D&D v 5.0

Not sure how they are planning the progression from play-test materials to final product. They're giving the impression nothing is set in stone yet.

I think with this playtest release WoTC are trying to find out if they can rope in the Grogs by doing something that builds on the D&D heritage and if their current playerbase can accept a play-style (vancian magic, frequent PC death / running away ) which is rooted in earlier editions.

From what I've seen so far on the Wizards D&D boards, it looks like they're doing "theatre of the mind" which is more like descriptive, figure free AD&D and the option of doing battle board with minis (4th edition style) for the climactic 'big' fights.

Dave

I skipped fourth edition. Is it the same style battle boards with minis as third edition?

Same grid and minis. In 4th, its just more complicated and there are many more options for players. (this has pros and cons)

Looks like its true, they are really trying to "unite" all the different edition factions together.

I say good luck to them.

Dave

Not entirely sure how practicable it'll work out to be, but I have to give 'em points for the attempt.

It looks interesting.

From what I can tell they are designing add-ons for maneuver and tactical grid style combat. So you can play a basic theatre of the mind game or a more rules heavy grid system war game.


So far I like it.

Can you do BOTH in the same game i.e. have characters that are built for "grid combat" wargame skirmish style but who are also equally optimised for the more old school AD&D style game i.e. Theatre of the Mind?

If you can, that would be awesome. Small combats would be done TOTM style and the climactic, dangerous fights can be done with figures and Dwarven Forge!

Dave

As I understand the game the answer is absolutely. The rules are optional add-ons that you can insert anytime.

The latest news is that fighters are going to be more complex and dangerous at higher levels and the more abused wizard spells will be toned down. Fighters will have a variety of attack/defense options with reduced damage i.e. trip, etc. I am very used to the "I hit it!" fighter so this is something I will have to adjust to.

Characters will have a background that gives them some in game advantages and skills and a specialty (used to be called theme) that defines how they use their class, such as a slayer (that always damages even on a miss), or Guardian (makes it tough to hit a defended ally).

Thanks for the update Cthulhu!

I'm starting to get excited about it now!
I've just spent my golden voucher by placing an order with Richard. I need large posses of goblins, cultists and skeletons painted up before the next edition comes out!

Dave

On the other hand, Hasbro has reprinted the 1st edition AD&D core books, too: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/product.aspx?x=...dndacc/02410000

1E for me!

Keynote address live streamed from GenCon tonight (7pm EDT) - The future of Dungeons and Dragons.

Cheers Wayne.

New Playtest Materials available for D&D Next:

This playtest packet includes magic items, some updated monsters, and a revised version of Caves of Chaos.

Cheers W.

Looking good. I like the way they are trying to enable groups to play the way they want to i.e. figures and grid for some battles and others without. I also like the fact that they appear to be concentrating on making a relatively small but good "core" of rules and making everything else modular!

Dave

Latest from Wizards....

"Today, we have a new playtest packet for you. This packet includes several exciting, new pieces of content, as well as some updates to previously released materials. Some highlights include:
•Cleric, Fighter, Monk, Rogue, and Wizard, levels 1 – 20.
•High level spells in support of the cleric and wizard.
•More monsters, including new monsters in support of levels 11 - 20.
• The Mud Sorcerer’s Tomb, an adventure for four 14th-level characters.
•More options for feats and specialties.

If you’re looking for more opportunities to playtest D&D Next, get ready, because starting February 6, 2013, D&D Encounters™ will support D&D Next, in addition to 4th Edition. Through a set of online conversion rules, which will be released on dndnext.com in January, a Dungeon Master can convert Against the Cult of Chaos™ to D&D Next."

Cheers Wayne.

Next lot of playtest materials are available for download from Wotc. Includes revisions to previous material, as well as new content in the form of the paladin, the ranger, the druid, and spells of those classes.
Cheers W.