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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Michael Morris" data-source="post: 3707621" data-attributes="member: 87">1st 4e seminar notesAlso posted on the news page. Discuss.The following is some of the information that came out during the 2 PM (CT) seminar here at Gencon concerning 4th edition.Mike Mearls is the lead developer for 4th edition. The other panelists where Rich Baker, Andy Collins and Bill Slavesiek<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The 3.5 Rules Compendium will be something of a last hurrah for 3e, "A celebration and compilation" (Bill Slavesiek). The book will feature an encyclopedia like layout and have designer commentaries on why the rules were structured are the way they are.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Many of the products between now and may will have 4e material for them on D&D Insider</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Elder Evils was discussed. It is a compilation of mini adventures structured around famous super monsters that aren't quite god level in power such as Kezef Chaos Hound and Dendar the Night Serpent.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Some new monsters from the 4e Monster Manual will debut in D&D miniatures in November</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Books that are being put out between now and May will be of an "edition proof" nature.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Dungeon Survival Guide was discussed. It will be a pictorial tabletop / coffeetop book that takes you through famous dungeons in D&D including the Tomb of Horrors and the original Castle Ravenloft.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Innfighting was announced - it is a non collectabale dice game designed by Rob Heisno. It is to dice what Three Dragon Ante was to cards.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In the Forgotten Realms A Grand History of the Realms will be released as a book. This is an adaptation of the web release of the same name with new art and additional entries from authors including Ed Greenwood and Eric Boyd.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Wizards Presents series will lead into 4e. To products where discussed - classes and races; and worlds and monsters.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">April will have an introductory adventure with quick start materials for 4e.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The cover of the Player's Handbook cover is finalized. DMG and MM are close to final.</li> </ul>Here are some highlights among the quesitons asked.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">How many core classes - this question was repeatedly avoided until it was admitted there would be fewer than the current number (11). How fewer and who was cut wasn't discussed.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Character classes which haven't been classes before now have resources to manage similar to spells.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Character Powers are to be sorted into at will, per encounter and per day.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Vancian 'spell slots' will be reduced in how much they control a caster's total ability.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Encounters are going to be wholly redesigned</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Monsters will have roles outlined in the MM. Monster design will be more open ended. Not all monsters will have information necessary to make them playable characters.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Monster Manual is 288 pages and the DMG 256 pages</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Assumed world that will be "points of light in a dark world."</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Question of whether Greyhawk will be the the default world was avoided, however Greyhawk proper names will remain.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">To the question of whether XP will be required to make magic items Andy Collins replied, "No, Hell No."  How magic items will be made in character wasn't discussed beyond a vague statement that you wouldn't be burning a feat on it, and out of character the structure of magic item creation will become more loosened.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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