The "Next Iteration" of Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition, D&D Next)

[RonnieDobbz1978]

after the 1st playtest i think i'll stick with 4E

[Samwise7RPG]

@RonnieDobbz1978 I'm guessing things will change once the feedback is sent in from the playtests. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will like what 5th Edition has to offer. I know you can't extrapolate what you didn't like.

[RonnieDobbz1978]

@Samwise7RPG i am not sure. if the new edition was going to be based on player feedback then why did we all have to sign NDAs? It seemed like most of it was already set up. I'll buy the new PHB and DMG, but i'm a D&D fanboy.

[Samwise7RPG]

@RonnieDobbz1978 It may well already be set up for the most part, but like I said, I'm trying to be positive about it. I'll see what I think when it comes out. It may very well be that I won't like it, but I will reserve my judgement till it is all said and done. I had to sign an NDA for the Novus RPG playtest (that is almost over) and that game has gone through some substantial changes. I even got some very big additions put into the game because I was persistent. :)

[RonnieDobbz1978]

@Samwise7RPG I hear you, but for me 4E aint broken and doesn't need to be fixed IMHO. After the DDXP playtest, I would say the game so far was very well received, with 80% favorable thoughts, I must admit I am not a big fan of play testing to begin with.

[yinchanvo]

Thanks for being open-minded and non-judgmental to others!

[Samwise7RPG]

@yinchanvo You are most welcome. :) hehe. Thanks for watching.

[YourDungeonMaster]

Dude were getting some views,hehehe.

[Samwise7RPG]

@YourDungeonMaster We are getting some views.  :) I still think I'm just some random RPG guy though. hehe.

[Creslin321]

I think WotC kind of wrote themselves into a corner with 4E. The problem is that there are a lot of folks like love 4E and there are also a lot of folks that like 3.5/PFRPG, and more completely different reasons. I really don't see how they are going to make a new edition that appeals to both of these camps without pissing one of them off. If they deviate from the "balance" approach to add more of the "flavor" that the PFRPG folks like, then the 4E folks will be pissed and vice versa.Not easy

[Samwise7RPG]

@Creslin321 I don't envy the design crew... I wouldn't volunteer for that job. I get the feeling that the RPG market will be more about several smaller companies than one big large one. It's hard to make people happy.

[ulkem]

I was happy when I met the 3.5th edition. Then came the 4th and everybody started to wield fucking +5 axes. Back in time when a I see +2 I was like "I'll give 3000 gold and suck yo dick!" to the merchant. Now what? They gonna ride dragons and fuck Bane in the ass? I hate all the editions after I was born. I hate NWoD, I hate 4th edition. God fucking damn it I'm so furious right now I'm gonna stop talking! Arrrrrr!!!

[Samwise7RPG]

@ulkem Wow! Haha. That was great.

[murphysborounderdark]

They need to make the core books the very base mechanics. It should be designed with modular plug ins in mind. Then, instead of your campaign books being fluff, they could be filled with interesting mechanics that make sense in that setting. Then players could take what they like, and may even buy more books to see the rules variations.

[Samwise7RPG]

@murphysborounderdark I agree with you sir. Huzzah! :)

[TheWolfDogMoon]

2nd Edition was the best.

[Samwise7RPG]

@TheWolfDogMoon I've had fun playing and running 2nd Edition, and I liked how many of the things in that game were optional. I like it with most of the options turned off, but I like that they are there just in case I change my mind.

[TheWolfDogMoon]

@Samwise7RPG Yeah. I picked up Pathfinder and its really well done...so perhaps, 2nd Edition is not the only way to do it. I really like how Pathfinder sets up the core rules and characters so far. 

[DarthAzabrush]

D20 is such an over complicated mess of a game.

I have played one 3.5 game and 4e campaign and I have no wish to repeat the experiance!

[Samwise7RPG]

@DarthAzabrush I played a lot of 3rd/3.5 and I got very burned out on it after many years of playing it/running it. I'm really enjoying the Old School Renaissance games because they are so much simpler, and they don't have Attacks of Opportunity. :)

[trybeinganihilist]

Labyrinth Lord is great. Just running a campaign at the moment. A fun game. Nice vid!

