Post/Author/DateTime	Post
zooooma 02-15-06, 01:09 PM	I haven't played D&D for about eight years. My daughter (and newfews, etc) are old enough and interested so I am going to run some adventures for them I have not played since 2nd edition. I would like to keep the kids up to date, but it would require time to learn the new system. How much better is 3rd edition, and what are the major changes? Thanks for any imput. -Luke
StormKnight 02-15-06, 01:19 PM	Some things are going to be very familiar; others will be just familiar enough to make you think you know what's going on, only to confuse you because it has actually changed! Overall, 3.5 is a more consistent, integrated system. Its got more rule options for giving different characters different abilities, and for tweaking and customizing characters to taste. A lot of the rules look the same. Stats are the same, though the bonus scale is slightly different. You'll still find hit points. AC, however, is now on a scale where higher is better; the AC is simply the number needed to hit the target. So you need to roll an 18 or more to hit AC 18. This is also how the entire skill system works; roll a D20, add the relevant skill, try to beat the target (called the DC). Multi-classing is very clear and easily defined. Combat is also well defined; there's probably a rule for almost every action you want to take. This can be a bit overwhelming at first! My suggestion would be to start with the basic combat rules (which are very easy to learn) and gradually add in things like tripping, grappling, bull-rushes and such as you go, since they can be much more complicated. Overall, I do think 3.5 is an improvement over earlier editions if you want a tactically oriented system with characters improving over a wide power scale and a lot of options for "building" characters. If you want something else, I recommend another system than D&D entirely.
Seeker95 02-15-06, 03:26 PM	I've been playing since 1978. I have enjoyed every edition that has been released. That said, I think you should go ahead and run with the newest edition. Your daughter and nephews are likely to enjoy the game as much as you did (and will), and they will want to be able to get and use the new stuff. If you have any doubts about whether your daughter would really like it, then go ahead and use your old stuff until you get sonfirmation that she is hooked.
Ranger REG 02-16-06, 04:13 AM	How much better is 3rd edition, and what are the major changes? 1. No THAC0. AC value improves by going up not down. 2. Nonweapon Proficiencies and Thieving Skills are now rank-based Skills, paid by skill point every level. 3. Fighting styles and special abilities that you pay with Weapon Proficiency slots are now called Feats. 4. Dwarf Wizard, Elf Paladin, Halfling Barbarian, and Half-Orc Monk. 5. D&D is supported by third-party d20 products. WotC lawyers less paranoid about going after anyone making money off of D&D. 6. Multiclassing is streamlined. A 9th-level character can have 4 class levels of Fighter and 5 class levels of Wizard.
Alac Luin 02-16-06, 11:04 AM	Saves from 5 obscure save (death magic/ PP&P / etc) to 3- Reflex, Willpower, Fortitude Much easier to figure out. In all, it would take only slightly longer to learn 3.5 then re-familiarizing with 2 ed rules.