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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MrMyth" data-source="post: 5413587" data-attributes="member: 61155">I can't really speak much towards D&D Encounters. But I'm not sure how on target the other two examples are. The points about the Virtual Tabletop are good ones, but... I'm more inclined to blame its limitations on WotC's programming resources (or lack thereof) than any overarching design philosophy.  As for Essentials, Rituals may be absent for reasons of complexity. But out of combat abilities are certainly present. Ranger and Druid wilderness tricks. A Thief's skill mastery benefits. A Hexblade's Lesser Planar Ally. Etc. All elements previously the domain of rituals that they instead built directly into these classes.   I'm not so sure about that. Epic Destinies seems a very direct reflection of this viewpoint. But they are, admittedly, very late game. Paragon Paths too, in theory, though I think they have become more diluted than they needed to. If they had the same sort of focus as Epic Destinies then I think that would address your concerns directly.  But as it is, the Tiers are a very clear recognition of how characters, and their effect on the world, grows over the course of a campaign. And Paragon Paths and Epic Destinies give specific story hooks for characters to attach their ambition to and work towards.  I may agree that more could be done in this vein, but certainly don't think you can claim that 4E is completely lacking in this sphere.   Have you read the DMG2? It offers quite a few tools on 'diversifying a bit'. Xp rewards for quests, the skill challenge system, xp based on pure roleplaying alone - all of these elements are in the game. We've got an upcoming book that may be bringing back crafting elements and similar secondary skils. We've got a ton more background and story potential alongside our monsters and classes in the most recent products. Our upcoming magic item book sounds like it will be much the same. Dragon is currently under heavy criticism for having too much focus on flavor and background and RP advice.  Every indication I can see is that since the release of 4E, WotC has put more and more focus on the things you are asking for. If it is an issue with the game, it seems to be one they have been attempting to address.   I don't think those are the standard definitions of fluff and crunch.  You say that 'the play of imagination within fantasy worlds' is the factor to be 'explored and nourished'. How? WotC have been adding more and more flavor and background to content in the last year. Is this what you are looking for? The recent content in Dragon magazine, the Essentials line - if they aren't what you are looking for, then what is? A book full of alternate approaches to running the game, innovative RP encounters, and similar elements? That's basically the DMG2, right?</blockquote>

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