[Samwise7RPG]

@trybeinganihilist I'm having a blast running my Darves Hill game with Labyrinth Lord. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed running a game this much without any fear of GM Burnout. It's great. :)

[willquestion]

Yeah I'm with you, they can't make everyone happy. I'm personally happy with 4e essentials and pathfinder. Both are decent systems.

[Samwise7RPG]

@willquestion I'm really excited by the Pathfinder Beginner Box Set. It appeals to my rules-lite sensibilities. :)

[everkang]

By the way, man, good vids. Keep it up!

[Samwise7RPG]

@everkang  Thanks. :)

[everkang]

BRP modularity would be really cool. I don't know that it'll bring world peace, but at least players would be buying the same toolset. It seems like each table would need to agree on more or less the same rules options. Otherwise, you've got your OSR-style players twiddling their thumbs while the 3e-style players play out all that wonderful crunch. Most folks agree, whatever their preferred edition is, that it could use tweaks here and there. If 5e provides an easy way to do that, great.

[Samwise7RPG]

@everkang I think each group could fill out an Optional Rule Checklist before you play a game so everyone in the group would be playing with the same options and be on the same page. This is what I do with houserules before I play every campaign. This would also help GMs fit the system to whatever setting they are running, including homebrew worlds. Some rules fit certain settings better it seems IMO.

[RumekRavager]

Nice shirt! Huge Megadeth fan!

Also an oldschool style gamer. I'm optimistic about 5e. I definately plan on going through the open beta test. However, I do have my doubts that it'll supplant my love of AD&D 1/2e

[Samwise7RPG]

@RumekRavager Rust In Peace! :) While I don't think it will clone older systems I hope that it takes a lot of the same themes and re-skins them. We shall see, but like I said I'm optimistic. If it has a rules-lite core with tons of optional rules to fit each group better, I will be very excited.

[NVLUTZ007]

I wish I could share your optimism for this new 5th Edition. To me it just sounds like the corporate heads at Hasbro and WOTC didn't rake in as much money with 4th edition as they would have liked and since they can't release "D&D: Dog edition" like Monopoly they'll just call it 5th edition and call it a day. I might even actively avoid the new editions until they develop enough supplement material to show that the creators are willing to make a commitment to their own product.

[Samwise7RPG]

@NVLUTZ007 Well, I skipped 4th as a consumer and I didn't buy a ton of 3.5 stuff either, so for me it's just like buying another RPG, and I do that all of the time, hehe. I need to buy a new gaming shelf... I can understand your feelings though, as it hasn't been very long since they put out the last edition.

[NVLUTZ007]

@Samwise7RPG I guess the reason it upsets me more than most corporate money grabs is that I recently got my brother into Tabletop RPGs. I decided that I should get him 4th ed books since I figured it was new and it would have some longevity (plus he wouldn't have any bias since it was his reference point). When I visited around Christmas he had actually begun DMing his own adventures and It was a really awesome feeling. I feel that it will just alienate him from the hobby.

[Samwise7RPG]

@NVLUTZ007 I kind of feel bad for those that just got into 4th Edition... Yeah, that's going to leave a sour taste in their mouth.

[blackbarnz]

The hype of anticipation of WotC having learned it's lesson from 4e is working in the brands advantage. Most Rpers have fond D&D memories! The GSL vaccum backfired on WotC. They acted liked elitist snobs thinking they could dictate the market with the GSL. The RPG community split the moment 4e was announced and WotC and their brands found themselves in the minority. It was Hasbro's fault WotC tried monopolize the market with the GSL. How could 4e designer's do better then the world via the OGL?

[Samwise7RPG]

@blackbarnz I agree. 4th Edition lit the OSR gamers on fire and they went their own way, and the Pathfinder crew too. I've never ran a gaming company so I don't I would have known what to do either. If I ever do start my own RPG business it will probably be on the cheap end. "Buy this PDF for a buck." kind of a deal.

[aikighost]

What Id like to see in 5th ed. Get rid of classes completely and do something related to character backgrounds instead. Make each benefit and skill set you claim for your PC tie you into the world a bit more.

[Samwise7RPG]

@aikighost Getting rid of classes would be a new direction, but I think that would greatly anger most players. I would be up for it though.

[aikighost]

@Samwise7RPG Id pay just to see the nerdrage. it would be EPIC! :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@aikighost Nerdrage spectacles are indeed a great spectator sport. Maybe a classless D&D would be an optional system? It would be kind of cool if there were many optional ways to make characters. I started making a classless D&D game once, but I never got around to running it. It's one of those projects that I obsessed over for a brief time and then chucked into a box.

