I couldn't help but notice this product:

QuoteRules Compendium

D&D Rules Supplement
Chris Sims

Tired of hauling all of your D&D rules supplements to the gaming table? Having trouble finding the rule you need? The Rules Compendium supplement takes all of the game's most important rules and presents them in a single comprehensive, easy-to-reference volume for players and Dungeon Masters. In addition to presenting the rules of the game, the Rules Compendium incorporates official errata as well as behind-the-scenes designer and developer commentary explaining how the rules system has evolved and why certain rules work the way they do.

CHRIS SIMS is an associate editor who works in Roleplaying Games R&D at Wizards of the Coast, Inc. His previous design credits include the Secrets of Sarlona supplement for the Eberron campaign setting.

Item Code 215397200
Release Date October 2007
Format Hardcover
Page Count 160
ISBN 978-0-7869-4725-6
Price $26.95 ;  C$34.95

What kind of rules do you think will pop up here? And why do I think it's strange they're releasing this late in the year?


Oh yes, the complete release schedule is here.

QuoteWhat kind of rules do you think will pop up here? And why do I think it's strange they're releasing this late in the year?

I think it suggests to me that 3.5 is going to remain the present edition for good deal longer than some folks insist on suspecting.

Quote from: J ArcaneI think it suggests to me that 3.5 is going to remain the present edition for good deal longer than some folks insist on suspecting.

I think on the contrary, this is yet another hint that we are getting closer to the end of the cycle.

I thought "Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress" was intersting.

OK Guys: I'm at DDXP right now. I have Laptop and wifi.  It hasn't started yet, but in 1.5 hours the D&D R&D team is going to do some kind of presentation called (coincidentally enough) "What's Up With D&D?"

I'll post the high points in this thread as I hear about them.

Dungeonscape looks like it could be right up my alley.

I have Dungeonscape right here next to me and it is pretty good.

I'll skip the usual; stuff (new class- the Factotum, new feats and alternate class abilities):

The good stuff in Dungeonscape from my initial skim is the dungeon rooms breakdown (basicaly- "how to design a D&D 3.5 dungeon" and "here are some stock rooms to write up") and the Encounters section that comes next - which has an 8-step method for writing encounters. It fits in almost exactly with my own trial-and-error conclusion that the secret of D&D3.5 is in writing good encounters.

Also the dungeon features/terrain/finishing touches part at the end is all useful stuff.

I <3 dungeons.

Ok, I'm liveblogging this. I'll be saving off posts as it goes on.


I am now at DDXP. This is the "Whats up with D&D" chat with WOTC R&D. We are inthe Washington Room, below the big ballroom where all the gaming goes on.

The presentation hasn't started yet. The slide on the screen says "D&D Experience -- Product Sneak Preview"

Also? Free muffins and juice!

The room is starting to fill up. It's actually kind of a small room for this.


They are putting up posters now behind the podium:

"Fortress of the Yuan Ti" (looks like one of those big mega adventures..)

"Dragons of Eberron"

Magic Item Compendium

Monster Manual V (notably has a mind-flayer looking guy on there).

Anauroch (looks like a Forgotten Realms thing)

Lights are dimmed.

Scott Rowston(?) Senior Brand manager, WOTC

Logan ??

Dave Noonan

Steve Shubert

Chris Perkins

Linnae Foster (D&D minis and roleplaying accessories)

Ian Richards

"Why we changed the name from Winter Fantasy"

They wanted the show to be bigger and focus exclusively on D&D. Something the equivalent of MACworld for D&D fans. D&D has millions of players, but not as many convention goers as they would like. So this is part of a promotional effort.

Also asking for feedback about the show, because they want to promote it more.

In 2006 D&D hit the pop culture consciousness bigtime: Steven Colbert, Family Guy, also some upcoming movies: Bickford Schmeckler's Big Ideas.

Also referenced in music, not only in songs but band members admitting to be D&D fans. He read quotes from System of a Down and My Chemical Romance. (No Flashlight Brown!)

"2006 was the biggest year in terms of revenue for D&D than it has been since the 30th anniversary". "D&D is stronger than ever". Several sold out products that were instant reprints. Which is good.

PHB 3.5 hit 128 on the New York Times best Seller list. Just authorized third reprint.

Goes over some changes, taking some risks: Tome of Battle (9 Swords) and Tome of Magic were namechecked as expereiments with the baseline assumptions of D&D.

New stat block format.

Dungeon Tiles were hugely successful.

D&D Miniatures in 2006 had it's best year ever.

"Theyve made improvements in scultps and paintjobs with every set." (True, as far as I'm concerned.)

People are very excited about Unhallowed (new Miniatures line).

For the record, you should edit this after its over, and post it as a blog entry on theRPGsite.

Marketing for players

* "Expand Your Role" Grants - $20,000 for D&D clubs at colleges
* Search for Best D&D University
* Saluting the Dungeon Master- some special perks for DMs will be promoted by WOTC. "A program that will recognize great DMs"
* D&D Fan Film Fest

Events For Players
* D&D Experience (where we are right now)
* DDM Pre-release Tournaments (Wizards would love if these got to be as big as Magic Tourneys)
* D&D Game Night - Some kind of promotional program to sponsor gamenights at hobby game stores.
* Worldwide D&D Gameday (distributed enough kits by request in 2006 for 30,000 people to play D&D. Next Worldwide D&D Game Day is November 1st )2007.

ok,

Jong! Yes!

ok.

"Get together with friends. roll some dice. Have fun" is the new slogan.


Ok. 2007: Drizzt.

* 20th anniversary of Drizzt Do'urden. (technically 2008, but theyre doing it early).  
* Celebratory products in RPGs, minis, and novels.

Quote from: Abyssal Maw* 20th anniversary of Drizzt Do'urden. (technically 2008, but theyre doing it early).  
* Celebratory products in RPGs, minis, and novels.

I want a Drizzt tea towel.  Can you suggest it?