Compile the Playtest Articles - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Compile the Playtest Articles

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Dragon9
Apr 01, 2009 16:12:41 I speak on behalf of a lot of other RPGA players. Please start putting the Playtest articles back in the compiled issues of Dragon. Playtest stuff is not usable in RPGA games unless it's in a compiled issue.

You're (WotC that is) missing out on a sizable playtest group by leaving it out.

Yes I know, we could always play in home games... some of us don't have that luxury, unfortunately. There's a lot of people who play RPGA only.
#2
kouk
Apr 04, 2009 22:05:14 Sometimes the playtest articles are literally in need of serious playtesting. I think it's wisest to not allow most playtest material if it isn't clearly "almost done."

It can prevent RPGA characters being made that end up too strong or too weak relative to existing classes (though published classes of course have this issue too).

It also prevents a character that may have been through several adventures becoming "unplayable" to the player once the final form of the class is out, if the player no longer likes the direction it went in.

I'd be more upset if I was playtesting a class for a long time and really liking the character, and then it comes out in a book and is significantly different to the point I didn't like playing it any more -- as opposed to just not playing it in the first place.
#3
WolfStar76
Apr 05, 2009 15:06:32 FWIW the RPGA rules do currently handle playtest classes that change upon publication.

When a class a character is playtest is published in full, the player may fully retrain all the powers/feats/skills to match the new rules OR they may change one Class Feature (an option not usually retrainable) plus two powers and two feats.

The biggest "risk" is that a playtest class usually only shows off one potential build for the class. So if the full rules come out and you'd rather play the "other" build - but that build needs different secondary stat. . . you're a bit outta luck.
#4
kouk
Apr 06, 2009 20:03:03 It's my understanding that when using a playtest class in the RPGA, you have to change to use the published class when it becomes available, and can't just keep using the playtest version.

The ability to retrain all feats, skills, and powers when the new rules come out likely will let you rearrange the character to suit as you like, but there's still a chance some aspect changed that just makes the final class less compelling for you.

Just as a random and false example, if the final version of Bard had no Majestic Word upon release of the PHB2 and instead relied on some kind of melee attack, that might be a game-breaker for those used to the Bard's Majestic Word in the playtest.

After or before the feats/powers/skills full retrain, you could also retrain a class feature which most characters typically choose one of out of a few options (Brutal Scoundrel vs. Artful Dodger for instance).
#5
Dragon9
Apr 06, 2009 20:43:01 You are correct. Yes, you have to use the official version upon release.

As to the other issues... *shrug* If you are goign to play a playtest class in the RPGA you go into it knowing that things can possibly change and in some instances change dramatically. So it isn't a good basis for keeping it out.
#6
_Mithreinmaethor_
Apr 06, 2009 22:16:39 Can I vote no on this one ?
#7
Kentinal
Apr 06, 2009 23:03:54
Can I vote no on this one ?

Not according to the CoC. *shrugs*
You are allow to discuss your view on the topic.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Dragon9 Apr 01, 2009 16:12:41	I speak on behalf of a lot of other RPGA players. Please start putting the Playtest articles back in the compiled issues of Dragon. Playtest stuff is not usable in RPGA games unless it's in a compiled issue. You're (WotC that is) missing out on a sizable playtest group by leaving it out. Yes I know, we could always play in home games... some of us don't have that luxury, unfortunately. There's a lot of people who play RPGA only.
#2 kouk Apr 04, 2009 22:05:14	Sometimes the playtest articles are literally in need of serious playtesting. I think it's wisest to not allow most playtest material if it isn't clearly "almost done." It can prevent RPGA characters being made that end up too strong or too weak relative to existing classes (though published classes of course have this issue too). It also prevents a character that may have been through several adventures becoming "unplayable" to the player once the final form of the class is out, if the player no longer likes the direction it went in. I'd be more upset if I was playtesting a class for a long time and really liking the character, and then it comes out in a book and is significantly different to the point I didn't like playing it any more -- as opposed to just not playing it in the first place.
#3 WolfStar76 Apr 05, 2009 15:06:32	FWIW the RPGA rules do currently handle playtest classes that change upon publication. When a class a character is playtest is published in full, the player may fully retrain all the powers/feats/skills to match the new rules OR they may change one Class Feature (an option not usually retrainable) plus two powers and two feats. The biggest "risk" is that a playtest class usually only shows off one potential build for the class. So if the full rules come out and you'd rather play the "other" build - but that build needs different secondary stat. . . you're a bit outta luck.
#4 kouk Apr 06, 2009 20:03:03	It's my understanding that when using a playtest class in the RPGA, you have to change to use the published class when it becomes available, and can't just keep using the playtest version. The ability to retrain all feats, skills, and powers when the new rules come out likely will let you rearrange the character to suit as you like, but there's still a chance some aspect changed that just makes the final class less compelling for you. Just as a random and false example, if the final version of Bard had no Majestic Word upon release of the PHB2 and instead relied on some kind of melee attack, that might be a game-breaker for those used to the Bard's Majestic Word in the playtest. After or before the feats/powers/skills full retrain, you could also retrain a class feature which most characters typically choose one of out of a few options (Brutal Scoundrel vs. Artful Dodger for instance).
#5 Dragon9 Apr 06, 2009 20:43:01	You are correct. Yes, you have to use the official version upon release. As to the other issues... shrug If you are goign to play a playtest class in the RPGA you go into it knowing that things can possibly change and in some instances change dramatically. So it isn't a good basis for keeping it out.
#6 _Mithreinmaethor_ Apr 06, 2009 22:16:39	Can I vote no on this one ?
#7 Kentinal Apr 06, 2009 23:03:54	Can I vote no on this one ? Not according to the CoC. shrugs You are allow to discuss your view on the topic.