The Myth of the Bo9S's Popularity

[roguerouge]

Given the heated reaction to WotC's tactic of denying that they were even working on a fourth edition, I don't think that there's anything wrong with the OP's refusing to take their assertions of the book's sales at face value. In short, there's not a lot of evidence on either side other than pro and con anecdotes and assertions from a source that has pretty strong economic motivation to put the best spin possible on 4e.

In fact, it's generally a good principle to question an authority's pronouncements, independent of your belief in the authority's veracity.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Personally, my hope is that they use Bo9S as a starting point and look to make something a little ... smoother. My problem with the system is that the system seemed 'fiddly;' I'd prefer options with a lot fewer hoops of 'well, first you do this, then you activate that, then after one minute you can...'

But maybe what I want is contradictory.

They addressed this aspect in the R&C. In Bo9S, they experimented with various "refresh mini games" for powers, but they seemed to have decided that it didn't convince them and wasn't really needed. So you might get what you want.

 

[Stormtalon]

Actually, I meant Desert Wind and Shadow Hand. Those are the two that are most likely to have supernatural effects -- both in terms of the mechanical designation and the flavor. Setting Sun didn't wow me, but it didn't bother me, either. There is nothing inherently non-Western about unarmed combat. Setting Sun works just fine for that. Diamond Mind and Iron Heart are the two I most liked. White Raven is fine, but more what I expect the warlord to do, rather than the fighter.

Some of the throw attacks in Setting Sun were what struck me as particularly "non-western," though I don't really view that as a bad thing. I think a lot of the feel ends up from a combination of the flavor and how the flavor gets played. My Swordsage, for example, used both Desert Wind and Shadow Hand -- but with a complete lack of flamboyance. They actually made pretty interesting flavor for a character who was a relentless and ruthless enemy of undead and those who would traffic with them.

I'm hoping that some of the Paragon Paths might allow for interesting choices along several of the directions that were available in Bo9S -- and I'm REALLY hopeful that I'll be able to rebuild the Warblade I'd mentioned, who, in fact, used Iron Heart and Diamond Mind (though looking back at him, White Raven might have been better than Diamond Mind, due to his absolute LOVE of charging). There are lots of great concepts in the book for sure, and I hope the best of 'em get fine-tuned, balanced and reborn anew in 4th Ed.

 

[Lackhand]

In fact, it's generally a good principle to question an authority's pronouncements, independent of your belief in the authority's veracity.

On this, if nothing else, we agree.

 

[Dausuul]

Given the heated reaction to WotC's tactic of denying that they were even working on a fourth edition...

They never denied any such thing. This is a rumor that's been bruited about for a while, but as far as I know, nobody has yet produced any actual examples of WotC saying they weren't working on 4E.

 

[Satori]

ToB:B9S had such wonderful, inclusive flavor that I honestly think they could split up the different schools per class.

In fact, this is one thing that bugged me about the book. It really allowed the three Martial Adept classes to fill any role they wanted by choosing the appropriate school to specialize in.

It didn't seem fair that a Martial Adept could act like a Rogue/Assassin with Shadow Hand techniques, a Monk by using Setting Sun, a Dwarven Defender by choosing Stone Dragon, a Bard by choosing White Raven, etc...

Instead, I like the idea of certain classes getting access to these types of "School" techniques right off the bat without having to dip into a "Splat Book".

i.e. All Rogues get abilities like Shadow Hand techniques, All Monks get Setting Sun throws/counters, all Dual Wielding Rangers get Tiger Claw abilities, all Bards/Warlords get White Raven inspirations, etc...

In a way, this "spreads the love", and lets each class perform their chosen niche while performing the "cool" and entertaining abilities that Bo9S offers.

i.e. I'm a trap springer/lock picker that can shadow jump, I'm a dual wielding nature warrior that can rend like a gorilla, I'm an unarmed brawler that can counter your own attacks before you land them, I'm a heavily armored tank that can adopt the toughness of adamantium, I'm a charismatic entertainer that can inspire my friends to heroic acts of valor, etc...

For those that liked the Swordsages adaptability, I suppose this is where the cross-class "Feat" swapping comes in. You could be a primary "Savage Nature Warrior" who takes a few Rogue abilities to Shadow Jump, you could be a "Heavily Armored Tank" that can also inspire his friends just a bit, or an "Unarmed Brawler" that can rend like a wild animal.

 

[kennew142]

They never denied any such thing. This is a rumor that's been bruited about for a while, but as far as I know, nobody has yet produced any actual examples of WotC saying they weren't working on 4E.

I vaguely remember them denying that a 4e would come out in 2007. It won't, so no lie.

I personally have no recollection of them denying that they were working on a 4e.

 

[Qualidar]

My own experience: I ran a one-shot with Bo9Swords characters and the most consistant comment I heard both times I ran it was: "I'd love to regularly play with that system". YMMV, of course.

 

[Nahat Anoj]

I really, really don't believe WotC would base the whole entire powers system for 4e on a poorly received book. I just can't believe they would be that foolish. They must have sales figures, survey results, informal comments, etc. to support their belief that Bo9S-style powers are the way to go.

 

[Minicol]

I have bought it out of habit back when I was still buying WOTC.

I have not even felt the curiosity to crack the cover open.