Does anyone actually need the DMG?

[smathis]

True enough. I was referring to the open handed slap to DM's everywhere that they stuck in the house rules section page 195. The seed is planted. 5E will be 1 rulebook with options for running with a DM, minis, and collectible encounter cards and probably only 2-3 years away. I sincerely hope I am wrong.

It took me a while to figure out the section you had mentioned. I think it's the "DMless" section, based on hong's response.

I read through that section and it sounded like it would be fun for smaller groups who were into a combat-centric style of play.

I don't think we're in danger of 100% DM-less in 5e, though. I just don't see it happening. I've run games for lots of groups and this type of play would appeal to 10-15% of them (at most).

Still, I felt it was nice to see different ways of playing D&D (DMLess, all Improv, shared DMing) represented in the DMG. It reassured me that the developers aren't just looking at OneTrueWay of playing D&D.

 

[ExploderWizard]

You seem to be having a significant reaction to one paragraph (so I am told) in a 250-page publication.

You are correct. If said paragraph turns the D&D brand into a non-roleplaying game in the future I strongly suspect that I will not be alone.

 

[hong]

You are correct. If said paragraph turns the D&D brand into a non-roleplaying game in the future I strongly suspect that I will not be alone.

You seem to display significant ability to extrapolate from one paragraph (so I am told) in a 250-page publication.

 

[ExploderWizard]

You seem to display significant ability to extrapolate from one paragraph (so I am told) in a 250-page publication.

You are once again correct good sir.

 

[hong]

You are once again correct good sir.

You say this like it's a positive thing.

 

[Jer]

I think the big change is that the DMG will likely be a book used to prepare adventures, but not one needed in play. Which is a good thing.

If this ends up be the case I will be extremely happy. If it reduces the number of books I need to flip through in game by 1/3 (in general) it'll be completely worth having the magic items in the PHB.

It does make me wonder what a DMG II will contain, though. PHB II and MM II are easy enough to envision, but was there talk of multiple DMG's over the years as well, or was that just internet speculation given the talk of multiple PHBs?

 

[ExploderWizard]

You say this like it's a positive thing.

In this I do not agree. It is not positive or negative, simply a case of being or not being. Personally, if I turn out to be right, then I will be a sad, sad cebu. I have enjoyed what D&D has brought to me for almost 30 years and it will be a shame if it ends.

 

[Gort]

The 3rd edition DMG had rules for playing without a DM as well, through random dungeons.

It didn't work then, it won't work now. I shouldn't worry about it.

 

[malraux]

It does make me wonder what a DMG II will contain, though. PHB II and MM II are easy enough to envision, but was there talk of multiple DMG's over the years as well, or was that just internet speculation given the talk of multiple PHBs?

Well, more artifacts, traps, skill challenges, creature templates and other toolkit items like premade cities are important. But beyond that, I'm not sure.

 

[hong]

In this I do not agree. It is not positive or negative, simply a case of being or not being. Personally, if I turn out to be right, then I will be a sad, sad cebu. I have enjoyed what D&D has brought to me for almost 30 years and it will be a shame if it ends.

You seem to have a significant ability to extrapolate from one paragraph (so I am told) in a 250-page publication.