D&D 5E Hoard of the Dragon Queen w/ Starter/Basic Rules Only

[Mark CMG]

I think it's great that a DM can buy an adventure and run it without purchasing anything else!

This thread is about confirming this possibility.

 

[Mark CMG]

The module and the online supplement have all the monsters and magic items needed for the adventure.

The Basic PDF has all the rules to play characters up to 20th level.

The online supplement has all the additional spells referenced but not in the Basic Document.

I wonder if there is much in HotDQ regarding how to run a game. Obviously, specific to this adventure but along the lines of GMing or system material beyond plug-in stuff like spells, magic items, monsters and the like. Does it reference combat or skill mechanics, even if it explains them, that are in the core books but not covered in Basic?

 

[Mark CMG]

difference between Basic and PHB is the character options when creating characters (plus feats and Multiclass rules)

I'm still not sure is NPCs in 5E are all going to plug into standard "monster" stat blocks or be extensions of the PC generation rules. In the Starter Set, for instance, Glasstaff is an example of using a monster stat block while Sildar *seems* to be a bit more, yes? (Assuming that you have read the Starter Set, at least, if not have some 5E playtesting experience.)

 

[Thaumaturge]

Interesting. Anyone have HotDQ that can confirm there are Backgrounds in it?


There is certainly some stuff in the Starter Set adventure regarding Backgrounds and setting-related groups mentioned and encouraged that isn't strictly Basic material.

It doesn't have backgrounds in it. It has a pretty cool page for tweaking backgrounds. There is a "Bond" chart to roll on in place of the bonds in the PH(B). There are also two "Optional Features" that replace the standard background features (Cult Infiltrator and Dragon Scholar). It is a neat way to help tie the characters to the events of the adventure better.

As for your bigger question, I think a DM with 5B could run this. I've read most of the PH(B) at this point, but the core resolution is exactly what's in 5B. There are Int (Investigation checks), Chr (Persuasion), and Str (Athletics) checks. Combat is combat. The characters aren't asked to make magic items, maintain fortifications, have aerial combat, underwater combat, or use THAC0s. At least as far as I've seen. I've read the first couple of episodes and skimmed the rest. Looking at the last episode, there is the potential for aerial combat, I suppose, but the necessary rules are there and...if it happens things have gone poorly.

If you have a specific thing you're thinking of, I might be able to answer it. But having looked through it I see no reason a DM would need the DMG or PH(B).

The supplemental PDF is necessary. Many of the monsters and magic items are not spelled out.

One touch I like is the paper isn't glossy. It will be very easy to write in this book.

Thaumaturge.

 

[random.brown]

This thread is about confirming this possibility.

I was speaking as an owner of the module--with the basic rules PDF and the free supplemental download, it indeed my be played. No PHB or other books required.

Which is awesome.

 

[Mark CMG]

I was speaking as an owner of the module

Ah, so you've read it then. What's the deal with NPCs as either stat block monsters or as PC-type generated characters? Is it a bit of both? Are the "feats" or "features" of those types of stat blocks indicative of how they are made for 5E?

 

[Mark CMG]

It doesn't have backgrounds in it. It has a pretty cool page for tweaking backgrounds. There is a "Bond" chart to roll on in place of the bonds in the PH(B). There are also two "Optional Features" that replace the standard background features (Cult Infiltrator and Dragon Scholar). It is a neat way to help tie the characters to the events of the adventure better.

Neat. Thanks for that specific!

As for your bigger question, I think a DM with 5B could run this. I've read most of the PH(B) at this point, but the core resolution is exactly what's in 5B. There are Int (Investigation checks), Chr (Persuasion), and Str (Athletics) checks. Combat is combat. The characters aren't asked to make magic items, maintain fortifications, have aerial combat, underwater combat, or use THAC0s. At least as far as I've seen. I've read the first couple of episodes and skimmed the rest. Looking at the last episode, there is the potential for aerial combat, I suppose, but the necessary rules are there and...if it happens things have gone poorly.

"5B" I like that. I haven't seen that before. Did you coin it?

Thanks for the info on checks and possible aerial combat. I haven't run one of those for a while. Might be fun even if it *does* come too that.

If you have a specific thing you're thinking of, I might be able to answer it. But having looked through it I see no reason a DM would need the DMG or PH(B).

The supplemental PDF is necessary. Many of the monsters and magic items are not spelled out.

Thanks, buddy. That's just the sort of info I was interesting in understanding. I wonder if they will put a freebie online soon with the animals from the PHB that I hear are in there, horses and such, not that they are really necessary unless the players opt to do more mounted outdoorsy stuff than dungeon crawling. Though that mule stat stuff might be good in either case.

One touch I like is the paper isn't glossy. It will be very easy to write in this book.

Interesting. I'm fine either way on this score and can just as easily use post it notes on glossy paper, though I can see why the non-glossy does appeal to anyone who likes to put in more permanent notes. (Post its can get lost or mangled fairly easily! )


Care to weigh in on the NPCs as monster stat blocks vs PC-type generated folks?

 

[Thaumaturge]

"5B" I like that. I haven't seen that before. Did you coin it?

As I recall, I lamented having to say "the basic rules" every time. Some people blow a gasket when it's called "Basic", because that's a different game. And I asked if anyone had a solution. [MENTION=6777052]BoldItalic[/MENTION] suggested "5B", and I ran with it so much I've seen it attributed to me a couple of times.

Thanks for the info on checks and possible aerial combat. I haven't run one of those for a while. Might be fun even if it *does* come too that.

The...event...that would lead aerial combat is under the DM's control. It's a timing issue. So it isn't impossible to provoke.

Thaumaturge.

Care to weigh in on the NPCs as monster stat blocks vs PC-type generated folks?

Edit: I've only skimmed the NPCs. I think it's a mix. Some are definitely "4th level fighter" complete with action surge and second wind. Some aren't.

 

[Mark CMG]

The...event...that would lead aerial combat is under the DM's control. It's a timing issue. So it isn't impossible to provoke.

Ahh, the old Wonka fizzy lifting potion, eh? One hopes the solution to that predicament isn't found in a new feat.

 

[random.brown]

Ah, so you've read it then. What's the deal with NPCs as either stat block monsters or as PC-type generated characters? Is it a bit of both? Are the "feats" or "features" of those types of stat blocks indicative of how they are made for 5E?

The npc's stats are listed in appendix B in the form of stat blocks--I'm not sure what your question is.