D&D (2024) Greyhawk- New Map, Discussion of Changes

[Parmandur]

Not to derail the thread, but I wonder what the "streamlined notation" format will look like? Something like Shadowdark's approach to dungeons? Or just a few teasers to plant some seeds?

They seem to be using worksheets as a DM tool in the DMG, so I think that the sample Adventures will be presented as examples of what a DM filled out series of worksheets would look like.

 

[Yaarel]

They seem to be using worksheets as a DM tool in the DMG, so I think that the sample Adventures will be presented as examples of what a DM filled out series of worksheets would look like.

I am unfamiliar with "worksheets", can you elaborate?

 

[Parmandur]

The Prelacy of Almor is on page 8 of the Folio Gazetteer.

It may be in the text of 1980, but this is the 1980 map (sorry for the low quality):

 

[Clint_L]

Another old school Greyhawk fan here. I think this new map looks great and most of the changes are only to a few place names printed on the map, for obvious reasons. But in most cases these have simply been replaced with alternate names that also come from Gygax, which I think shows appropriate respect for the source while acknowledging that the times they have a'changed.

There are a ton of little details that show that WotC put the work in to respect longtime fans, so I appreciate that. I'm a bit agnostic about adding dungeons to the map, because that can become a bit of an issue depending on how it is to be used. Knowing exactly where they are is great for the DM, but kinda spoils the mystery, not to mention the investigation, if you want to use the map as a forward-facing resource with your players. Which I normally would. So I would have preferred a second, smaller, "DM's eyes only" map inside the DMG as the repository for those locations, rather than the big map itself.

But, I mean, I can deal. The upshot is that we're getting a beautiful new Greyhawk map included in the DMG, and that was on my fantasy checklist for the DMG, so I'm pretty thrilled.

Here's what I believe I originally posted as my wish list for the new DMG back it was announced:

1. Must function more like an actual guide, using plenty of examples to show new players how to play, and offer suggestions for experienced players: CHECK

2. Should include sample, playable adventures: CHECK

3. Should include a sample campaign setting, preferably the OG setting, Greyhawk: MEGA-CHECK.

So I can't complain. I mean, we're getting a new, much improved (IMO) and lavishly illustrated DMG combined with a new Greyhawk setting and a bunch of small adventures, plus a map, for 50 bucks.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

Yeah the Suel are all over the place and very common. It's part of the reason that the Brotherhood is able to sneak into tons of places and get into positions of power. No one is going to assume that a random Suel person is actually an agent of a secret society of Suel supremacists.

 

[Parmandur]

I am unfamiliar with "worksheets", can you elaborate?

Well, the character sheet is an example of a worksheet, a form based way of working through am idea. And we have seen some worksheet pages from the DMG, like so:

 

[Nikosandros]

It may be in the text of 1980, but this is the 1980 map (sorry for the low quality):

View attachment 369026

I currently don't have access to my phyisical copy, but it is present in the map included with the PDF. One possible explanation is that when they scanned it they used a more recent map.

 

[Clint_L]

I'm interested to see if those worksheets are converted into a useful resource on DDB. I'm also hopeful that the Greyhawk section gets its own, separate link on DDB. No biggie if it doesn't but would be handy. Frankly, an entire "settings" tab on DDB would be great.

 

[Quickleaf]

In my thread about Greyhawk, I realized that I didn't have a lot to say. Because ... I'm relatively happy. Go figure! I kept expecting that I would have a LOT to say about the Greyhawk announcement, but ... nope.

Oh thank goodness. Finally!

But thanks for covering the changes, Snarf! They all seem pretty reasonable for legal issues, cultural issues, and better tying in the classic adventures/dungeons.

 

[Parmandur]

I currently don't have access to my phyisical copy, but it is in the map included with the PDF. One possible explanation is that when they scanned it they used a more recent map.

Interesting. It is in my copy of the 1983 box set, for sure, so there was some correction somewhere along the way.