I'm disappointed by the decision to reprint existing subclasses -- to me, that doesn't seem necessary. I suppose it's more useful for AL?
Remember that not everyone will have Xanathar's. Whilst it does benefit AL, this also lets new people just pick up the sourcebook for Theros and have access to the thematic subclasses. Kind of a one-stop shop.
Yeah, it just feels like it's not terribly difficult to borrow a book (from a person, at a shop during AL night, from a library) to get the 2-3 pages you need that if I'm trying to justify it to myself, AL seems like there might be more benefits. Plus, weren't we talking about Wizards wanting to make more money? If they were only in it for the $$$, they wouldn't reprint anything, so AL makes more sense there, too. ;)
Do you guys realize that this isn't a zero sum game? These subclasses aren't replacing other subclasses by being printed here, they fit thematically with the setting and are therefore getting printed in the setting book.
I'm a little sad the the Circle of Stars Druid probably won't make it into this. It would have been super thematic with the lore of Nyx and the star-field theme all the enchantment creatures and gods have going on.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"The mongoose blew out its candle and was asleep in bed before the room went dark." —Llanowar fable
Do you guys realize that this isn't a zero sum game? These subclasses aren't replacing other subclasses by being printed here, they fit thematically with the setting and are therefore getting printed in the setting book.
So say you were beholden to a rule....... Say PHB +1, would you like subclasses and spells being spread about like this? I can't imagine why that'd be annoying.
Having Wizards tell people that wanted a proper core book, or classic adventure setting that they'd be happy after wildermont, than spit this out next, is little better than a slap in the face.
With each new crossover book, or pop culture product that comes out, the books that people wanted and constantly ask for get pushed further and further back. We're more likely to have a Stranger things setting in the upside down or a rick and morty setting than a proper core book or classic setting this year. I guess the best way to deal with demand for a product is to offer something else? Again I am fine with these products coming out and getting new eyes on the game, that is a good thing, but you dance with the person that brought you.
EDIT: Also, do players really want to pay $50 for a setting book when all they want is the small parts they are going to use? Does a DM want to have to pass around their setting book to the players with their notes inside it so they can look at said classes? At least for the players, DNDbeyond exists so you can get buy the class if you want to use it, but as a final product, spreading the pc classes around like this and making dm's at the very least bring all the extra books is a bit bonkers.
It is so odd that people will complain about a setting book. If you do not like the setting just don't buy it. Damn, its like you are forced to buy things you do not like. leave people alone to buy the things that they like. :) thanks
You are acting like the Stranger Things and Rick and Morty books were one of their 3 a year. They were not.
You wanna know what will happen if they make these kinds of books?
"Why are they bringing back [insert classic setting here], when [insert classic setting here] is still unreleased! That one is way more popular!"
"Oh god, this is really the way they are representing [insert your pick of whatever setting specific or classic mechanic here, such as psionics]? This is so unfaithful, god, I'm certainly not buying this book!"
"This [splatbook that is basically Xanathar's 2] [insert race, spell, background, magic item, subclass, whatever] is BREAKING THE GAME AND I HATE IT OH MY GOD!!!"
"Why did they represent this so badly?"
"Why are they not doing it like [insert homebrew product on DMsguild] did! That was way better! SMH Wotc needs to learn." "oh my god they ruined it."
"I don't care about '5e design philosophy', it goes against the meaning of the setting!"
"Why do WOTC keep remaking old products? Make something new!"
"Why does WOTC keep making new things? There is still a ton of stuff to bring to 5e!"
I swear, I have had it with whining about everything wotc does. Get over yourselves.
