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*Dungeons & Dragons
The Next D&D Book is JOURNEYS THROUGH THE RADIANT CITADEL
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<blockquote data-quote="Retreater" data-source="post: 8651906" data-attributes="member: 42040"><p>I was referring to 5e in general, but yes, the psionics system I see as particularly bland. </p><p>Previous editions had psionics as its own system - a skill-based "casting" (manifesting) system, with different tiers of success dependent on degrees of success. It also allowed a lot of creative interpretation for DMs and players. The current psionic system is a re-skin of existing classes. </p><p></p><p>Yeah. There are many that are thematically unified. Just from 5e D&D alone I'd put up Curse of Strahd, Phandelver, and Tomb of Annihilation as good examples of adventure design. I'd say that Princes of the Apocalypse is also solid. There are others (Rime of the Frost Maiden being a glaring example) where the teams didn't seem to be in communication at all when designing their individual chapters. </p><p></p><p>There's a certain degree of cuddliness - and it's not just in the art. There's things like putting the survival and desperation of Frost Maiden in the background so it doesn't really affect the campaign. Then there's the recent Netherdeep that basically presents a DM party that is going to take care of the adventure for the party so they don't even have to go on the quest (which is considered a selling point of the adventure).</p><p></p><p>The scope of D&D would've been the same - maybe even bigger. The committee design probably hampers more than it helps. The marketing of lunchboxes, beach towels, etc., were indicative of capitalizing on a fad in the waning days of TSR. I think that's what we're seeing now - trying to milk it for all it's worth while they still can instead of producing content of lasting value. It's the same thing with Star Wars and Marvel.</p><p></p><p>I can point out the sloppy construction of its adventures. If you've ever worked as a professional writer or editor, you can sense when things have been put together without forethought and inspiration. </p><p></p><p>Ah, the old, tired "we're only playing pretend with elves" excuse. </p><p>Let's say you have a hobby where you create art - say you're an amateur songwriter and like to perform acoustic sets at the neighborhood dive bar. You're not up there with Lennon/McCartney, but you do value expression and creating an atmosphere for your small group. Then someone says "blah, music is just Nickelback singing about getting chicks." </p><p>RPGs are a storytelling medium and can provide hours/years of expression and good times. If it's just moving toys to you, then I feel sorry for your experience.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Retreater, post: 8651906, member: 42040"] I was referring to 5e in general, but yes, the psionics system I see as particularly bland. Previous editions had psionics as its own system - a skill-based "casting" (manifesting) system, with different tiers of success dependent on degrees of success. It also allowed a lot of creative interpretation for DMs and players. The current psionic system is a re-skin of existing classes. Yeah. There are many that are thematically unified. Just from 5e D&D alone I'd put up Curse of Strahd, Phandelver, and Tomb of Annihilation as good examples of adventure design. I'd say that Princes of the Apocalypse is also solid. There are others (Rime of the Frost Maiden being a glaring example) where the teams didn't seem to be in communication at all when designing their individual chapters. There's a certain degree of cuddliness - and it's not just in the art. There's things like putting the survival and desperation of Frost Maiden in the background so it doesn't really affect the campaign. Then there's the recent Netherdeep that basically presents a DM party that is going to take care of the adventure for the party so they don't even have to go on the quest (which is considered a selling point of the adventure). The scope of D&D would've been the same - maybe even bigger. The committee design probably hampers more than it helps. The marketing of lunchboxes, beach towels, etc., were indicative of capitalizing on a fad in the waning days of TSR. I think that's what we're seeing now - trying to milk it for all it's worth while they still can instead of producing content of lasting value. It's the same thing with Star Wars and Marvel. I can point out the sloppy construction of its adventures. If you've ever worked as a professional writer or editor, you can sense when things have been put together without forethought and inspiration. Ah, the old, tired "we're only playing pretend with elves" excuse. Let's say you have a hobby where you create art - say you're an amateur songwriter and like to perform acoustic sets at the neighborhood dive bar. You're not up there with Lennon/McCartney, but you do value expression and creating an atmosphere for your small group. Then someone says "blah, music is just Nickelback singing about getting chicks." RPGs are a storytelling medium and can provide hours/years of expression and good times. If it's just moving toys to you, then I feel sorry for your experience. [/QUOTE]
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The Next D&D Book is JOURNEYS THROUGH THE RADIANT CITADEL
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