Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. This week we’re covering the adventures that are out for Dungeons and Dragons 4th ed.

Remember, if you are interested in this book, click the mouse on the book cover to order it from an online bookseller.

	Thunderspire Labyrinth (Dungeons and Dragons Adventure H2) Author: Baker, Richard and Mike Mearls Format: Paperback Type: Adventure Page Count: 96pp. Pub. Date: July 15, 2008 Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
A 4th Edition Dungeons and Dragons adventure for characters of levels 4-6 Beneath Thunderspire Mountain lies a sprawling network of mazes, tombs, and caverns collectively known as the Labyrinth of Lost Souls. In recent years, this vast labyrinth has become a living dungeon where trade between the surface and subterranean worlds is possible. However, beyond the well-lit halls where prospectors, merchants, and traders convene lies a darker world where adventurers battle monsters and fiendish beings perform secret rituals for their dark masters. . . H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth is a Dungeons and Dragons adventure designed for heroic-tier characters of levels 4-6. This product includes an adventure booklet for the Dungeon Master, a player’s booklet containing new character options and campaign information, and a full-color poster map, all contained in a handy folder. H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth is the second adventure in a three-part series that began with H1 Keep on the Shadowfell and concludes with H3 Pyramid of Shadows. It can also be played as a stand-alone adventure.

Who is This For?

Adventures are pre-made stories that the DM can use in whole or in parts, for a game session with the group. Each adventure contains pictures, text, maps, plot line and character/monster information — material a DM needs to run the game. Of course the DM will still need the core rule books and dice.

If you are buying a Dungeons and Dragons product for a loved one, you might consider giving this if:

1.) He or she is serving as a part-time or full time Dungeon Master. The Dungeon Master’s Screen contains the rules only the DM should have access to. Players who have no interest in serving as a DM should not have access to this book.

2.) She is an accomplished Dungeons and Dragons DM in an earlier edition but is now looking to try out the 4th edition rules. The have changed substantially and are needed if she’s to participate in the online component.

3.) He is new to Dungeons and Dragons and doesn’t have a group of players. Chances are he’ll have to be the DM when he brings his friends together to play. This would be a good purchase only if he expresses a willingness to be the DM.

Do not buy this if:

1.) She is certain she only wants to be a player. The role of DM is taxing and requires a lot of pre-game preparation and creativity. Many Dungeons and Dragons players live happy lives never touching the Dungeon Master’s Screen.

2.) He is certain he wants to continue playing an earlier version of the Dungeons and Dragons game.

2.) She is still uncertain if she wants to continue playing the game or not.

Best Use of This Product:

The Thunderspire Labyrinth is primarily for DM’s to use in place of their own home made adventure — as elements a DM can pick and choose and drop into his or her game session. This is an ideal second game for new DMs and players as it requires the characters reach the fourth level before they begin.

Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. This week we’re covering the adventures that are out for Dungeons and Dragons 4th ed.

Remember, if you are interested in this book, click the mouse on the book cover to order it from an online bookseller.

	Keep on the Shadowfell (Dungeons and Dragons Adventure H1) Author: Cordell, Bruce R. and Mike Mearls Format: Paperback Type: Adventure Page Count: 96pp. Pub. Date: May 20, 2008 Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
A D&D adventure for characters of levels 1-3. The town of Winterhaven stands watch over a ruined keep that was once a bastion of good in the realm. This keep overlooks the Shadow Rift, a dark scar in the world that was once a gateway to the Shadowfell but has been dormant for many years. Now, an evil cleric of Orcus, Demon Lord of the Undead, seeks to re-open the gate, and the only thing standing in his way is a small yet determined band of heroes from Winterhaven. Keep on the Shadowfell is an exciting Dungeons and Dragons adventure designed for characters of levels 1-3. It includes three double-sided poster maps suitable for use with Dungeons and Dragons miniatures, as well as information on the town of Winterhaven and environs.

Who is This For?

Adventures are pre-made stories that the DM can use in whole or in parts, for a game session with the group. Each adventure contains pictures, text, maps, plot line and character/monster information — material a DM needs to run the game. Of course the DM will still need the core rule books and dice.

