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11 months ago ::
Aug 14, 2012 - 8:07PM
#1
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Date Joined:
Apr 12, 2008
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Seems like wading off into troubled waters, but I'd like to try out the new DDN playtest material with some of the PbP Haven crew.
Here are the rules:
- 5 PCs
- Level 1
- You can use the pregens, or make your own.
- The ONLY usable material is the newest playtest packet
One optional rule:
If you don't want to roll for ability scores and don't like the standard array, you can use a 25 point-buy. All scores start at 8, and higher scores are bought on a 1:1 basis.
The adventure and setting:
I will be using the old Basic D&D adventure "Night's Dark Terror". This adventure was originally set in BECMI's Hollow World setting, but I'll be using it in the Forgotten Realms for familiarity's sake.
Whether it goes well or completely stinks, there's only so much playtest material available right now, so it's not like this will be a long-term campaign. This will be a learning experience for everyone involved, so we'll take it easy on the rules-lawyering and just try to have fun with it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
In fond memory of Mark "Wrecan" Monack.
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11 months ago ::
Aug 14, 2012 - 8:21PM
#2
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Date Joined:
Mar 22, 2011
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Well... I'm game.
"It's dangerous to go alone, Jerk-wads!" (Borderlands 2) “All right, I've been thinking. When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade! Make life take the lemons back! Get mad! I don't want your damn lemons! What am I supposed to do with these? Demand to see life's manager! Make life rue the day it thought it could give Cave Johnson lemons! Do you know who I am? I'm the man whose gonna burn your house down - with the lemons!” (Portal 2) Spoiler:
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11 months ago ::
Aug 14, 2012 - 10:30PM
#3
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The previous playtest material said no Pbp and otherwise public games. Is it different in this case? Because if so, count me in!
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11 months ago ::
Aug 15, 2012 - 5:17AM
#4
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Date Joined:
Apr 12, 2008
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While I can't absolutely swear that it doesn't say that anywhere, I will say that I haven't seen it anywhere. I'll dig a little. If it turns out that we can't play it, then so be it. Not a big deal.
In fond memory of Mark "Wrecan" Monack.
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11 months ago ::
Aug 15, 2012 - 7:38AM
#5
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Date Joined:
Apr 12, 2008
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Okay...after digging deeper, I still cannot find anything (in either the playtest material or the online agreement) stating that we cannot use the playtest on the PbP forums.
On the contrary, the online agreement states that "use of the Forums will not violate the Terms of Use and Code of Conduct". The agreement states that we cannot use the platest material for our "own benefit (other than to participate in the online playtest)". We're participating in the online playtest.
So...unless we hear directly from a WotC rep, I say we go ahead with it. If they have an issue with it, they'll let us know.
In fond memory of Mark "Wrecan" Monack.
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11 months ago ::
Aug 15, 2012 - 1:56PM
#6
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Date Joined:
Jan 28, 2012
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Would be fun to actually use my playtest material. I'd play whatever, most likely, but I think a sniper rogue would be fun.
Wouldn't be a return to old editions without some rules parsing, though. Where do you fall on the Rapid Shot/Two Weapon Fighting issue with Sneak Attack? If you aren't aware, the first two halve the damage of the attack, but Sneak Attack's wording suggests it occurs outside of the attack.
Would the sneak attack similiarly be halved? It might not be intended, but it looks like, RAW it works out. RAI is tricky, though, but if previous editions are any indication, the game they intend is always a little off from what ends up happening.
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11 months ago ::
Aug 15, 2012 - 4:32PM
#7
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Date Joined:
Jul 21, 2009
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Okay...after digging deeper, I still cannot find anything (in either the playtest material or the online agreement) stating that we cannot use the playtest on the PbP forums.
On the contrary, the online agreement states that "use of the Forums will not violate the Terms of Use and Code of Conduct". The agreement states that we cannot use the platest material for our "own benefit (other than to participate in the online playtest)". We're participating in the online playtest.
So...unless we hear directly from a WotC rep, I say we go ahead with it. If they have an issue with it, they'll let us know.
From another thread:
The OPTA never adressed online Playtesting, the D&D Next Playtest FAQ did on 06/04:
Can I run an online game via email, Skype, Google Hangout or a play-by-post forum?
Yes, you may run online games via Skype, Google Hangout or play-by-post forum provided you to do not post or upload any transcripts from your playtest, upload any playtest materials and make sure that all members of your group have signed up to playtest through the official playtest sign up process. Can I run a playtest on the Virtual Table for anybody who wants to check it out?
No, you will not be able to run a playtest using the Virtual Table.
Also, I think I'd be up for it. Probably leaning Cleric or Fighter atm.
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"I don't like X, they should remove it."
"I like X, they should keep it."
"They should replace X with Y."
"Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better."
"Why don't they include both X and Y."
"Yeah, everybody can be happy then!"
"But I don't like X, they should remove it."
"X really needs to be replaced with Y."
"But they can include both X and Y."
"But I don't like X, they need to remove it."
"Remove X, I don't like it."
Repeat.
Obstinance?
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
You haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War
Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to 
Go!
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Adding options at the system level is good.
Adding options at the table level is hard.
Removing options at the system level is bad.
Removing options at the table level is easy.
This is not complicated.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
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11 months ago ::
Aug 15, 2012 - 5:09PM
#8
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I'm scared to look at DDN or 5E or whatever they call it, for the sake of being confused. (I am new to the dnd scene after all.) I've heard mixed things, which makes me want to play test it, but I don't know if I'd understand it all. I'll go home and grab the play test stuff and look over it. If it isn't too confusing I'd be game to give it a shot.
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11 months ago ::
Aug 15, 2012 - 5:45PM
#9
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Date Joined:
Apr 12, 2008
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A big thanks to LordManshoon for the info. I thought it would've been rather daft to not allow playtesting of WotC material on the WotC website but hey...I'm not a lawyer (nor do I play one on TV. I did play one in a high school play about 20 years ago, but I digress).
That being said...
I suppose I have to take everyone at their word that they are using the official playtest that they acquired officially by officially signing up for it. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to verify it, so the honor system it will have to be.
To Shadow_Geist: If you're new to D&D, I assume you started with 4E. For many folks, DDN feels like a mix of 2E (or 3E, whichever you prefer) and 4E. If you've used any of the Essentials material, I would put DDN about on the same difficulty level for learning. However...since this is brand-new material, we're all going to be new at it. We'll all probably make a few mistakes here and there. We can help each other learn it, and make notes about features we like/don't like for feedback purposes.
In fond memory of Mark "Wrecan" Monack.
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11 months ago ::
Aug 15, 2012 - 6:12PM
#10
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Date Joined:
Mar 22, 2011
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I'mma go Wizard if LM wants to go Cleric.
"It's dangerous to go alone, Jerk-wads!" (Borderlands 2) “All right, I've been thinking. When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade! Make life take the lemons back! Get mad! I don't want your damn lemons! What am I supposed to do with these? Demand to see life's manager! Make life rue the day it thought it could give Cave Johnson lemons! Do you know who I am? I'm the man whose gonna burn your house down - with the lemons!” (Portal 2) Spoiler:
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