D&D (2024) Predictions for the 2024 DMG?

[Kobold Avenger]

We've got statements that there'd be better advice about DMing, a basic overview on Oerth with Greyhawk as a example campaign setting, that Bastions will be there and of course a lot of magic items, but no previews yet.

So how about making your guesses about what'll be in the new revised DMG?

My predictions:
-Bastion facilities now give the same BP, as what they generate is based on character level.
-Greyhawk has a continuity reset that ignores most of 2e changes along with retcons to be more 5e'ish (discussed in other threads)
-The planes will be detailed as before
-There'll be some sample pantheons since there's little mention of what Gods a Cleric might follow be
-There'll be no Eladrin and Aasimar as a species, because they've been covered elsewhere like the PHB
-There'll be no Renaissance firearms since they're already in the PHB
-Advice about absent players and temporary PCs for guests, because I don't think the last one has been covered
-Some return of 3e's modularity for magic weapons, but nothing like making a +3 Keen Defending Shocking Flaming Burst Halberd.
-Magical Gloves as the magic weapon of choice for Unarmed Strike users
-Ring of Shooting Stars will be more simplified in that Ball Lightning will be the only unique effect it has, Shooting Stars effect will be replaced with access to the Starry Wisp cantrip

 

[Parmandur]

I think a lot of the interesting variant rules thst were rarely used, like Proficiency dice and Honor or Sanity attributes, will be cut.

So, Chris Perkins did a breakdown of the contents of the new DMG a while back:

• Chapter 1 -- basic concepts
• Chapter 2 -- Advice, common issues
• Chapter 3 -- Rules cyclopedia
• Chapter 4 -- Adventure building: including a template on how to build a single Adventure with at least one example
• Chapter 5 -- Campaign building: including a template on how to build a Campaign from a string of Adventures, and a sample Campaign
• Chapter 6 -- Cosmology
• Chapter 7 -- Magic items
• Chapter 8 -- 'A surprise': which has turned out in retrospect to be Greyhawk detailed as an example Setting
• Appendices -- maps, lore glossary, including a fold-out poster map

 

[Vicar In A Tutu]

I predict the changes to buying and selling magic items are not going to make people happy (no gold value per item, only per rarity category). I wish they went the PF2 route for the groups that want to have stores selling magic items (as an option).

 

[Lazybones]

I think there will be some discussion of how to adjudicate the various skills in the game, since most of that information was removed from the Player's Handbook in favor of a brief summary table.

I'm hoping that this will include some guidance that clarifies the use of stealth and hiding in a way that addresses some of the speculation that took place in the various threads on that topic that were posted here.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I believe @SlyFlourish has said he contributed some information about building encounters and monsters to WotC as well as to Kobold Press. I can see that showing up in either the DMG or Monster Manual equally.

I am looking forward to at least modestly improved magic item creation rules (but please don't toss out the 2014 tables on magic item properties, which were great) and some simple spell creation guidelines along the lines of the 3E DMG ("compare to existing spells, and these types of damage are better than those, so drop them a damage die when you make a spell of that type").

Mostly, I'm just counting on much better organization, which it sounds like WotC has gotten the message on.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I think there will be some discussion of how to adjudicate the various skills in the game, since most of that information was removed from the Player's Handbook in favor of a brief summary table.

I'm hoping that this will include some guidance that clarifies the use of stealth and hiding in a way that addresses some of the speculation that took place in the various threads on that topic that were posted here.

I hope so, but it wouldn't surprise me if that was something that will end up in future printings, after a few editions of Sage Advice make it clear to WotC what needs more clarity. (And, ideally, they'd use that feedback to clarify things in the PHB as well.)

 

[DavyGreenwind]

I saw somewhere that Chapter 8 was actually Bastions. I will try to find it.

Edit: Found it! The 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide (First Look) | D&D News

• Chapter 1: The Basics: This section will cover important information for new DMs. This will include discussions of what makes a good DM as well as looking at fundamentals that weren’t covered in the current DMG. For example, why and how to use a DM screen.
• Chapter 2: Play Walkthrough: This new chapter will walk DMs through common issues that occur in play, including challenges related to scheduling, player conflict, as well as how to better improvise adventures and encounters.
• Chapter 3: Rules Compendium: This section will will include an alphabetized rules compendium and also cover additional rules that are not included in the 5e Player’s Handbook (which notably is also being updated as part of the One D&D program).
• Chapter 4: Adventure Building: This section will offer advice for how DMs can create their own adventures (either as one shots or as part of an ongoing campaign). The book will also include five short adventures as examples and step-by-step guidance, as well as breaking out the various adventure types and elements.
• Chapter 5: Campaign building: This chapter will include advice on how to build out amazing DnD 5e campaigns, using an existing campaign as an example (which DMs can use or repurpose for their own grounds.). The section will also include advice on world building, plotting and campaign resolution using the popular world of Greyhawk as an example.
• Chapter 6: Cosmology: This section will break out more details on the D&D multiverse, including the various planes of existence and the powerful gods and entities that inhabit the known realms.
• Chapter 7: Magic Items: This chapter will include details 300 magic items, 18 of which are brand new. This includes legendary and rare artifacts as well as uncommon magic items, such as those that were featured in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything. The section will also include updated rules of crafting.
• Chapter 8: Bastions: This section will cover the new Bastions game mechanic, which allows players to build and manage their own head quarters, using a system of rules that govern “Bastion Turns” that can be completed in and out of adventures.
• Appendices: This final section of the book will include 15 new maps, including a double-sided poster map depicting Eastern Oerik from the Greyhawk setting and the city of Greyhawk. In addition, it will also feature a glossary of common D&D terms, as well as and a rules index. These chapters will also feature more information on the lore of D&D including, powerful entities such as Vecna and classic adventures like the Temple of Elemental Evil, both of which are examples of game history that are often referenced, but which new players may not be familiar with.

 

[sevenbastard]

will walk DMs through common issues that occur in play, including challenges related to scheduling

So 40 or so pages on overcoming schedule conflicts? Maybe more depending on if they include art and charts.

The book will also include five short adventures as examples and step-by-step guidance, as well as breaking out the various adventure types and elements.

I said it in another post, but I hope the use the all three of the Basic Set and AD&D sample dungeon here as nostalgic examples.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I said it in another post, but I hope the use the all three of the Basic Set and AD&D sample dungeon here as nostalgic examples.

Wouldn't that be four times as many sample dungeons as any DMG has ever provided?

 

[Parmandur]

I said it in another post, but I hope the use the all three of the Basic Set and AD&D sample dungeon here as nostalgic examples.

Whelp, the Greyhawk continental poster map that they are including actually marks several famous Dungeons, including 4 that are no published in 5E yet:

• Ghost Tower of Iverness
• Castle Maure
• The Temple of Elemental Evil
• Castle Greyhawk

Strongly suspect those may provide the touchstones here.