With the onslaught of products 3x/OGL/d20SL gave us, with the never-ending books of tricks, tips, layouts, my class is better than your class items that got put on shelves and harddrives, it brings me to this point. Not all of that stuff was bad. Not all of it was good. If nothing else, it served in a way as a proving ground for talent and a mass dump site for ideas.
What are people looking at with GSL? Are we going to see a bunch of rehashed campaign settings? A bunch of items, monsters, and variant classes again? Adventures and city books? I'm not only curious to see what the publishers are looking toward, but the fans. You've seen what the GSL is and is not. You've seen some things aren't going to be done as they were previously. Some have specifically stated they're sticking with the legacy product, which is fine. But, for those who are enjoying 4E and want to enjoy it more, what do you want?
I think, at first, you're going to see a lot of "safe" material, mostly adventures. It seems to me adventures are the least risky product to release in the GSL. While they require a lot of love to craft properly, there's not a whole lot of IP type stuff invested in most.
I'm hoping we see a lot of monster books; I easily have a dozen for 3.5, and I'd make the same sort of purchases again for 4e. I'm one of those DMs who thinks you can never have enough monster options.
As a player, I think some expansion on Paragon Paths and Epic Paths would be nice. Perhaps an expansion on powers, like a suite of powers focused on something more defined like sword & shield fighting or dual mace. Also, mass combat would be great. Not sure how it would work for 4E and it's something I've started thinking about myself.
More feats/powers that focus on different weapons.
More feats/powers oriented towards different "builds.
What do I want? The easy answer is: the same thing we received in 3e -- a lot of different stuff, from a lot of companies. I want equipment, classes, paragon and epic paths, new powers, adventures, campaign settings, monsters, and whatever else came out in 3e that I forgot.
Also would be interested in alternate takes on certain rules, the fleshing out of ideas paragon and epic paths.
Here is what I would like to see:
More feats/powers that focus on different weapons.
More feats/powers oriented towards different "builds.
I think the Martial Power book is what your looking for.
Bel
On a lighter note...
I will be putting together a product line called "Exp4nded", which focuses on various additional rules options (generally presented via Feats and Rituals, to keep from introducing any significant rules bloat) to help flesh out 4e. The Exp4anded series include rules for collecting reagents, suggested treasure parcels appropriate for every creature in the monster manual, rules for firearms, constructing/improving a stronghold, etc... We've also got a Martial Controller (the Highwayman) and a book featuring random encounters from levels 1-10 (this book will include written permission so that other publishers may use any of the monsters therein, and we have plans for random encounter books for other tiers should this one go well).
I also had plans for a campaign setting, but this has been put on hold (perhaps indefinitely) as I am waiting for certain questions to be addressed before we decide to move forward with it.
We're also looking to help new writers and developers flex their muscles. We'd like to get to the point where we can publish an adventure each month by a (relatively) unknown talent. We'll see how that goes though, since I definitely don't have the staff at the moment (right now it's just... umm... me. I've got a few other potentially interested parties, but nothing firm at this point).
All this material is expected to be distributed for free online, with small print runs of popular materials coming later.
I have a small team currently looking forward to some adventure products, but we're also looking at doing some rules expansions, including more powers and paragon paths for existing classes and new classes and options. The adventures will be the first out most likely, available for free or a very small price via PDF download. Popularity will determine if, when, and what will see the dingy corners of a publishing house.
There are some other plans in the works as well, but waiting for further clarification from/communication with Wizards before moving ahead with any of those.
One thing I'd really like to see is more of the talent we see out there (on these message board and others, putting out small products here and there, or dedicated websites) actually team up with one another to truly put out some great material.
One thing I'd really like to see is more of the talent we see out there (on these message board and others, putting out small products here and there, or dedicated websites) actually team up with one another to truly put out some great material.
That's really one of my goals. Since I spend so much time on the message boards, I have a bit of an advantage as far as seeing a lot of the best of the best material. I'd like to get to the point where we can really pool that talent into an easy to use resource. Its what I did with saga-edition.com, and I'd like to think I can do it even better this time around.
I recall in a post a week ago that Scott Rouse said he had hoped *KotS spoiler*
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the zombies in Keep on the Shadowfell would not be generic zombies, but the actual remains of the Paladin's family that he had slain in his insanity. However, it was rightfully deemed inappropriate for the larger audience
A large number of posts were deleted for baiting and responding to baiting.
Well it seems the the 3rd/4th edition wars are cooling but the GSL wars are taking its place. The only bright side to it is at least its not every thread that gets bogged down in this fun stuff.
