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SagaFamily Commons => OOC/OT => Topic started by: PinkRose on July 03, 2014, 08:00:29 AM

Title: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 03, 2014, 08:00:29 AM
(http://puu.sh/9V7UY/e4fa7f453b.jpg)

Some of you may know of a game called D&D. If not, I'm sorry.
Today is the release day of the Starter Set ($20).
If you have never played D&D, this is the product for you.
If you have but it's been 20 or 30 years, this is the product for you.
If you have kids age 10-ish, this is the product for you.

And the release of Basic D&D (Free!)
A 110+ page PDF you can download, which contains all the rules to play D&D from 1-20. Not all options but Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Human. Cleric, Fighter, Rogue & Wizard.
Go Download it now(ish. Not sure when it will actually go live on the website.)

I have been involved in the Alpha testing for almost 2 years. It's the best version I've played, ad I've played for 26 years.

If you have any questions, please ask. I will answer them all (that I can legally allow, NDAs and all.)

:viking2:  ----(-o HAPPY D&D DAY!  :gel: :police:
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GutsMcGurt on July 03, 2014, 08:06:10 AM
I've been playing Pathfinder lately but my DM wants to give 5e a shot on the 19th, so I'll see how that goes. 
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Sroth on July 03, 2014, 08:11:17 AM
Free PDF?! Hell yes!

I'll probably be eying the box too. I don't really get to play pen-n-paper games, but damn do I love that stuff.

What are the big changes for 5th and how it compares to 4th or Pathfinder (or other similar RPGs)?
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Talon on July 03, 2014, 03:10:45 PM
Any chance of a link please? I've checked the Wizard site and I can't find the free download to take a look before I get anything more. Just articles.

I'm happy there's a new ruleset and I'm interested in the changes. It has been an age since I played. 3rd Ed with a tiny toe tap into 3.5.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Sroth on July 03, 2014, 03:31:30 PM
Basic Rules PDF:
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/basicrules

There's a printer-friendly version too, but at 110 pages, not sure how friendly it can really be!
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Alys on July 03, 2014, 04:22:41 PM
Something to browse on my iPad. Thanks!
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Lyrima on July 03, 2014, 07:57:44 PM
So my (knowitall newly minted) 15 yo wonders why he would need it when he has Player's handbooks 1, 2 & 3 and the monster manual.

Does he need it? Cuz I'll make him have it if so.

boyz.   :tickedoff:

ps:  He did successfully run a DnD group at his school.  It was observed that his 'club' was the most popular in the school.  :coolsmiley:  It's the dnd, not the kid, I tell ya.


Ok, so it's his birthday.  Maybe it's a LITTLE the kid, too.  But MOSTLY dnd.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 03, 2014, 10:13:43 PM
This is a new Version.
Like the difference between EQ and EQ2.
If he is having fun playing his flavour of D&D, keep going.
However, this is new and fresh. This has 40 years of history behind it.
This is simple rules with easy expansion.
The Download is free.
And the Box Set is only $20. Go buy it for him.
As I said, I've played for 26 years.
This is the best version so far. Simple, elegant, customizable, this will be around for a long while.

Sroth, I'll get back to your question when I have a moment.

Also, the printer friendly version just means it is Black and White. The other has a tinted parchment-like background.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Sroth on July 04, 2014, 08:01:29 AM
Quote from: PinkRose on July 03, 2014, 10:13:43 PM
Also, the printer friendly version just means it is Black and White. The other has a tinted parchment-like background.
Well yes, that's typically what that means. The joke was that while saving on ink, it's still going to eat a lot of paper  :P
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 05, 2014, 01:36:33 AM
Sorry Sroth, I was in Fact mode.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Sroth on July 05, 2014, 03:19:03 PM
Quote from: PinkRose on July 05, 2014, 01:36:33 AM
Sorry Sroth, I was in Fact mode.
Facts? :cow* I only accept snark, jokes, half truths, white lies, and rhetorical commentary.

Or cake.


....
*whispers*
but not pies....

* in lieu of a properly shocked and disappointed emoticon, please accept a sleepy cow.

By the way, anyone considered running an online campaign with guildies using one of the many sites and tools out there for hosting online RPGs?
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Auren on July 05, 2014, 05:01:04 PM
I'm pretty sure Merila and I would be up for that, Sroth.  I recently signed up at Roll20 (http://www.roll20.net) after I saw their "tour" video and was completely impressed.

However, I have never DM'd a game, nor have I ever actually played it.  I find the character creation and world planning to be fascinating (even without a Dungeon Master's Guide).
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 05, 2014, 10:54:58 PM
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Oh you're serious.
We did. It didn't go too well, but it was fun to get everyone together.
I used MapTool. It's my choice since 2008, but I know the others have gotten better since then with shorter learning curves.
I ended up running a campaign online for a random group for more than 3 years. From level 1 - 14 in 4e. 3 of them have since joined the guild but aren't active MMO gamers.
I can not be a part of anything planned at this time in my life, but I heartily endorse anyone that wants to give it a go.

Auren, Go Buy The STARTER SET! It will walk you through everything you need to know to DM.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Sroth on July 06, 2014, 10:45:32 AM
I've had some experience basically acting as DM during RP events, even though it's not quite the same thing. I guess the question would be who can commit to weekly, by-weekly, or at least monthly sessions? Assuming of course that it doesn't immediately result in a horrible disaster in the first session.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Auren on July 06, 2014, 05:19:35 PM
Quote from: PinkRose on July 05, 2014, 10:54:58 PM
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Oh you're serious.
We did. It didn't go too well, but it was fun to get everyone together.
I used MapTool. It's my choice since 2008, but I know the others have gotten better since then with shorter learning curves.
I ended up running a campaign online for a random group for more than 3 years. From level 1 - 14 in 4e. 3 of them have since joined the guild but aren't active MMO gamers.
I can not be a part of anything planned at this time in my life, but I heartily endorse anyone that wants to give it a go.

