The Summer of Nostalgia, brought to you by 4th Edition

[FuzzyDan]

So we are getting Dark Sun as a 4th edition campaign setting.  I'm sure that it's going to be awesome, but here's something that has not been as publicly announced:

http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Product.aspx?x=dnd/products/dndacc/253850000

If Ross does not eventually run and post this, I will be disappointed.

[ristarr]

It has a page count of 160!  I do not believe that it is going to be a simple reworking of the original module. 

It might not have the same tone as the original though.  It is listed to be for 10 - 22nd level.  The original was more like 10th ... bring new character from 1st level to 10th ...  repeat as necessary.   I think a lot of the lethalness of the original will be different.  Maybe more of a focus on losing surges than immediate death/disintegration/petrification ...

I wonder if "modular design" and "standalone adventures" will mean it has aspects of dungeon delve.

Can't wait for it to come out.

[Kroack]

I don't think they will be able to capture the essence of the original with 4E.

But I guess we'll shall just wait and see.

[clockworkjoe]

the original was "hahaha you did something now you die"

srsly

I'll probably run at least one shot of the remake though.

[Tadanori Oyama]

"Tomb of Horrors, for character level 1-30. Because the Sphere of Annihilation doesn't give a fuck what level you are."

[New Start]

"Tomb of Horrors, for character level 1-30. Because the Sphere of Annihilation doesn't give a fuck what level you are."

Actually, the sphere is no longer a insta kill. It'd probably kill a low level PC, but any trap at that level would probably kill a low level PC.

[Tadanori Oyama]

"Tomb of Horrors, for character level 1-30. Because the Sphere of Annihilation doesn't give a fuck what level you are."

Actually, the sphere is no longer a insta kill. It'd probably kill a low level PC, but any trap at that level would probably kill a low level PC.

I know, that was one of the design changes in 4th Edition: removal of "save or die" powers and effects. Just makin' a joke.

I'm not planning to buy the Tomb of Horrors remake. It's never really interested me or fit my style of play.

[ArtfulShrapnel]

"Tomb of Horrors, for character level 1-30. Because the Sphere of Annihilation doesn't give a fuck what level you are."

Actually, the sphere is no longer a insta kill. It'd probably kill a low level PC, but any trap at that level would probably kill a low level PC.

Sphere of Annihilation

no longer an insta kill

Someone somewhere is doing it wrong. It's a sphere of annihilation. A magical disintegrating black hole of doom. It shouldn't even be Save or Die, it should be Touch it and Die. Not that I am in favor of rampant player killing, but if the Sphere of Annihilation can't kill you outright what can?

....

I think ending all the Save or Die effects is just a setup for a sourcebook. Later this year they'll release the Tome of Mortality, with a whole bunch of new spells, creatures, and items that have save-or-die powers. There will even be new paths for the core classes, such as the "Master of Disintegration" wizard path, or the "Headchopper" fighter path.

Shortly following that will be the Book of RogueFuckery, which makes everything immune to sneak attacks, poison, and criticals.

[Tom Church]

Someone somewhere is doing it wrong. It's a sphere of annihilation. A magical disintegrating black hole of doom. It shouldn't even be Save or Die, it should be Touch it and Die. Not that I am in favor of rampant player killing, but if the Sphere of Annihilation can't kill you outright what can?

I agree.  It's called the Sphere of Annihilation, not the Sphere of the Very Real Possibility That Somebody Could Die.

In a game where characters can become powerful enough to take on Gods, it's nice to always have something that can gank them instantly.  Maintains the clarity that they are never invincible.  Not really.

[rayner23]

DARK SUUUUUUUUNNNNNN!!!!!

I spent an hour the other night planning what I wanted to be . . . giddy with anticipation.

[Tadanori Oyama]

I don't see the Sphere of Annihilation, as it exists in the "classic" sense, as anything besides a GM fiat excuse tool. "You touch it, your destoryed" isn't much of a game mechanic. I see the use of it in threatening characters and the only reason it might be a more effective threat than whatever deus ex the GM wants to throw together it because of its history.

[New Start]

Not that I am in favor of rampant player killing, but if the Sphere of Annihilation can't kill you outright what can?

Just because the Sphere no longer a insta kills you, does not mean it won't kill you. The Sphere does like an average 30 damage per hit, plus an ongoing 15. And if your dropped to 0 by the Sphere, your dead AND can't be raised. Which at epic level is fucking scary.

So don't take the 'no insta kill' thing as a sign of weakness. Because if you don't take the Sphere seriously, It Will Kill You! 

[Dogfish]

Not that I am in favor of rampant player killing, but if the Sphere of Annihilation can't kill you outright what can?

Just because the Sphere no longer a insta kills you, does not mean it won't kill you. The Sphere does like an average 30 damage per hit, plus an ongoing 15. And if your dropped to 0 by the Sphere, your dead AND can't be raised. Which at epic level is fucking scary.

So don't take the 'no insta kill' thing as a sign of weakness. Because if you don't take the Sphere seriously, It Will Kill You! 

It's still an unnecessary cop-out.