Not counting pdf original releases, this is how 5e has looked year to year:
2014
Starter Set
August - Player’s Handbook
August - Tyranny of Dragons: Hoard of the Dragon Queen
September - Monster Manual
November - Tyranny of Dragons: The Rise of Tiamat
December - Dungeon Master’s Guide
2015
April - Elemental Evil: Princes of the Apocalypse
September - Rage of Demons: Out of the Abyss
November - Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
2016
March - The Curse of Strahd
September - Storm King’s Thunder
November - Volo’s Guide to Monsters
2017
April - Tales from the Yawning Portal
September - Tomb of Annihilation
November - Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
2018
May - Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes
September - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
November - Guildmaster’s Guide to Ravnica
November - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
2019
March - Ghosts of Saltmarsh
May - Stranger Things Starter Set
June - Acquisitions Incorporated
June - Essentials Kit
September - Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus
October - Tyranny of Dragons
November - D&D vs. Rick and Morty
November - Eberron: Rising from the Last War
2020
March - Explorer’s Guide to Wildmount
June - Mythic Odysseys of Theros
so far...
Note that it’s been 3 main releases since 2015 (2014 can be discounted as it was release window and in-development since 2011 at least.
In 2018 they added an extra book, and I’m not talking Wayfinder’s Guide. Then in 2019 they added 3 starter sets and a reprint/update of Tyranny of Dragons, but still managed to print 4 new major releases.
We’re not getting less, we’re getting more.
PS - Vedalken are more like Star Wars Chiss than Vulcans. DnD Admiral Thrawn is phenomenal, and was great timing given that the book followed not too far after the finale of Star Wars Rebels (where he was the principle antagonist). Probably got a lot of people’s creative juices flowing!
There was a Stranger Things Starter Kit, much in a similar vein to the Rick & Morty one, but instead of an adventure 'written' by Rick, it was written by Mike Wheeler. It's quite funny in a cheesy, meta kinda way, like you're playing a module given to you by your kid brother.
Theros is the best MTG setting besides Innistrad, so I think this might be a neat book.
However, it's pretty obvious now though that WOTC is going to keep printing books where they have to pay out as little royalties as possible so we can probably completely write off seeing 5th Edition Planescape, Spelljammer, Birthright, etc, etc. I hope I'm wrong, but yeesh.
Theros is the best MTG setting besides Innistrad, so I think this might be a neat book.
However, it's pretty obvious now though that WOTC is going to keep printing books where they have to pay out as little royalties as possible so we can probably completely write off seeing 5th Edition Planescape, Spelljammer, Birthright, etc, etc. I hope I'm wrong, but yeesh.
I'm pretty sure they still own the rights to Planescape and Spelljammer, not sure about Birthright.
Theros is the best MTG setting besides Innistrad, so I think this might be a neat book.
However, it's pretty obvious now though that WOTC is going to keep printing books where they have to pay out as little royalties as possible so we can probably completely write off seeing 5th Edition Planescape, Spelljammer, Birthright, etc, etc. I hope I'm wrong, but yeesh.
I'm pretty sure they still own the rights to Planescape and Spelljammer, not sure about Birthright.
They do, but if you consider how much TSR content got an Edition upgrade since Hasbro took over in 1999, and then look at the settings of 5th Edition. It's mostly merchandizing tie-ins, a bare bones Forgotten Realms book, Eberron which was WOTC's 3rd Edition baby, and Critical Role their cash cow. It's totally about old author royalties.
To be clear: I'm not saying BOO HISS NEVER MTG AGAIN.
My disappointment stems purely from the fact that I was unaware that "Theros" was a MTG thing, and suffering from a bit of early hype for a cool Greek Hero Myth supplement which was subsequently crushed by the knowledge that this book has absolutely ballslap nothing to do with "Greek Hero Myth" and is just another MTG supplement. For the folks who want another MTG supplement, enjoy! Glad you've got a second book in your series, us Wildemount folks salute you from atop our Horizonback tortoises.
But man...it might have legit been cool to see what came of a Greek Hero Myth supplement. odds are low, of course, Wizards only manages to touch something and avoid ruining it maybe one time in five, but man...still woulda been cool.
I don't consider aquasitions, stranger things, or rick and morty official dnd products, i think of them as third party with the blessing of wotc. (also, setting specific yet popular subclasses tend to get reprinted in splat books a la xanathars, lets not forget that sun soul, mastermind, storm sorc, and swashbuckler originally came from the SCAG)
Let's analyze the 5e release schedule, and how much they are "slapping us in the face" with this:
2014: Player's Handbook, DMG, Monster Manual, Starter Set, Tyranny of Dragons adventure: This is all core stuff, no pandering here.
