So my Chapters/Indigo pre-order just came in for the Starter Set. Kind of weird: I thought that it was only going to hit some stores on July 3rd, but here it is, on my desk!

I'd write a full on review but I'm not a writer, game designer or blogger of note so no one would give two fucks about my opinion. All that you need to know is that I hate 3rd edition and Pathfinder for reasons that seem common here and that I'm a fan of Dungeon World (not Apocalypse World). That might be enough to make some of you go "PASS!" so you won't waste your time reading this.

It is a nice product. Nice production values, I love the artwork and it is a nice box that I'll definitely keep and use. I rarely buy physical RPG products anymore, having moved onto PDFs to save space (and money).

There are a few oddities that I'm picking up about the rules as I quickly scan over everything (like how at surface value, the Noble background seems better than the Folk Hero, and I wish that they would've done something a bit ... different?... with the weapon list but meh...), but overall I'm quite pleased. There's some really elegant streamlining in this version of D&D.

I don't regret buying this, and I'm super excited for the Basic PDF. But I doubt that I'll ever buy the other books (in the past few months I've been seduced by the OSR movement so simplicity is key to me).

Now just to resist reading every page before I go home from work. Particularly hard the day before Canada Day, when 3/4 of the staff is away on holiday...

First, I'm jealous

Secondly, I think the only really important thing is, "If you were new to the hobby, could you use this game and do you think you'll have fun playing it?"  Put yourself in the shoes of someone who isn't experienced at role-playing.

Quote from: Necrozius;762739So my Chapters/Indigo pre-order just came in for the Starter Set. Kind of weird: I thought that it was only going to hit some stores on July 3rd, but here it is, on my desk!

I'd write a full on review but I'm not a writer, game designer or blogger of note so no one would give two fucks about my opinion. All that you need to know is that I hate 3rd edition and Pathfinder for reasons that seem common here and that I'm a fan of Dungeon World (not Apocalypse World). That might be enough to make some of you go "PASS!" so you won't waste your time reading this.

It is a nice product. Nice production values, I love the artwork and it is a nice box that I'll definitely keep and use. I rarely buy physical RPG products anymore, having moved onto PDFs to save space (and money).

There are a few oddities that I'm picking up about the rules as I quickly scan over everything (like how at surface value, the Noble background seems better than the Folk Hero, and I wish that they would've done something a bit ... different?... with the weapon list but meh...), but overall I'm quite pleased. There's some really elegant streamlining in this version of D&D.

I don't regret buying this, and I'm super excited for the Basic PDF. But I doubt that I'll ever buy the other books (in the past few months I've been seduced by the OSR movement so simplicity is key to me).

Now just to resist reading every page before I go home from work. Particularly hard the day before Canada Day, when 3/4 of the staff is away on holiday...

Aren't you a lucky one. Glad to hear you think it's worth having it though.

Quote from: Sacrosanct;762743Secondly, I think the only really important thing is, "If you were new to the hobby, could you use this game and do you think you'll have fun playing it?"  Put yourself in the shoes of someone who isn't experienced at role-playing.

That's an excellent question.

For an utter, complete newbie, it would be a bit overwhelming, I think. The starting campaign book feels awfully hefty and detailed for someone who has never done this before.

Granted, the text is easy to read, but if feels like there's a lot in there.

It looks hella fun, though. There are four "dungeons" maps to explore, each with nearly a dozen numbered rooms:

SPOILERS:

• The Redbrand Hideout (underground)
• Ruins of Thundertree (forest ruins)
• Cragmaw Castle (...castle)
• and Wave Echo Cave (underground that is like a miniature-Ruins of Undermountain at quick glance)

With all the GM info, descriptions, monster stat blocks and magic items, it feels as complex as many campaign books that I've bought for regular gamers.

Interesting thing to note: many of the pre-gen charaters' backgrounds are tied to some of the locations and NPCs of this adventure.

It's nice to see they have the main environments covered rather than just a dungeon.

OOH! Another cool detail: the main village has a bunch of optional side quests the PCs can acquire through interaction with the locals. This starter-campaign really looks like it has some sandbox-y elements (supported by the big hex map at the start). It definitely doesn't have to be run in a linear fashion. The players have chances to explore the land and have multiple adventures.

The more I read, the more I like this.

Quote from: Necrozius;762754OOH! Another cool detail: the main village has a bunch of optional side quests the PCs can acquire through interaction with the locals. This starter-campaign really looks like it has some sandbox-y elements (supported by the big hex map at the start). It definitely doesn't have to be run in a linear fashion. The players have chances to explore the land and have multiple adventures.

