As we all have to make our survival checks in the snow this holiday season, the adventures and experiences of 2010 now draw to a close. I’ve never known a year with so much happening on the Role Playing front, so I wanted to take a moment to glance back into my cupboards of games to see what D&D has brought this year.
Players Hand Book 3 – The return of Picnics & Githyanki giving players a wealth of new options and character classes. I particularly liked the Skill Utility powers and these have certainly seen use in our campaign this year. Players asked for an alternative to Multiclass feats and Wizards of the Coast, listening to what the players want and brought us the Hybrid class options. This book, for me was a must for my collection.
Going back a generation to a more classic feel D&D this year has been the year that brought the Essentials lines to D&D. Using the same core rules as 4th Edition Essentials brings new Class Build options and a fresh approach to Character Classes (not to mention the return of the iconic auto hit Magic Missile) Aiming to bring a touch of nostalgia back into D&D and we’ve welcomed old players back to the game.
Red Box set – I cannot help but smile whenever I see the new Starter set after all this is where it all started for me and a generation of D&D players in the 80’s. Everything a new player needs to get started in a box set – Heroes, monster tokens, maps and adventure. Wrapped up with the original Elmore artwork, how as a young child I wanted to be the bold warrior facing that Dragon and I would have kicked the Dragons Arse too.
Heroes of the Fallen Lands & Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdom, bring the new character Class builds to D&D a new style “Pocket size” book to save all our backs carrying heavy books to the gaming table. Not to mention a Fighter build that can pack a hefty punch.
Rules Compendium, a great reference book when you want to look up those grapple rules again
Dungeon Masters Kit – Everything a new budding Dungeon Master needs, you get a lot a kit for your money in this set.
Tile sets – As you may have guessed, one of my favourite new additions this year, the box set Tiles, I’ve finally got enough of them to keep my whole tile collection in. Having the boxes also as a 3D Tile is genius!
Gamma World – An interesting change of pace that a lot of you have picked up to try. You never know what strange mutation you’re going to end up with. The card system works smoothly and being able to tailor make your own Omega Tech deck means you’re sure to be able to get the Ray gun or Jet Pack you where really after. Well worth a try.
Gauntlgrym – R.A Salvatore’s latest novel. The face of Forgotten Realms has changed forever and old enemies of the Sword Coast emerge to take advantage. This is proper Empire Strikes Back style writing at its best I’m really enjoying this book and it’s a great taste of what is to come in 2011 – The Neverwinter Campaign setting. If I were you I’d also check out this website – dungeonsanddragons.com/neverwinter
I hope you all have a great Xmas and get plenty of gaming in over the Holidays.
Happy new year one and all.
