(Part 2) Best fantasy gaming books according to redditors
We found 1,632 Reddit comments discussing the best fantasy gaming books. We ranked the 607 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
First, a giant list with links.
OSR Games
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Retro Clones
All of these have complete free versions on their websites(usually minus art)
New Stuff
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My personal favorites are Stars without Number, Godbound, Lamentations of the flame princess, and Shadow of the Demon Lord.
In no particular order:
You can't go wrong with any of them, but gun to my head, I'd say look into Mouse Guard or Dungeon World.
Mouse Guard
Mouse Guard...is just down right fun. While combat is certainly part of the game, it's got a heavy emphasis on problem solving in encounters over straight up murderhobo-ing your way through the game. It's my go to game for one shots. Perfect for when you need a break in the middle of a long campaign in another system, or if just not enough people show up for a session in your primary campaign. Not that you couldn't run a long campaign in Mouse Guard, that'd be rad.
Dungeon World
Dungeon World is also another great game for one shots, IMHO. Need to work on your improv? Play Dungeon World. It's a very narrative driven game that heavily encourages collaborative world building with your players. Additionally, if you discard all of the rules on classes and combat, the rest of the system is an amazing compliment to any other game system you want to run. It's GMing section is honestly the missing manual for D&D or any other system you want to run. And hell, Fronts are a great way to organize an adventure or long campaign.
Edit: A few other options that came to mind
As a player and Dungeon Master, it makes me so happy to see /r/DnD making it to bestof more than once. :)
For those interested, the newest edition being released book by book right now is 5e (previously D&D Next when it was still in the playtesting phase). Player's Handbook (PHB) and Monster Manual (MM) are the only rule books out right now. The main storyline book out right now is Hoard of the Dragon Queen (HotDQ) and soon The Rise of Tiamat (RoT).
What you need to play D&D IRL:
If you want to play a D&D online tabletop:
Shameless plug: My group streams D&D 3.5e (older edition) on Twitch almost every Monday night at 8pm EST. I also play and DM 5e, so I'm happy to answer questions about either edition!
If the thing holding you back from being a GM is minis, I suggest looking to Pathfinder's Battle Pawn series. They have a series where they print their monsters on hard card stock and insert them into plastic bases. Much cheaper than miniatures.
If you buy the Bestiary 1 box you'll get most of the most commonly used monster in RPG games. You could pick up the NPC Codex pawns for a variety of NPC "minis" and minis for players to choose from as well. Round it out with their Villain Codex set and you'll have a wide variety of pawns that will be capable of handling the cast majority of situations. If you don't have just the right Pawn, you'll at least have one that can make for a suitable stand in.
All total it's about $120, which is a lot, but to get even half the equivalent in miniatures, you'd spend hundreds more.
Sure they're not quite as fun as minis, but the thing about minis is, unless you have a lot of disposable cash, getting a good collection isn't easy. Minis are expensive, and prepainted ones even more so. So building up your collection at an affordable rate takes a lot of time and there are some minis that you'll never be able to get without spending hundreds of dollars on, because they were a limited time item. For example, the Colossal Red Dragon costs One Thousand Dollars if you want to own one. To put in perspective as to how much this minis price has changed when it was first released, it was sold for $74.99... Quite a big difference, huh?
First, hey, look at this. I really like this book. It does some stuff to handle things in 3.5 that I don't like, is well flavored, and worth your time.
I used it to run a 3.5 variant, even though I'm really not a fan of 3.5. It works, at least at the level and scale that I ran it, although I essentially used the world post-glittering stone, so my players that hadn't read it wouldn't be left out.
As far as command, the players were largely in the employ of a crimelord in a faction-ridden city, mostly acting as his officers to a certain degree. Running the command structure as the GM, especially in the beginning, I find to be in keeping with the feel of The Black Company.
I never really made full use of the mass combat rules in the system, as I prefered to focus on the small unit engagements, in the midst of an abstracted conflict. YMMV.
So for 5e there are a couple of things you can look at getting:
So the Basic Rules help out a lot, the Starter Set is basically a physical copy of the basic rules (plus some), and then the core 3 books in order of (my personal opinion of) usefulness are PHB > MM > DMG. I'd say you probably want at least everyone to have a PHB, or access if you guys continue to play.
Aside from that, most of the other 5e stuff you can pick up from wizards are modules. Modules are pre-created campaigns that have quests, items, locations, enemies (number, size, etc.) already pre-designed for you. Each of the following books has some sort of extra character information (like more subclasses, new races, etc.), but nothing is absolutely required. Generally if one person wants to play something (say, an Half-Elf Bladesinger Wizard) they should pick up the book to help build their character and to provide the GM with references to how the character works, but it's not necessary.
