D&D (2024) So IS it a new edition?

[Maxperson]

I say they'll probably go out of print but be available on DMGuild as POD for those that want them or on ebay used, or Noble Knight, etc. I think the two major problems WotC did was not giving this version at least a different moniker and marketing it as backwards compatible. Does the new PHB give any advice or description on backward compatibility?

From the reviews I've read the 5.5e PHB has a few small mentions on how to convert some things.

 

[Maxperson]

I doubt it. I've played with the worst DM ever. He had us running around a city with no goal or intention just to buy time because it was clear he had no clue what he was doing. It got so bad that one of the players said, "Cmon this is ridiculous, is there an NPC on a street corner wearing a sandwich board that says adventure this way?"

I don't know. Back in the 80s I was talking to this guy who told me that his DM let him steal the platemail off of someone at the bar with a pick pockets roll. And he wasn't noticed!

 

[R_J_K75]

From the reviews I've read the 5.5e PHB has a few small mentions on how to convert some things.

I'd guess there will probably be more in the upcoming DMG and MM most likely. They're probably trying to put only the relevant information in the book it belongs in

 

[Maxperson]

I'd guess there will probably be more in the upcoming DMG and MM most likely. They're probably trying to put only the relevant information in the book it belongs in

The DMG seems like the best place for conversion rules.

 

[R_J_K75]

I don't know. Back in the 80s I was talking to this guy who told me that his DM let him steal the platemail off of someone at the bar with a pick pockets roll. And he wasn't noticed!

Yeah, that's way worse. I'd call for the DM to make a saving throw vs. Death but I doubt they'd even know what it is or what dice to roll. We all had our learning curve as players and DMs back then but clearly there are some people who just don't get it and have no business running a game. I once had a player make a PC and he tried putting a cord of wood (128 cubic feet) in his backpack.

 

[R_J_K75]

The DMG seems like the best place for conversion rules.

My opinion is that if there is information on how the 2024 monsters compare to or are compatible with the 2014 ones it should be in the MM

 

[Maxperson]

I consider 3.0 and 3.5 to be different editions, because players did ultimately feel a need to "throw out the old books".

So far, the ability to "use the old books" prevents this nomenclature for a hypothetical 5.5.

I successfully DMd 3.5e through 2020 without ever buying a 3.5e DMG. The 3e one worked perfectly for me. And the only reason I bought a 3.5e MM was because I was lazy and didn't want to adjust DRs myself. I could easily have just kept using my 3e MM.

 

[Maxperson]

My opinion is that if there is information on how the 2024 monsters compare to or are compatible with the 2014 ones it should be in the MM

They've said that the power levels are remaining the same. That means the changes are mostly cosmetic. Instead of a monster casting fire all twice, it has scorching blast with the stats of a fireball, but isn't a spell. That avoids counterspell killing encounters.

The changes have to be really minor or CR will be affected.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I think people are tired of the discussion, but only just waking up to the real implications. There will be 2014 tables, 2024 tables, and a whole variety of permutations in between.

Will there be, though?

Once 3.5 came out, there was almost identical hue and cry (louder, in fact, given how quickly we got 3.5 after 3E's release) and while there were a few tables that held onto 3E, the reality is that almost everyone switched over to 3.5 soon enough. (Ask the third party vendors who tried to sell 3E stuff after 3.5 was released. RIP Human Head's tabletop RPG line.)

I assume there will be plenty of surveys here in September 2025 and among those who are actively playing, I bet we will have an overwhelming majority that made the switch.

 

[payn]

what are they saying? That no one uses Roll20? What are their sales numbers?

Paizo doesnt release the sales numbers, and ICV only tells part of the picture as it has no isnight to their website and subscriptions. Paizo folks have said that PF2 is selling 2x as much as PF1. I trust them on that as I dont think they would be making a remaster edition if numbers were so low.

As for roll20, its pretty common in PF circles that its bunk. Foundry is a much better VTT for PF2 and its not even close. On roll20 itself, its be awhile since Ive seen folks use its numbers to mean anything.