Social Powers?

[LostSoul]

I'm just saying that, in general, I don't think it's necessary.

Depends on your preferences.

 

[kennew142]

Depends on your preferences.

Unless you are asserting that there is no social interaction in D&D now, then I don't know how a social encounter system is necessary. I've already stipulated that it may be a great system, and that a lot of people may really like it. Heck, I may even like it once I read it and give it a try. But almost every campaign I have played in for the last 28 years has been RP intensive - and we managed to do it without a mechanical system.

This post you are responding to:

I'm looking forward to reading the new social encounter system in 4e. I will be keeping an open mind. But as I said earlier, I have never seen a mechanical system for social encounters that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the RP experience. My gut instinct is still that those who love RP won't need it, and those who dislike it won't use it. That's not saying that gamers from both groups won't try it, and many will probably like it. I'm just saying that, in general, I don't think it's necessary.

I think I made it very clear that the desire for such a system, and the level of enjoyment it provides, is a mater of preference. Didn't I?

 

[Fallen Seraph]

It is more your assertiveness that groups that are RP-heavy will not bother using it. Many RP-heavy groups play games which have and they use social mechanics. Two of them were listed above; WoD and Weapons of The Gods.

 

[Flobby]

I could swear that I remember a designer (Mearls?) mention (in response to a question if there is a Noble class or not in 4E) that the Rogue will have social abilities...

So I'm assuming that they just weren't listed in the Sneak Attack preview.

Anyone else remember reading that? I can't remember where...

 

[LostSoul]

Unless you are asserting that there is no social interaction in D&D now, then I don't know how a social encounter system is necessary.

Because of my preferences, I don't consider a role-playing game that resolves social conflicts using freeform play a complete game. Therefore, for me, a social conflict resolution system is necessary.

I think I made it very clear that the desire for such a system, and the level of enjoyment it provides, is a mater of preference. Didn't I?

I guess I misunderstood. I thought you were saying that it was of no use: "...those who love RP won't need it, and those who dislike it won't use it."