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Enchanted Trinkets Complete--a hardcover book containing over 500 magic items for your D&D games!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BriarMonkey" data-source="post: 5350593" data-attributes="member: 95387">I think that the Essentials line has added to an already confusing situation.  If you are a new gamer, and have decided to give D & D a go, you now have to do some research into what it is that you want purchase.  Because the original 4E books are still on shelves, a neophyte has to weigh their purchase on either an assumption (or a guess) or rely on the store clerk (or on-line descriptions) to make the proper choice between the hardcovers and/or the Essentials line.  In general, when someone buys a "game", research is hardly something that someone considers - it is normally a purchase and go option.  And, if that first purchase is the wrong book, the confusion at that point can very abruptly end a potential new gamer's interest.     One can argue the case for labeling of books, but as we saw with the "core" label, anything can be manipulated by the marketing departments to try to drive up sales - which goes right back into the problem of what is and is not required.  I have to admit I haven't a clear idea of a resolution, but with Essentials having broken down the original core books into several additional books smacks of a bad move if for no other reason than there are now more required elements.     Heck, even for my part with having been a gamer for some 30+ years, I gave up when Essentials was announced simply because I didn't want to figure out yet another set of books.     And as an aside, there were a couple of comments on the outlays for books by game groups and/or DMs.  Myself, as a DM I tend to pick up a complete set of books for whatever game I am running.  That way I can read through everything and have the references I need.  On the other hand, my players generally only pick up the books that interest them.  So dollar for dollar, as a DM I generally outspend them on rules, supplements, and accessories - but then, I also figured that was the norm since it is I that has to have the breadth to develop the game world.     Just my shekel for what it's worth.</blockquote>

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