"However, I want to take this time to stress that my differences were not with my fellow designers, Rob Schwalb and Bruce Cordell."Not mentioning Mike Mearls in the "goodwill disclaimer," speaks volumes.
"Due to my non-disclosure agreement, as well as a desire to keep things on a professional level, I have no intention of going into further detail at this time. (Mostly, I just hate drama, and would rather talk about more interesting things.)"
Mike Mearls is saddened and surprised. He also announces May 24 as the start of the open playtest.
Joethelawyer has some interesting B&N pre-order links. 3.5 Core books, with errata.
WTF?
Now, 3.5 core books sells like hotcakes on ebay. I sold a spare set of the three core books last week for $75.
$65 to $100 is typical. Consistently typical. A PH alone has been averaging about $35. Discounting odd outlying results, $25 to $45 is usual. And has been for the past year that I've been keeping up with 3.5 auctions. And we're talking a lot of auctions, every week.
Hell, the HC splats go for around $20+ a piece. This isn't just "collector's" scarfing these things up. I wonder how many non-Pathfinder customers have been playing 3.5? And spreading the game?
I think WotC may be hedging their bets. I wouldn't be surprised to see an OD&D anniversary type set and maybe a real BECMI box.
It is not a good sign, when one of the main designers of your new edition, jumps ship right before the open playtest. Especially when that designer has the profile of Monte Cook.
Good luck, Monte.
