D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
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Fabio Andrea Rossi
First Post
4 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
Yes, I got it, I'm a lucky man. And here what I think: the 5th edition DMG is a masterpiece and keeps up the very good quality of the Player’s Handbook and Monster Manual. It goes on with the new edition philosophy of going back to the earlier spirit of D&D capitalizing on the experiences of its previous editions.The book offers high product value, it’s choke full of valuable advice on how to create and run campaigns and adventures, it has more magic items that you could hope and it includes lots of the promised “rules modules”. My only complaint about it is a certain overabundance of tables to determine…well, everything. While these are often quite useful, there are really lots of them, perhaps more than needed. I mean, with all that valuable content, I would have liked more modules and less tables.That said, with over 70 pages of illustrated magic items, tons of rules options an insight on how to build a full fledged campaign (including planar details) the new DMG really brings the old magic back to full circle. The king is back, all hail the king!
Yes, I got it, I'm a lucky man. And here what I think: the 5th edition DMG is a masterpiece and keeps up the very good quality of the Player’s Handbook and Monster Manual. It goes on with the new edition philosophy of going back to the earlier spirit of D&D capitalizing on the experiences of its previous editions.The book offers high product value, it’s choke full of valuable advice on how to create and run campaigns and adventures, it has more magic items that you could hope and it includes lots of the promised “rules modules”. My only complaint about it is a certain overabundance of tables to determine…well, everything. While these are often quite useful, there are really lots of them, perhaps more than needed. I mean, with all that valuable content, I would have liked more modules and less tables.That said, with over 70 pages of illustrated magic items, tons of rules options an insight on how to build a full fledged campaign (including planar details) the new DMG really brings the old magic back to full circle. The king is back, all hail the king!
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
The DMG for 5th Edition is a masterpiece. Coming in at 320 pages it just slightly beats out the PHB for girth but upon comparing it to previous edition's works you can see the sheer mass of this book at least contains more words than ever before. I've never liked the DMG in any edition the most but this time around it wins the cup for me. A real emphasis on training a new DM and enhancing the veteran was given here, and I'm pleased by the effort. The largest chunk of the book is a 100 page arc on tangible treasure. For those like me who lamented the loss of the "Magic" in magic items it is back in full. I could drone away further here but I've already put nearly 3k words into my review on my blog. Check it out and feel free to comment! http://melsmifgames.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/5es-dungeon-masters-guide-the-triad-is-complete/
The DMG for 5th Edition is a masterpiece. Coming in at 320 pages it just slightly beats out the PHB for girth but upon comparing it to previous edition's works you can see the sheer mass of this book at least contains more words than ever before. I've never liked the DMG in any edition the most but this time around it wins the cup for me. A real emphasis on training a new DM and enhancing the veteran was given here, and I'm pleased by the effort. The largest chunk of the book is a 100 page arc on tangible treasure. For those like me who lamented the loss of the "Magic" in magic items it is back in full. I could drone away further here but I've already put nearly 3k words into my review on my blog. Check it out and feel free to comment! http://melsmifgames.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/5es-dungeon-masters-guide-the-triad-is-complete/
Neuroglyph
First Post
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
As Dungeon Master’s Guides go, this new D&D 5th Edition one is a strong contender for the top spot. While it might be claimed that there are quite a few similarities between this new DMG and the older AD&D DMG, it would be hard to argue that the original penned by Mr. Gygax isn’t a darned good template for what a DMG should be in order to be successful at guiding Dungeon Masters in their trade. The book looks and feels fantastic, and it certainly has some wonderful writing between the covers. And just as importantly, the new D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide presents a lot of good useful content that DMs will be able to go back and reference time and again as they lead their players into better and more developed worlds and adventures. It’s a worthy successor to the line of Dungeon Master’s Guides down through the editions, and well worth the price to have as a treasured resource for this new edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
As Dungeon Master’s Guides go, this new D&D 5th Edition one is a strong contender for the top spot. While it might be claimed that there are quite a few similarities between this new DMG and the older AD&D DMG, it would be hard to argue that the original penned by Mr. Gygax isn’t a darned good template for what a DMG should be in order to be successful at guiding Dungeon Masters in their trade. The book looks and feels fantastic, and it certainly has some wonderful writing between the covers. And just as importantly, the new D&D Dungeon Master’s Guide presents a lot of good useful content that DMs will be able to go back and reference time and again as they lead their players into better and more developed worlds and adventures. It’s a worthy successor to the line of Dungeon Master’s Guides down through the editions, and well worth the price to have as a treasured resource for this new edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
talien
Community Supporter
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
The final rulebook of the Dungeons & Dragons triumvirate that long-time gamers have come to expect from each edition of the fantasy role-playing game will be released in stores on December 9, 2014. Thanks to Wizards of the Coast sharing an advanced copy, this review is a sneak peak of what to expect. The short version: this incarnation of the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) builds on everything gamers have collectively learned about role-playing games. It's also has an unmistakable shift in tone from a simple rules compendium to an honest assessment of what made D&D what it is today -- and how unique it can be in each DM's hands.