If you are buying a Dungeons and Dragons product for a loved one, you might consider giving this if:

1.) He or she is serving as a part-time or full time Dungeon Master. The Dungeon Master’s Screen contains the rules only the DM should have access to. Players who have no interest in serving as a DM should not have access to this book.

2.) She is an accomplished Dungeons and Dragons DM in an earlier edition but is now looking to try out the 4th edition rules. The have changed substantially and are needed if she’s to participate in the online component.

3.) He is new to Dungeons and Dragons and doesn’t have a group of players. Chances are he’ll have to be the DM when he brings his friends together to play. This would be a good purchase only if he expresses a willingness to be the DM.

Do not buy this if:

1.) She is certain she only wants to be a player. The role of DM is taxing and requires a lot of pre-game preparation and creativity. Many Dungeons and Dragons players live happy lives never touching the Dungeon Master’s Screen.

2.) He is certain he wants to continue playing an earlier version of the Dungeons and Dragons game.

2.) She is still uncertain if she wants to continue playing the game or not.

Best Use of This Product:

The Keep on the Shadowfell is primarily for DM’s to use in place of their own home made adventure — as elements a DM can pick and choose and drop into his or her game session. This is an ideal first game for new DMs and characters as it starts the players out at first level.

Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. Here are the For Dummies series of Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition game books.

Remember, if you are interested in this book, click the mouse on the book cover to order it from an online bookseller.

Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition For Dummies	Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition For Dummies Author: Slavicsek, Bill and Baker, Rich Format: Trade Paperback Type: Roleplaying Game Core Rules Page Count: 456pp. Pub. Date: July 15, 2008 Publisher: Wiley Publishing
Explore the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons and delve into dungeons, slay monsters, and gain treasure! If you’ve been thinking of playing Dungeons and Dragons or you’ve played before and you want to get up to speed on the all-new 4th Edition, this is the book for you. Here’s what you need to know to join the fantasy fun. D&D terminology — understand what ability check, modifier, saving throw, AC, gp, hp, and XP mean Roll the dice — add modifiers and see if you rolled the d20 high enough to beat the challenge Minding your manners — know D&D etiquette so you’ll be welcome in any adventure Character building — select your character’s race and class, and choose the best powers, skills, feats, and gear Roleplaying — give your character a background and personality quirks Combat — use combat rules, a battle grid, and miniatures to play out furious battles Open the book and find: Everything a new player needs to get started playing D&D Details on four fantasy races and four iconic classes Explanations of every number and statistic on the character sheet The best magic items and equipment for characters of all classes Advice on roleplaying and teamwork A ready-to-use adventure to get you started as a Dungeon Master A ready-to-use battle grid with character and monster markers
Dungeon Master 4th Edition For Dummies	Dungeon Master 4th Edition For Dummies Author: Wyatt, James; Slavicsek, Bill and Baker, Rich Format: Trade Paperback Type: Roleplaying Game Core Rules Page Count: 408pp. Pub. Date: November 2008 Publisher: Wiley Publishing
Whether you’ve been a Dungeon Master (DM) before and want to fine-tune your skills or want to get ready and take the plunge, this is the book for you. It gives you the basics on running a great game, info for more advanced dungeon mastering, guidelines for creating adventures, and tips for building a campaign. It shows you how to: Handle all the expressions of DMing: moderator, narrator, a cast of thousands (the nonplayer characters or NPCs), player, social director, and creator Use published adventures and existing campaign worlds or create adventures and campaign worlds of your own Conjure up exciting combat encounters Handle the three types of encounters: challenge, roleplaying, and combat Create your own adventure: The Dungeon Adventure, The Wilderness Adventure, The Event-Based adventure (including how to use flowcharts and timelines), The Randomly Generated Adventure, and the High-Level adventure Create memorable master villains, with nine archetypes ranging from agent provocateur to zealot To get you off to a fast start, Dungeon Master For Dummies includes: A sample dungeon for practice Ten ready-to-use encounters and ten challenging traps A list of simple adventure premises Mapping tips, including common scales, symbols, and conventions, complete with tables Authors Bill Slavicsek and Richard Baker wrote the hugely popular Dungeons and Dragons For Dummies. Bill has been a game designer since 1986 and leads the D&D creative team at Wizards of the Coast. Richard is a game developer and the author of the fantasy bestseller Condemnation. They give you the scoop on: Using a DM binder to keep records such as an adventure log, PCs’ character sheets, NPC logs/character sheets, treasure logs, and more Knowing player styles (role players and power games) and common subgroups: hack’n’slasher, wargamer, thinker, impulsive adventurer, explorer, character actor, and watcher Recognizing your style: action movie director, storyteller, worldbuilder, puzzlemaker, or connector Using miniatures, maps, and other game aids Using 21st century technology, such as a Web site or blog, to enhance your game The book includes a sample adventure, The Necromancer’s Apprentice, that’s the perfect way to foray into DMing. It includes everything you need for a great adventure — except your players. What are you waiting for? There are chambers to be explored, dragons to be slain, maidens to be rescued, gangs of gnoll warriors to be annihilated, worgs to be wiped out, treasures to be discovered, worlds to be conquered . . .

Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. Today we continue our look at the still popular Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 edition with the Rules Compendium.

Remember, if you are interested in this book, click the mouse on the book cover to order it from an online bookseller.

Rules Compendium	Dungeons and Dragons Rules Compendium (Roleplaying Game Supplement 3.5 ed.) Author: Sims, Chris Format: Hardcover Type: Roleplaying Game Supplement Page Count: 160pp. Pub. Date: October 16, 2007 Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
The definitive reference guide of Dungeons and Dragons core rules. Tired of hauling all of your D&D rules supplements to the gaming table? Having trouble finding the rule you need? The Rules Compendium supplement takes all of the game’s most important rules and presents them in a single comprehensive, easy-to-reference volume for players and Dungeon Masters. In addition to presenting the rules of the game, the Rules Compendium incorporates official errata as well as behind-the-scenes designer and developer commentary explaining how the rules system has evolved and why certain rules work the way they do.

Who is This For?

If you are buying a Dungeons and Dragons product for a loved one, you might consider giving this if:

1.) If He is having trouble understanding how some of the more complicated rules of the game work (like attacks of opportunity), loses time searching through several books for a particular rule or is just curious as to how some of the Dungeons and Dragons rules came about.

2.) He or she is serving as a part-time or full time Dungeon Master. This book contains the rules only the DM should have access to. Players who have no interest in serving as a DM should not have access to this book.

3.) She is an accomplished Dungeons and Dragons DM in an earlier edition but is now looking to try out the 3.5 edition rules.

4.) He is new to Dungeons and Dragons and doesn’t have a group of players. Chances are he’ll have to be the DM when he brings his friends together to play. This would be a good purchase only if he expresses a willingness to be the DM.

Do not buy this if:

1.) She is certain she only wants to be a player. The role of DM is taxing and requires a lot of pre-game preparation and creativity. Many Dungeons and Dragons players live happy lives never touching the Rules Compendium.

2.) He is certain he wants to continue playing an earlier version of the Dungeons and Dragons game.

2.) She is still uncertain if she wants to continue playing the game or not.

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Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. Today we continue our look at the still popular Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 edition with the Deluxe Dungeon Master’s Screen.

Remember, if you are interested in this accessory, click the mouse on the cover to order it from an online bookseller.

Deluxe Dungeon Master’s Screen	Dungeons and Dragons Deluxe Dungeon Master’s Screen (Roleplaying Game Accessory 4th ed.) Author: Wizards RPG Team Format: Paperback Type: Roleplaying Game Suppliment Page Count: 4pp. Pub. Date: January 1, 2004 Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Useful to anyone running any type of roleplaying campaign, this Deluxe Dungeon Master Screens 2-pack contains both a Dungeons and Dragons screen and a bonus screen for the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game. The tables on the back of the Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master’s Screen have been revised and updated to comply with the changes made in the v.3.5 core rulebooks released in 2003. In addition, this is the first time an official screen has been made available specifically for those running a d20 Modern campaign.

