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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WalterKovacs" data-source="post: 5121304" data-attributes="member: 63763">Part of the goal for the essentials is making a good jumping on point for new players. The question is whether the new "type" of race is better for new players or not? In some ways, it's added complexity (as you don't just pick race, but basically a 'sub' race as well). On the other hand, it makes more races that "fit" a given class, and more classes that "fit" a given race. Part of the goal was likely to make a book with only 4 new races effectively have "8" races in the book, cutting down on page count in terms of fluff and feats, but still giving a variety of useful stat modifiers, which are a big part of a races usefullness. In terms of classes, PH3 was a high mark for complexity, with 3 power point based classes, the move + standard combos for the monk, the dual natured runic powers for the runepriest, and then the seeker, which as a controller is going to have complexity anyway. It was likely with the essentials in mind that they made a whole book of complex classes since the essentials by its very name would be more simple/streamlined. The books seem to serve a combined purpose of (1) attracting new players by making a streamlined and cheaper entry point to the product (2) providing for existing players by making it not only compatible with the existing system, but as the "new content" for the system by taking a break from the normal numbered system and X Power releases during the Essential push and, as an added benefit (3) They can release errata to the rules, monster stat blocks, feats, etc ... in print form for those that play at the table with books instead of computers.</blockquote>

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