Auren, Go Buy The STARTER SET! It will walk you through everything you need to know to DM.

Hah, I dunno, running a campaign for 3 years seems like a pretty successful run to me...

Also, I fully intend on starting a collection of D&D/Pathfinder guides just as soon as I'm out of tech school. :p  I should be moving away from Tacoma, WA at the beginning of August.  Then, I'll start work over in Dover, DE.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 07, 2014, 11:16:23 PM
No, no, the Saga group went 2 sessions. Then I started a 3 year campaign. When I do get a stable time to play, I'll advertise here first. But that could be months or years. Hopefully before 6th edition.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GutsMcGurt on July 08, 2014, 05:37:56 AM
I would be interested, even as a DM, if I wasn't already doing two sessions a week pretty much.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 08, 2014, 08:04:56 PM
The stay-at-home Dad with 3 new girls hates you a little bit right now.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Sroth on July 09, 2014, 08:38:16 AM
Quote from: PinkRose on July 08, 2014, 08:04:56 PM
The stay-at-home Dad with 3 new girls hates you a little bit right now.
Sounds like you have enough players to start a campaign at home  O0
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Alys on July 09, 2014, 10:49:11 AM
I ran across this article that talks about the new edition, and I like what I hear.

http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/9/5882143/roll-for-initiative-understanding-the-next-edition-of-dungeons-dragons

I could see myself DMing a one-shot game online to give people a look at the new system, but probably not until next month.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 09, 2014, 11:28:15 PM
If you want to watch two great guys talk about the 5th edition of D&D, check out http://newbiedm.com/2014/07/06/talking-about-the-5e-dungeons-dragons-starter-set/
I've been following both of these guys for 6 years. They know what they are talking about and they do a good first impression here.

Also a detailed look at the differences from previous versions can be found here.
http://merricb.wordpress.com/dungeons-dragons-5e-whats-changed/
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GutsMcGurt on July 11, 2014, 10:21:47 AM
Well after reading the websites you guys provided and the free PDF of the basic rules, I'm really excited about trying the start set on sunday.  I admit I was gonna blow 5e off since I just got into pathfinder and hated WoTC business practices with the last edition, but this system looks really interesting, especially for casters.  I wanted to try the wizard or cleric premades, but after reading the personality description of the greataxe fighter... I'm torn ><.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 11, 2014, 03:53:32 PM
Cleric. Always go Cleric.
Also, I'll be volunteering at GenCOn DMing for WotC, so yu could always come there for a game.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Alys on July 14, 2014, 01:36:00 PM
So, Agent Guts, what's your report?
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GutsMcGurt on July 14, 2014, 02:23:11 PM
Report is...potato salad.
It didn't happen due to one guy having a family thing come up and the other dude was sick.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 14, 2014, 11:35:52 PM
Derailment: Please tell me you did NOT Kickstart potato salad guy.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GutsMcGurt on July 15, 2014, 05:39:05 AM
Oh god no.  Would rather give money to something to actually achieve something  :coolsmiley:.  Though I'll admit his "whole internet is invited" party sounds pretty interesting.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: Sroth on July 15, 2014, 03:26:09 PM
An RPG channel on youtube started posting some videos of playing the 5e starter box. I've watched a lot of their previous series, the R&D games have all been pretty good. They play over skype using Roll20.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxSw9F0NT7w
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GuidingOlive on July 30, 2014, 12:01:56 AM
Yeah, the DM Neal also has an ongoing one over on his channel
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GutsMcGurt on July 30, 2014, 05:52:57 AM
Well my group canceled playing the 5e test for the 3rd week in a row, so I still haven't tried it.  BUT I've been reading the hell out of the freebie stuff and an alpha print PDF of the PBH (it's not the whole thing and there are some minor tweaks compared to the previews/final product) and so far I'm REALLY liking what I read.  On the week the PBH comes out, the Pathfinder campaign I run will be converting to 5e.   Hell, I already redid half of the NPC character sheets easily... no really... hardly 20 minutes (with looking stuff up on a PDF) for a lvl 4 character that isn't a caster... maybe 30 minutes for a caster.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: PinkRose on July 31, 2014, 09:59:58 AM
I would not use the leaked PDF.
I can tell you that there are quite a few differences between that and the official releases.
Title: Re: D&D Releases today!
Post by: GutsMcGurt on August 01, 2014, 07:02:29 AM
Yeah I noticed quite a few differences between the alpha build and the previews/freebie guide.  Mostly it had to do with casters spells known, hit die for the classes, and the damage progression of things like sneak attack.  My group is mostly using the combat rules from the published freebie guide though and we gave them a shot last night with pathfinder characters.  Over all it went pretty smoothly.  Since moving in 5e doesn't provoke an attack of oppurtunity (unless you move away from someone's reach without doing the disenage action) it made things more interesting and flow a lot faster.  My more experienced players had to blink a few times when I told them they can't charge and there was a small discussion about what happens to casters who cast in melee range (basically nothing except they get a "disadvantage" to rolls), but we caught on quick and the newer guys differently were finding it easier.  They are all really looking forward to converting to 5e fully when the PHB comes out.  Most of them are switching characters except for one guy who is sticking with his rogue.  They are going from a Human monk, elf paladin, half-elf ranger, and a half-orc rogue... to a human fighter, gnome bard, dwarven cleric, and the same half-orc rogue.  My NPC party member will probably be a new charcter as well since Oracles don't exist in 5e (she would have to convert to a bard to make sense spell wise) so they might get a human wizard instead.  Nice thing is that plot wise they are at a GREAT spot to switch.