Who is This For?

If you are buying a Dungeons and Dragons product for a loved one, you might consider giving this if:

1.) He or she is serving as a part-time or full time Dungeon Master. The Dungeon Master’s Screen contains the rules only the DM should have access to. Players who have no interest in serving as a DM should not have access to this book.

2.) She is an accomplished Dungeons and Dragons DM in an earlier edition but is now looking to try out the 4th edition rules. The have changed substantially and are needed if she’s to participate in the online component.

3.) He is new to Dungeons and Dragons and doesn’t have a group of players. Chances are he’ll have to be the DM when he brings his friends together to play. This would be a good purchase only if he expresses a willingness to be the DM.

3.) She is a game master or plans to be a game master for the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game.

Do not buy this if:

1.) She is certain she only wants to be a player. The role of DM is taxing and requires a lot of pre-game preparation and creativity. Many Dungeons and Dragons players live happy lives never touching the Dungeon Master’s Screen.

2.) He is certain he wants to continue playing an earlier version of the Dungeons and Dragons game.

2.) She is still uncertain if she wants to continue playing the game or not.

Best Use of This Product:

The Dungeon Master’s Screen is primarily for DM’s to use the shield their game notes and dice rolls. One the outside — which the payers see — is a beautiful mural. On the inside are charts and tables which the DM commonly uses in a game. By putting the charts on the screen, the DM doesn’t have to flip through the Dungeon Master’s Guide for that information.

Added to this package is a second screen with the tables and charts a GM would need to play a d20 Modern Roleplaying Game, making this a versitile product.

Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. Today we continue our look at the Dungeons and Dragons 4th edition with the Monster Manual — Deluxe Edition.

Remember, if you are interested in this book, click the mouse on the book cover to order it from an online bookseller.

Monster Manual — Deluxe Edition	Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual — Deluxe Edition (Roleplaying Game Core Rules 4th ed.) Author: Mearls, Mike; Schubert, Stephen and Wyatt, James Format: Hardcover Type: Roleplaying Game Core Rules Page Count: 288pp. Pub. Date: June 6, 2008 Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
The second of three core rulebooks for the 4th Edition Dungeons and Dragons Roleplaying Game. The Dungeons and Dragons Roleplaying Game has defined the medieval fantasy genre and the tabletop RPG industry for more than 30 years. In the Dungeons and Dragons game, players create characters that band together to explore dungeons, slay monsters, and find treasure. The 4th Edition Dungeons and Dragons rules offer the best possible play experience by presenting exciting character options, an elegant and robust rules system, and handy storytelling tools for the Dungeon Master. The Monster Manual presents more than 300 official Dungeons and Dragons Roleplaying Game monsters for all levels of play, from aboleth to zombie. Each monster is illustrated and comes with complete game statistics and tips for the Dungeon Master on how best to use the monster in Dungeons and Dragons encounters. This is a premium, foil cover version of the 4th Edition Monster Manual that every Dungeons and Dragons player and Dungeon Master can appreciate.

Who is This For?

If you are buying a Dungeons and Dragons product for a loved one, you might consider giving this if:

1.) Basically this is a collector’s edition of the Monster Manual. The cover has higher qualities and some illustrations within may be different but the rules are the same. If she is a collector, she’ll need this.

2.) If he likes to be a little different and show up with a book of a different cover than get this one.

Do not buy this if:

1.) He is still uncertain if he wants to continue playing the game or not.

2.) If money is tight, save a few dollars and get the regular edition for her.

Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. Today we continue our look at the still popular Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 edition with the Monster Manual.

Remember, if you are interested in this book, click the mouse on the book cover to order it from an online bookseller.