2015: Princes of the Apocolypse: a callback and soft remake of a very very classic D&D adventure.
Out of the Abyss: explores one of the most famous locations in D&D and features some of their most iconic villains
SCAG: Setting book for flagship setting for 5e, classic D&D setting.
2016: Curse of Strahd: Soft remake of one of the most popular D&D modules of all time.
Storm king's thunder: exploration through faerun, development of the sword coast
Volos: monster manual 2: poorly designed monstrous races boogaloo
2017:
Tales from the yawning portal: Pure, unadulterated fanservice
Tomb of annihilation: half tomb of horrors, half new adventure exploring chult
Xanathars: Players Handbook 2: Subclasses and Spells
2018: Mordys book of foes: Monster Manual 3: Blood War Edition
Waterdeep Dragon Heist: Mystery adventure in famous D&D city.
Dungeon of the mad mage: Soft remake of one of the most famous and largest dungeons in D&D history.
Guildmasters guide to ravnica: A setting guide for a popular mtg plane in an attempt to do a tie in. yeah you can make an argument that this one was a cash grab, Ravnica imo translates horrible into D&D. At least we got Spores Druid out of it?
2019
Ghosts of Saltmarsh: Unadulterated fanservice 2: Swashbuckling boogaloo
Stranger things, rick and morty, aquasitions incorperated: Yeah these were cash grabs. But I don't consider them first party, i would consider them third party with support of wotc.
Essentials kit: Starter kit 2: I have run out of sequel title jokes here
Baldur's Gate, Descent into Avernus: This is a solid D&D adventure. My only complaint is that it being baldurs gate was kinda shoehorned in, i think elturel would have made more sense for the city at the start.
Tyranny of Dragons: Good this time? Debatable. Cool cover? yes.
Eberron, Rising from the last war: "They aren't remaking popular settings" come on, this was in the workshop for years. A fan favorite setting, brought back with a new class in 5e, the first of its kind.
2020 (so far)
Explorer's Guide to Wildemont: Ok listen, I had my problems when this was announced too, but I've come around to it. Eastern European fantasy is somewhat underdone, they have interesting factions (that actually make sense, looking at you ravnica), and dunamancy seems interesting. like, i get its from critical role, but it seems like it could be a solid d&d setting.
Theros: Another mtg setting, but this time one that actually makes sense as a setting. Listen, I get it. I would rather have spelljammer or planescape or dark sun too. But those will be incredibly difficult for wotc to do if we keep reacting to literally everything they do with such hatred. "Why did they remove the original zaniness to make it more marketable, it doesnt feel like spelljammer!" "God, they kept the alignment mechanics? Why didn't they change those, that's the worst! Planescape sucks..." "[CENSORED RANT ON PSIONICS THAT WOULD ONLY LEAD TO ARGUMENTS NOW, FILLED ONLY WITH THE PUREST RAGE FROM ALL OPINIONS ON IT]".
I am perfectly fine with theros as a D&D setting. As long as they can develop it enough. which, unlike ravnica, theros is actually able to do. And? We don't know what book is coming out later this year? I have heard from a leak that its likely to be a xanathars 2 esque thing, but that could just be a lie. But if thats the case, what were all those subclasses for? I believe that we will be getting one soon.
To be clear: I'm not saying BOO HISS NEVER MTG AGAIN.
My disappointment stems purely from the fact that I was unaware that "Theros" was a MTG thing, and suffering from a bit of early hype for a cool Greek Hero Myth supplement which was subsequently crushed by the knowledge that this book has absolutely ballslap nothing to do with "Greek Hero Myth" and is just another MTG supplement. For the folks who want another MTG supplement, enjoy! Glad you've got a second book in your series, us Wildemount folks salute you from atop our Horizonback tortoises.
But man...it might have legit been cool to see what came of a Greek Hero Myth supplement. odds are low, of course, Wizards only manages to touch something and avoid ruining it maybe one time in five, but man...still woulda been cool.
I think that it's a bit of a stretch to say it's got nothing to do with Greek hero mythology considering Theros is a plane rife with classic greek mythological beats. If you have a look into the setting, it's got tonnes of nods to classic myths, plus a load of original takes on it.
