D&D (2024) 2024 Player's Handbook Reveal #1: "Everything You Need To Know!"

Each day this week, Wizards of the Coast will be releasing a new live-streamed preview video based on the upcoming Player's Handbook. The first is entitled Everything You Need To Know and you can watch it live below (or, if you missed it, you should be able to watch it from the start afterwards). The video focuses on weapon mastery and character origins.

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There will be new videos on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week, focusing on the Fighter, the Paladin, and the Barbarian, with (presumably) more in the coming weeks.

 

[Reef]

I guess we need to define what you mean by grimdark then. And it's on you, because none of us are using that clearly pejorative term.

Um...the posts I replied to (@TwoSix and @Remathilis ) both specifically used the term grimdark. It's the only reason I did. So don't put this on me.

Edit to add: Also, how is grimdark any more perjorative than twee?

 

[FitzTheRuke]

I have to admit, as much as I like what we've seen so far, I'd like to see a wide variety of styles in the art. I wouldn't mind some serious grittiness in some of it. And you can certainly do sexy without doing silly boob-windows or pandering to the male gaze. Sex DOES sell, it just backfires when it's too clearly appealing to only one taste, as everyone else rolls their eyes.

 

[Scribe]

I have to admit, as much as I like what we've seen so far, I'd like to see a wide variety of styles in the art. I wouldn't mind some serious grittiness in some of it. And you can certainly do sexy without doing silly boob-windows or pandering to the male gaze. Sex DOES sell, it just backfires when it's too clearly appealing to only one taste, as everyone else rolls their eyes.

 

[Vaalingrade]

Someone somewhere right now is photoshopping that Eberron character in the dress to have a MASSIVE butt to post on twitter to say they're saving D&D. I'm 110% certain of this.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Edit to add: Also, how is grimdark any more perjorative than twee?

Not a term I used. Or a word I've ever said, actually.

 

[TwoSix]

Um...the posts I replied to (@TwoSix and @Remathilis ) both specifically used the term grimdark. It's the only reason I did. So don't put this on me.

Edit to add: Also, how is grimdark any more perjorative than twee?

I don't see either "grimdark" or "twee" as particularly pejorative in a vacuum, although they can be leveraged that way with enough intent.

 

[Parmandur]

Grimdark is a specific style term actually used by grimdark authors like Joe Abercrombie or artists. I think a "Grimdark to Cozy" scale makes sense, with D&D art historically being in the middle somewhere.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I don't see either "grimdark" or "twee" as particularly pejorative in a vacuum, although they can be leveraged that way with enough intent.

Fair enough. I still want that definition though.

 

[Scribe]

Fair enough. I still want that definition though.

Oh which?

Grimdark: A setting of black and grey morality, or relative morality being the order of the day. Evil has won, or Good is so oppressive as to be no different. Even success comes at a cost, and real change is impossible.

But the good guys fight on regardless, because it is right to do so.

 

[Incenjucar]

I appreciate the homey domestic life type pictures in fantasy as a reminder of what the heroes are fighting for.