Monster Manual	Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual (Roleplaying Game Core Rules 3.5 ed.) Author: Tweet, Jonathan; Williams, Skip and Cook, Monte Format: Hardcover Type: Roleplaying Game Core Rules Page Count: 320pp. Pub. Date: July 1, 2003 Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Each of the Dungeons & Dragons core rulebooks has been revised and updated for clarity and content. Each revision integrates user feedback received since the original product release so as to address the specific wants and needs of the player and Dungeon Master audiences. The overall rules system remains intact, with changes targeted specifically at elements of game play that were considered under-powered or incomplete. These revised editions also contain bonus content, such as new feats, that are exclusive to these editions. In addition, the new and revised content instructs players on how to take full advantage of the tie-in D&D miniatures line planned to release in Fall 2003 from Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Overall changes to all the titles include making complex combat easier to understand and provide more information on interacting with and summoning monsters. Specific changes include the following the Monster Manual now contains an adjusted layout that makes the monsters statistics easier to understand and use. There will be some new illustrations and a new index, and there is now expanded information on monster classes and playing monsters as heroes.

Who is This For?

If you are buying a Dungeons and Dragons product for a loved one, you might consider giving this if:

1.) He or she is serving as a part-time or full time Dungeon Master. This book contains the monsters only the DM should have access to. Players who have no interest in serving as a DM should not have access to this book.

2.) She is an accomplished Dungeons and Dragons DM in an earlier edition but is now looking to try out the 3.5 edition rules. The monsters have changed substantially.

3.) He is new to Dungeons and Dragons and doesn’t have a group of players. Chances are he’ll have to be the DM when he brings his friends together to play. This would be a good purchase only if he expresses a willingness to be the DM.

Do not buy this if:

1.) She is certain she only wants to be a player. The role of DM is taxing and requires a lot of pre-game preparation and creativity. Many Dungeons and Dragons players live happy lives never touching the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

2.) He is certain he wants to continue playing an earlier or later versions of the Dungeons and Dragons game.

2.) She is still uncertain if she wants to continue playing the game or not.

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Many people have loved ones who are avid players of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) or want to get started playing the game but don’t know where to start. Purchasing your first D&D products can be daunting unless you have a guide — someone who knows and that’s this series of articles proposes to do. Today we continue our look at the still popular Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 edition with the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

Remember, if you are interested in this book, click the mouse on the book cover to order it from an online bookseller.

Dungeon Master’s Guide	Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master’s Guide (Roleplaying Game Core Rules 3.5 ed.) Author: Tweet, Jonathan; Williams, Skip and Cook, Monte Format: Hardcover Type: Roleplaying Game Core Rules Page Count: 320pp. Pub. Date: July 1, 2003 Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Each of the Dungeons & Dragons core rulebooks has been revised and updated for clarity and content. Each revision integrates user feedback received since the original product release so as to address the specific wants and needs of the player and Dungeon Master audiences. The overall rules system remains intact, with changes targeted specifically at elements of game play that were considered under-powered or incomplete. These revised editions also contain bonus content, such as new feats, that are exclusive to these editions. In addition, the new and revised content instructs players on how to take full advantage of the tie-in D&D miniatures line planned to release in Fall 2003 from Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Overall changes to all the titles include making complex combat easier to understand and provide more information on interacting with and summoning monsters. The Dungeon Master’s Guide was reorganized to make it more user-friendly. Changes have been made to the item creation rules and pricing, and there are new prestige classes included. There is also expanded advice on how to run a campaign.

Who is This For?

If you are buying a Dungeons and Dragons product for a loved one, you might consider giving this if:

1.) He or she is serving as a part-time or full time Dungeon Master. This book contains the rules only the DM should have access to. Players who have no interest in serving as a DM should not have access to this book.

2.) She is an accomplished Dungeons and Dragons DM in an earlier edition but is now looking to try out the 3.5 edition rules. The have changed substantially and are needed if she’s to participate in the online component.

3.) He is new to Dungeons and Dragons and doesn’t have a group of players. Chances are he’ll have to be the DM when he brings his friends together to play. This would be a good purchase only if he expresses a willingness to be the DM.

Do not buy this if:

1.) She is certain she only wants to be a player. The role of DM is taxing and requires a lot of pre-game preparation and creativity. Many Dungeons and Dragons players live happy lives never touching the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

2.) He is certain he wants to continue playing an earlier version of the Dungeons and Dragons game.

2.) She is still uncertain if she wants to continue playing the game or not.

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