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Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: abhorsen950 on August 26, 2010, 09:26:51 PM

Title: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 26, 2010, 09:26:51 PM
Any of you guys picking them up? They look alright to me, not to badly priced on Amazon...
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: myincubliss on August 26, 2010, 09:35:15 PM
Will probably pick up the red box, as it's reminiscent of the d&d i had when i was little, since I don't get many opportnities to be nostalgic at my age...
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 26, 2010, 09:39:14 PM
I'm thinking that one to, though some of the other boxes look really nice. Got the heads up via En World Newsletter and then checked them out on amazon, they don't look to bad, hopefully they'll be as good as they look, I hope they don't mess it up because I reckon theres gonna be some upset hardcore fans...
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: myincubliss on August 26, 2010, 09:49:11 PM
Rather like this:

(http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/979299305_WsMkV-L.jpg)

 lol
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 26, 2010, 09:58:03 PM
That is 100% on the mark, couldn't put it any better myself  lol
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: thebinmann on August 26, 2010, 11:03:10 PM
Will probably pick up the red box, as it's reminiscent of the d&d i had when i was little, since I don't get many opportnities to be nostalgic at my age...

It's the same box! Do you still fight the same carrion crawler?

I haven't played d an d since hollow wolrd, what happened to a d and d? I remember the pin stripped second ed!
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 26, 2010, 11:25:24 PM
Through what I've encountered the only thing thats happened with D&D is people not enjoying the Editions that come out, there was a lot of hate towards 4ed and there'll be alot of hate towards this I reckon..
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: thebinmann on August 26, 2010, 11:27:26 PM
Through what I've encountered the only thing thats happened with D&D is people not enjoying the Editions that come out, there was a lot of hate towards 4ed and there'll be alot of hate towards this I reckon..

Any reason?

And can a monk still use quivering palm?
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 26, 2010, 11:29:45 PM
I honestly can't help you out there buddy I play systemless  lol I just pick up games for inspiration via artwork and such I look for bargains on any type of book on ebay.

Though I believe the reason behind the hate for some people was to do with the change of setting or something similar, a more experience D&D gamer might be able to tell you more.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: YPU on August 26, 2010, 11:36:29 PM
Honestly? thing changes, people got upset. I don't think it would even matter what it was that changed.

I play 4e, played 3.5 before and think it has its ups and downs.

The biggest changes, for those unaware is the introduction of a dragonmen race and thieflings as core,

also every class has a selection of at will encounter and daily powers, the same number for every class, so thats spells for wizards and martial manuavres for fighters. this way book keeping of abilities etz has been divided more evenly.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: myincubliss on August 27, 2010, 12:04:19 AM
It's the same box! Do you still fight the same carrion crawler?

I haven't played d an d since hollow wolrd, what happened to a d and d? I remember the pin stripped second ed!

?? I only go back as far as:
(http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic706295_md.jpg)

I was mostly excited about the choose your own adventure booklet that teaches you to create a character, and the diecut standups - what was old is new again!
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: thebinmann on August 27, 2010, 12:09:56 AM
?? I only go back as far as:
(http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic706295_md.jpg)

I was mostly excited about the choose your own adventure booklet that teaches you to create a character, and the diecut standups - what was old is new again!

Is that French version yours?

http://sob.apotheon.org/img/dnd_redbox_full.jpg
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: P_Clapham on August 27, 2010, 06:46:40 AM
I may pick up for nostalgia, maybe see if can run a old school dungeon crawl with my HS buddies.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: assi on August 27, 2010, 07:09:43 AM
Does anyone knows if there's somethng really nice and new in the essentials STuff that's a must have? We're doing really fine with our PHB 1 and 2, DM Guide and Monster Manuel 1 so far.

Rather like this:

 lol

Godspeed Brother! ... lol It's amazing: I started playing again with 4e after a Pause of 15 Years and my first Thought when I heard about esstiantials was also "But I like it the way it is". It seems to be a fundamental Fact of Life.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: rob_alderman on August 27, 2010, 09:14:34 AM
If I see it in Forbidden Planet and the money is there, I migt consider it. We'll see.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: lethallee61 on August 27, 2010, 09:22:50 AM
I've still got the original B&W A5 sized boxed set from 1977, plus the first 3 supplements (Greyhawk, Blackmoor & Eldritch Wizardry) on my bookshelf.  :D

Gee - those were the days...
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: myincubliss on August 27, 2010, 12:37:31 PM
Is that French version yours?

