Xapmat

Today Collin and I went to 2D10 Games in Fort Myers to play D&D for the release of the new D&D Essentials line. I ran an adventure for 4 people that had pre-made characters. It was a lot of fun. We probably took a bit longer to get through the adventure than we should have, but a good time was had by all. I am really looking forward to doing this again in the future.

New & Original

I stopped into a local game shop with my friend Erik on Saturday. He was looking for some minis and I was thinking about picking up a module or maybe a new guide book. After looking around for a bit, I saw a red box on a shelf. It was the new D&D Essentials Starter Set. I didn’t think it had been released yet (and according to Wizards website, it’s not out til 9-7-10). I quickly looked it over. I had heard a lot of rumors about the new Essentials line of products. Everything from it being D&D 4.5e, to a whole new game, to a throwback to old style D&D. I bought it and took it home to give it a once over.

It comes with 2 books, some maps, a sheet of tokens for players, monsters, etc, and a set of dice. The first book is for players. It is basically a ‘choose your own adventure’ book to help you decide what type of character you want to be. I choose the wizard class and the book takes you through a battle with some goblins. You continue to make choices and it instructs you to fill out your character sheet as you go according to the choices you make. The second book is the DM’s book and has basic rules, a selection of monsters, and some encounters. It presents the rules in a way that you could read them over with your friends and have a game going in a short amount of time. The boxed set only takes you up to level 2, but they are releasing more supplements over the next few months that will take characters up to level 30. It really reminds me of the boxed sets my mom got me when I was a kid (pictured above along with the new set).

I was skeptical at first when I read the rumors about what this would be doing to the game. Every time something new is released, there is always a group that cries “you’re ruining my game”  (I was one of these when 4e came out). I have changed my opinion of it. I think it is a great way to get new players into the game. With all of the books out now (3 player’s handbooks, 3 monster manuals, etc) I think it can get very confusing trying to build a character for new players. There are just too many choices. I think its a great way to introduce new players to D&D. It could also be used to veteran players who want things to be a little simpler.

I just got my new Dungeon Master’s Token Set from Gale Force Nine. It’s probably one of the nicest gaming accessories I have ever seen. It comes in a nice wooden box with small compartments for the counters and a larger one for your dice, pencils, etc. The lid doubles as a dice tray and is lined with felt.

There are 50 tokens to help you keep track of ongoing damage, people who are bloodied, marked, other conditions. They are acrylic so you can use your mat markers to make notes on them.

I can’t wait to use this on Thursday when we get together to game. It is a really amazing set and I am really looking forward to using it.

We’re going to see Scott Pilgrim. Booya!

Once again another birthday. Number 38. It was great. After having lunch with my sister (and getting my picture taken), I went home and Kris made one of my favorites for dinner. And we had friends over. Then we all went to play mini-golf. It was great.

Then on Sunday it was Erik’s birthay. He had a cook out and a bunch of people came over.

Gaming!!! The last few weeks have had some great gaming sessions.

Billy has got Kris and I involved in a Mutants & Masterminds game that he is running on vent. M&M is a True20 game (you only use a d20) that is based on comic book style heroes. My character is a mystic that I based on Dr Orpheus from ‘The Venture Bros.’, Kristen is playing Anger Girl from City of Heroes, and Charlie is playing a character based on one of his toons from Champions Online. I liked my first play sessions so much that I ordered the main book and the magic sourcebook. Ok, I really don’t need an excuse to buy more gaming books, but it really is a lot of fun. We ran through all that Billy had for us (the basic adventure in the back of the book), so we have to wait until he can come up with more for us.

We have taken a bit of a break from my Mage game. We have been wanting to play, but it’s been hard to get everyone together. One of the problems of having a big group is trying to work out everyone’s schedule so we can all get together. I hope that I can get most of the people together soon. At least 4 or 5 out of the 7 that are currently playing it. We have had a few one on one sessions that have gone well. Billy’s character went on a seeking and raised his arete.

A few weeks ago Erik had mentioned that he would run a D&D game so that I could play in it. We had our first session this week and it was fantastic. Kris, Ashley, Matt and I are playing various classes and it is going well. Kristen and I rehashed our old 3rd edition characters Kendyll and Shreeve. 4th edition is a lot different. I used to be more a smooth talker sort of rogue, but 4e kind of forces you to be a certain way. I am more of a kill kill kill rogue now. Which isn’t that bad because I used to be something of a pussy.