I'm not boycotting this book. I'm not going to go whining to Wizards of the Coast about them not making Spelljammer or Planescape or Dark Sun (as much as I'd want them).
It just isn't what I asked for. In reality, did anyone ask for this? I hadn't heard anyone ask for a Theros book before this was announced. Anyone ask for this?
This is my point. Why are they doing this if we didn't ask for this?
Because it is easy. That's the reason.
Am I wrong?
I'm going to buy the book, I'm sure it is going to be good, and I'm going to use some of the content, my only complaint is that I didn't ask for this.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
I don't consider aquasitions, stranger things, or rick and morty official dnd products, i think of them as third party with the blessing of wotc. (also, setting specific yet popular subclasses tend to get reprinted in splat books a la xanathars, lets not forget that sun soul, mastermind, storm sorc, and swashbuckler originally came from the SCAG).
—
Sure, you don’t have to consider them official products. My point was that they’re not slowing down despite those additional box sets and reprints (and I could have mentioned the gorgeous reprints with alt covers of the core rules in that sense).
We were at 3 hardcovers/year from 2015-2017, 1/3 was splatbook (rules/options expansions and/or campaign setting) rather than adventure path.
Now we’re at 4 hardcovers/year from 2018 & 2019, but the ratio of hardcover adventure path to campaign setting or expansion rules has no new pattern.
In 2018 we got a MM3+PC Race expansion book, a campaign setting, and two adventures.
In 2019 we got a DMG2+Adventure combined book, a PC-focused rules-lite splatbook, a campaign setting (including rules options and an adventure), and one (new) adventure path. This is of course in addition to the adventure and sidekick rules in the Essentials Kit.
We still got 4 hardcovers, but we’re moving away from pure adventure paths to more splatbooks, perhaps. That should satisfy people who are worried their favourite campaign setting or race or class archetype hasn’t been expressed yet in 5e.
If “Xanathar’s 2” is hardcover 3, that would be 3 non-Adventure hardcovers in one year. I imagine Adventurer’s League at least needs a Autumn Bone for their new season of play. But more to that point, Mercer said that Wildmountain is additional to the normal book load of WotC - which means Wildmountain likely isn’t one of their 4 hardcovers made in house. I wouldn’t be surprised if they announced a May-released Adventure Path hardcover soon.
I'm not boycotting this book. I'm not going to go whining to Wizards of the Coast about them not making Spelljammer or Planescape or Dark Sun (as much as I'd want them).
It just isn't what I asked for. In reality, did anyone ask for this? I hadn't heard anyone ask for a Theros book before this was announced. Anyone ask for this?
This is my point. Why are they doing this if we didn't ask for this?
Because it is easy. That's the reason.
Am I wrong?
I'm going to buy the book, I'm sure it is going to be good, and I'm going to use some of the content, my only complaint is that I didn't ask for this.
Honestly, I've asked for, and I've seen people ask for, more MtG settings post-Ravnica. WotC has done a lot of market research of late and I'd be surprised if they went "nah, let's ignore it and do Theros instead". Sure, using an MtG book saves a bit on worldbuilding, but that's it. They still have to build all the rules and mechanics and new flavour. Calling it 'easy' is a little reductionist. That's like saying Tomb of Annihilation is 'easy' because it's in the Forgotten Realms and that exists already. Or that Eberron is easy because it's a setting that already exists.
I don't think Theros is any harder or easier than making anything else they've done to date. I honestly think it's more a case of it ticks a lot of boxes.
Yeah, it just feels like it's not terribly difficult to borrow a book (from a person, at a shop during AL night, from a library) to get the 2-3 pages you need that if I'm trying to justify it to myself, AL seems like there might be more benefits. Plus, weren't we talking about Wizards wanting to make more money? If they were only in it for the $$$, they wouldn't reprint anything, so AL makes more sense there, too. ;)
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
Do you guys realize that this isn't a zero sum game? These subclasses aren't replacing other subclasses by being printed here, they fit thematically with the setting and are therefore getting printed in the setting book.
