Essentials DM Kit in Hand

[TirionAnthion]

I picked up a copy of the new Essentials DM Kit at my local FLGS. I know others may have this alrreasy but I thought that I would mention it in case anyone has some questions about the product. I also picked up the new Gamma World box as well.

I have not had time to read much of the material as I picked them up as I was leaving to get on a train to Colorado. I shoved them in my suitcase and have not had alot of time to look at them.

If anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer them.

 

[fba827]

if it isn't too much trouble, can you list the main headings in the table of contents (possibly with page numbers)?

Thanks in advance

 

[Pseudonym]

I picked up the DM box as well, but didn't see Gamma World. Guess I'll have to head back tomorrow and pick that up.

 

[Dice4Hire]

I am most interested in the adventures. Is the layout/format very different from the regular WOTC modules?

 

[Tall_Len]

I am most interested in the adventures. Is the layout/format very different from the regular WOTC modules?

I would say yes.
I've only glanced at the adventures, but they look MUCH better than some of the recent WOTC published "adventures". (I'm looking at you, Maruaders of the Dune Sea!)

There are actually sidebar boxes that highlight roleplaying some of the npcs, with sample dialog, attitude, etc. While an experienced DM would not need this, I think it is a great addition for new DMs to look at. Sort of a "read aloud" box for playing an NPC. Doesn't take up much room, but really lets the roleplaying parts shine.

Also, there are some nice city/village maps.

It is, pretty much, what I had hoped it would be. Can't wait to read through it, in detail, and run it.

 

[Kurtomatic]

I am most interested in the adventures. Is the layout/format very different from the regular WOTC modules?

Nope, 'fraid not. Same glossy, 32-page booklets with 2-page encounter format entries.

However, Reavers is not a dungeon crawl, there are actual NCPs, non-linear plot advancement, and the only skill challenge I've seen so far makes a lot of sense. So it's got that going for it.

 

[captainspud]

if it isn't too much trouble, can you list the main headings in the table of contents (possibly with page numbers)?

Thanks in advance

• Table of Contents
• Index [ page 1 | page 2 ]

 

[Iconik]

Shoved it in your luggage when you were going on a trip?! Trips are the perfect time to read through some D&D!

 

[im_robertb]

What sorts of things are in the Table Rules section? Dealing with Expertise feats?

Any info on the Nentir Vale that we haven't seen before?

 

[Kurtomatic]

What sorts of things are in the Table Rules section? Dealing with Expertise feats?

Any info on the Nentir Vale that we haven't seen before?

Table rules are the usual meta-game stuff from the DMG.

The Fallcrest stuff doesn't look new, but the Vale in general has a number of new, expanded, or consolidated entries from various sources, like the Chaos Scar, Gardbury Downs, Fiveleague House, etc. It's a bit more fleshed out than the original DMG1 chapter.