Haha no, I grabbed a pic off BGG since my copy is on my desk in a pile with Space Hulk, Tannhauser, Gangs of
MegaCity One, The Haunted Tower, The Parker DnD Boardgame with it's expansion, a box of dreamblade minis and Doctor Who: the Interctive Boardgame and I thought that'd be quicker than sorting that pile out and taking a pic of my own!

Back onto the essentials, it looks to be a new starter box set (to replace the old one that came with a mini PHB, cardboard standees etc) - nothing new for current players, except probably a map and a chance to adapt the choose your own adventure part - I wonder if we'll see the return of Zanzer Tem?
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 27, 2010, 01:06:30 PM
There not badly priced, some of the boxed I've seen are around £15 RRP and you can get them a little cheaper than that on amazing like £2 - £3 pound less....

Some of them don't look to bad Ill post up the pictures from the En World newsletter if I've still go it.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: YPU on August 27, 2010, 01:10:25 PM
Ah, there you are wrong, the new dnd essentials presents new builds for the classes in there. These are not like the previous build expansions in that they present a new class feature and the powers to go with it, but instead they are quite often a throwback to older editions. IE a wizard build that specializes in one of the schools of magic, and thus his powers are decided by that.
The thief isn't allowed to choose powers for the first few levels either I believe.

Now to 4e players that might seem like a lot less choice, but remeber that in older editions you choose your class and feats and that was that, unless you were a spellcaster. But I digress.
ALL the 4e classes are still "legal" and allowed, so really these are just a group of new options. Also new sorts of feats etz, basically they are reorganizing and simplifying a lot of stuff so that new players can understand it as well.

To be honest I don't plan to buy them, my dnd Insider subsctiption allows me to build characters in the builder that can take all options from all books, full text included. And if I dont know a rule that might have been eratad I look in  the online compendium. Everything Always up to date, no book buying required.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 27, 2010, 01:22:15 PM
YPU Good plan on getting subscribed to DnD Insider, it does look good, if i played DnD Alot I would subscribe but I don't  ::)
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 27, 2010, 03:10:33 PM
I am right that this is the new Essentials box on amazon? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dungeons-Dragons-Fantasy-Roleplaying-Game/dp/0786956291/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282918173&sr=1-1

Cheers
Steve
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: meninobesta on August 27, 2010, 03:47:59 PM
Some time ago I found this on the net:
http://www.microlite20.net/

seems to me a good and simple way to get into D&D
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Doomsdave on August 27, 2010, 04:10:57 PM
It looks interesting.

My sons and I play this:
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o172/Theophage/dnd_BasicRule_s.jpg)
& This:
(http://www.toplessrobot.com/assets_c/2009/04/adnd-cvr-thumb-200x261.jpg)

Gotta raise'em right. The new stuff hasn't ensnared me yet.  We have lots of fun with 1st ed.  If we want mini-driven games we play acual miniature games.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Gibby on August 27, 2010, 04:59:52 PM
A lot of the complaints leveled (ha-har!) at 4th Edition are that it's trying to convert the tabletop game into an MMORPG, complete with cool-down-timed abilities you can do no matter what character you are, like magical healing surge simply by stepping back and taking deep breaths. Also, Monks aren't in 4th if I recall correctly...
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 27, 2010, 05:12:02 PM
Some time ago I found this on the net:
http://www.microlite20.net/

seems to me a good and simple way to get into D&D


It is a superb system I've got it myself
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: assi on August 27, 2010, 07:50:06 PM
YPU Good plan on getting subscribed to DnD Insider,

I can second that, DnD Insider is worth its Price if you play 4e

Is that French version yours?
I wonder how the French Version plays? ..Expeditius Retreat for everyone?

..... ;)
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: AndrewBeasley on August 27, 2010, 09:39:20 PM
I've still got the original B&W A5 sized boxed set from 1977, plus the first 3 supplements (Greyhawk, Blackmoor & Eldritch Wizardry) on my bookshelf.  :D

Gee - those were the days...

No way - it was more fun with  :o :

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_602HzqzRrSU/THggvGDszII/AAAAAAAABRY/5qMbPJDhIAA/s800/Chainmail.jpg)

Though I do have the white box (now cream and a bit well loved) with GH, BL, EW Gods Demi-Gods & Heroes and of all things Swords and Spells (1:10/1:1 miniatures rules). :D

As for the Essentials set - I think D&D lost its way many years ago and moved to the more complex end of the RPG market (though any one remember Chivalry and Sorcery) and I preferred the Traveller style games in the end.  I am more looking forward the the Songs Of Blades RPG than this.

