"3E was considerably less complex than 2E in terms of core mechanics (Thac0, Weapon speeds, Save vs. Paralyzation anyone?). "
I call bullshit! :p
Some core mechanics were streamlined so that they worked better or just removed, like the ones you mention: THACO, weapon speeds and saves.
But from a character creation standpoint and combat options standpoint things got a LOT more complex.
On the character side:
1) Feats!!!
2) Skill points
3) Expanded character class abilities
4) Wide open multiclassing
5) Prestige classes
and on the combat side:
1) Attacks of Opportunity
2)Combat maneuvers: bull rush, grapple, charge
3) Combat conditions (ie sickened, shaken, panicked)
4) Damage reduction
and on the magic side:
1) 'stack' effect rules
2) item creation rules
You've floated the 2e/3e was as drastic as 3e/4e argument before and the more I think about it, the more I disagree. If 4e hadn't completely ditched the magic system used (and tweaked) for the last 30 years, then I might be inclined to agree.
The incremental change approach is always less of a change than the reboot approach.
Sat, 08/30/2008 - 5:39pm
"3E was considerably less complex than 2E in terms of core mechanics (Thac0, Weapon speeds, Save vs. Paralyzation anyone?). "
I call bullshit! :p
Some core mechanics were streamlined so that they worked better or just removed, like the ones you mention: THACO, weapon speeds and saves.
But from a character creation standpoint and combat options standpoint things got a LOT more complex.
On the character side:
1) Feats!!!
2) Skill points
3) Expanded character class abilities
4) Wide open multiclassing
5) Prestige classes
and on the combat side:
1) Attacks of Opportunity
2)Combat maneuvers: bull rush, grapple, charge
3) Combat conditions (ie sickened, shaken, panicked)
4) Damage reduction
and on the magic side:
1) 'stack' effect rules
2) item creation rules
You've floated the 2e/3e was as drastic as 3e/4e argument before and the more I think about it, the more I disagree. If 4e hadn't completely ditched the magic system used (and tweaked) for the last 30 years, then I might be inclined to agree.
The incremental change approach is always less of a change than the reboot approach.
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