I'm a little sad the the Circle of Stars Druid probably won't make it into this. It would have been super thematic with the lore of Nyx and the star-field theme all the enchantment creatures and gods have going on.
I agree with you there, that's a missed opportunity.
So say you were beholden to a rule....... Say PHB +1, would you like subclasses and spells being spread about like this? I can't imagine why that'd be annoying.
Having Wizards tell people that wanted a proper core book, or classic adventure setting that they'd be happy after wildermont, than spit this out next, is little better than a slap in the face.
With each new crossover book, or pop culture product that comes out, the books that people wanted and constantly ask for get pushed further and further back. We're more likely to have a Stranger things setting in the upside down or a rick and morty setting than a proper core book or classic setting this year. I guess the best way to deal with demand for a product is to offer something else? Again I am fine with these products coming out and getting new eyes on the game, that is a good thing, but you dance with the person that brought you.
EDIT: Also, do players really want to pay $50 for a setting book when all they want is the small parts they are going to use? Does a DM want to have to pass around their setting book to the players with their notes inside it so they can look at said classes? At least for the players, DNDbeyond exists so you can get buy the class if you want to use it, but as a final product, spreading the pc classes around like this and making dm's at the very least bring all the extra books is a bit bonkers.
It is so odd that people will complain about a setting book. If you do not like the setting just don't buy it. Damn, its like you are forced to buy things you do not like. leave people alone to buy the things that they like. :) thanks
Oh Jesus Christ.
You are acting like the Stranger Things and Rick and Morty books were one of their 3 a year. They were not.
You wanna know what will happen if they make these kinds of books?
"Why are they bringing back [insert classic setting here], when [insert classic setting here] is still unreleased! That one is way more popular!"
"Oh god, this is really the way they are representing [insert your pick of whatever setting specific or classic mechanic here, such as psionics]? This is so unfaithful, god, I'm certainly not buying this book!"
"This [splatbook that is basically Xanathar's 2] [insert race, spell, background, magic item, subclass, whatever] is BREAKING THE GAME AND I HATE IT OH MY GOD!!!"
"Why did they represent this so badly?"
"Why are they not doing it like [insert homebrew product on DMsguild] did! That was way better! SMH Wotc needs to learn."
"oh my god they ruined it."
"I don't care about '5e design philosophy', it goes against the meaning of the setting!"
"Why do WOTC keep remaking old products? Make something new!"
"Why does WOTC keep making new things? There is still a ton of stuff to bring to 5e!"
I swear, I have had it with whining about everything wotc does. Get over yourselves.
Not counting pdf original releases, this is how 5e has looked year to year:
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Note that it’s been 3 main releases since 2015 (2014 can be discounted as it was release window and in-development since 2011 at least.
In 2018 they added an extra book, and I’m not talking Wayfinder’s Guide. Then in 2019 they added 3 starter sets and a reprint/update of Tyranny of Dragons, but still managed to print 4 new major releases.
We’re not getting less, we’re getting more.
PS - Vedalken are more like Star Wars Chiss than Vulcans. DnD Admiral Thrawn is phenomenal, and was great timing given that the book followed not too far after the finale of Star Wars Rebels (where he was the principle antagonist). Probably got a lot of people’s creative juices flowing!
Stranger Things?
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/source/hunt-for-the-thessalhydra
Based on the Stranger Things campaign that was played on the show from Netflix
There was a Stranger Things Starter Kit, much in a similar vein to the Rick & Morty one, but instead of an adventure 'written' by Rick, it was written by Mike Wheeler. It's quite funny in a cheesy, meta kinda way, like you're playing a module given to you by your kid brother.
Find my D&D Beyond articles here
Theros is the best MTG setting besides Innistrad, so I think this might be a neat book.
However, it's pretty obvious now though that WOTC is going to keep printing books where they have to pay out as little royalties as possible so we can probably completely write off seeing 5th Edition Planescape, Spelljammer, Birthright, etc, etc. I hope I'm wrong, but yeesh.
I'm pretty sure they still own the rights to Planescape and Spelljammer, not sure about Birthright.