.... but we're also looking at doing some rules expansions, including more powers and paragon paths for existing classes and new classes and options.
Would be intrigued at alternate takes on multi-classing, expanding the skill list and perhaps adding non-combat powers (maybe these non-combat powers function mechanically like rituals if power balance is an issue) or effects. I don't know if this stuff can be done with the GSL, and don't need a rant about the evilness of the GSL to be told it can't, but it would be fun to see some expanded options.
Would be intrigued at alternate takes on multi-classing, expanding the skill list and perhaps adding non-combat powers (maybe these non-combat powers function mechanically like rituals if power balance is an issue) or effects. I don't know if this stuff can be done with the GSL, and don't need a rant about the evilness of the GSL to be told it can't, but it would be fun to see some expanded options.
Oh, there is a lot of stuff that can be done under the GSL. We'll leave the argument as to whether it should or shouldn't based on a variety reasons for another thread. What you mention is stuff that's absolutely doable, and stuff some people already have in the works.
Overall, keep the ideas flowing. Some, like me, are people looking to hear what you want. It's doubtful someone is going to come out with something for everyone, so I imagine a lot of publishers are going to pick up on things they personally like that will help to fill a particular niche. I could be wrong here; it is just a guess, after all.
One thing I'd really like to see is more of the talent we see out there (on these message board and others, putting out small products here and there, or dedicated websites) actually team up with one another to truly put out some great material.
That's really one of my goals. Since I spend so much time on the message boards, I have a bit of an advantage as far as seeing a lot of the best of the best material. I'd like to get to the point where we can really pool that talent into an easy to use resource. Its what I did with saga-edition.com, and I'd like to think I can do it even better this time around.
I belong to a group of about 40 freelancers and other professionals (artists, editors, cartography). If anybody is looking for freelance talent, you can drop me a note and I'll get you in touch with the entire group.
I belong to a group of about 40 freelancers and other professionals (artists, editors, cartography). If anybody is looking for freelance talent, you can drop me a note and I'll get you in touch with the entire group.
I might be on the look out for a few good artists in the very near future.
One thing I'd really like to see is more of the talent we see out there (on these message board and others, putting out small products here and there, or dedicated websites) actually team up with one another to truly put out some great material.
I think this would great and show a lot of unity among those of us that plan to move forward with 3PP 4E.
One thing I'd really like to see is more of the talent we see out there (on these message board and others, putting out small products here and there, or dedicated websites) actually team up with one another to truly put out some great material.
I'm also for this idea. Strength in numbers. But how would this be organized?
Some, like me, are people looking to hear what you want.
For little ol' me :embarrass shucks
But on a more serious note, as my group and I have been tweaking with the game more and more, at least myself (can't speak for them) are finding little cracks that I'm not liking. While I can understand WotC most likely wanting to stay away from the way 3.x did multi-classing the idea that in 4e you just dabble in the second class is wrong to me. Now I'm not saying that old was was great it did give me more of a freedom that I liked. To me multi-classing should allow one to decide if they are going to dabble in a second class, if they are going to work on both the same or if they will focus on there secondary and dabble in the primary.
The skill list has also been a bother to me. There are less then 20 skills, I think can't count them right now, and while I don't think that we need as many as we had in 3rd I'm not really not comfortable with the few we have.
On the non-combat powers its something that interests me. Being able to use Jedi-mind tricks, jump really high or even something as stupid as win a drinking contest with against a dwarf having powers that don't truly affect combat are nice to have play with. Now while combat powers can be used in non-combat situations I'm not sure that was there intent, more of a bonus. Also I could see a balance issue being created if suddenly the few powers you have are now being slated for other 'not primary combat' uses. The ritual mechanic allows the magic wielding classes to use non-combat effects so perhaps a similar mechanic to that could be employed, not sure.
Anyway, that's just me.
So, Tao, Epoch and Zherog... I've been looking for a place to start (even boldly presented some projects to WotC) and, well, you guys sound like you could be interested in my work. I've got some adventure ideas that I'm itching to put to work, along with some work on monster/monstrous PC design and development.
If that fits your plans, drop me a PM (or just reply here and I'll drop you one).
One thing I'd really like to see is more of the talent we see out there (on these message board and others, putting out small products here and there, or dedicated websites) actually team up with one another to truly put out some great material
I would be willing to pitch in some to help in something like this as well.
Everything WotC won't publish.
