The D&D rules changed quite a bit in 4th edition.  Most of you are probably aware of these changes, but here is a quick overview of the main points.

• No more penalties to ability scores – all the races give only bonuses.  This is part of a wider theme to remove negative modifiers where possible.
• Pretty much everything is now 10 + ½ your level + other bonuses.  This goes for the various attacks as well as for things like armor class and defense bonuses.
• No more saving throws (well pretty much).  Older versions had saving throws vs. poison, traps, spells, etc.  Then in 3rd edition it became Will, Fortitude, and Reflex saves. Now these are static defenses just like armor class and different attacks target those defenses.
• Simplified combat system from 3rd edition.
• Multiple attack rolls if you do an area attack.  The old fireball was one attack and 20 saving throws.  Now it is 20 attacks and no saving throws (targeting a static defense score).
• Skill challenges.  Rules for handling non-combat encounters.
• Magic items creation.  Greatly overhauled.  If you have the item creation ritual (available through feats and class features) then you can make any item of your level or lower by paying the price.
• Every class has powers that work very similar to the way spells used to work, i.e. special abilities useable only so many times a day/encounter.
• The old spell system done away with.  Now every class works the same mechanically (yes it is more balanced).

There are quite a few other changes to the D&D rules, but this is a start.
I have posted other information, some more specific, about the D&D rules for 4th edition.  Feel free to check them out.
As always, have fun!

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