D&D 4E What I'd Like to See in D&D® 4e

[broghammerj]

Drop the stupid weapon sizes. Where were the legions of gamers saying this needed to be added into the game? I think this was incorporated to 3.5 to add to the list of things they supposedly "enhanced/fixed". Logically I agree that a "small" longsword wielded by a halfling should do less damage than a human wielding a longsword. However, logic got thrown out the window when you consider the abilities for all the races. A halfling with Str 16 is the same as a human with Str 16. Therefore he should be able to wield a longsword with equal damaging potential.

 

[Desdichado]

Quite honestly, I couldn't care less. Since d20 publishers started taking a few more risks lately, and stretching a bit farther beyond the D&D paradigm with d20, I've got all the optional rules I could possibly want. The only thing I want 4e to have is something that I didn't see coming that really rocks. Anything else I could want, I effectively already have.

 

[WayneLigon]

Personally, I think we've already seen a large part of D&D 4E in d20 Modern. Once d20 Modern: d20 Past comes out (covering Age of Sail through WWI it seems), then how long is it until we see 'd20 Ancient' or 'd20 Fantasy'?

I'd change the magic system, just chuck it out and redo it. It's past time to cut the cord on this one, and to heck with those who said 'It'll keep D&D from being D&D'. The outcry has gone up with every edition change so far.

 

[Dark Psion]

Lets' see;

Raise Character level to 30th

Have Core classes, Advanced Clases, Prestige Classes and Legendary Classes.

Have four powers, Arcane opposing Nature and Divine opposing Psionics. They would interact like the four elements do.

Action Points, Taint, Honor, Reputation and Crafting points as options.

Make Professions like D20 Modern Occupations and add Allegiances.

Add a system for the Prestige classes that takes into account Spellcasters/ Manifesters might want to take a PrC that does not have "+1 Level".

 

[Ry]

I'll second the calls for a simpler / chucked magic system. Besides combat conditions, of all the things that confuse, that's about the highest.

Fewer options included in the Player's Handbook, more options/variants/advanced stuff in the DMG (or UA4E, or whatever).

 

[Greatwyrm]

A halfling with Str 16 is the same as a human with Str 16. Therefore he should be able to wield a longsword with equal damaging potential.

But a Str 16 small creature and a Str 16 medium creature don't have the same Str. The small one carries, lifts, and drags less. Why wouldn't they do less damage with the same weapon?

 

[Greylock]

Art by Luis Royo and Hyung Tae Kim.

I had a sarcastic remark about "More Babes!" queued up and ready to go, but your suggestion will suffice. As long as we are talking winged, elven devilish babes,

More combat maneuvers and options.

That, too. The Book of Iron Might is great, but I can't imagine either DM I know going with it unless the ideas are core.

 

[broghammerj]

I've never understood everyone's disdain for the current magic system? People seem to be really unhappy with the memorization of spells. I'm not sure what actual rules people would like to see. I don't know what system AU uses since I don't own the book. I've used spell point buy from 2nd ed Spell's and Magic which I really enjoyed. Hey if my 15th level mage wants to memorize 20 magic missles and no fire balls then go for it. I like the flexibility.

It seems that many don't like the description of spell casting: memorization, after a long period of preparation, followed by erasure of the spell from the wizard's memory after casting. OK I agree this sort of sounds stupid, but you could easily change how magic works in you campaign. It simply is a means to an end. Describe it differently such as a wizard can only call upon his internal energy so many times per day before it saps his strength and he must rest.

Not to thread hijack but here goes:

What do people propose for a new system?

Do you dislike it for the description of how magic works or is it the actual spells per level per day restrictions?

If you want people to be able stack caster levels how do you intend to keep them balance compared to other classes? A 20th level wizard has half of the spell selection that a 10th level cleric/10th level wizard (ie a 20th level caster).

I think magic should be changed if something better comes along. It's not a sacred cow since sacred cows don't evolve. There is just a lot of magic hate and I don't clearly understand why.

 

[Darkness]

Do you dislike it for the description of how magic works or is it the actual spells per level per day restrictions?

I don't like the concept.

I don't really like spells per level per day either but I can live with it.

So my preference (as far as mechanics go) is: Psion > Sorcerer >> Wizard

 

[broghammerj]

But a Str 16 small creature and a Str 16 medium creature don't have the same Str. The small one carries, lifts, and drags less. Why wouldn't they do less damage with the same weapon?

I stand corrected and learned something new. I actually looked up carrying capacity and never knew it was adjusted for size. I guess I yearn for older editions when for the sake of simplicity a Str of 16 was a Str of 16 for everyone. The ability scores were the same and could be used for comparison.