D&D 5E Ray Winninger mentions third project!

WotC's Ray Winninger has confirmed that another D&D release, by James Wyatt, will be released in between Witchlight (September) and Strixhaven (November). Strixhaven was Amanda Hamon's project, while Witchlight is Chris Perkins'. That assumes he's not referring to the Feywild accessory kit in September.

A lot of people are asking Qs about the [D&D] releases for the rest of this year.

Yes, WILD BEYOND THE WITCHLIGHT is the [Chris Perkins] story product I referenced in our dev blog. STRIXHAVEN is [Amanda Hamon's] project. We have not yet announced [James Wyatt's] project, which releases between WITCHLIGHT and STRIXHAVEN.

Why did we announce STRIXHAVEN so early? Pretty simple--there was no way to release the STRIX-related Unearthed Arcana without letting the cat out of the bag.

You'll learn a lot more about all of these products at D&D Live on G4, July 16 and 17. And yes, there is still a little surprise or two ahead.

D&D 5E - Two New D&D Books Revealed: Feywild & Strixhaven Mage School

Amazon has revealed the next two D&D hardcovers! The Wild Beyond the Witchlight is a feywild adventure due in September, and Curriculum of Chaos is a Magic: the Gathering setting of Strixhaven, which looks like a Harry Potter-esque mage school, set for November...

www.enworld.org

 

[Parmandur]

Yeah I saw that data. The data they don’t release would be more telling than what they do. How many people completed that survey and how representative is it of the people who buy their products?

And the bigger point isn't fandom dingaling measurements (Greygaek is my favorite!), it's predicting WotC behavior, and what WotC believes yo be true is more important than objective truth. And since they did that research and publicly reached these conclusions, they have indeed published books for those top tier Settings.

 

[Parmandur]

The player base has probably tripled or quadrupled since then, and a lot of those new players have no idea about older settings. Meaning, it is pretty meaningless, or only meaningful to older players (say, age 30+).

Indeed, but if they want to publish old Settings that appeal both old and new players (a given, considering Winningers statements), going with those which were popular in the past makes sensr.

 

[Mercurius]

Indeed, but if they want to publish old Settings that appeal both old and new players (a given, considering Winningers statements), going with those which were popular in the past makes sensr.

Yes, as long as they fill a niche that isn't already covered by omething already on the market. This is why I don't think we'll see Greyhawk or Mystara as a "normal" setting book (ala Eberron and Ravenloft), but only in a commemorative or special product (if at all).

On the other hand, Planescape (in whatever form), Dark Sun, and Dragonlance all fit the bill of appealing to new and old players. Planescape because it opens up D&D to the planes; Dark Sun because it covers the sword & sorcery/dark fantasy niche that is missing; and Dragonlance because it custom-made for an epic adventure path.

So if I were WotC, I'd publish them like so:

Dragonlance: A two-part (hardcover) adventure path recreating the War of the Lance. The first book would be a hybrid setting, rules, and adventure book, covering the Dragons of Autumn Twilight phase. The second book would focus on the next two books. If it was popular, they could eventually do a third book, covering all of Ansalon post-War of the Lance.

Alternate: The same basic format as above, but covering whatever story Weis & Hickman are working on (which I wouldn't be surprise if it is a re-working of the Chronicles, but that could be completely wrong as I haven't followed any rumors).

Planescape: A multi-book "year of the planes," starting with an adventure path that starts in the Realms and goes into the planes, perhaps involving a spelljammer. Maybe a two-parter focused on the githyanki. I think this "start in the Realms" is key to introducing new players to the planes. Following that would be two more products: a setting book focused on Sigil and the Outlands and a proper Manual of the Planes, detailing the planes, planar adventuring, and rules. As a bonus, a Spelljammer box set that has fun tokens and maps for battles, although this I see as less likely.

Dark Sun: Two books, one a setting/rules book and the other an episodic adventure book that can either be played as individual adventures or a Dark Sun campaign. Oh yeah, psionics.

 

[darjr]

The player base has probably tripled or quadrupled since then

wow. When I read that I just took it as normal and read on, but then my hindbrain said “WTF?! You just read proof that you have fallen into the twilight zone you gibbering monkey!”

yea what strange times.

 

[Parmandur]

Yes, as long as they fill a niche that isn't already covered by omething already on the market. This is why I don't think we'll see Greyhawk or Mystara as a "normal" setting book (ala Eberron and Ravenloft), but only in a commemorative or special product (if at all).

On the other hand, Planescape (in whatever form), Dark Sun, and Dragonlance all fit the bill of appealing to new and old players. Planescape because it opens up D&D to the planes; Dark Sun because it covers the sword & sorcery/dark fantasy niche that is missing; and Dragonlance because it custom-made for an epic adventure path.

So if I were WotC, I'd publish them like so:

Dragonlance: A two-part (hardcover) adventure path recreating the War of the Lance. The first book would be a hybrid setting, rules, and adventure book, covering the Dragons of Autumn Twilight phase. The second book would focus on the next two books. If it was popular, they could eventually do a third book, covering all of Ansalon post-War of the Lance.

