Oh, I'm quite aware of this issue as well. That's why I suggested some options of discussion on (1) Spirit of the Century, since it has a similar mechanic, and (2) ideas for Dresden role playing in other game systems. That way, we can still discuss the way magic works, relative strengths of characters and critters, or other aspects of Dresden gaming that might actually be useful down the road when the official game is finally released.

Again, apologies if I come off grumpy on this issue. It's not my intent to discourage enthusiasm.

yeah, well, I personally haven't seen SotC either. And since I HATE pulp (although the men in my life seem to like it. That and steampunk - ick. Must be a guy thing) I'm not likely to play that game.

Also: I could care less about mechanics as long as they don't get in the way of the story. So...talking about a game whose story is uninteresting to me because it has the same mechanic as a story that WILL interest me is not helpful.

When I gm I tend to throw out most of the mechanics anyway and wing it. Things move faster and the players like it better if their actual role playing and character interaction is not bogged down with dice rolling.

Give me lots of juicy source material! Lot of world background and lush descriptions of people, places, and things. Give me history and mythology and culture and I'm happy.

Think I'd rather stick with my original plan of not playing games with "classes" and "alignments"

I prefer hardback. Holds up to being passed around a gaming group better.

Main game my group plays is Earthdawn, which is a fantasy/horror game. The system is easy enough to pick up. Other games I'd recommend are Serenity (if you are inclined towards the wearing of the brown coat) or 7th Sea the system of which is written to be very fast paced, fun and cinematic. It's a piratey/swashbuckly sort of game.

Really a beginner can jump into any game if the gm knows what he's doing and directs the players as he should. I mean, it's supposed to be FUN and therefore should be EASY. Just find a game that you like the concept of, find a group that you can work well with and a gm who knows his stuff. 'Course, easier said than done sometimes.