I think it is great the new game accomodates both.

I really like the short rest rules - my players were not crazy about them. I think their reservations revolved around the use of a healing kit. I didn't see the problem at all, so I may not be expressing their view point very well.

The short stat blocks are awesome. As I commented on my survey, I would only like to see initiative added.

The clerics and wizard seemed to really enjoy the way the spells worked. Spiritual Hammer did not seem good enough for a first level spell, but that's a minor nitpik.

We are really looking forward to the next set of playtest materials.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Spiritual Hammer did not seem good enough for a first level spell, but that's a minor nitpik.

How did you interpret "as part of your action"?

The way I read it, after the round you cast it, the Hammer gets one free whack each round for the next ten rounds, while you're busy doing other stuff.

If you played it as consuming your entire action each round, I'd agree it feels weak. If it grants ten rounds of additional attacks, it doesn't.

-Hyp.

 

[pogre]

How did you interpret "as part of your action"?

The way I read it, after the round you cast it, the Hammer gets one free whack each round for the next ten rounds, while you're busy doing other stuff.

If you played it as consuming your entire action each round, I'd agree it feels weak. If it grants ten rounds of additional attacks, it doesn't.

-Hyp.

That makes more sense. I think we read as requiring concentration of the caster. There was something in the language of the spell that led us to that conclusion. Your view is probably correct and makes it a much better spell.

 

[Hypersmurf]

That makes more sense. I think we read as requiring concentration of the caster. There was something in the language of the spell that led us to that conclusion. Your view is probably correct and makes it a much better spell.

In round two, I read it as "For my action, I smack you with my mace... and as part of my action, the Hammer moves 20 feet and attacks".

It's not entirely clear, but that's the reading that fits best for me.

-Hyp.

 

[Blackwarder]

That is also what Mike Mearls said about it.

It acts on top of your action, not instead, making it a very potent spell.

Warder