D&D (2024) Potential other "rules expansion" books

[Azzy]

Forgotten Realms is frankly such a different beast, it makes sense to give it a big two book treatment: but I could see introducing Dark Sun, say, in a more concise, vibes based format thst doesn't need to go in-depth.

In addition to DS, they could release products like E:FotA for other settings that they are hesitant to explore deeply like Mystara, Maztica, Kara-Tur, etc. I don't expect it, but you never know.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

Forgotten Realms is frankly such a different beast, it makes sense to give it a big two book treatment: but I could see introducing Dark Sun, say, in a more concise, vibes based format thst doesn't need to go in-depth.

These seem to be books focusing on rules, not lore, with a particular focus on patching 2014 to 2024 in places were compatibility is lower. I can see them doing a separate line of books that are lore and history of old settings, focused on an older, possibly not playing the current edition, market. I don't think old settings have much commercial value to the majority of current 5e players though.

 

[Corinnguard]

The Will and the Way: Yes we got four psionic subclasses in the PHB, but we could do so much better. Especially if they get off their butts and do Dark Sun. Even if they don't, either a proper psionic caster class OR some new psi-focused subclasses, "psionic" spells, feats, and monsters.

This potential 'rules expansion' book ought to come with the 5.5e version of some of the species from 3e's Expanded Psionics Handbook such as the Elan and the psionic versions of the Githyanki, the Githzerai, the Duergar and the Thri-Kreen. Maybe even throw in a Blue Goblin while they are at it.

 

[Yaarel]

So Eberron: Forge of the Artificer is being builed as a rules expansion that primarily is giving a bunch of PC options (1 class, 5 subs, 40 feats, 5 species, etc) at a moderately low price point ($30 US). Using that as a model, what other books could be done with that model and price point?

A few ideas:

• Ravenloft Monster Hunter Book. We have seven horror subclasses we are currently testing, two of which have Ravenloft ties and the rest have spooky elements. My money is on a Ravenloft book that includes the aforementioned subs, updated species (dhampir and reborn redone to actually be undead, and hexblood). They can also slide in some new feats, spells, updated Ravenloft monsters, and a few campaign themes for horror.
• Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. We've assumed that the FRPG coming out in November is a bog standard 300 page $50.00 tome. What if its not? What if it is a lightweight tome focusing on the eight subs, some species, backgrounds and spells? You don't need monstes and campaign themes since those are going to be in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, so they can go heavier on the lore and/or PC options.
• Astral Wayfarer's Guide: Spelljammer got the short end when it came to PC options, and I'm SURE WotC would like a do-over on a few of them. So redo a few species and add some subclasses (astral monk, etc). and a few feats and spells and then GIVE US SOME UPDATED jamming rules. In essence, add some of those more meaty travel rules that people who were disappointed in the box set would like.
• Guide to the Planes: Likewise, the Planescape box set was ultra-light on rules. There are plenty of planar-themed subclasses (horizon walker, chaos barbarian) that could be added, along with planar species (genasi, gith, modron, bariaur) plus you can give specific backgrounds/feats for each of the factions in the box set.
• The Will and the Way: Yes we got four psionic subclasses in the PHB, but we could do so much better. Especially if they get off their butts and do Dark Sun. Even if they don't, either a proper psionic caster class OR some new psi-focused subclasses, "psionic" spells, feats, and monsters.

At the relatively low price point and page count, they can really go hog on very specific areas without needing to fill a 300 page tome. I hope the format proves popular. But those are my ideas, what are yours?

Also Greyhawk stuff, for Grey Elf, Grugach, and Mage Valley Elf.

There are all kinds of weird stuff in Greyhawk that work great as backgrounds and bastions.

 

[Yaarel]

Actually, D&D Modern probably benefits the most from a Rules Expansion approach.

We already know what reallife flavor is like. A light touch approach, would give a few pointers for how to quantify the D&D mechanics for things like cars, guns, and internet. AI might be an Elemental creature type. Also helpful would be some gentle Session Zero advice for how to handle cultural and individual diversity, especially when referring to the modern real world.

Then each table would decide which cultural and political 'factions' to focus on. Meanwhile WotC leaves most of this upto each table.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

AI might be an Elemental creature type

Why not construct?

 

[Parmandur]

Actually, D&D Modern probably benefits the most from a Rules Expansion approach.

We already know what reallife flavor is like. A light touch approach, would give a few pointers for how to quantify the D&D mechanics for things like cars, guns, and internet. AI might be an Elemental creature type. Also helpful would be some gentle Session Zero advice for how to handle cultural and individual diversity, especially when referring to the modern real world.

Then each table would decide which cultural and political 'factions' to focus on. Meanwhile WotC leaves most of this upto each table.

A book of this type for the old Urban Arcana d20 Modern setting would be great.

 

[Parmandur]

These seem to be books focusing on rules, not lore, with a particular focus on patching 2014 to 2024 in places were compatibility is lower. I can see them doing a separate line of books that are lore and history of old settings, focused on an older, possibly not playing the current edition, market. I don't think old settings have much commercial value to the majority of current 5e players though.

Well, we don't know the exact flavor to rules ratio yet...there are three whole seperate chapters outlining different Campaign "models" (Sharn based detectives, Morgrave University backed "researchers" a la Indiana Jones, and Dragonmarked House intrigue) thst seem to be pretty fluffy in nature, even if it is the lighter gamrprep focused style of the 2024 DMG Greyhawk material.

I could see this approach working for lightly introducing a new high-concept Setting without getting into the weeds of Lore (Inner Planes Campaign Guide? Feywild Adventures Guide?).

 

[sevenbastard]

It's never going to happen, but...

LOW MAGIC CAMPAIGN

Rebalanced all the species and classes to have less spells and magic.

Let us play some grounded fantasy adventures.

 

[Yaarel]

Why not construct?

I think of AI as a new kind of 'life form', even when there is no actual consciousness present.

Ooze, Plant, [Fungus], Beast, ... AI.

Construct makes sense too, and can be self-replicating.