&: Rich Baker on recent events, plus an epic destiny and mini cards

[TerraDave]

To avoid bulk copy and pasting...he mentions the layoffs, and without the corpospeak of WotCs president.

I did find this quote interesting:

We're committed to D&D Insider and to constantly improving and increasing the number of digital offerings, including Dragon Magazine, Dungeon Magazine, the D&D Compendium, and the D&D Character Builder. Our products, whether digital or physical, will continue to be the best in the industry.

No mention of the virtual tabletop. Though he also says:

As far as 4th Edition and D&D Insider is concerned, we're just getting started.

The usual previews include the Primal Avenger, which confirms that the PHBII primal classes will be Barbarian, Druid, Shaman, and Warden. Also has some mini cards in the new format.

Ampersand: Epic Destinies and Monsters

 

[Rechan]

Very disappointed that more of the Druid class wasn't provided. It doesn't help being a playtest if you can't play it. Grumbelgrumble.

 

[Sir Brennen]

Very disappointed that more of the Druid class wasn't provided. It doesn't help being a playtest if you can't play it. Grumbelgrumble.

It was inaccurately labeled a playtest from the start. It's probably too late for it to have been a playtest, anyway, given it's only 4 months 'til shelf date. At this point they're probably working on the book's final layout and getting it ready to print. No time to wait for a month of feedback from Dragon readers. Look at the timing of the playtests of the barbarian, artificier and upcoming Adv. Vault 2 items to get an idea of the leadtime they need for playtest material in Dragon. Anything that's less than seven or eight months away we won't be seeing those kind of articles for.

The column sounds very much like the statements which were put out when the first round of 3.0 layoffs happened. I don't think this time is an indication of the health of the brand anymore than it was then, and feel confident those still on staff are going to continue to work their butts off supporting the game for our enjoyment.

 

[Larrin]

Since i can't peak behind the curtain, could you explain what was meant by "Primal avenger comfirming the PHB2 primal classes" Is it a PP? Isn't the Avenger heavily speculated to be a divine class?

Not going to lose sleep over it but Thanks.

 

[Charwoman Gene]

It's "Primal Avatar".

It's also Bill Slavicsek.

 

[Darkwolf71]

Appearantly Ampersand is a subscription worthy article?

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Yeah, whatever. Too bad, I would have liked to read it.

 

[Ktulu]

Appearantly Ampersand is a subscription worthy article?

Yeah, whatever. Too bad, I would have liked to read it.

Actually, yes it is. Last month's ampersand had the 10 levels of bard in it.

They accept subscriptions from everyone.

 

[Darkwolf71]

They accept subscriptions from everyone.

I'm sure they do. I however, am more discretionary about whom I give my subscription money too.

(I'll also add, you have one of the few screen names of which I am jealous. )

 

[catsclaw227]

FYI -- The Primal Avatar is an Epic Destiny.

 

[Adso]

I'm assuming that's a typo.

Why?