D&D 4E Something I'd Like in 4e...

[Scribble]

So one thing I'd like to see in 4e is a sort of explanation of rules. Maybe in the various DM's Guides. An explanation of the design goals behind the rules.

Not just how the rule works, but WHY the rule was created in the first place. Perhaps as a sort of advice section in the various DM's Guides showing you how rules can help set the idea or tone of a campaign.

As an example take Racial Levels. It's something I've been looking at a lot recently. On the outside it looks like just another set of nifty powers. If you look a little deeper, you can see how they sort of make the various races more unique. You're not just a ranger, you're an ELVEN ranger. (Something they said was a goal in 4th edition.)

I'd like to see info on how to manipulate these things. Instead of just adding more powers (which they inevitably will) explain to me the reasoning behind the powers, aside from just more bonuses.

Does that make sense?

 

[Rechan]

I believe this is one of the intentions of the Sneak Peak books in December. They have designer notes as to what their initial concepts were, or rules they thought of and threw out, etc etc, and why they went with x over y.

 

[Varianor Abroad]

This is something that many of us would like. To what degree of annotation though? If the document were hyperlinked or had Comments in it (as in Word) that would be one thing, but if it's paper, the question is which rules and how many?

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

This is something that many of us would like. To what degree of annotation though? If the document were hyperlinked or had Comments in it (as in Word) that would be one thing, but if it's paper, the question is which rules and how many?

That's really the hard point - finding the suitable amount of "Design Notes". I think it would be fine if they made this part of the online content for a book - but still sprinkle a few throughout the book, especially when concerning basic concepts (why have skills? what's the purpose of the "powers/spells" system?)

 

[Cadfan]

I'm not sure I agree. I'd love insight into the design process myself, but from the "lets minimize whining on the internet" perspective, it might be better if they simply present the rules, and let players figure them out.

 

[Scribble]

This is something that many of us would like. To what degree of annotation though? If the document were hyperlinked or had Comments in it (as in Word) that would be one thing, but if it's paper, the question is which rules and how many?

Something along the lines of:

Racial Levels: We designed racial levels as a way of making the various races feel more distinct,and help you create ditinctions within your campaign world. As the DM you can choose to use them in certain ways. Perhaps the elves of Valinor (The main elven kingdom) will all use the Elven Ranger levels in place of the standard ranger levels. Those born in Human lands, or outside of Valinor will use the normal levels.

Combine them witch Herritage feats to create further distinction. IE: Those orn outside of Valinor with the Elven Background feat can still take the Elven Ranger levels signifying they are proud of their elven background, and stick to tradition.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

I'm not sure I agree. I'd love insight into the design process myself, but from the "lets minimize whining on the internet" perspective, it might be better if they simply present the rules, and let players figure them out.

Ah, you can't minimize the whining on the internet.