The final rulebook of the Dungeons & Dragons triumvirate that long-time gamers have come to expect from each edition of the fantasy role-playing game will be released in stores on December 9, 2014. Thanks to Wizards of the Coast sharing an advanced copy, this review is a sneak peak of what to expect. The short version: this incarnation of the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) builds on everything gamers have collectively learned about role-playing games. It's also has an unmistakable shift in tone from a simple rules compendium to an honest assessment of what made D&D what it is today -- and how unique it can be in each DM's hands.
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
The prevailing idea behind the publication of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game seems to be "tools for your toolbox," and in that regard the new Dungeon Master's Guide knocks it out of the park. Alternate rules for lingering injuries and healing, pages of magical items, guidance and advice on crafting monsters, NPCs, and adventures - there's enough stuff in here to keep DMs busy with their own campaigns for a long time, and I think that's the point. The advice is top notch, as you would expect from the company that's been making this game for a long time, and the random tables are enough to keep everyone interested. I don't know what more I could ask for in a Dungeon Master's Guide to be honest, except "more" - more of what's already in here.
The prevailing idea behind the publication of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition game seems to be "tools for your toolbox," and in that regard the new Dungeon Master's Guide knocks it out of the park. Alternate rules for lingering injuries and healing, pages of magical items, guidance and advice on crafting monsters, NPCs, and adventures - there's enough stuff in here to keep DMs busy with their own campaigns for a long time, and I think that's the point. The advice is top notch, as you would expect from the company that's been making this game for a long time, and the random tables are enough to keep everyone interested. I don't know what more I could ask for in a Dungeon Master's Guide to be honest, except "more" - more of what's already in here.
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
This book is utterly crammed with material. Even if you're not a D&D fan, it's one of the most comprehensive GMing guides to fantasy gaming I've seen in years, and for D&D DMs probably the best DMG in decades. I find it hard to overstate how much I love this book and how - for me - it's like adding together the 1E DMG, a book like Robin Law's highly acclaimed game mastery advice book, and a shedload of targeted inspiration. Most of all, though - it's a book designed to be read, not just referenced. The best of the 5E trilogy and a must-have for any fantasy gamer. Seriously - I know it's cool to be cynical, but this thing really is good.
This book is utterly crammed with material. Even if you're not a D&D fan, it's one of the most comprehensive GMing guides to fantasy gaming I've seen in years, and for D&D DMs probably the best DMG in decades. I find it hard to overstate how much I love this book and how - for me - it's like adding together the 1E DMG, a book like Robin Law's highly acclaimed game mastery advice book, and a shedload of targeted inspiration. Most of all, though - it's a book designed to be read, not just referenced. The best of the 5E trilogy and a must-have for any fantasy gamer. Seriously - I know it's cool to be cynical, but this thing really is good.
Lwaxy
Cute but dangerous
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
Not only does this book have a wealth of information, it also makes an interesting read and really brings back the idea of what it is to be fantasy gaming. Must have in my eyes, even if you do not intend to run this specific edition.
Not only does this book have a wealth of information, it also makes an interesting read and really brings back the idea of what it is to be fantasy gaming. Must have in my eyes, even if you do not intend to run this specific edition.
Rhenny
Adventurer
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
Usually when D&D core products are released, the DMG is the one that I least like to read even though I don the DM mantle most frequently. This time around, the book is so chocked with goodies, and it is so nicely written, I think I'll spend more time reading it than any of the other books. The amount of interesting charts, advice, options, ideas for consideration, shifts my mind into imagination overdrive. Not only are there options, but the options themselves inspire me to create other options that would work in my own campaign. I can only hope that others feel the same creative charge.While I was reading the section about world building, my son came over to check it out too. The ideas and information contained within the book immediately captured his attention, not only for the creative possibilities, but also because it presented information about religious and governmental systems that really interest him (a young history buff). When I was growing up, I remember reading 1e books, which to this day I believe helped me learn vocabulary and build my world knowledge. This book seems to provide that same "education" for younger people who read it for the first time. That's awesome.Great work WotC.