[aikighost]

@Samwise7RPG Maybe they should buy the Barbarians of Lemuria system and modify unfortunately they would most likely end up ruining it with bloat :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@aikighost WOTC would destroy all that I love with BOL, hehe. :) I'm sure of it.

[clackclickbang]

I think it's a bit of an exciting time, personally! Having a say on what this new game may be like may draw a lot of folks back to D&D.

[Samwise7RPG]

@clackclickbang We have given it some free publicity, so I'm sure they appreciate that. :) I'm wondering if The Edition Wars will be as great as last time or not, I get the feeling that they won't be as bad. I guess it will depend on the finished 5th Edition product.

[inlife9]

I think I stopped giving a shit. I started with 1st edition and hated 3.0/3.5, & kept playing 2nd. I dropped my 2nd edition and started fresh with 4e. Being that 5 is headed to a pot luck game, I am predicting that I will be playing 4e for a long time to come. I have a player that digs 3.5/Pathfinder in my campaign. I guess if you like a DM's style, and that DM buys most of the game- You should play whatever the hell he desides to run. Its the people any way, not the rules.

[Ogma01]

@inlife9 Funny, like you, I was never sold on 3.x. I found it overly-complicated and incredibly cumbersome while 4E was absolutely refreshing to me, and when you work 50 hour weeks and simply don't have too much time to prepare or simply game at all, 4E is an easy to play, easy to run game that absolutely works!

[inlife9]

@Ogma01 I guess thats why we both also play Savage Worlds.

[Ogma01]

@inlife9 Damn straight! SW is my fav, of course, thus my running it, playing it and writing/editing products for it (for various publishers) whenever I can! :-)

[Samwise7RPG]

@Ogma01 While I think I should like Savage Worlds (I love parts of it) the whole thing together just isn't my style either. I guess it is the pulpy feel to it... it's hard to put my finger on why it just doesn't excite me. I know it's popular and I've played in a campaign of it. I'm sure it is easy to run. Maybe if I run a game of it, I'll feel differently. There are plenty of RPG Fish in the sea, so play what you like. :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@inlife9 There is the thing where I say to myself, "Do I really need any more RPGs?" Then I walk into a store or hear about something cool on YouTube or on a forum, and then I snag it up when I see it at a convention, or just purchase it on PDF. I could never buy a RPG again and still have a tough time reading them all, but I know myself, I'll keep buying like a happy little consumer, hehe. My buying is different than other though as I tend to just buy core books unless I love the system.

[inlife9]

@Samwise7RPG I get that. I never said I wouldnt buy the first core. I happen to like rule books and have a large number. However, I know I will be playing 4e for a long time to come. I like running it, and it actually does most of the things people say it can not or doesnt do, at least in my sessions.

[23penguins32]

Maybe I'm the only one that likes&plays D&D that this is a non-issue for ? I don't know why I'm not impressed with the announcement. After my reaction from reading 4E to hearing all the people I know who played it complain I would think relief would be in order. Maybe I'm stuck in a rut of 3-3.5E ? Don't think it's cynicism. Maybe it's a blah day for a Taurus ? I am thinking excitedly about pizza... Still would like to see how you would react playing 3-3.5 in my game. I wonder how that'd go...

[Webhead123]

@23penguins32 I'm apathetic. I was never very heavily invested in any edition of D&D (the most I ever bought, I think, was 2E...maybe a half-dozen books), so transitioning from edition to edition was nothing much special. The death of 4E and birth of 5E will probably go by only peripherally catching my attention.

[23penguins32]

@Webhead123 No ! I thought you of all of us would be jumping for joy at a new D&D ;) Sorry, I had to :) Of course Joy would die of shocked surprise if you were excited. My first thought this morning was so marketing-accountancy demand damage control. Then thought, maybe too little too late. Both maybe correct but too cynical. I'm more excited about continuing to tell my story in 3-3.5. That's my ecosystem for now. This news doesn't touch me. Hope it's great, yes. But we'll see. Now pizza is good

[Webhead123]

@23penguins32 I realize I occasionally sound like a bit of a douche-bag toward D&D, which isn't really my intention. I have respect for D&D even if my opinions about many of its tropes are rather unflattering. Really, it amounts to nothing more than personal preferences...the evolution of my tastes, if you will. My disagreement with elements of D&D is not a value-judgement of the game. Certainly, I would play in a D&D campaign if it were the order-of-the-day. Wouldn't be my first choice, though.

