New D&D

[Asinjin]

There's also some lax descriptions on some of the spells.  For instance, Disintegrate describes what happens to a target on a failed save, but not on a successful save.   

And another thing...have you noticed that Magic Missile no longer hits unerringly?  It doesn't specifically say it doesn't, but nor does it say anywhere in the description that it does.  Not cool.

I assume it is implicit that successful save means no damage.

For magic missile, it says "Each dart hits a creature of your choice that you can see within range."  I think that means it auto hits, although it is less explicit than in the past.

[Asinjin]

From what I read, there is no way to gain proficiencies / skills other than taking on another class.  There is also no way I find to learn another language.

[whitesword]

I was going to post individual replies to the last several posts but one will do:

Sounds terrible.

[Asinjin]

To be fair, since I have been posting only issues, let me list a number of the good things:

- The bard class is good on its own
- The new magic system is neat and if starting from scratch is a more sensible than the current one
- Freedom of Movement is clarified
- The bounded system of advantages and limited bonuses is a great concept and will allow for easier high level adventures
- Combat is smoother...meaning its faster
- Rage is clear
- Saving throw system is straightforward and the best I've seen in an edition

[Asinjin]

Another thing I came across that I would immediately house rule: there is no xp or ability penalty for being brought back from the dead

[Asinjin]

I have yet to find anything that causes a character to lose experience.

[Asinjin]

I see no mention of ECL or an equivalent mechanic, but I am certain that will come at some point....otherwise you couldn't play weird races.

[Asinjin]

I found another type of skill / proficiency called tool.  So that increases the skill / proficiency variety a bit.

[Malchia]

Another thing I came across that I would immediately house rule: there is no xp or ability penalty for being brought back from the dead

There doesn't appear to be an XP cost for anything which I'm a big fan of.  Also, they clearly defined Wish as having no negative impact when using it to cast any 8th level spell.  Only when trying to acheive greater results do you take necrotic damage.  Ability and level drain always bothered me.  I'm glad they've been removed from the game.

[Asinjin]

I do like the Wish clarity.

For bringing back from the dead, I think I would go back to the 2nd edition concept where you had a number of times you could be brought back.  Then, it was attached to Con, but I am not sure how I would handle that now.

I think perhaps tying the power of the Stalker of the Dead to how many times his target has returned.

[whitesword]

There doesn't appear to be an XP cost for anything which I'm a big fan of.  Also, they clearly defined Wish as having no negative impact when using it to cast any 8th level spell.  Only when trying to acheive greater results do you take necrotic damage.  Ability and level drain always bothered me.  I'm glad they've been removed from the game.

Energy drain has always been hard to adjudicate and they really watered it down in 3/3.5. Vampires et al used to be really terrifying because of the potential loss.

Ability drain has always been easier and I think makes sense. I'm surprised they'd get rid of both and makes me think they're just dumbing a number of things down.

I don't like the no XP cost change either.

[Malchia]

Energy drain has always been hard to adjudicate and they really watered it down in 3/3.5. Vampires et al used to be really terrifying because of the potential loss.

Ability drain has always been easier and I think makes sense. I'm surprised they'd get rid of both and makes me think they're just dumbing a number of things down.

I don't like the no XP cost change either.

Maybe they removed the XP cost of certain things because they increased the amount of XP required to level up.  It's roughly double the XP to get to 20th in 5th edition.  Just a thought.

[Malchia]

Will you be creating a Habololian version of the 5th edition character sheet?

[Asinjin]

Has anyone pre-ordered the new books?

Only the Monster Manuel.

[Asinjin]

Wizards announced the next book after the DMG (which got pushed back to December).  The Adventurer's Handbook is due out in March.  Unfortunately, it is a companion product to another massive adventure, Elemental Somethings.  So while it will have more rules in it, they are mostly going to be specific to the companion adventure.

The March date and the adventure focus confirm what I have read about this edition.  Fewer product releases and focus on adventures.