I recall in a post a week ago that Scott Rouse said he had hoped *KotS spoiler*Showthe zombies in Keep on the Shadowfell would not be generic zombies, but the actual remains of the Paladin's family that he had slain in his insanity. However, it was rightfully deemed inappropriate for the larger audience
Hmmm... Guess this would be a nice thread to offer my "wares"...
So, Tao, Epoch and Zherog... I've been looking for a place to start (even boldly presented some projects to WotC) and, well, you guys sound like you could be interested in my work. I've got some adventure ideas that I'm itching to put to work, along with some work on monster/monstrous PC design and development.
If that fits your plans, drop me a PM (or just reply here and I'll drop you one).
I'm not a publisher; I'm a freelancer looking for work, who happens to also have connections with about 40 other freelancers.
As for adventures... I don't know the 4e market, but in the 3.5 market the two best options were Dungeon and Goodman Games. Both accepted queries from anybody who had an idea. I know Dungeon still does; I'm not aware of Joseph's plans (one way or the other) as far as soliciting ideas for Goodman Games. The best bet there would be to poke around on his website and see if you can find any sort of submission guidelines.
I don't speak for Epoch or Tao, of course. If they can hook you up, all the better.
As for adventures... I don't know the 4e market, but in the 3.5 market the two best options were Dungeon and Goodman Games. Both accepted queries from anybody who had an idea. I know Dungeon still does; I'm not aware of Joseph's plans (one way or the other) as far as soliciting ideas for Goodman Games. The best bet there would be to poke around on his website and see if you can find any sort of submission guidelines.
I'm pretty sure Goodman Games posted an open call for writers, in regards to 4th Edition adventures, on ENWorld's Open Calls forum.
On another note (I say this as a gamer and not a publisher) I would like to see someone do a book of traps and hazards, perhaps something like the Grimtooth's Traps books for 4th Edition. I don't really have the development time to do it myself..but I would like to see something like it, from someone else!
I disagree about the skills. I think the current list has everything I want to bother with.
I would like to see some more racial feats-especially for the ones at the back of the MM usable for PCs.
- rules for creating dominions (points of light is ideal for PCs who want to carve kingdoms for themselves)
- rules for mass combat
- a class that can fill any party role whenever needed, just a level or two behind the regular classes (a factotum for 4e)
- rules for creating custom constructs
- support for immortal characters
- craft and profession skills (my 3.5e campaign is probably 80% non-combat)
- gestalt multiclassing, 2e style
- a book of 1000 rituals that are mostly updates from the Spell Compendium
- rules for strongholds, including mobile strongholds and wondrous architecture
- rules for airships
- rules for space travel
- an update of D20 Modern/Future/Past/Apocalypse
- lots of CMB's :D
- A book on planes, including alternate prime material planes and personal demiplanes
- a book on time travel
- a planescape type campaign setting
- a World's Largest Dungeon only bigger and more interesting
- anything that feels like OD&D when you play it (no fancy powers, just slash)
- anything that ultimately lets me twink out and munchkinize 4e bwa ha ha :evillaugh
- You see, I actually have more fun playing D&D by myself with some random encounter tables and dice than I do playing the game with a group of people. I'd rather just party with a group of people. When I play, I prefer a much higher powered game than standard 3.5, in which PCs are doing epic things at 9th level, doing direct damage attacks and save-or-dies exclusively (no buffing and crap ahead of time) and doing every role just fine. When I DM, I prefer 2e from 1st to 9th level, with no minis, puzzles, traps, level drain, proficiencies, spell preparation, conditional modifiers, etc. I prefer combat to be handled pretty much like it is in the Rules Cyclopedia.
While I still stand behind my suggestions that the GSL/4E offers a great opportunity (just as OGL does/did) for talents to meet up and produce some awesome stuff, I think that's best left in another area. I've started this thread here, which I hope will continue for this portion of the discussion.
I still am interested in hearing from people--what they expect, what they want, it's all great fodder.
So far, I think a lot of people expect to see the adventures.
Some people want to see expanded rules--anything from new skills to new classes, and expansions on classes, powers, paragon paths, etc.
Campaign worlds, etc.
I'm hoping for:
- a class that can fill any party role whenever needed, just a level or two behind the regular classes (a factotum for 4e)
- rules for creating custom constructs
- support for immortal characters
- rules for airships
I can safely say that, to some extend, we will be covering these areas in our campaign setting.
I am currently writing an entire chapter on Immortal characters (they are an integral part of the setting's "story") including a Immortal-specific hybrid class that allows them to fill in any party role as needed by their group.
That aside, I'll also second that I would like to see Strongholds, Dominions, and Mass Combat rules as well.