Psion
Adventurer
Posted this on ROE, though it should go here, too.
(...)
And actually, if people bothered to read the catalog blurb, it answers a lot of concerns and questions. The following are what I think are the important points of what these will look like:
Each of the D&D core rulebooks has been revised and updated for clarity and content.
Okay... I would hope/expect that would be the case. SWRCRB and D20 modern handle many skill and combat rules better than the core rulebooks and I would welcome such revisions.
Each revision intergrates user feedback received since the original product release so as to address the specific wants and needs of the player and DM audiences.
This worries me. Users have harped on many things that need change (monk and paladin class restrictions, skill focus, rangers, harm), but many have groused on things that do not need changed IMNSHO (weakening the cleric and/or monk comes to mind)
The overall rules system remains intact, with changes targeted specifically at elements of game play that were considered under-powered or incomplete.
This gives me a little comfort, as it kills some of the more annoying "it's too powerful" whines.
These revised editions also contain bonus content, such as new feats, that are exclusive to these editions.
Marketing at work here...
In addition, the new and revised content instructs players on how to take full advantage on the tie-in D&D miniatures line planned to release in Fall 2003 from WotC.
I could give a rats patootie about the tie-in minuatures line, and will continue using minis the way I always have.
Overall changes to all the titles include making complex combat easier to understand and provide more information on interaction with and summoning monsters.
Fixing summoning monsters? Can I get a "hell yeah!"
Revised Players Handbook received revisions to character classes to make them more balanced, and there are revisions and additions to spell lists.
I worry. I think the only class that really need revision is ranger, and most of its problems aren't balance problems per se, but flexibility and front-loading problems.
Changes have been made to the item creation rules and pricing,
This makes me wonder. At the very least, I hope they fixed boots of speed.
and there are new prestige classes included.
Probably recycled, but I hope to see some new ones.
There is also expanded advice on how to run a campaign.
Big deal.
Revised Monster Manual now contains adjusted layout that makes the monsters statistics easier to understand and use.
This is unclear to me. Is this a new PAGE layout or a new stat block format?
There will be some new illustrations and a new index,
Don't see the problem with existing illos with a few minor exceptions (displacer beast seems to the the most rued one, and unber hulk is also not loved by old timers.) Really, the book that need new illustrations is the PHB.
and there is now expanded information on monster classes and playing monsters as heroes.
I wonder if this is just a repackaging of the ECL system that has appeared in all the cap books. At any rate, it probably means a lot of ECLs.
These revisions are fuly compatible with existing backlist products,
And, dare I ask, d20 fantasy products? I can only hope, but this statement is what I consider most important.
Each revision includes some premium content from products that followed the original core rulebook release.
Already discussed
The total amount of new and revised material is appproximately 25%.
New to the books or brand new?
These new editions will have revised covers that reflect and refresh the line look established upon the inital release of the titles.
Could give a crap.
There you have it. Most questions and concerns are addressed somewhere in there. The blurb here was much more informative than the press release.
(...)
And actually, if people bothered to read the catalog blurb, it answers a lot of concerns and questions. The following are what I think are the important points of what these will look like:
Each of the D&D core rulebooks has been revised and updated for clarity and content.
Okay... I would hope/expect that would be the case. SWRCRB and D20 modern handle many skill and combat rules better than the core rulebooks and I would welcome such revisions.
Each revision intergrates user feedback received since the original product release so as to address the specific wants and needs of the player and DM audiences.
This worries me. Users have harped on many things that need change (monk and paladin class restrictions, skill focus, rangers, harm), but many have groused on things that do not need changed IMNSHO (weakening the cleric and/or monk comes to mind)
The overall rules system remains intact, with changes targeted specifically at elements of game play that were considered under-powered or incomplete.
This gives me a little comfort, as it kills some of the more annoying "it's too powerful" whines.
These revised editions also contain bonus content, such as new feats, that are exclusive to these editions.
Marketing at work here...
In addition, the new and revised content instructs players on how to take full advantage on the tie-in D&D miniatures line planned to release in Fall 2003 from WotC.
I could give a rats patootie about the tie-in minuatures line, and will continue using minis the way I always have.
Overall changes to all the titles include making complex combat easier to understand and provide more information on interaction with and summoning monsters.
Fixing summoning monsters? Can I get a "hell yeah!"
Revised Players Handbook received revisions to character classes to make them more balanced, and there are revisions and additions to spell lists.
I worry. I think the only class that really need revision is ranger, and most of its problems aren't balance problems per se, but flexibility and front-loading problems.
Changes have been made to the item creation rules and pricing,
This makes me wonder. At the very least, I hope they fixed boots of speed.
and there are new prestige classes included.
Probably recycled, but I hope to see some new ones.
There is also expanded advice on how to run a campaign.
Big deal.
Revised Monster Manual now contains adjusted layout that makes the monsters statistics easier to understand and use.
This is unclear to me. Is this a new PAGE layout or a new stat block format?
There will be some new illustrations and a new index,
Don't see the problem with existing illos with a few minor exceptions (displacer beast seems to the the most rued one, and unber hulk is also not loved by old timers.) Really, the book that need new illustrations is the PHB.
and there is now expanded information on monster classes and playing monsters as heroes.
I wonder if this is just a repackaging of the ECL system that has appeared in all the cap books. At any rate, it probably means a lot of ECLs.
These revisions are fuly compatible with existing backlist products,
And, dare I ask, d20 fantasy products? I can only hope, but this statement is what I consider most important.
Each revision includes some premium content from products that followed the original core rulebook release.
Already discussed
The total amount of new and revised material is appproximately 25%.
New to the books or brand new?
These new editions will have revised covers that reflect and refresh the line look established upon the inital release of the titles.
Could give a crap.
There you have it. Most questions and concerns are addressed somewhere in there. The blurb here was much more informative than the press release.
I like the current covers, but if we must change them, please make them something I don't have to be embarrased to let my in-laws see. Pretty please?
Seeing my amazement, he then folded and unfolded the book from top-to-bottom! He used the book for at least 2 more years, and it was still intact, although the cover was getting rather, um, limp.
