DMG to include a "starter town".

[Imaro]

Wouldn't this be a better fit in the Basic Set? I mean a pamphlet sized, "Guide to..." type thing. I just don't get the point of having a Basic Set unless that's where new players are suppose to go to learn, well...the basics of the game.

 

[The Little Raven]

Wouldn't this be a better fit in the Basic Set? I mean a pamphlet sized, "Guide to..." type thing. I just don't get the point of having a Basic Set unless that's where new players are suppose to go to learn, well...the basics of the game.

We're not talking about new players. We're talking about current players that are interested in becoming new DMs. If that guy has to go and buy another product aside from the obvious one (Dungeon Master's Guide), he's far less likely to do so.

Remember, for those of you that can't understand why the Dungeon Master's Guide should assume that you are learning the craft (gizmo, in particular), there's the actual definition of guide to explain it.

guide (gd)
n.
1.
a. One who shows the way by leading, directing, or advising.
b. One who serves as a model for others, as in a course of conduct.
2. A person employed to conduct others, as through a museum, and give information about points of interest encountered.
3.
a. Something, such as a pamphlet, that offers basic information or instruction: a shopper's guide.
b. A guidebook.
4.
a. Something that serves to direct or indicate.
b. A device, such as a ruler, tab, or bar, that serves as an indicator or acts to regulate a motion or operation.
5. A soldier stationed at the right or left of a column of marchers to control alignment, show direction, or mark the point of pivot.

3 is the appropriate one.

Now, if the Dungeon Master's Guide doesn't offer basic information or instruction in being a Dungeon Master, then it shouldn't be called that.

 

[Wormwood]

I just don't get the point of having a Basic Set unless that's where new players are suppose to go to learn, well...the basics of the game.

And I don't understand why an RPG would even need a Basic Set these days---especially if you're expected to shell out for the 3 core books *also*.

 

[Imaro]

And I don't understand why an RPG would even need a Basic Set these days---especially if you're expected to shell out for the 3 core books *also*.

Uhm...because I'd rather pay $25 dollars and realize somethings not for me versus $90...YMMV of course, but I wouldn't understand if it did.

 

[Wormwood]

Uhm...because I'd rather pay $25 dollars and realize somethings not for me versus $90...YMMV of course, but I wouldn't understand if it did.

You know, I hadn't considered that! Good point.

You're talking about modern RPG sales incentives like playable demos, GURPS-Lite, HERO: Sidekick, etc.

Of course, NONE of this has anything to do with including a starter town in the freakin' DMG.

 

[Imaro]

We're not talking about new players. We're talking about current players that are interested in becoming new DMs. If that guy has to go and buy another product aside from the obvious one (Dungeon Master's Guide), he's far less likely to do so.

Remember, for those of you that can't understand why the Dungeon Master's Guide should assume that you are learning the craft (gizmo, in particular), there's the actual definition of guide to explain it.



3 is the appropriate one.

Now, if the Dungeon Master's Guide doesn't offer basic information or instruction in being a Dungeon Master, then it shouldn't be called that.

So give me easy to follow rules for constructing a town with guidelines and advice sidebars. If I really need all the work done for me then yes, I should buy a pre-made adventure w/town. Saltmarsh was 34 pages of the DMG II, I don't want that in the first DMG. Giving me the environmental mechanics that were spread out across...sandstorm, frostburn, etc.

 

[Wormwood]

So give me easy to follow rules for constructing a town with guidelines and advice sidebars. If I really need all the work done for me then yes, I should buy a pre-made adventure w/town. Saltmarsh was 34 pages of the DMG II, I don't want that in the first DMG. Giving me the environmental mechanics that were spread out across...sandstorm, frostburn, etc.

And just so we're clear: if the 4e DMG spends 34 pages on this sample town, I'd be pretty upset about it!

 

[AdmundfortGeographer]

Wouldn't this be a better fit in the Basic Set? I mean a pamphlet sized, "Guide to..." type thing. I just don't get the point of having a Basic Set unless that's where new players are suppose to go to learn, well...the basics of the game.

If the 3e Basic box is any guide towards WotC's thinking, the Basic game focuses on an introduction to the tabletop miniatures aspect of D&D, rather than an introduction to the roleplaying/social aspect.

 

[The Little Raven]

So give me easy to follow rules for constructing a town with guidelines and advice sidebars.

And an example that you can both learn from, or use as-written, since some people learn better from examples. And sometimes a DM just needs a quick town to throw in, but doesn't have time to put one together.

If I really need all the work done for me then yes, I should buy a pre-made adventure w/town.

If you want an adventure, I guess. I don't want to have to purchase Pleasure Prison of the Bethuvian Demon Whores just to have a village that I can throw into any campaign.

Saltmarsh was 34 pages of the DMG II, I don't want that in the first DMG.

Well, if it is Hommlett, it's a village, rather than a large town, so I don't think it will have the same space devoted to it. DMG2 has 34 pages because it had a lot more space to work with because core topics were addressed in the DMG1.

 

[Imaro]

And an example that you can both learn from, or use as-written, since some people learn better from examples. And sometimes a DM just needs a quick town to throw in, but doesn't have time to put one together.

Web enhancement or DI

If you want an adventure, I guess. I don't want to have to purchase Pleasure Prison of the Bethuvian Demon Whores just to have a village that I can throw into any campaign.

And if a sample town is in sooo much demand, I'm sure WotC could package one and sell it at a profit for all the people who really want this.

Well, if it is Hommlett, it's a village, rather than a large town, so I don't think it will have the same space devoted to it. DMG2 has 34 pages because it had a lot more space to work with because core topics were addressed in the DMG1.

So what exactly would be an appropriate amount of space, because the blog does say town...and I'm going by the one example of a town in a DMG.