[23penguins32]

@Webhead123 Nope, I've actually not taken you for a douche-bag or even a moist towelette in the slightest. One (of so many) great things about finding this community is the different perspectives, opinions and experiences so many of us have. I enjoy diversity and disparity of opinion. I mean how fun would it be if we all had the same experiences-views..I love a good argument too-sharing discussion. I've learned quite a lot here from people I don't even disagree with necessarily, just different:)

[Samwise7RPG]

@Webhead123 The death of 4th Edition is a blip on my radar as it never really was my thing, but like you are saying it just didn't fit my preferences. There's nothing wrong with that. I didn't do a 4th Ed review because of that reason. 5th Edition might be the same way, but I am really liking the things I am hearing so far. I've never thought my Brother From Another Mother was a douche-bag. Not in the slightest! :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@23penguins32 I played a lot of 3rd Edition / 3.5 and I had a lot of fun in the various campaigns I was in and the ones that I ran. I did however feel like I was "fighting the system" at times when I would turn down players that wanted to use all of these options from 3rd party books that I didn't think were very balanced, and the ones I did allow often surprised me in how unbalanced they were too. I was more of a core book GM. I think it would be fun to play in your game.

[23penguins32]

@Samwise7RPG Oh I know. I've seen that with the 'other books'. I always say I'll allow anything with the caveat of having to approve it first. Sadly, there are things out there that just do not play well. Luckily, when I've said no a few times the player has understood after we've talked about it. Seems cool in theory, in-game it's a nightmare :) Thanks, man. I think it'd be great to play in yours as well. As I've said before ! And yes, Jordan and I are talking about that very thing :)

[TheShaolinScholar]

dude there robbing you blind

[Samwise7RPG]

@TheShaolinScholar Not me, not really. If I like the product I'll buy it, if I don't, I won't. I am also one of those people that really doesn't buy all the splat books (unless I LOVE THE SYSTEM). So 5th Edition I'll probably buy the core books, or box sets, or whatever it comes out in and then be done. A friend of mine told me RPGs were a very cheap hobby compared to other hobbies, and why I disagreed with him then, I came around to his way of thinking if you divide the price by the hours.

[MrDreamblade]

I think the 3.5 rules were the best. 4th was like WOW on a table

[Samwise7RPG]

@MrDreamblade I actually prefer the older rules, and I think the main reason why was the Attack of Opportunity rules in 3X and less rules in older systems. We will see what I think of 5th when it comes out.

[Webhead123]

@Samwise7RPG My hope-of-hopes is that 5E dumps AoO's and the tactical movement system. I'm not saying it will (or even *should*) create some sort of "abstract" movement mechanics but just not be so tightly locked into a 5-foot grid system through the Feats/powers/spells/combat maneuvers. Can't say that I expect that to happen though, as WotC/Hasbro seems to make a good profit off of their miniatures.

[Samwise7RPG]

@Webhead123 AoOs being dropped would be a dream come true. It's one of the main reasons I prefer older D&D systems or their retro-clones. I just hope that is an option that is easy to turn off. I'll break that lever off and chuck it in the ocean. :) hehe.

[azirk83]

@Webhead123 @Samwise7RPG Agreed. AoOs suck a nut. I rather "it's obvious if you fumble with a pouch or try to pass an armed enemy they get a free stab". Putting some ability to reason back in the hands of the DM will do this hobby a world of good, IMHO.

[Samwise7RPG]

@azirk83 "AoOs suck a nut." -Azirk83 :) That's a great quote, hehe. 

[azirk83]

@Samwise7RPG Some day I will get means to travel to you. Then after a quick round of roshambo (2/3 is for the weak!) we will find out if I am playing Labyrinth Lord for the first time or you are playing S&W for the first time.

After which, I shall walk the earth. Like Caine from Kung Fu.

[Samwise7RPG]

@azirk83 Swords & Wizardry vs. Labyrinth Lord... DUN DUN DUN!!! It's a grudge match, hehe. "TWO MEN ENTER, ONE MAN LEAVES!" :)

[Webhead123]

@azirk83 I LOVED Kung Fu.

