Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 loganic1 May 24, 2008 1:00:10	These are going to be one of the biggest I'm going to miss in the transition from 3.5 to 4.0. Yes, even metagaming, as much as people considered it a bane of their game, was actually quite fun. Like many of you mentioned, you don't need an overpowered character to enjoy a campaign, and it can even be a detriment, but it can be fun to be good at something, finding good synergies to do become spectacular at something, or on the other end diversify and provide the most variety with minimal if any power loss. Character building and optimization, at least mechanically, has been a completely different aspect of the game from actually playing it, and with the evolution of players, DMs, games, books, and templates, (40 headed tarrasques, anyone?), there's a lot more opportunity as well as pressure to push the envelope with one's character, and explore the possibilities. I can't say that noobs haven't misused this, to create huge gaps in power in their games, but the use of characters, powerful or not has always been reflective of the players themselves. I know it will still be possible to optimize in 4th ed, but this aspect of the game has nerfed/simplified to create a more balanced as well as tactically oriented game. I don't disagree, nor do I believe we should all ignore 4th ed, but this is more of a lament or eulogy to some of the unsung great parts of 3.5 ed. Rule lawyering, was I admit one of the less appealing parts of the game, and yes it seems as if it's going to be far less of an issue in the new system, but it was a geek fest like everything and for better or worse, I have to say, it was a great system overall (balanced or not), a really great system. I don't know how much the addition of new materials will add to the complexity and depth of the game in 4th ed, and perhaps my sentiments will change, but at this point 4th ed has some pretty big shoes to fill I'm not going to say that 4th ed is not good, heck, I think it's necessary. 3.5 seems to have reached it's limit in terms of materials before becoming truly ridiculous. WotC, probably rightfully thinks that making the game less geeky will allow/convince more people to join and I think that's a great move. Lamentable to some degree but good for the game as a whole. I hope this game never dies, and I will adapt to keep it alive and try to share it and let it grow. You have to admit, the stagnation and decreasing numbers of new players has always been a worry Goodbye 3.5 Long live 4th ed
#2 logicninja May 24, 2008 1:23:51	Party Optimization is going to be the Next Big Thing, I reckon.