Alternate: The same basic format as above, but covering whatever story Weis & Hickman are working on (which I wouldn't be surprise if it is a re-working of the Chronicles, but that could be completely wrong as I haven't followed any rumors).

Planescape: A multi-book "year of the planes," starting with an adventure path that starts in the Realms and goes into the planes, perhaps involving a spelljammer. Maybe a two-parter focused on the githyanki. I think this "start in the Realms" is key to introducing new players to the planes. Following that would be two more products: a setting book focused on Sigil and the Outlands and a proper Manual of the Planes, detailing the planes, planar adventuring, and rules. As a bonus, a Spelljammer box set that has fun tokens and maps for battles, although this I see as less likely.

Dark Sun: Two books, one a setting/rules book and the other an episodic adventure book that can either be played as individual adventures or a Dark Sun campaign. Oh yeah, psionics.

I think a 5E update of the War of the Lanxe ala Cirse of Strahd is very plausible. For Planescape or Dark Sun, i expect single book campaigns similar in structure to Ravnica, Eberron, Theros, and Ravenloft.

 

[Wardook]

I run a couple groups with folks in their early twenties and late teens. I would say that anything post apocalypse is a shoe in. They have no idea what Dark Sun is but guessing it's a definitely on WoTC's radar.

 

[Mercurius]

I think a 5E update of the War of the Lanxe ala Cirse of Strahd is very plausible. For Planescape or Dark Sun, i expect single book campaigns similar in structure to Ravnica, Eberron, Theros, and Ravenloft.

Maybe, but I don't think they can do Planescape justice in a single book, and Dark Sun probably needs an adventure.

 

[hopeless]

That depends on who they're playing with and what settings their GM's are using doesn't it?
And if they use You tube so will mean in addition to Critical Role they might actually know more about those old settings than we realise!

 

[Parmandur]

Maybe, but I don't think they can do Planescape justice in a single book, and Dark Sun probably needs an adventure.

That book format includes a sample intro Adventure, in addition to Adventure creation material that plugs into the DMG tools in chapter 5.

Planescape is just as suitable for a single book as Eberron or Ravenloft:

• Chapter 1: Character creation
• Chapter 2: Factions
• Chapter 3: Gazateer of the Planes
• Chapter 4: Sigil
• Chapter 5: Adventure material, plus a starter module
• Chapter 6: Bestiary

 

[Rikka66]

Maybe, but I don't think they can do Planescape justice in a single book, and Dark Sun probably needs an adventure.

They'll do it in one book anyway.

 

[Electryc]

True, and that isn't far from my "Worlds of D&D" product. I've been mentioning the idea of a 50th anniversary Greyhawk box set for a couple years now, which would be a lot of fun. But I'd like to see them go all-out, like so:

• 128-page World of Greyhawk Gazetteer (setting book, including NPCs)
• 96-page City of Greyhawk book
• 96-page Castle Greyhawk adventure
• 96-page Adventuring in Greyhawk rules (monsters, gods, sub-classes, rules)
• Cloth Darlene map
• New map of world by Anne Meyer
• City of Greyhawk map
• Maps of Castle Greyhawk
• Thick, deluxe box

I imagine such a product would run $100 or more, which would sell like hotcakes to older players but might lack interest from younger ones.

Do I think it will happen? Probably not, but it would be nice.

Wouldn't that be awesome? I doubt if it ever came to be, but I'd buy it day one. I played 1st - 5 editions through the years. I raised my kids and taught them the Greyhawk setting and others. Playing other settings, they currently choose to play in the Flanese.

 

[jerryrice4949]

Yes, as long as they fill a niche that isn't already covered by omething already on the market. This is why I don't think we'll see Greyhawk or Mystara as a "normal" setting book (ala Eberron and Ravenloft), but only in a commemorative or special product (if at all).

On the other hand, Planescape (in whatever form), Dark Sun, and Dragonlance all fit the bill of appealing to new and old players. Planescape because it opens up D&D to the planes; Dark Sun because it covers the sword & sorcery/dark fantasy niche that is missing; and Dragonlance because it custom-made for an epic adventure path.

So if I were WotC, I'd publish them like so:

Dragonlance: A two-part (hardcover) adventure path recreating the War of the Lance. The first book would be a hybrid setting, rules, and adventure book, covering the Dragons of Autumn Twilight phase. The second book would focus on the next two books. If it was popular, they could eventually do a third book, covering all of Ansalon post-War of the Lance.

Alternate: The same basic format as above, but covering whatever story Weis & Hickman are working on (which I wouldn't be surprise if it is a re-working of the Chronicles, but that could be completely wrong as I haven't followed any rumors).

Planescape: A multi-book "year of the planes," starting with an adventure path that starts in the Realms and goes into the planes, perhaps involving a spelljammer. Maybe a two-parter focused on the githyanki. I think this "start in the Realms" is key to introducing new players to the planes. Following that would be two more products: a setting book focused on Sigil and the Outlands and a proper Manual of the Planes, detailing the planes, planar adventuring, and rules. As a bonus, a Spelljammer box set that has fun tokens and maps for battles, although this I see as less likely.

