C&C PHB 4th printing -- opinions?

[Akrasia]

Apparently the good guys at TLG have just come out with a fourth printing of the PHB. It has a new cover (it looks okay, but I think that I liked the old one better). It also includes -- for the first time -- some minor rules changes to some of the C&C classes, namely, the barbarian, illusionist (more spells), and monk.
(For more info go here (http://www.trolllord.com/cnc/80104.html).)

Sadly, TLG's issues with the English language continue:

The 4th Printing
This is our fourth printing and represents the first real substantive changes to the game . . . but nothing so much as to make earlier printings obsolete. In the 4th Printing you will find a revised Barbarian. The Barbarian liked proper balance in the game; we’ve worked hard to address these issues. Also, the Illusionist class is given a might jolt with over 45 new spells added to their spell roster. You’ll get far more traction out of these spells and make illusion a real part of your game. Also we are touching up the Monk class, changing the presented material to better reflect different styles of hand to hand warriors.

(What was wrong with the Barbarian liking proper balance? Heh.)
I dig C&C, but obvious typos like these always make me cringe. (The first sentence also is rather awkward.) Hopefully the interior editing is better.

Anyhow, anyone have this yet? Does it look different inside from previous printings (layout, pictures, etc.)? How has the barbarian been modified? Is it worth getting if one already owns a couple of copies of the earlier printing?

Thanks! :)

[Skywalker]

Anyhow, anyone have this yet? Does it look different inside from previous printings (layout, pictures, etc.)? How has the barbarian been modified? Is it worth getting if one already owns a couple of copies of the earlier printing?

Thanks! :)

I agree that the new presentation is only so so. The Green chosen looks a little sickly.

As for the changes, I think they sound fine. The Barbarian needed work. However, I doubt they will do the one thing that needs done the most - clear up the presentation of the SIEGE engine.

I will pick them up, along with the other core books. However, I don't expect any compatibility issues if you use older printings, except the covers will be different with the CKG and OG&M.

[Redbeard67]

Arg, it still isn't at shipping. Darn - you got my hopes up.

[Akrasia]

Arg, it still isn't at shipping. Darn - you got my hopes up.
:o

I need to work on my reading comprehension skills. Apparently the new version of the PHB will not be available until later this year. My bad.

[Tori Bergquist]

Well, I kind of like the new cover but the dark green may be a bit muted....I was expecting something closer to the earlier mock-ups of the 4th printing that had a deep red background instead, so this is a bit of a change from the first announcement.

I'll definitely grab it....45 new illusionist spells? Sure! Not sure what the issue with the barbarian is....I mean, the Troll forums have people complaining about the barbarian all the time, and I have never noticed an issue with the class myself, offhand. That said, I am sure it will please all the "barbarian sux rox" people out there. Wonder if they'll do something to appease those who claim the fighter is unbalanced, too?

This looks like a good year for C&C, if they actually do release the 4th printings, the CKG and the neat sounding Gods and Monsters book! Gonna have to push for a new campaign soon.

The editing/spell-checking issue at TLG is an interesting issue. I empathize with them.....whenever I self publish, if I don't run it through three other people first before release it inevitably has typos I am simply embarassed about. On the other hand, I'm some no-name PDF publisher when I do that...TLG should have enough cash by now to afford a pro editor!

[Akrasia]

...
The editing/spell-checking issue at TLG is an interesting issue...

The average adult writing a single draft of something would make fewer errors than they do.

I will say that the editing on Castle Zagyg: Upper Works is solid (although not perfect). I wonder why they can't keep up to that standard?

[Tori Bergquist]

The average adult writing a single draft of something would make fewer errors than they do.

I will say that the editing on Castle Zagyg: Upper Works is solid (although not perfect). I wonder why they can't keep up to that standard?

I suggest you avoid teaching college level English in New Mexico, or you may have to lower your expectations of the average adult's language skills! :D

Still, even if someone is generally clumsy at the keyboard (as I am prone to) I would think that if you were going to proof read even one item carefully, it would be the ad copy promoting your new product, so there ya go...

[jephlewis]

I think the new books look good. It IS a dark shade of green; it reminds me of oscar the grouch for some reason.

I'm looking forward to the castle keeper's guide and the new gods and monsters book. It would be GRRRREAT if they released the phb, m&t, ckg, og&m, and the gm screen all in one gift package.