I have posted in the Player's Guild'a my review of the 5e Basic set rules by WotC. Please take a few moments to take a look when you have a chance. If you have any comments or thoughts, feel free to add them here.

Alacrity's Review of 5e Basic Set

I had already seen a preview of this via email, but I'll report my general thoughts here.

That's a great first look - it sounds like I need to spend some time researching the new system. Is it possible that I might get current in a game? Talk about a heady concept - I haven't seriously considered this since original 3e (and I scrapped that thought pretty quick at the time).

I'll want to see more, but I won't rule the new system out directly out of hand.

I'm really interested to see how the expanded class rules work. I have to admit, I have some preconceived notions that are tough for me to get around.

For instance, if there is a mechanic that allows self healing (like the surges from 4e), I'm less likely to care. Sorry, but I personally *want* different classes to have drastic differences between them. Sorry, I don't buy that you can heal yourself by wishing really hard.

If this truly is more like the old 2e ruleset (which I fully grant had its own warts, hence the houseruled version I play)... then yeah, I'll be interested.

The part of this post I find the most interesting is this "mana system" that was mentioned. What is it? Does anyone know it and can explain it to me, or direct me to a link?

I have used a mana based system for magic for years in D&D games. Apparently I have never posted the mana rules in entirety on the Inn, I thought I had but I have not. I guess that is another project on my to-do list.

You sound rather busy, so I guess I'll wait for that explanation. Don't worry about it, I'd rather not bother you down with stuff

The document has some tables that I will have to set up to post which is probably why I have not done that yet. I have not done tables in awhile. I will send you a word doc if wish.

I think the mana system has been on the to do list for at least five years.

Perhaps even longer than me leaving the Christmas graphic up!

Well sometime in the next couple of months we'll be play testing the 5.0 at my tabletop group. Sir Nibbly's dad is our GM and he loves to tryout new systems. So are going to work it in around our 13th Age game. (I play a Gnome Bard, Jerry Cigara)

So once we do I'll report back. I downloaded the PH today to start getting ready. If it is close to 2.0 then I won't be too lost.

We've played:
Dresden (Fate Rules, I play a Werewolf Social Worker Native America in Las Vegas)(Innocents Are not Collateral Damage)
Zietgist (4.0 Variant)
D&D 4.0
13th Age ( d20 variant )

So maybe some news soon.

This sounds moderately interesting ish.

I'll at least give a try before arbitrarily dismissing it as trash, I suppose.

Is this play testing closed off to more people? I understand if it would just be too much work to incorporate a new player in to something that's already started, I get it lol, it's tedious. Just asking though since I'd like to try it as well.

Ody - How are you finding 13th age? I have looked at that one a few times.

I will be heading up to my local game shop this morning to see if they have the Starter Kit.

There is more RP to 13th Age. It seems built around the story and not just hack and slash.

You need to tell "why" you ability is likely to give you advantage, so the better you story the more likely. Say you need "Survival", well you tell how you had to wander the forests as you escaped from your evil master and lived off the land and improved you skills or die.

Say need an "engineering" skill, you could say your town was pressed against the shores of a turbulent sea filled with odd creature that foraged the shore so you grew up have to help with the building of sea walls and barriers to keep back both sea and creature.

I like the story, I play a Gnome Bard and get to act silly at times making the evening a hoot.

The dice still rule as they do in most games but your choices become the story.

Then the escalation die in combat. It helps improve your chances as combat rounds mount. The idea is you get better as you assess the situation and respond.

As you tie in relationships, knowledge and experience the story comes more alive.

Next Stage, New Wave, Dance Craze, Anyway ....

...is that a pretty pic? Or did you buy it?

Bought it. I figure I have paid 16 for modules before and it came with dice. How can you go wrong?

Blue dice. With pre-coloured numbers so you didn't have to buy a crayon either.