If you need any other help, please feel free to ask!
First off, the Inner Sea World Guide has all the information you need about the lore, and to sparknotes that just doesn't even do it justice. However, I will try.
Races: Humans (many varieties actually), halflings, gnomes, dwarves, elves, half-elves and half-orcs. There are more advanced ones, but these are the core playable races. Strangely there are fewer "types" of non-human races, but a plethora of different types of humans.
Cultures: So many it's hard to know where to start. The different types of humans cover many of the cultural differences. You really need to narrow your question down if you want an explanation of them. Examples: Varisians are like gypsies, Chelaxians are like caucasian opportunists, and Shaonti are like barbarian vagabonds.
Countries: Depending on where in the world you want to set your campaign, there are so many options here. Varisia is well-covered and kind of a frontier "America" like setting. Ustalav is a Transylvania-like country with lots of undead and spooky atmosphere. There are many more, but if you can dream it, you can probably find something similar in the setting.
Major players: Nothing like Elminster or Drizzt in terms of popularity, but you will see Ameiko Kaijitsu a fair amount. Babba Yaga is an ice witch I think and a big player in a recent adventure path.
Important events: Also very region specific and well covered in the book I recommended. Something that happened in Geb has very little impact in the Greenlands. That being said, a god was once killed and was replaced by a super good paladin (the new god Iomedae).
My biggest recommendation is looking at the Inner Sea World Guide and deciding what area looks cool. Each area is covered in 2-3 pages, it has religions, all the human races, and it has a few neat tidbits about prevalent factions and so on as well. You sound like someone who likes to make up your own stuff built off of an established lore, so this next recommendation may interest you quite a bit less. However, if you like pre-made campaigns of exceptional quality, I would recommend the Paizo adventure paths. They are phenomenal; the detail is beyond imagining, and they are actually very fun and generally well-balanced. If you go that route my top recommendations are: Rise of the Runelords for the group that likes a linear, vanilla adventure; Kingmaker for the group that likes an open world where they can have a real impact; and I also enjoyed the first book of the Carrion Crown adventure path, but I wasn't as into the second one. There are six books to each adventure path (all inclusive in the anniversary edition of the Rise of the Runelords), and they usually go from level 1 to level 16-20. There are also one-shots called modules that are pretty fun and some are free.
Overall, there's way too much to cover, but there are a few resources for you to check out for help. The one thing Paizo does really well are its Adventure Path books, so I can't recommend them enough (even for people dead set on making up their own stuff). You can at least draw some ideas from them if nothing else. They also really help you understand the "canon" as they bring you through a series of events that "actually happen" in the world.
A Song of Ice and Fire RPG cover by artist Michael Komarck.
The Warcraft RPGs were published from 2003 to 2008. It's been seven years since the last supplement was released, which is why you're unlikely to find it anywhere. Additionally, it was a license which has since expired, so even if there were any backstock remaining with the publisher, they would no longer be allowed to sell it.
Two editions were released: 2003's Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, and 2005's World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game. Both were published by White Wolf under the Sword & Sorcery imprint.
Warcraft was branded with the D&D logo, one of only a few third-party products to use it. As implied, it was essentially a D&D campaign setting with a Warcraft flavour to it.
World of Warcraft didn't have the branding. It didn't even use the d20 License, going straight to OGL. It was more of an adaption of the WoW MMO (which had been released by that point), so it had a lot more tweaks in terms of classes and races in order for it to feel more familiar to MMO players. The Pandaren were also available as a race in one of the later supplements, ages before they were playable online.
On Amazon.com, I'm seeing the Warcraft RPG for $9.48 used&new, and the WoW RPG for $19.89 used&new, which are both fantastic prices. I'm not sure you could find much better than that outside a lucky find at a book sale.
eBay has listings for the WoW RPG around $15. Not a lot cheaper than Amazon, but a good price nonetheless.
Cortex Plus - You roll what you say, or can, different incarnations have different "Skill" names. In Smallville if you want to punch a dude you pick up your Justice, Love of Lois Lane, Kent Farm (where you are at), add in your Insecurity, and Super Strength plus your opponents Distracted by a Cute Girl condition. Roll them, take the highest, and compare, if successful pick a large die from your pool and narrate what it represents.
(you roll standard dice, also have special abilities, and most rolls are not this complicated)
The game system comes in a lot different flavors now...
