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Vox Populi Forum |
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Message: I HAVE read the 4th edition rules, and your understanding is half correct. I wouldn't say the rules are simplified, since, the first session I played of 4th Edition, it took a table full of gamers (and one via Skype)... with all but but being (dare I say it) BETTER gamers pretty much the entire session to figure out basic things in the rules. I would agree that the design has come full circle. The Rules set of most MMORPGs are obviously modified AD&D mechanics, and now the D&D mechanics are obviously modified MMORPG mechanics. Basically, character generation and advancement comes down to this: Create stats. Apply racial modfiers to stats. Pick Character Class---this archaic and outmoded school of game design works well for computer games which have to be rigidly coded and for human players with no imagination. Character class is given a choice of five minor powers. Player picks 3. Character is given a choice of four medium powers. Pick 2. Character is given choice of 3 major powers. Pick 1. Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Loot Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Loot Loot Loot Loot Pillage. Level up. Character class is given a choice of five minor powers. Player picks 3. Character is given a choice of four medium powers. Pick 2. Character is given choice of 3 major powers. Pick 1. Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Loot Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill Loot Loot Loot Loot Pillage. Level up. With luck, you have a DM (Can we lose "Dungeon Master," please? Maybe I'm and old pervert now, but I think a "Dungeon Master" needs to be wearing a leather "Gimp" mask.) who will actually inject characterization into the session. I've been gaming for 30 years come Xmas (Ironically, that would make my gaming history the same age as Cutlass and Era Ten), and I can't believe that only one other RPG designer has come close to creating a system as good as Free Style. That's John Tweet's "Over the Edge." (Hmmmm... What I should do is take John Tweet's Character Creation system--the best ever created, with a good ref to moderate it--and combine it with Red and Conrad's Ignobles--the best experience system ever invented, with a good ref to moderate it.) Insert all "TM's" where needed, above. Yours, Triem23 (Mike) Message Replies: |
   
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