Comments on: Fear of a 4E Planet

By: Indiana Joe

Indiana Joe — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:31:51 +0000

I’m midway through the DMG (after reading the PHB), and I’m surprised at how much material is aimed at the novice. How to set up combat encounters. How to set up non-combat challenges. Adventure design. Campaign design. It’s really quite a slick package.

By: The Emperor

The Emperor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:22:18 +0000

I’ve essentially finished ‘reading’ the books to my satisfaction. Pound through the PHB, a few thoughtful hours on the DMG, and a quick read of the front of the MM, and a read through 1 monster in detail.

I feel a loss of ‘realism’ and Grit was the intent, forming a more ‘wonderous’ D&D. IF D&D 4E is ‘The Lord of the Rings’ writ Peter Jackson, then perhaps 3.x was more ‘The 13th Warrior’. I think there are some fun ideas, some reasonable sacrifices, and some new mechanics on old ideas (I like rituals, for instance).

I also like the section in the DMG about why some PLAYERS play D&D, so a DM can address them. Worth a read.
I look forward to trying it out with Smite as my 4E GM But I may start a 3.5 campaign too. I don’t think it should go totally away (like 2E)

By: Hunter Rose

Hunter Rose — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:14:02 +0000

I , also agreed with the observed increase of tactical elements.

I don't use miniatures in the game I DM, but in upgrading to 4th edition. I don't see how I can avoid using then without devaluing certain powers--especially those dealing with movement.

OTOH, I see many opportunities for classes to build off of each other in combat. More teamwork and less grandstanding in battle might be a good thing at some tables.

By: Llachglin

Llachglin — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:24:27 +0000

I’m making my way through the PHB right now, and I think your analysis is right on. This will simplify character creation and balance character roles and character advancement. They’ve focused on the right things–I can wait for the druid and monk, I don’t miss gnomes, I prefer the new system of planes, and I can live with the two new races, the half-baked alignment changes, and the decision to integrate specific deities into the basic system. It’s easy enough to try it as is, and then ignore or rework what I don’t like when I develop my own campaign.

The one concern I have is the one you mention–it looks even more combat-centered and tactical than before, and I’m someone who enjoys sessions with less emphasis on those elements. But with a more streamlined system, I think that time will be more fun (and because it’s more predictable and balanced, less disruptive to my planning as DM) so it won’t be something I come to dread as I did with 3rd edition.