Firefly (Space Drama Adventure)
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/128012/Firefly-RolePlaying-Game-Corebook?src=hottest_filtered&filters=0_0_45522_0_0
Marvel Heroic (comic book super hero action)
https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Heroic-Roleplaying-Civil-Premium/dp/1936685175/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483024737&sr=8-2&keywords=marvel+heroic
Smallville (soap opera with super heroes)
https://www.amazon.com/Smallville-Roleplaying-Game-Cam-Banks/dp/1931567891/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483024847&sr=8-1&keywords=smallville+rpg
Leverage (espionage caper action)
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/85727/Leverage-Roleplaying-Game?src=hottest_filtered&filters=0_0_45522_0_0
Fantasy (generic'ish)
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/149178/Fantasy-Roleplaying-A-Registry-of-Rules?src=newest&filters=0_0_45522_0_0
SciFi (generic'ish)
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/186453/Worlds-of-Fantasy-Chronicles-of-the-Solar-Empire?sorttest=true&filters=0_0_45522_0_0
Hackers Guide (actually a core rule book, but kinda hard to use without prior knowledge)
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/117419/Cortex-Plus-Hackers-Guide?sorttest=true&filters=0_0_45522_0_0
Zombie Apocalypse
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/185660/Head-Shot-Zombie-Apocalypse-Action-Roleplaying?sorttest=true&filters=0_0_45522_0_0
Perhaps you should get some funny shaped dice and some friends together around your dining room table and play some World of Darkness and make your own zombie story.
The corebook is a little under 30 dollars on Amazon, and you can generally get enough ten sided dice for 5 bucks in any card or hobby shop. Other than that, you only need a couple pieces of paper and some moderate to decent narrating skills and a little creativity. Although these printable character sheets in one, two, and four page versions are useful. And if you're not sure about trying out something new and different from the video gaming you're used to based on the word of some randie off the internet, well, there's this free quickstart campaign.
I would almost, almost be willing to run a game, but I've realized that when I run games over IRC, I tend to ignore real life and become a reclusive hermit, and I'm trying to avoid doing that.
Neverwinter is a lot like Waterdeep, Menzoberranzan, and Undermountain in that it is one of the most thoroughly designed, written about places in all of D&D. 4e has an entire 224 page book devoted to it as a campaign setting and the current D&D MMO is set there. There's so much to do there that your heroes could stop, buy a house, and adventure there for the rest of the campaign without stepping foot outside the gates.
Go for it: https://www.amazon.com/Expanse-Roleplaying-Game-Steve-Kenson/dp/1934547972
I'd recommend asking /r/rpg since that's more a question for them. There are a couple board games that are kind of similar (Descent 2E and Mice and Mystics) if you wanted board game suggestions.
My personal suggestion as a table top RPG player is to either go to a FLGS and see if they have weekly D&D games and join in if they do (it's very common among stores to have these events) OR, if the themes appeal to you, try out some of the White Wolf books and the World of Darkness setting. You need the core rulebook to run any of the settings. The rules are pretty simple for character creation and the game itself. You only use 10-sided dice (d10s) for skill checks. You roll the d10s and any 8+ is considered a success and a 10 is a success and a re-roll for another potential success. The books themselves also do a great job of getting new players into the setting by giving a lot of examples and lots of backstory.
Once you have the core set, you can pick one or more of the books to introduce one or more "classes" to the game. There are old and new versions as you'll see on the wiki link I gave you. I've both tried only playing one "class" (Vampires and Hunters both) and mixing them together (I've had a game of 2 Vampires, a Werewolf, and a Mage and similar mixes multiple times). One of my GMs threw my group for a loop: We played a game of Vampires, Werewolves, and Mages and then, a month or so after finishing that campaign, we played all Hunters and we ended up hunting our previous characters as part of the story.
Edit: fixed typos.
I've sent game books to a friend in a Federal prison.
The books must come directly from a publisher or bookstore. I can't ship him anything from my home. Dice are not allowed. They use homemade chits.
No boxes or anything other than books are allowed. The guards open everything before the inmate receives it and they won't separate stuff that isn't okay from stuff that is okay, so for example if a book comes in a boxed set with a map, the whole thing will be rejected.
Everything must arrive via USPS, so you have to do a little trick to get something from Amazon delivered (Amazon doesn't allow you to specify a shipper) - you list the address as a PO box even though it isn't, then in the second line of the address put the real address (along with the required facility information.) Amazon's delivery system sees it as a PO box, so ships it USPS. The mail carrier sees it as a real address and it gets there. If it doesn't you really can't complain since it's a funny little address hack.
There is technically a limit on the number of personal books inmates at his facility may have - I think it is 10 books and 10 magazines. That isn't usually enforced he said, but when a guard is angry for any reason, it is selectively enforced.
