An interesting post from Mike Mearls over at the WotC site about magic items, and the first thing I've read about D&D Next which sounds 1. really awesome, and 2. actually a refreshing and original approach to something*.
I especially like the idea of the random table of background snippets about magical artefacts. Yes, a very cool idea!
Worth reading for anyone who's interested in what they're up to...
* and not a rules changes, simply a change of perspective and emphasis.
Edit: Just to be clear on this, I'm not saying I think I'll ever buy or play D&D "Next"... I just think their emphasis on making each magic item something unique is really cool.
I thought the article sucked balls.
ReplyDeleteThey are trying too hard. The Great Digging Mace of Plus Fourness? No thanks.
Fair enough! :)
DeleteMy perspective is that I find "a sword +2" totally boring, and loathe "a sword +5!!!!1!!1", so I found their proposed emphasis on items with unique powers and lower bonuses (max +3) a really cool idea. It feels more mythological to me, and less "D&D".
The article looked pretty good to me, especially the whole capping bonuses thing.
ReplyDeleteYes I found that very cool too. It seems like they really want to reduce the power curve of the game, and cut down on the expectation of ridiculous bonuses to everything.
DeleteI remember recently seeing the D&D 3 stats for Orcus, who had an AC the equivalent of like -60 or something descending! Talk about power inflation!
It's Diablo style magic items - If I dig out my D20 Diablo book, I'm sure the needed charts are in there ;)
ReplyDeleteOh really? I've never played Diablo or any of these computer "RPGs", so I wouldn't spot the influence.
DeleteActually I'd always assumed that CRPGs went the route of items simply having ridiculous to-hit / damage bonuses.
Anyway, I like the idea. It's something I've tried to do more and more in my own games in fact... no simple "+X" magic items, rather items with unique powers, and sometimes with detrimental side-effects.
@Erik
DeleteWhat makes this seem Diablo-like to you? I don't see the resemblance. If anything, Diablo magic items are the opposite, because they are all over the place and filled with arbitrary bonuses to random things.