Speculation -- next Friday's PH3 Playtest?

[Estlor]

Considering that none of the races we've seen are even remotely complex enough to need playtesting, it would either have to be something that interacts with the new hybrid class system very closely (and therefore needs a test-drive to make sure it isn't above everything else) or a race with some innate ability beyond the scope of everything they've done before - like thri-keen (four arms) or raptorian (wings) - and therefore potentially unbalanced.

I'll be shocked if it's any sort of existing race other than the thri-kreen. Gith-folk (githyanki/githzerai) are already statted up in the Monster Manual so the next we'd see of them is a "Playing X" article or an entry in the PHB3. My hunch is it's probably something totally new or thri-kreen, depending on whether psionics is included in the PHB3.

With three power sources in the PHB3, you'll probably see about two races keyed to each power. Assuming kalashatar were one of the psionic races, which would the hardcore D&D player rather see as the second? Dromites or Thri-Kreen? Yeah, mantis warriors no contest.

 

[Remathilis]

In PHB3 we will likely get a new power source (shadow?).

Five more races, probably two of which will be new creations. The existing races will be unrecognizable, but they will be "balanced".

And we will get eight more classes, and they will look just like the previous 16... sterile.

And this post accomplished what exactly?

 

[Alikar]

In PHB3 we will likely get a new power source (shadow?).

Five more races, probably two of which will be new creations. The existing races will be unrecognizable, but they will be "balanced".

And we will get eight more classes, and they will look just like the previous 16... sterile.

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

I'm hoping for shadow power source with elemental. I'm not a huge fan of psionics, but if they do it right I may be interested.

 

[LightPhoenix]

The new race doesn't have to be tied to a specific campaign setting. We could get Githzerai or Thri-kreen, but they won't be an indication of Planescape/Dark Sun.

What I would guess the race is indicative of is a new power source. Of course, at this rate I really don't think it would be a surprise if it were Shadow or Psionics.

 

[Piratecat]

And this post accomplished what exactly?

Well, combined with three or four other problematic posts, it got him a brief vacation from the site. I don't particularly care whether people love 3e or 4e - I really like both of them - but no one needs to be a jerk about it.

Carry on with the thread, please!

 

[Estlor]

I don't particularly care whether people love 3e or 4e - I really like both of them - but no one needs to be a jerk about it.

Frankly, I wouldn't have enough time to perch myself at my computer, eagerly awaiting new threads to seed with negative comments like that. Better things to do and all!

Er, but on topic, I really do expect it to be something entirely new. Kind of a, "Take a look at this!" to try and get people psyched about a power source or the handbook in advance of it coming out. You know, like the barbarian article did.

 

[ferratus]

I'm hoping the shadow source is next, because I've been able to sense what the necromancer is going to be, and I think 4e is the system that will allow me to summon spirits and animate my enemies as they drop to the ground dead. I see the potential for a leader that doesn't make his party stronger by buffing his allies, but by making the dead fight against their comrades. I've never played a necromancer before (spells sucked unless you created a bunch of undead to follow you around, and then you dominated the game) but damn if what I'm imagining for 4e isn't the coolest sounding class ever.

 

[Lord Mhoram]

Maybe it will be the Giff... and then we get to watch lots of peoples heads asplode.

 

[Nai_Calus]

Clearly it will be the Flumph done up for PC use. The multiverse shall fear my Flumph Swordmage!

...Actually joking aside that would be pretty awesome.

 

[Remathilis]

My theory is some form of psionic race, but I don't know which...