Andrew
My blog (http://www.blog.kings-sleep.me.uk)
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: TwoGunBob on August 27, 2010, 09:52:41 PM
I've been playing a dice-lite AD&D 1st edition styled game for ages. With miniatures I get the bright n' shiniy gotta have 'em alls but not so much with roleplaying games. I did buy Burning Wheel awhile back as my last RPG purchase and it boiled down to a more complicated way of doing what I already did with AD&D jsut with rules rather than the usual hand-waving I did for stuff.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: fastolfrus on August 27, 2010, 10:14:54 PM
Though I do have the white box (now cream and a bit well loved) with GH, BL, EW Gods Demi-Gods & Heroes and of all things Swords and Spells (1:10/1:1 miniatures rules). :D

any one remember Chivalry and Sorcery
My blog (http://www.blog.kings-sleep.me.uk)

Much the same mix as I have in the cream box, although I think Chainmail might be 2nd edition.
Played C & S too, but not much, preferred Empire of the Petal Throne, now that one is .... really different.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: YPU on August 28, 2010, 01:38:51 PM
A lot of the complaints leveled (ha-har!) at 4th Edition are that it's trying to convert the tabletop game into an MMORPG, complete with cool-down-timed abilities you can do no matter what character you are, like magical healing surge simply by stepping back and taking deep breaths. Also, Monks aren't in 4th if I recall correctly...

If I may a bit deeper into discussion here, (on any other forum this would end in a flame war, here I think we can be polite)
DND had cool down abilities in 3.0, tough often for monsters (which could be played as well with savage species) The only thing they did was make sure that every class can do cool stuff, always, and has something bigger to throw into the fray when needed. Instead of the fighter saying "I attack" every round and the mage running trough his spell list all the time.

Oh and the monk is back, it is in phb 3, they took that long since they werent sure what to do with it. (this I can appreciate, dont try to design anything if you dont have a good idea for it)
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: rob_alderman on August 28, 2010, 02:05:31 PM
If you all want a hit of Wargaming nostalgia, check out Alternative Armies range of Laserburn rules...

http://www.15mm.co.uk/Laserburn_Publications.htm

They used to sell all sorts of other rules, but I can't seem to find them now. :(
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: TheMightyFlip on August 29, 2010, 10:16:54 AM
Back in 1996 I found a battered copy of the Black box with red dragon (as shown earlier) in a sale, however my mates couldnt get thier heads around it as it didnt play like HeroQuest, so it was shelved, and lated binned by the parents.

In 2003 I managed to pick up a copy of 2nd edition AD&D and the DragonLance set (still got it) though didnt have anyone to play with again.

Then in 2005 I picked up 3.5ed, and went to the local games club, where I was told I couldnt join any of the groups playing as I was a newbie.

So I can say, rather sadly, Ive never played D&D. (except for on the computer).
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 29, 2010, 12:19:17 PM
Some Nostalgia coming though here..
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: blackstone on August 29, 2010, 01:50:52 PM
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o172/Theophage/dnd_BasicRule_s.jpg) This was the first version I had too :)
btw masses of useful information, monsters, adventures for the old editions can be found here:

http://www.dragonsfoot.org/

I played the blue book (Holmes), then ad&d and basic. No 2nd editon but played alot of 3rd edition, no interest in 4th ed but then the old games are still there :) plus lots of d&d clones available now for free: http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric/

Surprised just how old school looking the new box set is...
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: joroas on August 29, 2010, 01:52:41 PM
I had that too..........
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 29, 2010, 02:15:29 PM
I'm getting the red box myself on day of release hopefully gonna get the order sorted on Amazon  lol I want it for the Old School feel of it.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Doomsdave on August 30, 2010, 02:26:51 PM
I will probably pick up the red box as well, just for nostalgia sake. Although the Rules Compendium also sounds tempting.  Have yet to buy any 4E. 
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: pauld on August 30, 2010, 03:40:34 PM
never understood the roleplaying thing -  just my own opinion, you understand, coloured by my own innate shyness and a stiff Brit upper

I'd rather slap some minis on the board and have at 'em with a few dice. 