[murphysborounderdark]

@azirk83 OMG you can't give the DM any control over the game, or the ability to use judgement! There must be rules that players can use in ridiculous ways. They would have to print a warning on the bottom of those 4th ed players little cards that says the DM might not allow you to use this power in all situations.

[azirk83]

@murphysborounderdark I hate to burst your bubble, but AoOs existed with ridiculous amounts of rule input as to what does and doesn't provoke an AoO in 3E as well (I should know, I've seen those rule-based arguments in action). I think that above sentence would work better than having 40 or so use-cases listed out in the DMG.

Seriously folks, let's stop considering the DM a blithering idiot and allow him to make some judgement calls.

[murphysborounderdark]

@azirk83 I know, thank you. I am an avid pathfinder and 3rd ed fan. AoOs are different in both of them. They all suck. While we are at it, the idea of combat actions suck. Full round, standard, swift, ect. The more you pin down with rules what you can and cant do, the less room the DM and players have to make a thrilling combat. I tell my players that all those words in those books are just guidelines to give you an idea of what you can do.

[azirk83]

@murphysborounderdark True, but the players perceive that they'll be used and it kinda pisses on them a bit to deviate in such a vulgar fashion.

[murphysborounderdark]

@azirk83 Well, a group plays with a DM because there is a trust there that everyone involved is here for everyones enjoyment. I've never had players get mad about that kind of stuff. After a while they start to be more creative about how they approach situations. That kind of creativity, and involvement in the story should be rewarded because it improves the game for everyone. When the rules work, we use them. When they are in the way, they get pushed aside.

[Samwise7RPG]

@murphysborounderdark I am a firm believer in that the rules are just guidelines, suggestions, and every group should do what pleases their gaming sensibilities. I think a lot of these rules can also be done away with a great GM that the players trust. That's what we are trying to do here on YouTube I believe; make better GMs. :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@murphysborounderdark I definitely don't subscribe to the "GM is a bad guy" or the "GM can't make any rulings at the table" philosophy.

[murphysborounderdark]

@Samwise7RPG They should love to hate you, and never be sure if you are fudging, or the dice fell that way.Sometimes you give them a little help, sometimes you bring them down a peg, but they should never know the god in the machine is the guy behind the screen.

[azirk83]

@murphysborounderdark I always let the bodies hit the floor when I GM. Overall I remain as neutral as possible in all endeavors, but when I decide to roll then I take what the results give me.

[murphysborounderdark]

@azirk83 That is a fun way to play, but I've found that it can sometimes absolutely crush a great campaign. Pivitol failures can sometimes be fun, but I've found that those dice seem to hate my players when they have a good game going. I usually adjust the game or reason out why they got a little help after the session and incorporate that into the story. It sometimes gives me great ideas, and creates a little mystery.

[azirk83]

@murphysborounderdark I have Gamescience dice. And my players and I enjoy using them. Rolling dice and not using the results is the same as not rolling dice and picking the results. I don't utilize dice because I want them to agree with my opinion, I use dice because I want the game to contain risk. Without risk, I find player decisions (heroics, success, and even failure) seem less meaningful.

Play how you want, of course. I'm just talking about why I do what I do.

[Samwise7RPG]

@azirk83 I need to get my hands on some Gamescience dice! :)

[azirk83]

@Samwise7RPG Zocchi sold the company. The original process of creation left with him, I'm afraid. The new company uses the same method as everybody else. I dub them "Not Gamescience Dice"

[Samwise7RPG]

@azirk83  You make me a sad panda... :(

[azirk83]

@Samwise7RPG The good news is I know what to get you for a baby shower gift...

[Samwise7RPG]

@azirk83 Not to sound desperate... but that would be awesome. hehe.

[Samwise7RPG]

@azirk83 That is strange that a company would not follow how Zocchi did it... that guy was great.

[Samwise7RPG]

@murphysborounderdark I have fudged dice, and I probably still will in the future, but I have been calling for less dice rolls these days overall, and when they do get rolled I tend to let them fall where they may. Again, this is one of those things that every group/GM needs to decide to do or not do. I can see pros and cons for both.

