I am starting to get the hang of 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons, and where it sits in amongst the other D&Ds and across the fantasy spectrum. It creates and manages the most engaging and intense combat encounters, where entering the fight is a major risk and an investment of game time. Our sessions involve straight roleplay with interaction and decision making and background development and some set piece combats. Arguably, much like all the D&Ds. The precision of ‘the Grid’, with the cool powers expressed in square zones, is represented easily by VTTs, where 4e shines.
It’s stirring heroics, with capable heroes who all have signature powers that allow them to shine with equal relevance but in thematic ways.
 |
| Where we left off – Iron Circle defeated |
In our most recent encounter, the group of player characters, ‘Sturm und Drang’, were ambushed by the Iron Circle, a deadly faction that is seeking to dominate the northern lands. The aftermath is above, with a Rage Drake dominating the terror, and became more powerful once ‘bloodied’ (lost half hit points). Powers and Action Points were sent freely as it was clear this one could go one of two ways. I nearly put paid to our Dragonborn Warlord, who was into Death Saves, and the NPC Ranger, Helena, was on 3 hit points and only surviving thanks to Dual Shot and dispatching the Minion Brigands in two rounds of fast shooting.
There is, of course, a lot of roleplaying going on in the tactical play. I don’t particularly disassociate the two, and as such, might be a clue as to why I enjoy 4e so much. A following scene revealed something about our half-eleven Hexblade’s family and past. The bulk of our session was the set piece above, but it remains a blend of character, story and intense combat action. It’s a mix I like.
A fascinating podcast, featuring Rob Heinsoo, affirms that the original intent in 4E was not to have all classes have a similar structure (AEDU) and that it was a lack of design time that brought us the symmetry of similar structures for all classes. The Essentials classes were a closer representation of their original 4e design intentions, with greater variety in the way that they operate. It’s a very good interview, with 4E getting a few minutes worth in amongst the 13th Age. Well worth a listen.
https://www.dicegeeks.com/13th-age-how-playing-ttrpgs-changed-rob-heinsoo/
Personally, I’m glad they ran out of time. Sometimes the constraints of deadline can, in fact, create design beauty, even if it wasn’t entirely intended.
As an expression of my current delight, and to banner wave my 4e enjoyment, I went to Twitter, of all places, and posted this:
Yeah, I know, but I thought it would be fun. It has garnered a little attention and created some buzz. We even have our own hashtag now: #4eRenaissance or #4eR. I’m not sure if we will turn it into a movement, but might be a more recognised tendency. 😆 I’d go More4 but Channel 4 beat me to it.
I had wondered about surging the #4eRenaissance with a series of YouTube streaming adventures, showcasing the game and, probably, the Role VTT.
 |
| This would make a good 10 episode stream run |
I’ve since noted that there are one or two recent 4E streams, and I’d need to ensure that the roleplaying comes through within the combat encounters, but that’s kind of how we play. Finding a group who would be happy to play 10 sessions of D&D4e in a streamed show is presently unlikely. More-so, do I have the time to do it? I think I know the answer to that one.