Find my D&D Beyond articles here
They do, but if you consider how much TSR content got an Edition upgrade since Hasbro took over in 1999, and then look at the settings of 5th Edition. It's mostly merchandizing tie-ins, a bare bones Forgotten Realms book, Eberron which was WOTC's 3rd Edition baby, and Critical Role their cash cow. It's totally about old author royalties.
To be clear: I'm not saying BOO HISS NEVER MTG AGAIN.
My disappointment stems purely from the fact that I was unaware that "Theros" was a MTG thing, and suffering from a bit of early hype for a cool Greek Hero Myth supplement which was subsequently crushed by the knowledge that this book has absolutely ballslap nothing to do with "Greek Hero Myth" and is just another MTG supplement. For the folks who want another MTG supplement, enjoy! Glad you've got a second book in your series, us Wildemount folks salute you from atop our Horizonback tortoises.
But man...it might have legit been cool to see what came of a Greek Hero Myth supplement. odds are low, of course, Wizards only manages to touch something and avoid ruining it maybe one time in five, but man...still woulda been cool.
Please do not contact or message me.
I don't consider aquasitions, stranger things, or rick and morty official dnd products, i think of them as third party with the blessing of wotc. (also, setting specific yet popular subclasses tend to get reprinted in splat books a la xanathars, lets not forget that sun soul, mastermind, storm sorc, and swashbuckler originally came from the SCAG)
Let's analyze the 5e release schedule, and how much they are "slapping us in the face" with this:
2014:
Player's Handbook, DMG, Monster Manual, Starter Set, Tyranny of Dragons adventure: This is all core stuff, no pandering here.
2015:
Princes of the Apocolypse: a callback and soft remake of a very very classic D&D adventure.
Out of the Abyss: explores one of the most famous locations in D&D and features some of their most iconic villains
SCAG: Setting book for flagship setting for 5e, classic D&D setting.
2016:
Curse of Strahd: Soft remake of one of the most popular D&D modules of all time.
Storm king's thunder: exploration through faerun, development of the sword coast
Volos: monster manual 2: poorly designed monstrous races boogaloo
2017:
Tales from the yawning portal: Pure, unadulterated fanservice
Tomb of annihilation: half tomb of horrors, half new adventure exploring chult
Xanathars: Players Handbook 2: Subclasses and Spells
2018:
Mordys book of foes: Monster Manual 3: Blood War Edition
Waterdeep Dragon Heist: Mystery adventure in famous D&D city.
Dungeon of the mad mage: Soft remake of one of the most famous and largest dungeons in D&D history.
Guildmasters guide to ravnica: A setting guide for a popular mtg plane in an attempt to do a tie in. yeah you can make an argument that this one was a cash grab, Ravnica imo translates horrible into D&D. At least we got Spores Druid out of it?
2019
Ghosts of Saltmarsh: Unadulterated fanservice 2: Swashbuckling boogaloo
Stranger things, rick and morty, aquasitions incorperated: Yeah these were cash grabs. But I don't consider them first party, i would consider them third party with support of wotc.
Essentials kit: Starter kit 2: I have run out of sequel title jokes here
Baldur's Gate, Descent into Avernus: This is a solid D&D adventure. My only complaint is that it being baldurs gate was kinda shoehorned in, i think elturel would have made more sense for the city at the start.
Tyranny of Dragons: Good this time? Debatable. Cool cover? yes.
Eberron, Rising from the last war: "They aren't remaking popular settings" come on, this was in the workshop for years. A fan favorite setting, brought back with a new class in 5e, the first of its kind.
2020 (so far)
Explorer's Guide to Wildemont: Ok listen, I had my problems when this was announced too, but I've come around to it. Eastern European fantasy is somewhat underdone, they have interesting factions (that actually make sense, looking at you ravnica), and dunamancy seems interesting. like, i get its from critical role, but it seems like it could be a solid d&d setting.
