5e announced!

[Ken of Ghastria]

Same feelings here. I'm pleasantly surprised by all the news this week.

And Alhoon, here's some info today about the online magazines (via Twitter):

#ddxp Q: Are you happy with the digital versions of Dungeon/Dragon? Any physical copies? A: We've considered doing collections again. -- geeksdreamgirl (@geeksdreamgirl)

[ewancummins]

Okay, here's some real info on the new edition so far, thanks to Saracenus on the Canonfire! forums:

D&D 5th edition: What we know about "D&D Next"

D&D XP Seminars:
Day 1: Charting the Course: An Edition for all Editions
Day 2: Class Design: From Assassins to Wizards

I have to say, many of my fears have already been allayed. I like what I'm hearing so far.

I really like what I've read thus far!

It seems they aren't going with me 'safe bet' 4E-based game, but really are trying to create a system that draws on older editions as well as 4E. I think that's a harder thing to achieve, a more difficult goal. I salute them for thinking big.


I'm especially pleased to see that Vancian magic will be core, and that magic items will (probably) no longer be assumed in character progression.

I'm stoked about a basic/starters boxed set.

[Jester of the FoS]

I'm tentatively excited by 5e. But my group seems committed to Pathfinder so I might end-up passing on delaying on the edition.

[HuManBing]

It seems they aren't going with me 'safe bet' 4E-based game, but really are trying to create a system that draws on older editions as well as 4E. I think that's a harder thing to achieve, a more difficult goal. I salute them for thinking big.

Yes, they appear to be trying for a limited form of a "universal system" which can incorporate their prior editions. I wish them luck - they will have their work cut out for them, given the various legacy features they have to wrestle with. Every choice of inclusion or exclusion of a past edition's features will likely give rise to some displeasure across their fanbase.

The best approach may be a broad array of optional rules and discretionary mechanics that allow some reasonable approximation of the main features of past editions, but this would involve a significant amount of playtesting for balance. Space considerations are also a minor concern, but if they embrace online publication this would fade.

Either way, I've tried Tristat dX and GURPS and a few other dedicated universal systems by design houses that have long experience making them, and which don't have nearly as much legacy impedimenta to lug around as DnD does. My stance is still that Wizards' primary experience lies in making a large number of assumptions about their gaming flavor (heroic fantasy, cinematic combat, protagonists and villains that are clearly superhuman) and then creating a system that supports all those assumptions - and features specific settings that capture player imagination. Prior universal gaming systems from TSR/Wizards (Amazing Engine, Alternity) did focus more on flexible rulesets and had relatively thinner setting details, but they failed to play to the strengths of their writers - and the market penetration reflects this.

Also, Vancian magic makes my gladiatorial panda warrior roar incoherently in throttled rage, and kick a pumpkin so hard it orbits the known world twice before decapitating a nearby odalisque the following Thursday.

[Lost Heretic]

Also, Vancian magic makes my gladiatorial panda warrior roar incoherently in throttled rage, and kick a pumpkin so hard it orbits the known world twice before decapitating a nearby odalisque the following Thursday.

Well, they could easily just make the Wizard a Vancian class and the Sorcerer an "at-will" class right in the PHB. That way both sides would have an option from the get-go.

[HuManBing]

But they still owe me an odalisque!

[Jester of the FoS]

It seems they aren't going with me 'safe bet' 4E-based game, but really are trying to create a system that draws on older editions as well as 4E. I think that's a harder thing to achieve, a more difficult goal. I salute them for thinking big.


I'm especially pleased to see that Vancian magic will be core, and that magic items will (probably) no longer be assumed in character progression.

They're really not going "safe" with the return to full vancian magic and fighters without powers. They really do seem to be going for a retro-feel.

I'm stoked about a basic/starters boxed set.

WotC hasn't wowed me with a starter set since, well, Basic D&D. The 3e ones were only good for the included minis. And the 4e ones were terrible and content sparse. Good value for a weekend of fun, yes, but not that much below the starter books in price point so it made sense to get those instead, and nothing else of value once you had the other books.

[Gonzoron of the FoS]

This quote alone makes me hopeful:
"Bruce: 4e took Vancian magic and gave it to all classes. We're bringing it back to the part of D&D where it belongs. Fighters have their version of abilities and options as well, but it will have a different feel than the vancian magic for arcane stuff. "

[Starglyte]

I was more excited about the mention that some Ravenloft is coming to DDI. When and what, they wouldn't say.

I like what they are saying in the abilities seminar.

[Jester of the FoS]

Saving throws are also returning as an avoidance mechanic and races will have negatives.
They're really taking a step back.

[Bluebomber4evr]

I have no problem with either of those things returning.

[Jester of the FoS]

Neither do I. 5e might really have some potential.

[ewancummins]

Yup.

I also like the comment about art direction. The last two editions definitely went too far into 'shiny, pretty superhero' territory for me. I'm hopeful that the new art direction will be more diverse, and include a fair amount of 'old school' stuff.

Bring back a measure of grit. Give us some dungeoneers who look the part. I want to see some scars, five o' clock shadow, scuffed boots, armor that looks designed for actual combat. Let's see some delving gear; lanterns, backpacks,TEN FOOT POLES! Where are the scurvy thieves and hard-bitten fighting men? Let's see pictures in which the heroes are actually doing stuff, not just standing around in 'cool' poses. Let's see some action. Let's see a hero losing, dammit. Let's see a monster eating a 'PC.' Yes, and give us an overweight hobbit with food stains on his shirt.



YMMV

[ewancummins]

Saving throws are also returning as an avoidance mechanic and races will have negatives.
They're really taking a step back.

Those are steps towards my wallet.

[Bluebomber4evr]

Neither do I. 5e might really have some potential.

Ah, I misunderstood. I thought you meant that as a negative.