Two handed weapons in 4th

[Mr. Teapot]

unlike the early editions, 4th edition requires an entirely different language.

The part you're wrong about isn't the "requires special language" part, it's the "unlike previous editions". Every edition has had a large amount of idiosyncratic use of the English language, and each edition has overhauled the game's rules such that relying on previous edition knowledge would trip you up.

 

[keterys]

Str doing more for two-handed use was something only around in 3rd edition (ie, not B,1,2,or 4 - just 3). There are all kinds of random things like that - some folks will remember Will saves, some won't have ever seen them. Some will be so glad that rod, stave, wands saves are gone, but find that you have the same chance to save in 4e really odd. Some folks will miss Touch AC or Spell Resistance. *shrug*

 

[Amaroq]

The part you're wrong about isn't the "requires special language" part, it's the "unlike previous editions". Every edition has had a large amount of idiosyncratic use of the English language, and each edition has overhauled the game's rules such that relying on previous edition knowledge would trip you up.

Yeah. We've begun using the phrase "its a keyword" in rules discussions at our gaming table - it really helps, actually. Though our definition of "keyword" doesn't match the "official" list of keywords, we use it to describe any action, check, attribute, property, type, etc, which has a formal definition in the 4e rules. So, "Arcane", "Grab", "Escape", "Teleportation Circle", "Immediate Reaction", "Mark", "Cover", and "Zone" might all be subject to that phrase.

Basically, it gets used any time an experienced player is trying to argue a rules point on common sense or previous editions, "its a keyword" reminds them to go look it up in 4e.

 

[BobTheNob]

Hint to OP : If you want to leverage damage on a two hander, the Power Attack feat is a good place to start, but there are alot of other option too.

Also remember. Higher dice type has a more profound effect in 4e than it did in the past

 

[Larrin]

First rule of 4e: Forget everything you know from 3.5.

.....I thought it went: The first rule of 4e is that you don't talk about 3.5.
its very similar to the second rule of 4e.

 

[Walking Dad]

I love 4th edition and will defend it on all counts, but this thread illustrates a point James Maliszewski makes on his Grognardia blog, that, unlike the early editions, 4th edition requires an entirely different language. (Although he also says the same about 3rd edition.) He writes that communication between different D&D schools is becoming much more difficult. (I somewhat disagree obviously since I happily read his blog about old school stuff.)

I bolded the most important part of the post.

 

[two]

I love 4th edition and will defend it on all counts, but this thread illustrates a point James Maliszewski makes on his Grognardia blog, that, unlike the early editions, 4th edition requires an entirely different language. (Although he also says the same about 3rd edition.) He writes that communication between different D&D schools is becoming much more difficult. (I somewhat disagree obviously since I happily read his blog about old school stuff.)

This is a good example of people taking things way, way, way too seriously.

Unless "entirely different language" means "20-30 terms (at most) have slightly different definitions", it's an absurd exaggeration and frankly pretentious.

"Communication between different D&D schools is becoming much more difficult?"

As in, it takes an additional sentence every minute or two to clarify some obscure 4e point?

I can communicate with people in other cultures, and we don't even share the same language. I can communicate with my dog. I can even communicate with my cat.

And somebody is blathering about the difficulty of talking to gamers in English about another game in English where all involved likely share the same culture and, heck, probably even the same gaming background?

Get over yourselves. Thanks.

Admin here. It's pretty easy to make your point without being rude and dismissive. Re-read this post and ask yourself, "Is someone reading this going to think I sound like a jerk?" Doing so is a good rule, especially when posting about something that irritates you. ~ PCat

Eh, whatever.