Basic set for modern D&D

[Bullgrit]

My 13 year old son wants to start DMing some D&D with his friends. I've DMed for him and his friends a couple of times -- see www.totalbullgrit.com/blog/again-the-boys-delve-into-the-dungeon/

So he knows the general conept of the game, and the very basic rules. I've given him a copy of the old Moldvay Basic game and a couple of old Basic adventures for reference. I'd rather get him into the 3rd edition of the game, as that is what I consider the best version, (for many reasons). But I think the whole system is too much for him to start with -- 20 levels worth of stuff in 900 pages in 3 volumes. Is there a more basic version of *modern* D&D available? I know there was a Basic D&D boxed set for D&D3, (I have it), but's it's really only for first level -- it's far too simplistic.

I tried D&D4, but I consider it too much of a departure from what I consider D&D, so I'm not interested in pushing anything like that to him <-- ***This statement is my opinion. It's not intended to start an argument, to sway anyone else, nor to support anyone else's opinion. I'm just stating this to better explain what I'm looking for, (and not looking for).***

I know D&D5 is either out now or soon will be, but I know absolutely zero about it. Is it going further in the D&D4 direction, or does it come back closer to D&D3? Or something else? Also there may be other versions since D&D3 -- "Next"? I'm not really up on the most current versions of the game.

What I'm hoping to learn about/find is a modern Basic D&D game either based on D&D3, or similar enough to D&D3. Something not overwhelming for a beginner DM, but that can lead into the full game if my son and his friends want to pursue full campaigns. In essence, I'm looking for the contemporary version of going from Moldvay Basic D&D to Gygax Advanced D&D.

I'm hoping to go with actual Dungeons & Dragons, not a clone or "OSR" kind of thing. But I'm not ruling it out if that happens to be the only option for a Basic D&D3ish, introductory game.

Any pointers, advice, guidance?

Thanks,
Bullgrit

 

[ThirdWizard]

Link to D&D5e Basic PDF.

Download it for free. Read it, and decide for yourself.

 

[ExploderWizard]

I would start by downloading the FREE basic D&D pdf on the WOTC website. Currently there is no DM material for basic in the document but it will be added in August when the core books for 5E start being released.

Check it out and see if you like it, it doesn't cost anything.

 

[KirayaTiDrekan]

Personally, the new Starter Set is a pretty solid intro box and covers levels 1-5. I would say that 5E is more similar to 3.x than 4E on most levels, though it borrows a couple of things from 4E.

 

[DEFCON 1]

(Here I was thinking that Bullgrit was announcing he had already created a d20 Modern Basic game using the 5E chassis. Heh heh.)

 

[TerraDave]

The 5E Starter Set allows you to run a set of pregens through an adventure levels 1-5. It gives enough to do some adventuring beyond that. Does not assume grid, pogs, etc, though those can be used.

The 5E Basic Rules have character creation for four classes and races(so you can make your own character for the starter set) and rules coverings levels 1-20. DM oriented stuff will be placed there on August 8, when the PHB becomes available. As noted, these are free.

 

[Bullgrit]

Thank you very much for the link to the basic rules. I've skimmed through the pages . . . it's not completely 3rd edition, though it is very close -- close enough for me and my purpose. It's definitely not at all 4th edition. Seeing that the date at the top of the page is this month, is this based on 5th edition?

But why can't WotC make a Basic version of the game like TSR did with Moldvay's edition? A book that contains everything you need to run a few low levels, (including magic items and monsters), and none of the extra fluff unnecessary for running the game, (like racial minutia and personality tables). This pdf is 110 pages of just Player info -- no DM stuff, (magic items, monsters, etc.). Looking through this document, I see so much unnecessary fluff. They could easily cut it by half. (Hell, they have spells up to 9th level in there!) And they could replace the cut half with DM material.

If they want to provide guidance on creating personalities for characters, [I think] they should give that in a separate pamphlet or something. Keep the rules book for actual rules. Sigh. Sorry, it just annoys me. Moldvay is a gold standard for a basic rule book, and with the fact that it sold the best of all RP game books, it seems like someone would want to duplicate that style.

Bullgrit

 

[KirayaTiDrekan]

The Starter Set has what you need for levels 1-5. It has pregens, but you can also make characters using the free Basic PDF if you prefer.

And yes, the Basic PDF and Starter Set are 5th Edition. The PHB comes out next month.

 

[Remathilis]

Thank you very much for the link to the basic rules. I've skimmed through the pages . . . it's not completely 3rd edition, though it is very close -- close enough for me and my purpose. It's definitely not at all 4th edition. Seeing that the date at the top of the page is this month, is this based on 5th edition?

But why can't WotC make a Basic version of the game like TSR did with Moldvay's edition? A book that contains everything you need to run a few low levels, (including magic items and monsters), and none of the extra fluff unnecessary for running the game, (like racial minutia and personality tables). This pdf is 110 pages of just Player info -- no DM stuff, (magic items, monsters, etc.). Looking through this document, I see so much unnecessary fluff. They could easily cut it by half. (Hell, they have spells up to 9th level in there!) And they could replace the cut half with DM material.

If they want to provide guidance on creating personalities for characters, [I think] they should give that in a separate pamphlet or something. Keep the rules book for actual rules. Sigh. Sorry, it just annoys me. Moldvay is a gold standard for a basic rule book, and with the fact that it sold the best of all RP game books, it seems like someone would want to duplicate that style.

Bullgrit

Dm stuff comes out in August.

 

[Morrus]

T

But why can't WotC make a Basic version of the game like TSR did with Moldvay's edition? A book that contains everything you need to run a few low levels, (including magic items and monsters), and none of the extra fluff unnecessary for running the game, (like racial minutia and personality tables). This pdf is 110 pages of just Player info -- no DM stuff, (magic items, monsters, etc.). Looking through this document, I see so much unnecessary fluff. They could easily cut it by half. (Hell, they have spells up to 9th level in there!) And they could replace the cut half with DM material.

You can pick up the new boxed Starter Set for $12 on Amazon. It has a 32-page rules intro, an adventure, and some pregenerated characters. It takes you from level 1-5. Sounds pretty close to what you're asking for:

http://www.enworld.org/forum/conten...D-Starter-Set-Pre-Release-Review#.U9d9uNm9LCQ