[murphysborounderdark]

@Samwise7RPG I once had a wonderful DM that always managed to run great games with very little prep other than just thinking it over in his head. When I became a better DM I figured out he was just working everything out on the fly. Instead of laboring over creating balanced scenarios, he figured out what was needed as the story went along. He didnt need monster stats, or specific skill difficulty numbers. We didnt know it, so we were in awe.

[Samwise7RPG]

@murphysborounderdark I have had players that come up to me after a gaming session and ask me how I prepped the session, and I often show them one piece of paper with MAYBE a basic outline. Most of the time I just spend learning about the setting, and then listening to ALL of the paranoid delusions of the players and many of those get woven into the story in that session, or in later sessions. It's like having a huge brainstorming session without them even knowing it. :)

[murphysborounderdark]

@Samwise7RPG Yep, thats pretty much how I do it.I like to draw so my "notes" are usually some scetches and thats about it.

[falloutmnky]

"game whore" lmao i think thats the best phrase ive heard coined in a while. i feel like the RPG market is slowly moving away from WotC and falling to many different smaller companies.

[Samwise7RPG]

@falloutmnky If RPGs are coming out from many smaller companies instead of one large one, I think that is good for consumers. More competition is good for prices and for quality. If the giant dies, the rest of the companies will start carving out the flesh, hehe. The Game Whore!!! :)

[murphysborounderdark]

@Samwise7RPG Yeah. There are so many good ideas out there now about fresh game mechanics that a giant like WotC could mold into a great game. All the time I read about game mechanics that Im like, "that would be really cool." All these smaller game sellers are free play testing for WotC. IF wizards can't make a great game in this atmosphere, IDK what they are doing over there.

[Webhead123]

WotC tried to do away with the "edition" label twice already with both 3rd and 4th edition. It clearly hasn't stuck.

Maybe they should call it "The *New* Dungeons & Dragons"! It worked so well for Coca-Cola!

[Samwise7RPG]

@Webhead123 I think people have coined the phrase, "D&D Next" but I'm sure they won't call it that.

[Webhead123]

I'll look into 5th Ed. when it's released. Only time will tell if it's worth the paper it's printed on. The "toolkit" idea sounds neat and is something I'd like to see but we'll see how well it works out in practice. The reason for the D&D "Edition Wars" is that people don't agree on how they want to play D&D, so creating a D&D that tries to meld so many various playstyles together may end up satisfying nobody.

Game whore? I like that! That probably describes my particular mania as well!

[Samwise7RPG]

@Webhead123 You make a valid point that it could try to appease everyone and not appeal to anyone... like we both said, only time will tell. 

[Webhead123]

@Samwise7RPG Indeed. I'll browse the books when they come out but even if they're good (great, even), I may not pick them up simply based on the fact that D&D will always be fundamentally "D&D", with all the strengths and weaknesses that that implies.

More so than any particular "iteration" of D&D game mechanics, it's the central themes and concepts of D&D that have gotten long in the tooth for me and I don't expect 5th Edition to try to buck any of that tradition on my account. We shall see.

[23penguins32]

@Webhead123 I seriously have been thinking seriously (some serious thought happening) for a few months now that I & those I play at the table with are playing a seriously (oh dear, it's getting serious again) different game of D&D than others do, did. Boltorange made me think more(seriously?)of it again today in comments. I'll try to quantify for a post. Keeping hearing D&D described & think that's not my experience, or way, idiom..at all. Interesting having a think on this, perspective-practice

[Webhead123]

@23penguins32 That's pretty serious!

When I think back on my early years playing D&D and the incredible fun I had, I reach a point where I realize (like you) I don't think it was quite that we were playing "D&D", at least insofar as doing it "by the book". We excercised only the most fundamental of the game rules to facilitate a creative, adventurous time. I think that may be the source of why removing my rose-tinted glasses leaves me a little out-of-breath when I look at the D&D "rules".

[Webhead123]

...I think this is fundamentally what puts me on the opposite side of the fence in certain respects from folks like, say, Tetsubo, who likes a game which has a rule for (pretty nearly) any eventuality. I recognize that it's not the "rules" that I'm interested in so much as the kinds of creative processes that those "rules" spark. I would prefer "evocative" rather than "descriptive" rules systems. That is to say, the rules show me how to excercise my imagination rather than exercise it for me...

[Webhead123]

...This is not a criticism of Tetsubo...a man for whom I have much respect.

[azirk83]

@Webhead123 I have lost all my respect for Tets. In turn he has blocked me from his channel. Meh, it happens.

