Repeating the catalogue entry from Thalmin, plus a couple of comment from Shoe, here's the info on War Drums.
I dare say even regular D&D players will be interested in a starter...
This info comes from my Information page for War Drums - http://www.3rdedition.org/merricb/miniset09.htm
Set 9 will be called War Drums. It will be released in March 2006. War Drums will be the 3rd Starter set.
D&D Miniatures Starter Set
New rules and new figures make an all-new Starter Set.
The rulebooks, components, and configuration of this latest Starter Set have all been modified to introduce those unfamiliar with D&D or miniatures gaming to basic skirmish concepts in an easy yet fun manner. Key changes include a new "Start Here" rulebook that takes a step-by-step approach to terms, battle tactics, and other game elements. This rulebook also features the two fixed miniatures that are now found in every Starter Set, allowing every purchaser the same learning experience right out of the box. Two full-color, double-sided maps supply vital play surfaces and also make a great visual impact.
In addition to new components, the overall game rules have been updated to facilitate faster gameplay and encourage larger battles. Rules have been adjusted to accomodate any size figure, from tiny to huge and even beyond, and will be compatible with any D&D Miniatures Game release. Per previous releases, the figures in the set are selected from key D&D roleplaying games titles such as Monster Manual, Monster Manual II, Monster Manual III, Miniatures Handbook, and the Eberron and Forgotten Realms campaign settings. The set also includes an elite group of figures that come with a second, epic-level stat card, allowing players to assemble higher-value armies with which to do battle.
10 randomized and 2 non-randomized miniatures, $19.99
War Drums Booster Pack
Monsters and heroes face off on the miniatures battlefield!
True to the head-to-head nature of the D&D Miniatures Game, the latest expansion set highlights miniatures against the backdrop of war. Per previous releases, the figures in the set are selected from key D&D roleplaying games titles such as Monster Manual, Monster Manual II, Monster Manual III, Miniatures Handbook, and the Eberron and Forgotten Realms campaign settings. The set also includes an elite group of figures that come with a second, epic-level stat card, allowing players to assemble higher-value armies with which to do battle.
8 randomized miniatures, $12.99
Designer Comments
* For the record, the maps rank up there as some of the coolest things ever done for D&D and the minis game. Ever. Think of the best tiles you've seen released, increase the level of detail by factor or two, stretch it out to fill 22 inches by 34 inches (!), and then think about how amazing it would be to run a skirmish or a D&D encounter on them. Heck, I'd expect non-skirmish D&D players, upon seeing the maps, to buy a starter just for the maps - and the cool minis are a bonus!
I won't go into much more detail now, but I will point out that the fixed minis don't take the spot of your rare. Hopefully, the approach will soften the learning curve of the game, allowing people like yourselves to more easily bring newcomers into the game. - Stephen Schubert
* Double-sided maps, not just grids.
You still get a rare in the starter.
Interesting, indeed. - Stephen Schubert
I dare say even regular D&D players will be interested in a starter...
This info comes from my Information page for War Drums - http://www.3rdedition.org/merricb/miniset09.htm
Set 9 will be called War Drums. It will be released in March 2006. War Drums will be the 3rd Starter set.
D&D Miniatures Starter Set
New rules and new figures make an all-new Starter Set.
The rulebooks, components, and configuration of this latest Starter Set have all been modified to introduce those unfamiliar with D&D or miniatures gaming to basic skirmish concepts in an easy yet fun manner. Key changes include a new "Start Here" rulebook that takes a step-by-step approach to terms, battle tactics, and other game elements. This rulebook also features the two fixed miniatures that are now found in every Starter Set, allowing every purchaser the same learning experience right out of the box. Two full-color, double-sided maps supply vital play surfaces and also make a great visual impact.
In addition to new components, the overall game rules have been updated to facilitate faster gameplay and encourage larger battles. Rules have been adjusted to accomodate any size figure, from tiny to huge and even beyond, and will be compatible with any D&D Miniatures Game release. Per previous releases, the figures in the set are selected from key D&D roleplaying games titles such as Monster Manual, Monster Manual II, Monster Manual III, Miniatures Handbook, and the Eberron and Forgotten Realms campaign settings. The set also includes an elite group of figures that come with a second, epic-level stat card, allowing players to assemble higher-value armies with which to do battle.
10 randomized and 2 non-randomized miniatures, $19.99
War Drums Booster Pack
Monsters and heroes face off on the miniatures battlefield!
True to the head-to-head nature of the D&D Miniatures Game, the latest expansion set highlights miniatures against the backdrop of war. Per previous releases, the figures in the set are selected from key D&D roleplaying games titles such as Monster Manual, Monster Manual II, Monster Manual III, Miniatures Handbook, and the Eberron and Forgotten Realms campaign settings. The set also includes an elite group of figures that come with a second, epic-level stat card, allowing players to assemble higher-value armies with which to do battle.
8 randomized miniatures, $12.99
Designer Comments
* For the record, the maps rank up there as some of the coolest things ever done for D&D and the minis game. Ever. Think of the best tiles you've seen released, increase the level of detail by factor or two, stretch it out to fill 22 inches by 34 inches (!), and then think about how amazing it would be to run a skirmish or a D&D encounter on them. Heck, I'd expect non-skirmish D&D players, upon seeing the maps, to buy a starter just for the maps - and the cool minis are a bonus!
I won't go into much more detail now, but I will point out that the fixed minis don't take the spot of your rare. Hopefully, the approach will soften the learning curve of the game, allowing people like yourselves to more easily bring newcomers into the game. - Stephen Schubert
* Double-sided maps, not just grids.
You still get a rare in the starter.
Interesting, indeed. - Stephen Schubert
