Swordmage-> annoying...

[Fobok]

I'm guessing that it's being added in FR since the class is being introduced in a FR novel. Seems a pretty straight-forward connection there. People read the novel, decide they want to play that, where do you think they'd look? FR of course.

I do agree that I hope it's added to another book for those that don't want to buy FR products.

 

[Cam Banks]

I'm guessing that it's being added in FR since the class is being introduced in a FR novel. Seems a pretty straight-forward connection there.

And because it's Rich Baker's novel, and Rich has a fair amount of influence over what gets into FR product. James Wyatt could do the same thing with Eberron, if he wanted, for instance - see a concept that didn't make it into the 4e PH, one that he likes and has written into a book, and thus decides to throw it into the 4e Eberron material.

Although from the looks of it, a great deal of Eberron material's already made it into core, so maybe James won't need to do as much of that.

Cheers,
Cam

 

[Mirtek]

AFAIK they have already stated that the Swordmage will be avaible for DDI subscripers prior to the release of the FRPG

So that RPGA players playing in the Living Realms campain can start with a swordmage from day one of the campaign instead of having to "wast time" playing some other class for the first few weeks only to once again start from 1st level when the FRPG is finally released.

 

[Sadrik]

And because it's Rich Baker's novel, and Rich has a fair amount of influence over what gets into FR product. James Wyatt could do the same thing with Eberron, if he wanted, for instance - see a concept that didn't make it into the 4e PH, one that he likes and has written into a book, and thus decides to throw it into the 4e Eberron material.

Although from the looks of it, a great deal of Eberron material's already made it into core, so maybe James won't need to do as much of that.

Well, the artificer should be in the Eberron campaign setting book and I don't think that anybody will bat an eye about it. Because that class is so integral to the setting. The swordmage may be integral to the new FR setting, I don't know... But probably not.

 

[pawsplay]

If true, this could change my attitude toward 4e from "anticipating disappointment" to "outrage."

 

[Dragonblade]

Seriously people. WotC has to put the class somewhere. No matter where they print the class, someone will be upset. If its in the PHB2 then we have to wait a year and people will complain they have to buy that. C'mon!

Also bear in mind that there will be TWO FR books. A campaign guide presumably with all the setting info for DMs, and a Player's Guide with all the crunchy goodness like new classes and stuff. If you don't like the Realms, then skip the campaign guide and just get the player book. Don't even think of it as Realms. Think of it as just a splatbook with a plethora of cool options.

Or just subscribe to DDI. For $10 a month (for a year), you get everything. I know people are resistant to it, but man that just seems like a good deal to me.

 

[Revinor]

Or just subscribe to DDI. For $10 a month (for a year), you get everything. I know people are resistant to it, but man that just seems like a good deal to me.

I thought that to get full descriptions of the feats/classes you have to be not only subscribed to DDI but also enter special code from book + pay extra money for digital version of the book. If you don't have it, you will just get power names + link to where to find it inside a book you are missing.

If by subscribing to DDI you will get all the classes/powers/spells/magic items/monsters/whatever from all splatbooks, it may start to look interesting.

 

[Dragonblade]

I thought that to get full descriptions of the feats/classes you have to be not only subscribed to DDI but also enter special code from book + pay extra money for digital version of the book. If you don't have it, you will just get power names + link to where to find it inside a book you are missing.

If by subscribing to DDI you will get all the classes/powers/spells/magic items/monsters/whatever from all splatbooks, it may start to look interesting.

Nope. They announced the change at D&D Experience.

A DDI subscription now includes access to a rules database with all the crunch from all their published books whether you own the books or not.

 

[Voss]

I'm really confused about why the swordmage is a FR specific class. I'll grant I don't know anything about the book, but... yeah, hopefully on DDI.

Pshaw. Its to get people who have no interest in 4e realms to buy the book. It often works out for them, as there always seems to be folks with no interest in a particular setting but who are welling to take the crunchy bits. Even if its only about ~10% of the book.

 

[WheresMyD20]

I would expect more that they have noticed that Living Grayhawk Gazeteer was selling worse than mixed-content (campaign+rules) modules, so they have to spice up the world data with rules. Plus there is always a chance somebody will buy a book for rules alone.

It makes sense. Generally, only DMs will buy campaign settings if it's pure fluff. Add a new character class or two and you might get players to buy it. There are a lot more players than DMs.