He is at a large facility and knows of at least five or six groups that play. OSR games and 3rd edition D&D are what everyone plays. He theorizes that 4th edition never caught on for some reason and 5th edition hasn't made an impact because people like to play what they played outside.
If anyone knows a gamer in a prison with an OSR bent Basic Fantasy Role-Playing is a great deal from Amazon because it is a clone of old school D&D, it's a complete game in one volume, and it's low cost (low enough to send them multiple copies over time so they have "loaner" books to play with).
Do you mean videogames like Telltale Games series or even Crusader Kings mod?
Or do you mean more of a pen and paper or tabletop or card game?
Or any of the above as long as people liked them?
OK I'll be straight with you. Your best bet is to either go on eBay or a similar site and pick and choose what minis you want, or if you're OK with cardboard tokens, I'd pick up something like the Villain's Codex. I do hear that eBay has gotten more expensive since D&D has taken off in the last couple years, but it's still probably cheaper than buying a brick and hoping.
But as a person who owns way too many miniatures, I get it. Here's what I'd say:
Avoid:
Avoid Skulls and Shackles unless you want a lot of pirate themed minis (and SHARKS THAT WILL NEVER BE USEFUL FOR ANYTHING ELSE). Shattered Star is super elemental heavy, so avoid that one as well. Rusty Dragon Inn is a fantastic set but it mostly has NPCs and furniture.
Caveats:
If you're OK with possibly getting Rasputin or a Russian soldier with a grenade or machine gun, Reign of Winter is a really good set. I love [Wrath of the Righteous] (http://www.pathfinderminis.com/gallery11.htm) but a lot of their heroic minis are demonic.
Best Sets for hero minis:
Either Legends of Golarion or the brand new Crown of Fangs set. Have a look at the gallery and see what you think.
Here you go
I bought the campaign setting book for its background/detail on the BC world, and thought it was well worth the money. The Amazon reviews may be helpful: https://smile.amazon.com/Black-Company-Campaign-Setting/dp/1932442383/
If you do decide to buy it, I would recommend getting it direct from Green Ronin, as the copies on Amazon tend to be pretty pricey and GR has slightly-dinged copies still for sale at $30. https://greenroninstore.com/products/the-black-company-campaign-setting-scratch-dent
Basic Fantasy Rulebook
The Chaotic Caverns
A cheap set of dice
That should run you about $15, and it's enough for a few months of fun sessions.
In the Firefly implementation of Cortex Plus, the closest "health equivalent" would be Complications. When bad things happen to your character, a Complication is created (or increased in severity).
The Complication can be anything from "Stabbed in the Gut" to "Angry at Michelle" to "Hunted by the Police" to "Afraid of Political Implications." When the Complication is relevant, the GM adds the value of the Complication (between d4 and d12) to rolls against the player when the complication is relevant. When a Complication escalates above a d12, the character is taken out of the scene.
In all versions of Cortex Plus, the characters can gang up on the big baddie.
I would highly recommend looking into the Smallville RPG, which is the implementation of Cortex Plus Dramatic, the flavor of Cortex Plus most focused on the interpersonal relationships of the PCs. Just because Clark Kent can shoot laser beams out of his eyes doesn't mean he's more capable of dealing with the complex social dramas of his life than Lois Lane or Lex Luthor.
I'm going to take a different route from everyone suggesting piracy, and instead suggest that you look here on Amazon or on Book Depository. Alternately, head to your Friendly Local Game Store and see if anyone is currently running a Dark Heresy game that you could possibly sit in on, or join for a few sessions, to see if you like it. I know that it's "cool" to use the internet for piracy and find everything for free, but still... downloading the latest Hollywood movie is one thing, those studios make billions of dollars a year. Gaming companies have much, much smaller profit margins, and I think that piracy does affect them.
http://www.amazon.com/Colossal-Dragon-Dungeons-Dragons-Icons/dp/0786941685
WotC released these a while back, I have the blue and black, they are pretty big. The Red was the biggest of course, and looked amazing.
I've never played the d20 version, but I play the standard d100 game. If you want to just give the game a try, you can download the quickstart rules, which come with a sample scenario. You can print out the rules, character sheets, and scenario, and run a game off of just that.
The only book you really need is the Call of Cthulhu rulebook. This book is pretty much a player handbook/DM guide/monster manual built into one. The great thing about Cthulhu is that the game is so basic that you only need 1 copy of the book (for the DM, or keeper) and can give the rest of the players quickstart rules that you can print online. Cthulhu is such a simple game that I think about 70 percent of the book is just flavor text and sample scenarios.
