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4 years ago ::
Jun 02, 2009 - 10:34AM
#541
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Date Joined:
Sep 28, 2006
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This is where Dave eats some crow. (Dave being me.) I've thought about this long and hard. At first, I was extremely upset about this change and very down on WotC. In fact, if you read through some of the first few pages I was VERY vocal in my disdain.
But I've thought about it. I had to ask myself the question, "Of what value is the Character Builder to me?" Now, I don't use ANY of the other tools. I don't like Dungeon or Dragon magazines because I dislike using my computer during a game as it distracts me. This also makes the Compendium a minor benefit. The "bonus tools" are lamesauce (IMHO) and add little to no value to DDi.
So how important is the CG to me? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it was pretty freaking important. I'm GMing a game right now when it came necessary for me to add in an NPC with stats, stuff, name, etc. Three or four clicks later and I had printed out a unique Dwarven Fighter named Rhogar. Quick, painless and all stats/skills were already calculated!! And this isn't the only time I'd done something like this.
I had been paying in 3 month increments, which was $19.95. At that rate a year was approximately $80. So locking myself in for a year cost me $59.40, which would save me $20 a year! Locking myself in for the year costs me LESS than the three months cost at the new rate. Frankly it became a no-brainer. I was willing to pay the $20 for three months and then balked at the price increase? :embarrass
So to WotC, I apologize for my over-the-top vitriol at your announcement. To those who tried to reason with me, I take a while to get there, but I do cross the finish line. To those who are thinking of leaving, read through this and see if it makes any sense.
tl;dr version:
I was wrong. I've reupped for a year. Have a nice day.
-Dave
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4 years ago ::
Jun 02, 2009 - 3:56PM
#542
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Date Joined:
Mar 27, 2004
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OK, I responded to the Assassin here.The Price Increase, to me, isn't for any particular reason, cept to raise profit margins. Nothing really has changed, and the PHB3 previews are simply bait to be used as WotC fishes for new subscribers. I am interested in the new tools that was referenced (DM? Campaign? I can't remember.) but the price is still to much, more so now. I shall look at the Annual when it comes out, and still await the official stand alone character generator that will replace the E-Tools program that was yanked off market.
Terms you should know... Spoiler:
Show
Kit Build - A class build that is self sustaining and has mechanical differences than the normal scale. Started in Essentials. Most are call their own terms, though the Base Class should be said in front of their own terms (Like Assassin/Executioner)
Power Points - A mechanic that was wedged into the PHB3 classes (with the exception of the Monk) from the previous editions. This time, they are used to augment At Wills to be Encounters, thus eliminating the need to choose powers past 4th level.
Mage Builds - Kit builds that are schools of magic for the Wizard. A call back to the previous editions powering up of the wizard. (Wizard/Necromancer, for example) Unlike the previous kit builds, Wizards simply lose their Scribe Rituals feature and most likely still can choose powers from any build, unlike the Kit Builds.
Parcel System - A treasure distribution method that keeps adventurers poor while forcing/advising the DM to get wish lists from players. The version 2.0 rolls for treasure instead of making a list, and is incomplete because of the lack of clarity about magic item rarity.
ha ha
Show
They will Essentialize the Essentials classes, otherwise known as Essentials2.
The new sub-sub-classes will be:
* Magician. A subsubclass of Mage, the magician has two implements, wand and hat, one familiar (rabbit) and series of basic tricks.
* Crook. A subsubclass of Thief, the Crook can only use a shiv, which allows him to use his only power... Shank.
* Angry Vicar, a subsubclass of warpriest, the angry vicar has two attacks -- Shame and Lecture.
* Hitter. A subsubclass of Slayer, the Hitter hits things.
* Gatherer. A subsubclass of Hunter, it doesn't actually do anything, but pick up the stuff other players might leave behind.
Future Essentials2 classes include the Security Guard (Sentinel2), the Hexknife (Hexblade2), the Webelos (Scout2), the Gallant (Cavalier2) and the Goofus (Knight2).
These will all be detailed in the box set called Heroes of the Futile Marketing.
(Though what they should really release tomorrow is the Essentialized version of the Witchalok!)
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4 years ago ::
Jun 02, 2009 - 6:18PM
#543
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Date Joined:
Feb 25, 2008
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OK, I responded to the Assassin here.
The Price Increase, to me, isn't for any particular reason, cept to raise profit margins. Nothing really has changed, and the PHB3 previews are simply bait to be used as WotC fishes for new subscribers.
I am interested in the new tools that was referenced (DM? Campaign? I can't remember.) but the price is still to much, more so now.
I shall look at the Annual when it comes out, and still await the official stand alone character generator that will replace the E-Tools program that was yanked off market.
that's your choice of course. I think it's safe to assume though that there will be no official stand alone character generator. That would undermine the Character Builder in DDi plus they'd lose control of the data set, plus it'd be a pain to update it every month. The flaw with non-subscription based updates is the CB gets content that you'd otherwise have to buy a book for (you don't need to own the book to get the CB updates, just a DDi subscription).
I'm firmly in the camp that thinks even with the increase in price (still below the original planned price), especially at the 3month or 1year discount, that DDi is worth the price. As others have stated though, your milage may vary and it may not be worth it to you. Some people think that the price for a lobster at a fancy resteraunt is worth it but others don't. You can't please everyone.
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4 years ago ::
Jun 02, 2009 - 7:01PM
#544
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Date Joined:
Feb 15, 2003
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tl;dr version:
I was wrong. I've reupped for a year. Have a nice day.
-Dave
Welcome to the "Daves who love the crap out of the Character Builder" club. :D
Yours,
Dave the Brave
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4 years ago ::
Jun 02, 2009 - 7:41PM
#545
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Date Joined:
May 29, 2009
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I wish my name was Dave now. 
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4 years ago ::
Jun 02, 2009 - 7:57PM
#546
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Date Joined:
Feb 15, 2003
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I wish my name was Dave now.
Anyone can be Dave. All it takes is a name change.
Yours,
Dave the Brave
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