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6 months ago ::
Jan 14, 2013 - 8:38AM
#11
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I'd say the Essentials line is the way to go if you want to get into 4E. The PHBs will be a pretty big departure from classic D&D, and they might be harder to find since they're out of print. But I wouldn't recommend the Red Box. Not only is it only good up to 2nd level (maybe 3rd?), the characters you build with it don't match up with the standard game.
The DM Kit and Heroes of the Fallen Lands OR Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms is enough to start (I'd recommend Fallen Lands since it's got the classic Fighter, Cleric, Wizard, and Rogue in it).
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6 months ago ::
Jan 14, 2013 - 10:53AM
#12
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Date Joined:
Apr 14, 2011
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I had much the same background in D&D - Basic, AD&D, bit of 2E, follow by nearly 20 years out. Came back in late 2010. I really, really enjoy 4e. But it is a completely different game. I also have to give a nod to Essentials, and some of the post Essential books. Though the Red Box players material is "essentially" useless, you would get a 1st lvl adventure and poster map and some tokens to use if you have no mini's, but you will get better tokens from the DM's Kit and Monster Vault. You should check out the D&D Encounters program if you have a FLGS that runs it in your area. Great way to try out 4e and meet local gamers. New season starts in 3 weeks. That said, you should know that 4e is on the decline with the playtest for D&D Next running right now, before you spend big $ on it. I wish that wasn't so, because there are many wonderful things they did with 4e to make the game so much better and everything I have seen of Next is like a backward step. I hope to continue playing 4E for some time to come. If you have questions there are many wonderful people of these boards who can answer your question and give you great advice. Best of Luck, TjD
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6 months ago ::
Jan 14, 2013 - 11:30AM
#13
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Date Joined:
May 12, 2011
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Hey,
I started playing D&D (Basic, Expert, Companion and Master) and AD&D 1st Edition some 25 years ago and played 2nd Edition for a few years but am now looking to return to the game with some friends who are new to it.
So, it's 4th Edition is it... I was going to start with the basics: PHB, DMG and MM but the new structure of the books is bewildering...where would you guys suggest I start?
Like I say, I'd consider myself an advanced player, just new to 4th Edition.
Thanks!
Allow history to repeat itself, start with the 4e red box.
Where else?
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6 months ago ::
Jan 14, 2013 - 11:35AM
#14
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Date Joined:
Mar 29, 2005
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I started playing in 3E, and have moved to 4E, and I learned both systems the same way: Read the PHB cover-to-cover (don't worry about memorizing the math or specific spells and powers, just absorb whatever sticks). There are a couple of caveats, though:
1. If you're going to be a DM, you'll need more information. Reading a DMG cover-to-cover and skimming the Monster Manual is also a good idea.
2. In 4E, there's a lot of space dedicated to the powers for the various classes. Reading the powers like you would the rest of the book can make your brain melt, so I would just read the 1st level powers for each class to get a feel for what the class does, then check out a handful of higher-level powers to see how the class progresses.
Ever feel like people on these forums can't possibly understand how wrong they are? Feeling trolled? Don't get mad. Report Post.
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6 months ago ::
Jan 14, 2013 - 1:56PM
#15
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Date Joined:
Sep 29, 2009
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Another thing to know about that might avoid some confusion when you start reading the books and read the fourums here is that the essentials books added sub classes that in some cases work very different and have different goals then other builds.
In PHB the warlock uses ranged attacks and gets extra damage against people that he placed his CURSE on
In forgotten kingdoms the warlock-hexblade makes a sword out of pure magic and gets a static damage bounus
In PHB2 the druid changes between huminoid form using ranged attacks and beast from makeing melee attack. Most of these attacks are CONTROL orriented giving enemies penalties
In forgotten kingdoms the druid-sentinal has a pet wolf or bear and fights with a scimitar or staff and then uses healing and ally buff powers like goodberry or cat's grace.
The sea looks at the stabillity of the mountian and sighs.
The mountian watches the freedom of the sea and cries.
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5 months ago ::
Jan 18, 2013 - 4:25PM
#16
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Have you tried lurking in the Play-by-post forums? Just reading them might be a clue.
Yes, 4e is very different. In fact, almost completely different. Start from scratch. Build a fighter, a rogue, and a wizard, just for fun. Look at the way they differ.
Don't expect the first set of characters you build to be perfect.
The game is still fun. Just the mechanics are different.
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For some reason, none of my friends were surprised by this...
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