Wizards of the Coast announced today that they will be releasing the 5th edition of their popular Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game. This game includes a number of product innovations and ancillary product tie-ins that are sure to make a splash in the RPG industry.
Single Skill Design:
Instead of having a range of non-combat abilities, characters now have a single skill called Dude. This skill does not have a value because it is a roleplayed skill. Whenever the player encounters a non-combat obstacle that they do not see an obvious way to bypass, they say "Dude" in a nasal drawn-out whine. The pitch and duration of the whine, and it's corresponding annoyance to the GM, will determine success or failure.
Ultra-Grid Technology:
Instead of relying upon primitive imagination skills as in previous games, players of 5th edition will play the game on a massive interconnected grid system called Ultra-Grid. Where they would previously have to imagine the game world in their head, players can now explore the actual town laid out in full-color cardboard stock map pieces (available from Wizards of the Coast for only $2.99 per 8.5x11 grid). Buildings will be available as pre-painted miniatures. Wizards of the Coast has timed the 5th edition release with this custom line of miniatures which will be available for only $25.99 per building. Players no longer have to imagine meeting in a tavern, they can actually place their character miniatures inside of a tavern miniature. After leaving the tavern, they can then walk around on the Ultra-Grid to explore the world. Instead of just saying "I follow this path for several miles", players are now able to actually move their miniatures down the actual road. This level of realism is certain to bring an exciting new level of gameplay to the table.
Enhanced Character Classes:
Unlike previous editions which were limited to 8 to 20 classes, 5th edition Dungeons and Dragons will allow players to choose from over 5000 classes, including the powerful Wild Goat Nexus Shaman and Peach Drop Cowboy. New rules have abandoned the direct advancement system of previous editions, now allowing players to choose a new class at every level, along with 10 new Mega-Feats.
Online Character Builder:
The actual 5th edition book contains only conceptual material and artwork. The real heart of the system is the online character builder. After paying the registration fee of $20.00, the character builder allows you to construct your character online. Your registration fee will give you access to 2 races (Crimson Seagullin & Woprot Manchild) and 2 classes (Oblong Avenger and Tulip Captain) with the ability to add races to your build for only $5.00 per race and classes for only $2.00 per class. If you buy new races or classes in units of 100, you save $10!
The New Fiendish Gnome Rabbit Race, available only through the Online Character Builder!
Adjudication System:
The mechanics of 5th edition are too complex to be calculated at the table. Instead, players can pull up the online resolution system on their laptop while at the table and enter the game information into the Wizards of the Coast Adjudication System. The GM enters all the relevant information into the system, then the player makes a roll. Your webcam captures the die result and transmits it to Wizards of the Coast. The adjudication system them gives you the result of the action using the pre-recorded voice talents of comedian and actor Gilbert Godfrey! This service is available for only $1.00 per roll adjudicated.
Mega Points:
5th edition is also forging a new path of product tie-ins. When you buy any 42 oz Slurpee at select 7-11 convenience stores, you get Mega Points which can be used to shift rolls in your favor using the online adjudication system. When you have a bad roll, simply hold your Slurpee up to webcam and Wizards of the Coast's digital scanning technology will count up your Mega Points and enhance the results rolled. A Slurpee may be all that stands between your character and certain death from the Indigo Dragonoodle's breath weapon!
As you can see, 5th edition is going to have an enormous impact on the future of RPG gaming. Make your pre-order today!
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