[spin-off] 3E is NOT "dumbed down."

[Tsyr]

Anything simple often gets accused of being dumbed down, yet complex situations arise out of simple rules that work (e.g. chess).

This I can back... You wouldn't believe how many times (as a Go player) I've heard someone say something like "So... it's like checkers or something, but a lot simpler?"

Well, yes, it's simpler in a way (Only really one basic mechanic behind it), but it's a lot more complex too.

 

[Carnifex]

I have to agree with this, in part. The only thing my groups seem to have trouble with is AoO (does any one really know those rules inside-out, upside down and backwords?), flanking and sneak attack...and how they can interact with each other.

Well, the AOO rules can be simply summarised thus: Do something stupid next to a bloke with a big sword and he'll stab you for being dumb

I no longer have AOO problems, in fact had barely any on the first place. Flanking is pretty easy except for in a few situations and sneak attack is even easier IMO.

 

[hong]

The only thing my groups seem to have trouble with is AoO (does any one really know those rules inside-out, upside down and backwords?)

Yes, but you need to know the secret handshake.


Hong "or be part of the hivemind" Ooi

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

I find the mechaincs of the 3E game simpler...but that's about it...I find the game considerably harder to run as a DM..there are tons of "hidden" rules, modifiers, exceptions, special abilities,and non-transparent feats that make the game more "mechanical" in nature. 3E is daunting for a DM who does not have a healthy command of the rules (not mechanics..rules). I know had 3E been around in 1978 when I started DMing, I'd likeley never have DMed again. I feel sorry for kids coming over from the adventure game box to the full blown rules...there's no stepping stone like the B/X boxes provided.

Not that 1E or other versions were perfect..they all have thier strengths and weaknesses....

3E is to D&D what RMSS is to RM. It standardized many things and was a much tighter, more cohesive rule set...it is also harder to run, and is more complicated in almost every area of the game.

IMO of course...

Ding, Ding! We have a winner! This game isn't as much fun to run as 1e or basic. WOTC should put out a D20 3e lite version for people like me who don't want to keep track of all the mods and whatnot. A little GURPS litish type deal.

 

[Tsyr]

Ding, Ding! We have a winner! This game isn't as much fun to run as 1e or basic.

Well, that's a matter of opinion Flexor... I find it more fun, actualy.

 

[Henry]

AoO, is best described in two parts:

1) Within, or out of but not into

2) If it makes you take your eyes off the battle, or enter someone's square, it's an AoO.

It's more complex than that, of course, but that covers 90% of the situations encountered in AoO's.

 

[Henry]

Hey, Flex! I meant to ask, 'cause I never saw a reply - have you ever seen Gygax's newest game, Lejendary Adventures?

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

Well, that's a matter of opinion Flexor... I find it more fun, actualy.

Well that goes without saying.

 

[Furn_Darkside]

It has been asserted that 3E D&D is a "dumbed down" version of 1E

It seems to me there are segments of the rpg population who are looking for any reason to tear down 3E d&d.

When someone looks hard enough, then they will find what they are looking for- even if it does not really exist.

"Immature", "dumbed down", or whatever-

3E D&D is what it is- the most popular rpg and the only currently supported D&D game.

Its detractors can hug their 1E D&D books or their indie rpg pamphlets and scream all they want, I doubt they will have any impact on 3E.

They won't have any impact at my gaming table.

FD

 

[hong]

AoO, is best described in two parts:

1) Within, or out of but not into

2) If it makes you take your eyes off the battle, or enter someone's square, it's an AoO.

Heck, you can describe it in one part:

1) if you do something stupid (cast a spell, fire a bow, read a scroll, etc) next to someone, they get to hit you.

If you're not playing with a battlemap, this should be good enough for most purposes.