Fourth Edition Introduction
Hired by a doddery academic to map out an old abandoned keep near the town of Winterhaven, I join a disparate band of adventurers. As we start our journey the introductions are made. 'What's your name?'
'Iago.'
'That's nice, Argo. Me Jane. HA HA HA!'
'No, Iago. *sigh* Do you have no culture?'
For some reason the conversation then lacks for the journey, but excitement is still to be had when some kobolds jump out from behind some rocks, probably shout 'Utinni!', and start attacking.
A couple of eagle-eyed fellows I find myself adventuring with quickly spot these kobolds and leap in to action, drawing weapons with lightning speed and loosing missiles before I have even noticed what's occurring.
'Do we have combat advantage over the kobolds in the surprise round?'
'As they are the ambushers I would say it's safe to suppose that we don't.' Despite this initial setback, as well as the shaky introductions, we work together to defeat the kobold... well, I'm reluctant to use the word 'threat'. Warlock, warlord, fighter, ranger and wizard, our different abilities and powers work in harmony and we swiftly kill the ambushers.
Onwards to Winterhaven, where we shall spend the night before heading to the old keep.
18th August 2008 at 12.37 pm
How are you enjoying 4e? I picked it up, thought it was pretty neat but then started to notice you were really limited in the character creation when compared to previous versions.
I love their encounter building and treasure scaling. I loved what they did with the character races and healing. I also liked the big picture of the game, I just didn't like the lack of choice (i.e. try to cast Cause Wounds or make a necromancer) presented in the PHB for powers and character customization.
18th August 2008 at 1.37 pm
It's still early to tell, having played just one session so far. I agree that character creation looks to be quite limited, where most 1st level characters in the same class will be nearly identical.
I imagine that the character possibilities will expand with the introduction of the new books to be released, including more wizard classes. Whilst that will lead to more choice I am a little opposed to buying new books every few months for what should be core features.
Time will tell whether our group enjoys 4e. If not, expect tales from a different system within a few of months.
19th August 2008 at 3.35 pm
"Whilst that will lead to more choice I am a little opposed to buying new books every few months for what should be core features."
This is another reservation I had with it as well. I understand they need to make their money, but it's sort of like selling a car without wheels.