In that book, you can get some beginning sample scenarios that you can run with your group, which will give you a sense of how the game is run. One of the great things about Cthulhu is that the game is very story driven. Combat has very simple rules, and there are no experience points or levels, although you do increase skill points. The whole point of the game is that you are presented with a mystery, and the players must gather information and solve the mystery, at the risk of their own sanity. So don't expect any monster mashes or anything like that, unless that's how you want to run your game.
There's a great book came out in 2007 called "Grand History of the Realms" but I'll be honest it reads like stereo instructions. I utilize that, the forgotten realms wiki, and general googling to patch together timelines.
https://www.amazon.com/Grand-History-Realms-Forgotten/dp/0786947314
I always have at least a small pocket notebook and something to write with. I can doodle, make notes about stuff I need to bring next time, stuff I need to do etc.
For a larger group, some sort of paper or notebooks and colored pens/pencils/markers. Also, coloring books.
Also, pocket sized Pathfinder (paper role-playing game) books and some dice.
Also, a Kindle with a shit-ton of books.
To me it reads like a draft of a PHB 2 or D&D Essentials. I don't know what that means, precisely, in terms of what the end book will be, but I have some hope for a PHB 2-style book.
I picked up the Neverwinter Campaign earlier this year, and I love it. I've barely scraped the surface of it and I've used it to inspire my encounters for half a year now. It's got tons of Faction info, as well as details on dozens of locations in the city (taverns, dungeons, temples), as well as an Neverwinter Woods and the "lost" Dwarven ruins of Gauntlgrym.
The book is just fantastic for giving you a foundation out of which you can build your own campaign. It gives you kind of a freeze-frame picture of current events, and allows you and your PCs to determine where the city and the surrounding area go from there. It's awesome, and you should definitely give it a look-through if you live near any hobby shops that might carry it.
Make up your own story with these mechanics.
A Game of Thrones: D20-Based Open Gaming RPG
A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE ROLEPLAYING
The Game of Thrones RPG
First, I'd recommend that you keep the box and all of the components in good condition, so you can consider re-selling it once you're done with it. The Red Box seems to be out of print and is selling for far above its $20 MSRP, and if you can recoup some of the money you spent on it to buy some resources that will have more lasting value, it might be worth it (depending on how highly you value your time), since you will have little use for most of the contents of the box once you're through with the initial adventure.
Or, if it's not too late, you may want to cancel your order. The Starter Set is a relatively gentle introduction to D&D, but not necessarily the best one and certainly not the cheapest.
To prepare, you might want to read, and have everyone else read, the quick start rules. You can also have the players choose pre-generated characters from that document and print off the corresponding character sheets. The Red Box method of character creation involves running through a solo "choose-your-own-adventure" book, which you might not want to do 3 or 4 times in succession for each of your players. Note that the the quick start rules uses slightly different versions of the character classes presented in the Red Box, but the characters/systems are compatible.
You will not immediately need to create your own group adventure, as one is included with the Starter Set.
Also, as an alternative to the Starter Set, /u/Dracoprimus posted a bunch of links to free adventures. You can also choose to run one of these adventures after you finish with the Red Box.
However, neither those those links nor the Red Box will not give you the resources needed to build your own characters or advance them past level 2, nor do they contain the info a DM needs to create his own campaign, or extensively modify an existing one. For that, I recommend getting the following resources (buying some of the books used may yield a good savings):
With those three products, you have everything you need to run a level 1-30 campaign. A D&D Insider subscription can substitute for those resources to a large extent, and supplement them with tons of content, but it's most useful as a convenience and reference. I would still recommend getting the core books even if your group has a DDI sub.
On top of that, a few game aids are nice to have:
List of Influential RPG Titles
Dungeons and Dragons - By TSR and WotC
Dungeons and Dragons 1st Edition - TSR
Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition - TSR
Dungeons and Dragons 3.0 - WotC
Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 - WotC
Dungeons and Dragons 4e - WotC
Pathfinder - Paizo Publishing
Not Dungeons and Dragons
World of Darkness - by White Wolf
"New" World of Darkness
AEG
Other
Authors to Look for
RPG Related Non-Fiction
RPG Fiction, also essential
Other Lists
Honorable Mentions
*Please add suggestions below, I'll add to the list as I revisit this thread throughout the day. Adding Amazon links now.
There's also the Official D&D Branded one [here]
(https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Grid-Wizards-RPG-Team/dp/0786966211/). It's got more of a board-game board form factor and works with wet or dry erase.
I had the same problem. When my son was born, I had to change the game style.