Usually when D&D core products are released, the DMG is the one that I least like to read even though I don the DM mantle most frequently. This time around, the book is so chocked with goodies, and it is so nicely written, I think I'll spend more time reading it than any of the other books. The amount of interesting charts, advice, options, ideas for consideration, shifts my mind into imagination overdrive. Not only are there options, but the options themselves inspire me to create other options that would work in my own campaign. I can only hope that others feel the same creative charge.While I was reading the section about world building, my son came over to check it out too. The ideas and information contained within the book immediately captured his attention, not only for the creative possibilities, but also because it presented information about religious and governmental systems that really interest him (a young history buff). When I was growing up, I remember reading 1e books, which to this day I believe helped me learn vocabulary and build my world knowledge. This book seems to provide that same "education" for younger people who read it for the first time. That's awesome.Great work WotC.
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FitzTheRuke
Legend
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
They did it again. All 3 core D&D 5th edition books have far, far more crammed between the pages than I ever expected.Amazing.
They did it again. All 3 core D&D 5th edition books have far, far more crammed between the pages than I ever expected.Amazing.
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
At last the 5e DMG has arrived, and it is fantastic. Sections cover building your world, running your game, and tweaking the game.The most important part at the moment for me comes in the last chapter. At last, there is a detailed method given to build your own creatures. At my table, we are currently in chapter 4 of 12 of Age of Worms, a 3.5 adventure path. While lots of the monsters and NPCs can be pulled directly or modified from the Monster Manual, There are still plenty of creatures that are not close to anything. Now we have the resource to quickly put together a monster and get a good idea of its difficulty.Lots has been said by others about how good this book is, but this was the standout feature for me.
At last the 5e DMG has arrived, and it is fantastic. Sections cover building your world, running your game, and tweaking the game.The most important part at the moment for me comes in the last chapter. At last, there is a detailed method given to build your own creatures. At my table, we are currently in chapter 4 of 12 of Age of Worms, a 3.5 adventure path. While lots of the monsters and NPCs can be pulled directly or modified from the Monster Manual, There are still plenty of creatures that are not close to anything. Now we have the resource to quickly put together a monster and get a good idea of its difficulty.Lots has been said by others about how good this book is, but this was the standout feature for me.
JoeyQueerAF
Adventurer
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
And by waiting for I mean since 1e. This is not just a DM guide, this is probably one of the best reference books on the art of storytelling and dungeon mastering that has been published for a table-top RPG. Here you'll find lots, and I mean LOTS of reference tables that really open up the game like 1, 2, 3e never did. Variant rules and mods are provided to add different levels of game play. But being a visual guy, I have to say that this is one stunningly beautiful book. Art and layout alone this book will (I predict) win awards. Its a big book and covers alot of ground. I was able to get mine at my preferred seller FLGS and it was selling fast (they had 50 copies initially). This review is also my personal 'thank you' to Wizards of the Coast. Thank you for finally delivering the kind of DMG that Ive always wanted. Even if you dont plan on picking up 5th edition this book will be an invaluable resource and reference manual (I think that WotC designed it to be, which is very smart).
And by waiting for I mean since 1e. This is not just a DM guide, this is probably one of the best reference books on the art of storytelling and dungeon mastering that has been published for a table-top RPG. Here you'll find lots, and I mean LOTS of reference tables that really open up the game like 1, 2, 3e never did. Variant rules and mods are provided to add different levels of game play. But being a visual guy, I have to say that this is one stunningly beautiful book. Art and layout alone this book will (I predict) win awards. Its a big book and covers alot of ground. I was able to get mine at my preferred seller FLGS and it was selling fast (they had 50 copies initially). This review is also my personal 'thank you' to Wizards of the Coast. Thank you for finally delivering the kind of DMG that Ive always wanted. Even if you dont plan on picking up 5th edition this book will be an invaluable resource and reference manual (I think that WotC designed it to be, which is very smart).
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
I only meant to look up a few specific things... several hours later, I've read the whole book. It's engaging, it's useful but most of all just skimming the chapters I could see clear places where it would help me be a better DM. What more can you ask?
I only meant to look up a few specific things... several hours later, I've read the whole book. It's engaging, it's useful but most of all just skimming the chapters I could see clear places where it would help me be a better DM. What more can you ask?