[Webhead123]

@azirk83 That's unfortunate...but, yes, C'est la vie.

It's happened to me a time or two on various RPG forums over the years.

[23penguins32]

@Webhead123 I get that. I missed this 2nd part. I think that's where preference of style comes in. I'm not talking about you in this sort of internal discussion I've been having. I just replied to you because I liked your comments here. I'm talking more about people who seem to say they like a system on the 1 hand but the other hand is blaming on a 'rule' for the game not being as enjoyable. Clearly we all have preferences&nothing is perfect. But, I think experience can be so. Do I make sense?:)

[Samwise7RPG]

@Webhead123 I'm like you, I don't want a rule for everything either.  We agree, shocker there. :)

[23penguins32]

@Webhead123 That's part of what I mean. Not playing so much 'the letter' but the imaginative individual vision(s) adapting the system to facilitate those desires. I'm not championing any system, or setting. I can only speak of my experiences. I certainly don't question each person's quality of game - I think&hope every game anywhere is golden. Taking a chance at an alternate PoV, might it be that maybe taking off the rosey glasses is less reality, more cynicism(or the like)? Maybe?

[23penguins32]

@Webhead123 Whilst D&D3-3.5 is my 'favourite system' & I've changed bits&bobs, I've not found any system I'd play lock&stock as the 'rules'. I don't think it's a form of rebellion :) Most systems I've read always disclaim-proclaim that they're guides, a baseline or touchline to play. What I find interesting are so many complaints are about the 'letter' of the systems (not just D&D)... No matter system, I think it should just be played to its best&fullest. Players are the 'success', not 'letter'

[23penguins32]

@Webhead123 Do you know what I mean ? The dimmed comment box is cutting me off :) This would be an easier more fluent discussion in a vocal conversation. I echo Tim's sentiment about it doesn't matter what system, game it is. At the risk of sounding messianic or something, I think any system can be played to the over-enjoyment of all involved. It's all the people at the table's responsibility to make it great.

Crap. I'm not saying this completely again. I give up. Maybe it's the lack of pizza :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@23penguins32 You and Webhead should do a Skype video. :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@23penguins32 There is the Culture of Play thing, where each group plays their own way, and so no one anywhere is actually playing exactly the same game. Sure you may be playing 75% the same way I guess, hehe. If it is working with you, keep doing what you are doing. In fact, you may want to share what you do differently, and how you have pulled that off for so long. The trick may be in learning that things you think everyone does, don't actually happen anywhere else than at your table.

[23penguins32]

@Samwise7RPG I know. That's some of the problem I have not only talking but thinking of this topic. Forget personal preference in actual game or system - I get that. For example you like the lightside of rules :) But I wonder how much is just so much of a leetle thing that is derailing one's enjoyment ? You know ? Like something that could easily be treated as optional or even left out. At some point I'll find the way to say it coherently ! :D

[windmark8040]

Omni Gamers Unite! Same here, man. I hold off all judgement until I actually see some of the ruleset. I think that, due to age and experience, its the people, more than the game, that makes gaming fun for me at this point.

LoL! Yeah, I have also found that the magic system has been the most difficult part of homebrew rpg designing.

[Samwise7RPG]

@windmark8040 Omni Gamers!!! :)

[TheMongoosejack]

I signed up for the open playtest thing. I'm pretty optimistic about this too.

[Samwise7RPG]

@TheMongoosejack I haven't signed up yet for the playtest, but I think I will eventually just to see what is going on.

[Hadrian134]

Remember D&D is about MORE than just Combat. Please?

[Samwise7RPG]

@Hadrian134 More than just combat would be a huge plus.

[boltorange]

D&D Nextit?

The more optimism I see the more optimistic I get. I think a big percentage of success is marketing/reception. To me, one of the reasons 4E was not a big success is because people were really down about there even being a new edition (pre- and post-release).

[Samwise7RPG]

@boltorange I'll really give 5th Edition a good look when it comes out and then I'll see what I think. I am optimistic though that because of it's tool-kit approach I'll be able to turn off the options I don't like and turn on the ones I do. I just said turn on... haha. I hope 5th Edition is a turn on. :)

[Samwise7RPG]

@boltorange I think the term D&D Next has been bandied around the internet. 