The more I read, the more I like this.

I was just reading the section on Phandalin and like all the possible factions to join. I like the adventure so far. 100% better than Keep on the Shadowfell. It has potential to be a good campaign starter.

I am really anxious to get my copy now, because so far, it seems to be a lot like Moldvay's B/X, with Karmekios (sp) and surrounding areas around the keep outlined just enough to explore and create your own adventures.

Quote from: Sacrosanct;762761I am really anxious to get my copy now, because so far, it seems to be a lot like Moldvay's B/X, with Karmekios (sp) and surrounding areas around the keep outlined just enough to explore and create your own adventures.

I would say from reading the rules my order of favourite editions would be:

1) B/X (Moldvay/Cook)
2) OD&D
3) 5e

I cannot wait for the rest of the rules.

Quote from: Necrozius;762754OOH! Another cool detail: the main village has a bunch of optional side quests the PCs can acquire through interaction with the locals. This starter-campaign really looks like it has some sandbox-y elements (supported by the big hex map at the start). It definitely doesn't have to be run in a linear fashion. The players have chances to explore the land and have multiple adventures.

The more I read, the more I like this.

They did mention that would be in there and that some of the monsters you really shouldn't fight but try other tactics.

Quote from: Marleycat;762770They did mention that would be in there and that some of the monsters you really shouldn't fight but try other tactics.

The monster section is quite nice, even though there are some strange ones in there (nothic, flameskull and twig blight).

I was impressed with the magic items provided here, especially the two staves. Pretty neat stuff!

Quote from: grimshwiz;762775The monster section is quite nice, even though there are some strange ones in there (nothic, flameskull and twig blight).

It is not a proper D&D Adventure if you do not encounter at least one monster that you then never see again for ten years.

AAAAND I made the mistake of going to the purple forum to discuss the starter set with the folks over there and got shat on.

They are freaking out over the inclusion of the new Gauntlets of Ogre Power which boost a PCs Strength to 19. Now granted, that IS a big deal, but to them it means that not only is the Fighter invalidated, but that PCs are now totally dependent on magic items to be effective.

What the hell? The Wizard, Cleric and Rogue look pretty damned competent sans-magic items up to level 5. I DARED to say that they're overreacting and if they hate the magic item so much that they could just play without it.

Now I see why you guys dislike that place so much. What a bunch of twats.

Quote from: jadrax;762776It is not a proper D&D Adventure if you do not encounter at least one monster that you then never see again for ten years.

The Ogre and the Young Green Dragon look pretty dangerous. Spoiler: the dragon's poison breath is a DC 16 Constitution save or else you get 12d6 poison damage!!!

Quote from: Necrozius;762778AAAAND I made the mistake of going to the purple forum to discuss the starter set with the folks over there and got shat on.

They are freaking out over the inclusion of the new Gauntlets of Ogre Power which boost a PCs Strength to 19. Now granted, that IS a big deal, but to them it means that not only is the Fighter invalidated, but that PCs are now totally dependent on magic items to be effective.

What the hell? The Wizard, Cleric and Rogue look pretty damned competent sans-magic items up to level 5. I DARED to say that they're overreacting and if they hate the magic item so much that they could just play without it.

Now I see why you guys dislike that place so much. What a bunch of twats.

Yeah, I just posted about this in the other forum - it's this approach of "Magic items are freely bought, and we'll have loads of gold for them" gone mad. Yes, I am sure I'll givem y Fighter 8 STR, since I am CERTAIN I will get that magic item.

What do you mean "It's too powerful to be just bought in shop?!?!?!?!"

Quote from: Necrozius;762778AAAAND I made the mistake of going to the purple forum to discuss the starter set with the folks over there and got shat on.

They are freaking out over the inclusion of the new Gauntlets of Ogre Power which boost a PCs Strength to 19. Now granted, that IS a big deal, but to them it means that not only is the Fighter invalidated, but that PCs are now totally dependent on magic items to be effective.

What the hell? The Wizard, Cleric and Rogue look pretty damned competent sans-magic items up to level 5. I DARED to say that they're overreacting and if they hate the magic item so much that they could just play without it.

Now I see why you guys dislike that place so much. What a bunch of twats.

My pictures are on the front of ENWorld and in the D&DNext forum, and I put some on G+, but I refuse to go to the big purple. That place is ridiculous.

I agree the characters all look competent, and my personal favourites are the rogue and the wizard...then again I like playing those types.