In 4e, Wizards released a book called Dungeon Delve. The book brought back the idea of the mini adventure: the one-hour dungeon. It features a three-to-four encounter mini-dungeon for each level 1-30.
I adopted this style in my game. I've got about ten or twelve dungeon delves all written out for my players, levels 1-10. On top of that, I've got some non-combat mini-adventures, too. Mysteries the party can solve, that sort of thing.
All of these mini-adventures is based in a central quest hub. You can build it however you want, but I chose the Dwarven version of Key West. It's a campaign where you might have to charter a fishing boat, explore an ancient temple ruin, then finish off the night with peel-and-eat shrimp and a beer while listening to halflings playing pop-song covers where the lyrics are replaced with dick jokes.
On any given night, my party can start and finish an entire adventure. That was the whole idea.
Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game 3rd Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1503334945/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Je0iDbPTCYHTX
My recommendation would be to go pick up some 2nd, 3rd or 4th edition sourcebooks for dirt cheap at Half Price Books or online. The Forgotten Realms sourcebook from 3.5 is what I am currently using, it has a removable foldout map of Faerun, and detailed lists of major sights throughout the realms, including descriptions of the major cities, ruins, etc.
I've heard good things about the Greenwood Forgotten Realms book as well.
You can probably also find sourcebooks specific to Waterdeep, Neverwinter, etc. though I don't know the specific titles.
The point is that generally speaking the edition doesn't matter when it comes to background materials, physical descriptions, major characters, history, politics, factions, maps, etc. It just doesn't. So do yourself a favor and buy this stuff cheap from older editions.
Also, keep in mind that while you are building off of an existing world, and there is something cool about that, the minute you start to play in it it's YOUR world. None of these sourcebooks are going to have every single detail fleshed out, and often will just give you the flavor of a particular city, a few major landmarks, etc. From there on you should create your own landmarks, taverns, interesting characters, history, etc.
This is the book that I use a lot:
http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Roleplaying/dp/0786918365/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417478819&sr=1-2&keywords=FOrgotten+Realms
Here are more:
http://www.amazon.com/Greenwood-Presents-Elminsters-Forgotten-Realms/dp/0786960345
Neverwinter book:
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417478789&sr=1-4&keywords=Neverwinter+source+book
Waterdeep book:
http://www.amazon.com/City-Splendors-Waterdeep-Roleplaying-Supplement/dp/0786936932/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417478895&sr=1-1&keywords=Waterdeep
http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Realms-Atlas-Karen-Fonstad/dp/0880388579/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417478853&sr=1-3&keywords=FOrgotten+Realms
Hope that helps. Also buy 4th edition stuff now if you ever think you want it. Lots of stores are having fire sales moving their 4th ed stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Realms-Campaign-Guide-Edition/dp/0786949244/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374177625&sr=8-2&keywords=forgotten+realms
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146/ref=pd_sim_b_2
http://www.amazon.com/Underdark-Edition-Supplement-Rob-Heinsoo/dp/078695387X/ref=pd_sim_b_15
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Forgotten-Roleplaying-Supplement/dp/0786949295/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Have you googled it? Like this much?
There is no purchase. Encounters material is not for sale. It's free to play for the players and DMs as a draw for people to come into their FLGS and play and buy D & D Products.
Also, here is an alternative: http://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Delve-Edition-Supplement-Adventure/dp/0786951397
>I'd go buy a standard price book (RPG books tend to be waay more expensive where I am than in the US).
I'm not sure where you live efrique, but the above description meets the description of Australia pretty fair and square (where I live) so I'll throw some bitlets of info out and if you're in Australia and it helps it will be cool, and if you're somewhere else you might get some ideas nonetheless.
So, on a long ramble during my break from study, please see the below screed of 'maybe knowledge' ... although, first:
TL; DR
I'd go Dungeon World, OSRIC, Fate/FAE in that order ... but thats just me ...
Anyway:
Fate
Fate is 'setting neutral' ... a lot less crunchy that D&D and Co, and is a story game with supplementary rules rather than the other way around. Its made by the nice folk at 'Evil Hat' who provide it on a pay what you can basis (incl. $0) right here. There is also a 'condensed version' of the rules called 'Fate Accelerated' which is similarly 'setting neutral'.
Fred Hicks from Evil Hat will be better at explaining "why Fate", or you could also look at this thread from /r/rpg
Dungeon World
Its good that old school D&D feel with a 'to do it, just say it' kind of new school story telling mechanic. Its $10 as a pdf from here. I like it, its good for beginners to role playing and its collaborative story telling as you go.