Theros: Another mtg setting, but this time one that actually makes sense as a setting. Listen, I get it. I would rather have spelljammer or planescape or dark sun too. But those will be incredibly difficult for wotc to do if we keep reacting to literally everything they do with such hatred. "Why did they remove the original zaniness to make it more marketable, it doesnt feel like spelljammer!" "God, they kept the alignment mechanics? Why didn't they change those, that's the worst! Planescape sucks..." "[CENSORED RANT ON PSIONICS THAT WOULD ONLY LEAD TO ARGUMENTS NOW, FILLED ONLY WITH THE PUREST RAGE FROM ALL OPINIONS ON IT]".
I am perfectly fine with theros as a D&D setting. As long as they can develop it enough. which, unlike ravnica, theros is actually able to do.
And? We don't know what book is coming out later this year? I have heard from a leak that its likely to be a xanathars 2 esque thing, but that could just be a lie. But if thats the case, what were all those subclasses for? I believe that we will be getting one soon.
I think that it's a bit of a stretch to say it's got nothing to do with Greek hero mythology considering Theros is a plane rife with classic greek mythological beats. If you have a look into the setting, it's got tonnes of nods to classic myths, plus a load of original takes on it.
Find my D&D Beyond articles here
I agree with a lot of the points said here.
I'm not boycotting this book. I'm not going to go whining to Wizards of the Coast about them not making Spelljammer or Planescape or Dark Sun (as much as I'd want them).
It just isn't what I asked for. In reality, did anyone ask for this? I hadn't heard anyone ask for a Theros book before this was announced. Anyone ask for this?
This is my point. Why are they doing this if we didn't ask for this?
Because it is easy. That's the reason.
Am I wrong?
I'm going to buy the book, I'm sure it is going to be good, and I'm going to use some of the content, my only complaint is that I didn't ask for this.
Please check out my homebrew, I would appreciate feedback:
Spells, Monsters, Subclasses, Races, Arcknight Class, Occultist Class, World, Enigmatic Esoterica forms
I don't consider aquasitions, stranger things, or rick and morty official dnd products, i think of them as third party with the blessing of wotc. (also, setting specific yet popular subclasses tend to get reprinted in splat books a la xanathars, lets not forget that sun soul, mastermind, storm sorc, and swashbuckler originally came from the SCAG).
—
Sure, you don’t have to consider them official products. My point was that they’re not slowing down despite those additional box sets and reprints (and I could have mentioned the gorgeous reprints with alt covers of the core rules in that sense).
We were at 3 hardcovers/year from 2015-2017, 1/3 was splatbook (rules/options expansions and/or campaign setting) rather than adventure path.
Now we’re at 4 hardcovers/year from 2018 & 2019, but the ratio of hardcover adventure path to campaign setting or expansion rules has no new pattern.
In 2018 we got a MM3+PC Race expansion book, a campaign setting, and two adventures.
In 2019 we got a DMG2+Adventure combined book, a PC-focused rules-lite splatbook, a campaign setting (including rules options and an adventure), and one (new) adventure path. This is of course in addition to the adventure and sidekick rules in the Essentials Kit.
We still got 4 hardcovers, but we’re moving away from pure adventure paths to more splatbooks, perhaps. That should satisfy people who are worried their favourite campaign setting or race or class archetype hasn’t been expressed yet in 5e.
If “Xanathar’s 2” is hardcover 3, that would be 3 non-Adventure hardcovers in one year. I imagine Adventurer’s League at least needs a Autumn Bone for their new season of play. But more to that point, Mercer said that Wildmountain is additional to the normal book load of WotC - which means Wildmountain likely isn’t one of their 4 hardcovers made in house. I wouldn’t be surprised if they announced a May-released Adventure Path hardcover soon.
Honestly, I've asked for, and I've seen people ask for, more MtG settings post-Ravnica. WotC has done a lot of market research of late and I'd be surprised if they went "nah, let's ignore it and do Theros instead". Sure, using an MtG book saves a bit on worldbuilding, but that's it. They still have to build all the rules and mechanics and new flavour. Calling it 'easy' is a little reductionist. That's like saying Tomb of Annihilation is 'easy' because it's in the Forgotten Realms and that exists already. Or that Eberron is easy because it's a setting that already exists.
I don't think Theros is any harder or easier than making anything else they've done to date. I honestly think it's more a case of it ticks a lot of boxes.
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