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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JeffB" data-source="post: 5236759" data-attributes="member: 518">I love 4E, and I'll be picking up the Red box at least but the one thing that kind of bewilders me is that while I understand (and totallyagree with) putting out the ERB (essentials red box)- the rest of the line is confusing for someone midly informed like me, let alone new players & DMs.Red BoxBooks of classic races and classes book of new(er) races and classesrules compendium DMs "kit"Monster "kit"Tile kitOne of the big complaints for new players, is the 3 hardback book syndrome- its not only rules overload, it's a BIG initial expense (for the DM). This looks to be another big initial expense (considering the red box only details a couple levels). On top of that, what essentials products are essential as newplayer and or DM?As a DM can I just use the red box and DM kit? do I need to have the rules compendium? it says all the rules are in there? Do I even need the DM kit if I have the rules compendium? So who are the heroes boxes for? just players, or as a DM will I need to use this? Is the player material in the rules compendium too? Are there monsters in the DM kit? do I even NEED the DM kit If I have red Box and Monster kit?etc.I know some of the answers to these questions, but what about some  10-12 year old seeing all this crap on a shelf in a bookstore for the first time? its just as confusing as PHB1/2/3, DMG 1/2/3, MM1/2/3, MP, AP, etc etc. In the early 80s you had a basic set and a expert set- and modules- both of those sets were clearly labeled and  were a moderate investment with tons of value for the $. Modules for B/X were also cleary labled.  Advanced D&D products were clearly labled, and although we all know now they were fairly compatible-it was obvious to players of B/X these were a different animal and "not intended for use" with the B/X rule set. I feel a "core" set of two boxes would have been a better idea from a user friendliness standpoint.  You'd have your Red Box (basic) & Blue Box (expert) utilizing the classic races, classes and monsters and including rules for players and Dms as the originals did. The COMPANION box (compendium) could serve as the one stop resource for all things optional: newer races/classes, high level play, items, etc. You could then do supplemental DM centric Monster & Treasure Assortment boxed sets containing some tiles, new monsters, treasure, and scenarios- kind of like Sandbox style adventure modules.Tying that into the existing lineup of course (from a business standpoint) is the difficult thing- I'd likely drop the 1/2/3 lineup (barring the Monster Manuals), and start slapping on "compatible with D&D essentials" labels/stickers on the "power", "vault" and other supplemental hardcovers (open grave, MOTP, Underdark, etc) as well as the adventures.</blockquote>

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