the official release is just around the corner, but many of you have had a chance at previews of the books and gameplay-- whether legitimately, or through pirated scans --so let's see what everyone has to say.

One thing I'm curious about from everyone: Humans as monsters. This was included in a recent excerpt on the website, and although presented as something brand new and innovative, it was last seen in the AD&D 2nd Edition Monster Manual. The example human in the artwork is a male with Caucasoid skin tone wearing bronze scale, and has short hair swept back with a slightly spiky look that would only be achievable with gel. How do people feel about this idea? Does it make things easier, or is it "dumbing down" NPCs in what is admittedly a human-centric game? If humans aren't presented as monsters, should elves and dwarves be?

Most importantly, of course: are you going to switch to 4th, play multiple editions, or keep with what you're currently playing?

Personally, i'm going to give 4th a shot, but keep playing d20 system: there are still too many great books out there for the system, and my own setting doesn't mesh well with the racial and class concepts in 4th.

-- luckynumber