OSRIC
OSRIC is a re-release of what is basically the original D&D rules under an open game licence. There are kind of a lot of different versions of this kind of thing and, to be fair, I have no idea what the actual differences are. Someone might pip in and tell us hopefully. You can get the book for free as a pdf right here at lulu.com or apparently to get them to print, bind and post it to you it costs only $17.81 which, as an Australian, seems far too good to be true ...
Pathfinder
I've used bookdepository.com in the past to get the hardcopy of Paizo's Pathfinder Core Rulebook ... which at around $50 and no postage is a lot better than the $80-110 I'd have to pay if I bought at a local bookshop, and better than you can get directly from Paizo who charge $40 for the book and $40 for international postage.
Pathfinder Core might be a bit too complex for what your looking for at this point though, but bookdepository is by far a cheaper option if you can find what you're looking for compared to buying local (which seems counter-intuitive, and while I'd like to 'support local' I just don't have that much cash!).
D&D
D&D 4e (which I've never played to be honest) has a bunch of 'essentials' A5 size books which summarised the preceding years of rules glut down into some basic books: See the 'frequently bought together bit half way down and also there is a Rules Compendium - apparently that's D&D 4e, the summarised version ... $60-ish the lot if you are in Australia, and I've seen them for $20-$25 each at the "FLGS" so you saving a bit there ...
Alternately, Wizards of the Coast are currently 'playtesting' the 5th edition of D&D and you can sign up to be a beta tester and download the lastest test version for free here
If you play Pathfinder, then note that they put all their rules and bestiary online for free and so you can save some serious dough. You can then spend your money on things like battle mats, paper miniatures, and adventure modules. They have an upcoming beginners box that would probably be perfect for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KPv80QsBfI
If you play D&D 4th Edition, you kind of have to choose between the original line and "Essentials" line (it's very confusing). Personally I say go with the Essentials line because it is easier, cheaper, and (to me at least) "feels" more like what D&D is supposed to be like. WotC doesn't publish anything online for free like Paizo, so you'll have to buy some stuff. I recommend:
If no one wants to play a ranger, druid, paladin or warlock at first you can skip the one book and meet your $60 budget. Eventually you'll probably want to get a Dungeon Master guide of some sort. The kind of information in those books is mostly generic advice on how to run games and handle personalities, so it's possibly to buy an older used copy from the original line even though you are playing Essentials. Hell, since it's just generic advice, you could even buy the Pathfinder guide (which is amazingly well written) and use it for D&D.
In summary - I think it's easier for you to meet your budget by going with Pathfinder, since they publish a lot of material for free, leaving you to spend your money on the adventure modules which is where all the fun is anyways. It's unanimous that Pathfinder does a much better job on published adventures too, since they are a company that started off as an adventure publishing company and that is their strength. However, D&D 4e (especially Essentials) is much easier to play, but you won't have as much money left over to spend on adventures (and those adventures kind of suck).
Take a look at the Dungeon Delve.
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Delve-4th-Supplement-Adventure/dp/0786951397
Also, if you have a subscription to DND Insider, there are tons of short adventures published in Dragon Magazine. All archives available online.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/tools.aspx
For RPGs, check out Reign which handles low fantasy really well.
The Black Company novels have relatively low fantasy feel (even if high fantasy elements are going in the background), and there's an RPG for it that's pretty snazzy.
As for movies, a lot of 70s/80s fantasy movies were low-fantasy on account of budget limitations. So, movies like Lady Hawke, Sword and the Sorcerer, Excalibur, Krull, and Beastmaster would all be worth checking out.
Absolutely! I plan to use my Pathfinder modules extensively. For the most part, the only conversion to be done is on traps and monsters. Once the Monster Manual releases, you should be able to find the new stats for the same creature or find a comparable creature.
I can't recommend the Pathfinder AdventurePath series of adventures enough. They take your group from level 1 to 15 or 20 in full campaign of adventures.
Here's the list:
http://paizo.com/pathfinder/adventurePath
Rise of the RuneLords is really good, especially the new hardback updated super edition. $46 for an entire CAMPAIGN of adventures! Your FLGS might have it as well for a bit more (but good to support them).
http://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Adventure-Path-Runelords-Anniversary/dp/1601254369/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404695616&sr=8-1&keywords=rise+of+the+runelords
Oh man, so I guess it was originally a homebrew system before they wrote the books. After it spiked in popularity they got together and banged one out.