I will admit, though, that a bit of back story and a few tasks to accomplish makes bashing the others over the head much more fun (which is why I like the new RPG Lite Skirmish type rules that have appeared over the last few years)

However being a rules whore I purchased the three 4e core books (Players Handbook, DM guide and Monster Manual)

Apart from being an excellent all round read (with hardly any silly stuff) 4th edition looks to be a very good tactical skirmish system, albeit very in depth - you would find it difficult to control more than 1 character at a time (lots of specials to remember).

The Essentials Line of cardboard tiles look excellent and the Rules Compendium will most likely find it's way through my letterbox also.

My opinion (as a wargamer) - you could use 4th edition Essentials line to slap some minis down and roll a few dice and have a lot of fun.

Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Doomhippie on August 30, 2010, 07:49:33 PM
The fun part is developing a believable person in that game. That's what RPG is all about. Of cause minis do help visualizing scenes, though I admit my own inner picture usually is so much better...
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Doomsdave on August 31, 2010, 02:45:28 PM
The fun part is developing a believable person in that game. That's what RPG is all about. Of cause minis do help visualizing scenes, though I admit my own inner picture usually is so much better...

Yes.  This is it.  You should see my inner picture of myself (I'm awesome) and have a great accompanying soundtrack as well. 
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on August 31, 2010, 03:54:55 PM
The fun part is developing a believable person in that game. That's what RPG is all about. Of cause minis do help visualizing scenes, though I admit my own inner picture usually is so much better...

This is why I love roleplaying. Fact.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Alfrik on August 31, 2010, 04:42:40 PM
STill prefer the 2nd ed set. I do lift some of the creatures from the later moster manuals, but the tons and tons of charts for characters to do things is, well, cumbersome. We free wheel and encourage players to be creative and attach a successful roll based on one of their stats. I recently played a character in the 4th ed set.. the time spent flipping pages and players going thru the rules during a fight took way to long, which in turn limited what we could get done in our 6 hour play time.  The D&D online is basically the current rule set dumped into a mainframe for players to play.

Just some thoughts
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: phreedh on August 31, 2010, 08:55:35 PM
For me, the lure of role playing games lies in the stats. One character, loads of stats and skills to level, equipment to pimp out and gold to be earned. Combat and experience gaining through it is central. A good back story, yes please. Funny voices and "playing the part" is not my thing. Creating a narrative through structured play is much more fun for me than amateur drama gone bad.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Conquistador on August 31, 2010, 09:52:36 PM
STill prefer the 2nd ed set. <snip>

Just some thoughts

Bought a few 2nd edition books while in Seattle (Ran a waaaay to busy campaign, two parties - one of 3 hardcore RPGers including my wife and a few of my old characters as NPCs and a party that varied from about to 6 to 12 (one game) over the years including a trio of Mom, adult daughter and Grandma.  Had a couple that were truly L/N and C/N in play styles too) but having just finally converted an OD&D (white box) to 1st ed. AD&D surviving from my Sacratomato days and then moving to Saint Louis to be a "Guvvie" basically derailed that train.  Maybe we we retire to New Mexico we will find a party to play with again.

And maybe not.

Gracias,

Glenn
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: abhorsen950 on September 02, 2010, 08:39:52 PM
I am definitely going to get the essentials red box, and lets hope its a nice product and not to many people complain  lol
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: kenohhkc on September 02, 2010, 08:51:07 PM
I would tell veryone who wants an old school feel D&D game and doesn't have any of the old books, this update is outstanding. Its the full version and its free.

http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=64331

There's a full art version and its $5.00. Well worth it. Want to add all the AD&D goodness from the old days, add the Advanced Companion. Its free for the full version, no art, or a pittance for a full art version. No retro clone of D&D does it better. This is all we Roleplay with for D&D now, and I still have all my old books from when they were bought in the 80's.

and if you remeber Gamma World they have a free version called Mutant Future.

these are full games. Incredible value. But be careful you'll get hooked on the simplicity and fun of playing old school sand box style RPGing.

If MMORPG's like World of Warcraft are your cup of tea, you may not like the style of these games as they are based around the originals of the genre and the hobby. 4e may be a better choice.
Title: Re: Dungeons and Dragons Essentials
Post by: Doomsdave on September 15, 2010, 06:50:01 PM
For those undecided, here's a pretty good unboxing review of the essentials red-box set:

http://wargamedork.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-corner-dungeons-dragons.html (http://wargamedork.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-corner-dungeons-dragons.html)