[repsesper]

I'm glad to hear your optimism, and I do share it as well. Are you going to be in the open playtest?

[Samwise7RPG]

@repsesper I'm not in the open playtest... yet. I'm not sure if I have the time honestly. I'm in the Novus Playtest (from the author of H.A.R.P.) and I don't have as much time for that as I would like. Maybe I will do it just to see what is going on.

[thespiritcoyote]

OMG!!! I have to buy that shirt!!! YOU MADE ME WANT IT!!! >_<

and don't forget the 2.5 edition switches!!! with point-build classes!!!

or even switches that cause a total point-buy with no levels!!! O_O

or switches that allow you to switch off random encounters,

and cheat codes! YES!!!

or... or... switches that auto-flip switches!!! (ok I went too far...)

Satire aside, yes the hype-expectations all sound interesting, now it's just a wait and see what does and doesn't live up to them... XD

[Samwise7RPG]

@thespiritcoyote Megadeth played in Greensburg, PA for their 20th Anniversary Tour for Rust In Peace. It was a great show. I've seen them 3 times over the years.

[Samwise7RPG]

@thespiritcoyote The hype is pretty large, so with experience they may not live up to many of them. If they live up to most of them however, I think they will have a great game on their hands. Instead of new editions they could just keep putting out more optional combat systems, optional spells systems, settings, adventures, etc.

[thespiritcoyote]

@Samwise7RPG Good points!

The "optional systems" approach would be a new paradigm for an edition, and would again support the concept that they could re-print all previous editions, without causing a complete rewrite of established favorites - while simultaneously giving credence to a multi-conversion consideration among the editions various sub-systems.

This would also fit within, or at least be complimentary too, the "toggle-switch" paradigm that has been expressed.

[thespiritcoyote]

@Samwise7RPG but I concur, and with the 'if-statements' being a large consideration for me not rejoicing at the current hype - I've no more assurance that it will be what I want, than anyone else - there is nothing to base opinions on... yet.

Perhaps it is a bit of a sanity preservation, that I prefer to approach the entire concept with a calm mind... perhaps because I have known to expect it for the last 10yrs (I expect a 7thEd. in another 15-25yrs), and I have become blasé - most likely both.

[Samwise7RPG]

@thespiritcoyote Going in with a calm mind and a bit of skepticism is a good call. I'll dip my toes in the water before jumping in. :)

[hammeredshitsteak]

Perhaps all the fans bitchin about the 4th edition has made the people on wizards just go "fuck it" :)

Your audio quality was not too good tough :(

[Samwise7RPG]

@hammeredshitsteak Yeah... I know. I'm already blowing chunks in 2012, haha. My wife's Rebel camera keeps turning off like 50 seconds into the video...  I'm not sure why. I talked for 10 minutes in another video... and then came back to find only 50 seconds was recorded... rrrr. I think the camera quality on the old digital camera is actually worse than my webcam. It's a learning process for me.

[Samwise7RPG]

@hammeredshitsteak "Fuck It!" I've said this right before I've done amazing things, or really stupid things. Either way it is stated before something dramatically alters my life, haha. Also, this was my Conveyor Belt's motto when I worked at UPS in the HUB (the place they unload and load all of the trucks). hehe.

[Psychometrons]

I also thought a build-a-ruleset approach would be a good idea for D&D 5e. I'd like to see variant skill systems within the same core rulebook(s).

[Samwise7RPG]

@Psychometrons If they start out with the core being the very rough foundation that other options could be added to to make it more detailed/complex I think that would be amazing. This is why I like BRP (at it's core it is just stats and skills and you can bolt on other things as you see fit).  Variant skill systems would be cool. I also really liked H.A.R.P. because they had so many optional systems for combat, magic, etc. If D&D did that with a rules-lite base... wow. :)

[YourDungeonMaster]

You are more than some random guy, you are the game whore! Seriously tho, you always have really great input, and are one of the few people whos opinions I really listen to. You're experience with games really shows in the way you speak and your extensive knowledge of gaming. Great vid, and love the shirt.

[Samwise7RPG]

@YourDungeonMaster Some Random Game Whore (SRGW), or The Game Whore (TGW). I should get shirts made. haha. It could be my lame super power. Maybe I have DR vs. Paper Cuts. haha. Thanks man. This is a video response to your video. I had to choose between responding to yours or to Esper's, but you were first.