Dark Sun: Two books, one a setting/rules book and the other an episodic adventure book that can either be played as individual adventures or a Dark Sun campaign. Oh yeah, psionics.

I wonder if WoTC would consider letting Goodman Games convert Greyhawk like they have the OAR modules. That seems the best fit and path forward for Greyhawk.

 

[dave2008]

You are definitely reading too much into it. A week is a long time in politics, and six years is a very long time in publishing.

That is possible, but we simply don't know.

 

[Demetrios1453]

So I guess I'm confused, if the third book is a dragon book, which does seem likely, does that mean the "two classic settings" thing was just an outright lie from WotC? Or are we going to get two in 2022? Which would seem a bit packed. Winniger said "three in the next year or two" in September last year (so nearly a year ago).

We'll have two setting books in 2021 after all. So same pattern for next year, just substituting a classic setting for a MtG one.

 

[Mercurius]

That book format includes a sample intro Adventure, in addition to Adventure creation material that plugs into the DMG tools in chapter 5.

Planescape is just as suitable for a single book as Eberron or Ravenloft:

• Chapter 1: Character creation
• Chapter 2: Factions
• Chapter 3: Gazateer of the Planes
• Chapter 4: Sigil
• Chapter 5: Adventure material, plus a starter module
• Chapter 6: Bestiary

I'll co-opt a famous film phrase: "We're going to need a bigger book." I mean, that is do-able, but two things come to mind: One, as I said above, because the planes are new to most fans, I think a gentler on-ramp would be necessary - a guided adventure on how to explore the possibilities of planar adventuring. Two, if you were to get all of the above into a 300-page book, it would either cut a lot out or give only brief overviews of planes which, combined with my previous sentence, would make the planes rather hard to get into for many.

At the least I think two books are necessary: an adventure starting in the Realms, and a Planescape/Manual of the Planes. if I were to guess, that's how I think WotC will do it. My earlier post of a four-book release was more wishful thinking, but I do think we'll see at least two books.

 

[Demetrios1453]

My guess is that it is almost certainly not Planescape (or Planesjammer), and very likely to be something dragon related. Planescape would expand the D&D universe in a way unprecedented in 5E's run, and would be entirely new to the bulk of current players, so would likely require an "easing in," as well as multiple products. I think it will happen eventually, just not in October. Probably 2022 or 2023.

How would it be unfamiliar to the bulk of current players? The DMG has an extensive section describing the Planes where Sigil is namechecked and briefly described, and we've actually already had most of an adventure in the Nine Hells. The only new things would be the factions (although factions as a concept have definitely already been introduced and used in several products) and the aesthetic. I believe new players would be able to handle those without destroying their minds and turning them off the game...

 

[Demetrios1453]

No Greyhawk?

As they've stated before that they need a "hook" for a setting, and Greyhawk is rather generic, I'm guessing that they'll use the hook of it being the original setting and do a release during the 50th anniversary...

 

[Mercurius]

How would it be unfamiliar to the bulk of current players? The DMG has an extensive section describing the Planes where Sigil is namechecked and briefly described, and we've actually already had most of an adventure in the Nine Hells. The only new things would be the factions (although factions as a concept have definitely already been introduced and used in several products) and the aesthetic. I believe new players would be able to handle those without destroying their minds and turning them off the game...

Well, we haven't seen a proper planar adventure, one that involves traveling to multiple planes. Even if they deem that current players would be just fine jumping into a Planescape book, I still think it likely that it would be accompanied by a plane-related adventure path. I mean, it makes sense, no? That the adventure path of the year that Planescape comes out involves travel to the planes.

 

[Demetrios1453]

I'll co-opt a famous film phrase: "We're going to need a bigger book." I mean, that is do-able, but two things come to mind: One, as I said above, because the planes are new to most fans, I think a gentler on-ramp would be necessary - a guided adventure on how to explore the possibilities of planar adventuring. Two, if you were to get all of the above into a 300-page book, it would either cut a lot out or give only brief overviews of planes which, combined with my previous sentence, would make the planes rather hard to get into for many.

At the least I think two books are necessary: an adventure starting in the Realms, and a Planescape/Manual of the Planes. if I were to guess, that's how I think WotC will do it. My earlier post of a four-book release was more wishful thinking, but I do think we'll see at least two books.

They've been teasing the Great Modron March for years now, so a one-two punch of a Great Modron March adventure and a Planescape setting book would make some sense. Say the September adventure and the November setting book.

 

[Rikka66]

Well, we haven't seen a proper planar adventure, one that involves traveling to multiple planes. Even if they deem that current players would be just fine jumping into a Planescape book, I still think it likely that it would be accompanied by a plane-related adventure path. I mean, it makes sense, no? That the adventure path of the year that Planescape comes out involves travel to the planes.

Like the adventure path of the year Eberron came out involved noir tropes in Eberron. And this year adventure is a horror themed trip to Ravenloft.

Snark aside, I wouldn't be against it. I do wonder if the current D&D team feels the planes have the same hurdles previous teams did. It's partly how we ended up with the World Axis. Also, I don't think your idea that an adventure will "ease in" new fans is really one that matches reality.