How useful is DMG2?

[bagger245]

Hey guys, I've been DMing for almost 10 years now and I have the the core + PHB2/MM2. Was wondering how useful is the DMG2. I don't really care about Sigil or the advices but was wondering from a crunch viewpoint. Thanks.

 

[samursus]

I found it very useful... I have been dm'ing for around 20+ years or so (with some long breaks in there) and really found the section on Companion characters vital for mt group, as we only had 4 players and I wanted to run a module, but didn't feel like adjusting all the encounters.

I also found some amazing concepts like using Vignettes and "typing" or "profiling" your players in order to create a game that appeals to all of them. (Edit: Just thought to mention, the vignette concept has brought a LOT to my game, just by itself)

Many DM's (in forums) have commented that this is the best DMG ever printed in history of D&D. I would tend to agree... but YMMV, so it would be worth flipping through first if you can.

 

[Teemu]

I think it's one of the best 4e books to date. So many good things in it.

 

[Somebloke]

I've been DMing for over a decade. I was still impressed by some of the advice sections. And I threw out my homebrew low-magic reward rules and used the one presented within. The skill check section is another eye-opener that shows you just how many possibilities the mechanic presents.

Buy it. You know that deep down in your secret place you want to.

 

[Voadam]

I understand it has a section for giving out inherent bonuses to characters that mimic the magic item bonuses that PCs of X level are expected to have so you can run a game with just magic items that have neat powers but no attack/damage/defense math effects, or a game with no magic items at all and have the same combat math experience of playing normal D&D.

This bit of crunch on its own makes me tempted to get it.

 

[bagger245]

Is the book useful at the table? I like how the books I have so far sees heavy table use.

 

[S'mon]

Is the book useful at the table? I like how the books I have so far sees heavy table use.

I guess you could use the traps at-table; but it's an advice book not a table book. The only chart I use regularly is the minion damage table, for upgrading MM1 minions.

 

[Skyscraper]

Is the book useful at the table? I like how the books I have so far sees heavy table use.

No, but it's one heck of a good book to own and read.

Sky

 

[Jhaelen]

I don't really care about Sigil or the advices but was wondering from a crunch viewpoint.

From a crunch viewpoint you won't find it useful. There's also hardly anything in it that you would require at the table, especially if you aren't interested in Sigil.

Having said that, even with 25+ years of experience as a DM I think it's a great book.

 

[bagger245]

So basically it's a really good advice book?