1d12 Questions with James Wyatt
by NewbieDM
Reported by AsmodeusLore
NewbieDM tweets to let us know that he had the chance to interview James Wyatt, author of the upcoming release, Dungeon Master's Guide 2.
Talk about this Interview here.
The referance to a new mechanic for Dark Sun intrigues me... When the previews starting?
It's been said that D&D Experience will have preview information for upcoming releases.
I know that means PHB3 content, but some nagging part of my brain tells me that bits and pieces of DarkSun will be included as well.
It's been said that D&D Experience will have preview information for upcoming releases.
I know that means PHB3 content, but some nagging part of my brain tells me that bits and pieces of DarkSun will be included as well.
as much as I would not mind DS stuff in those previews (loaded into the builder) I think (ok hope) for more of a series of Design and development stuff for DS before it comes out. Maybe even if it olny hints at and doesnot give the full power of the new stiff
as much as I would not mind DS stuff in those previews (loaded into the builder) I think (ok hope) for more of a series of Design and development stuff for DS before it comes out. Maybe even if it olny hints at and doesnot give the full power of the new stuff
Yeah, I'm not at ALL versed in DarkSun, so I'd love to heard that stuff too.
I suspect that what we'll see at DDXP will be things like:
- Hearing R&D talk a little about DarkSun - especially in the context of the books being release
- A chance (perhaps) to play with some of the crunch at the show
You're right, however - as nice as that is, it shouldn't preclude Dragon articles talking more about what's going into the mix. 
It's been said that D&D Experience will have preview information for upcoming releases.
I know that means PHB3 content, but some nagging part of my brain tells me that bits and pieces of DarkSun will be included as well.
Actually IIRC, during one of the Thursday Seminars at GenCon it was implied that there will be an adventure based in the new setting (they had not yet announced it).
Huge thanks for that link/interview!
The DS quote is really interesting, because it suggests they are not providing even a single new class (when the DS boards have been fill of talk about which classes they would include and how, such as Defilers, Preservers, Templars, Athasian Bards, Athasian Elemental/Paraelemental Clerics, etc. which are such huge departures in DS from the mechanics for other worlds). What they might provide is instead a common conversion mechanic... that would be really awesome if it works, but might leave a lot to be desired in the "keep Athas as Athas" department.
Am I the only one blone away to hear him say "I don’t have a lot of insight into how people are using them out in the real world" with regards to skill challenges? I mean, there is a terrific amount of data, just on these very boards, let alone from the LFR admins. I'm surprised. He also says the DMG2 has an example... the DMG has several... but he says it as if it is a new thing. Hmmm.... Maybe this is just one of those blinders areas because he knows Mearls has it covered?
On the RP side, not necessarily critical of what he was saying, but it seemed to suggest that RP is just fine and its just about presenting a new technique. My read is that most people heavily into RP have no real problem getting RP from 4E, but those in between or new can really suffer because the system does little to suggest it. A badly run skill challenge is devoid of RP, combat is highly tactical... a new DM/player has little to really give them that and the game is so nicely fleshed out that you don't really have the empty spaces that begged for RP before. I'm not sure the storytelling will cover the issue. I think the DMG(3?) needs direct attention, from an RP side, to core skill and combat sections.
Great interview, and I look forward to more! (And I'm excited for the DMG2)
I wouldn't mind seeing soem Dark Sun info. I never played the setting and know only a little from people who have played it. My knowledge amounts to:
1. Magic is bad for the environment (where's Al Gore when you need him?)
2. Steel is scarce
3. Psionics abound
4. You die quick
5. If you walk out of town before you're at least 18th level you need to roll a new PC.
Did I miss anything?
Did I miss anything?
:-) Yes!
There is a lot to the "it's different", but the beauty of it was in how those differences make/made for a really engaging setting. It was one of those settings that felt really super-immersive. You could picture the rags on your gladiator, the burned skin, the chipped obsidian sword, the insanity of the danger of trying to help the Veiled Alliance against a Sorcerer King, etc. It had so much flavor and you really were able to enjoy that.
Every change seemed to fit. Poisoner jester Athasian bards hired by noble families to entertain/poison other families, while they did the same in return... just awesome.