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
The 5e DMG puts the G in DMG. It's a Guide book not a Rule book. Filled with dozens of optional and variant rules and 174 random tables, the 5e DMG is full of ideas and inspirations. The art is excellent, the advice is excellent, the production values are excellent. The one minus is the magic items are listed alphabetically not by rarity or type.
The 5e DMG puts the G in DMG. It's a Guide book not a Rule book. Filled with dozens of optional and variant rules and 174 random tables, the 5e DMG is full of ideas and inspirations. The art is excellent, the advice is excellent, the production values are excellent. The one minus is the magic items are listed alphabetically not by rarity or type.
Cadriel
First Post
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
I've perused all of the 5e Dungeon Master's Guide, and it is everything I hoped it would be and more. What jumps out about this book is that it is full of game-useful content. As an OSR gamer who loves the 1e Dungeon Master's Guide, this is a book that challenges it on the sheer number of tables for generating game detail on the fly, and comes out ahead. Fans of Gygax's masterpiece will be amused by things like the forms of government, the potion miscibility table, and the carousing table. Even when a section seems like it might be a bit rote, things like the tables for customizing magic items pop out at you. Any area of the game where you might need inspiration, this is a book that will have something. It is a tour de force, and a book that you will want at your side in every stage - from designing a world, to crafting an adventure, to running a game. The section on NPC design is only 9 pages long, but it's solid gold and easily the centerpiece of the DMG. For the first time since 1e, this is a Dungeon Master's Guide that you should have at your table even if you are running another edition, or another game entirely.
I've perused all of the 5e Dungeon Master's Guide, and it is everything I hoped it would be and more. What jumps out about this book is that it is full of game-useful content. As an OSR gamer who loves the 1e Dungeon Master's Guide, this is a book that challenges it on the sheer number of tables for generating game detail on the fly, and comes out ahead. Fans of Gygax's masterpiece will be amused by things like the forms of government, the potion miscibility table, and the carousing table. Even when a section seems like it might be a bit rote, things like the tables for customizing magic items pop out at you. Any area of the game where you might need inspiration, this is a book that will have something. It is a tour de force, and a book that you will want at your side in every stage - from designing a world, to crafting an adventure, to running a game. The section on NPC design is only 9 pages long, but it's solid gold and easily the centerpiece of the DMG. For the first time since 1e, this is a Dungeon Master's Guide that you should have at your table even if you are running another edition, or another game entirely.
was
Adventurer
4 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
It's a pretty good DMG, but much of it is a rehash or modification of previous DMGs. It's good at offering DMs options, however, there are a few sections, like magic item pricing, that I found to be a bit too vague and disappointing. Overall, it's still a pretty decent book and worth the cost.
It's a pretty good DMG, but much of it is a rehash or modification of previous DMGs. It's good at offering DMs options, however, there are a few sections, like magic item pricing, that I found to be a bit too vague and disappointing. Overall, it's still a pretty decent book and worth the cost.
aramis erak
Legend
5 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
The options chapter may seem short, but it's crammed full of goodies. It's a fun read. overall, and the monster creation isn't as simple as people have been suggesting; it appears robust and designed to allow for wildly off expectation, and give them a reasonable CR. And the art is gorgeous... more than I expected, and better than the MM or PHB art.
The options chapter may seem short, but it's crammed full of goodies. It's a fun read. overall, and the monster creation isn't as simple as people have been suggesting; it appears robust and designed to allow for wildly off expectation, and give them a reasonable CR. And the art is gorgeous... more than I expected, and better than the MM or PHB art.
Critical Hits
First Post
4 out of 5 rating for D&D 5th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide
Is it the best Dungeon Master’s Guide I’ve ever read? Probably not. Its strengths in the variety of topics covered is also one of its weaknesses, where you’ll be left wanting in some areas. It will, however, cover tons of needs, including ones you didn’t know you had. It’s not quite a “hacker’s guide” of D&D that was hinted at in earlier previews, though there’s lots of that to get you started and plenty of advice to empower you to experiment with your campaign.
Is it the best Dungeon Master’s Guide I’ve ever read? Probably not. Its strengths in the variety of topics covered is also one of its weaknesses, where you’ll be left wanting in some areas. It will, however, cover tons of needs, including ones you didn’t know you had. It’s not quite a “hacker’s guide” of D&D that was hinted at in earlier previews, though there’s lots of that to get you started and plenty of advice to empower you to experiment with your campaign.
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