The Expanse Roleplaying Game https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934547972/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fpDnDbDDJ77JY
There’s some useful info in this sourcebook. It’s for 3.5 but it’s got some good ideas that can be adapted. World Of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game (d20 3.5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1588467813/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_W343AbNZWJKBX
You might be better off looking into something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-D20-Based-Open-Gaming/dp/1588469425
I know how much fun it can be to convert D&D into different settings, but it is a HUGE amount of work. I spent weeks creating a Ghostbusters P&P RPG in the Shadowrun 4th edition system, and it was just to much work.
edit I just saw the price tag, IGNORE ME!
https://www.amazon.com/Expanse-Roleplaying-Game-Steve-Kenson/dp/1934547972/
https://www.amazon.com/Expanse-Game-Masters-Kit/dp/1934547980/
Have you checked out the 4E book Dungeon Delve?
Anima Prime and Anima Beyond Fantasy are not related in the slightest.
Anima Prime (the core rules are free and there is an awesome pre-packaged demo). The game is freaking awesome, but remember you are supposed to play BAMF's from the start so "advancement" is kinda minimal, which can annoy some players.
http://www.animaprimerpg.com/main/
Anima Beyond Fantasy RPG
https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/anima-beyond-fantasy-rpg/
Also, if you like the idea of Exalted, but not a fan of rules. There is an AWESOME complete rules hack of the original Quickstart Rules they launched the game with that fix everything, and run smooth. http://aakin.net/wiki/doku.php?id=qwixalted_-_jarvisified
There is also a great Exalted hack for Cortex Plus. http://blackwingedheaven.deviantart.com/art/Exalted-Blood-and-Fire-Version-1-3-442414903
Cortex Plus (smallville) also is perfect for any sort of "drama" based anime. It is also just an amazing game all around. http://www.amazon.com/Smallville-Roleplaying-Game-Cam-Banks/dp/1931567891/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457704346&sr=8-1&keywords=smallville+rpg
Hey, glad you're running a Neverwinter campaign.
NPC wise, here are a few links that might help.
Back in the 4e days, there was/in an actual campaign/setting book. Great reference.
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146
The MMO by the same name, has a wiki you might find useful and a source of inspiration.
http://neverwinter.wikia.com/wiki/Category:NPCs
And I found this in just a quick search. An Epic Words posting with npc's.
http://www.epicwords.com/neverwinter/npcs
From the Wizards of the Coast webpage:
http://dnd.wizards.com/dungeons-and-dragons/what-is-dnd/locations/neverwinter
Dungeonmaster.com has a review of the DnD Encounters game Storm over Neverwinter.
http://dungeonsmaster.com/2013/06/dd-encounters-storm-over-neverwinter-report-card/
A quick google search for Neverwinter map, brings up a ton of stuff. Use whichever ones you want for your game.
https://www.google.com/search?q=map+of+neverwinter&espv=2&biw=1346&bih=739&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=N1FFVJn7JsKqyASxmIKABA&ved=0CB0QsAQ&dpr=2
Ok... with those out of the way, remember regardless of "canon" material. Run the game how you want too. Maybe you want to use a Pathfinder adventure. Ok, just reskin it(as little or as much as you want) to fit your game.
It's your adventure setting. Make it relevant to your players, they won't care if it's 100% perfect.
Good luck, and have fun.
https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Grid-Wizards-RPG-Team/dp/0786966211/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?crid=24PHHCZC6UB3C&keywords=dnd+game+mat+dry+erase&qid=1556820874&s=gateway&sprefix=dnd+game+mat&sr=8-12
I like this one, since it's cardboard, you do the have to worry about it rolling up. I haven't had any issues with staining.
have you checked this book out?
BOOK
Rise of the Runelords, except I converted it to D&D 5ed. We played every-other week for two years (with a 3 month break in the middle while our druid had a baby in real life.) Lots of fun, despite the constant point A to B structure.
If you don't mind deviating from the D&D systems, you can always give this system a try. I played a campaign in it once, and found it highly rewarding. I ended up being a eunuch poisonmaster named Alexander Mason, and terrified everyone in the campaign because I could easily kill everyone. However, being truly loyal to my liege (though not entirely vocal about it), I meant the party no harm. Regardless, the system is quite fun, and takes a great spin on the RPG genre.
Grand History of the Realms. You can also find a digital version on DMsGuild or DriveThruRPG, I forget which! But it is a full timeline up to 1384 DR I believe.
Understood! THey have been adding more and more content that can be "Printed" each month; you might be able to find a used/new copy of dungeon delve by other legal means like through amazon stores https://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Delve-4th-Supplement-Adventure/dp/0786951397
Looks like HOTDQ and Rise of Tiamat are also on sale for around $20:
Volo's and Xanathar's are around $30:
SCAG is $30, as is the not-yet-released Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes:
...and scrolling down the list, it seems a bunch of normally $50 adventures are also on sale around $30-34. The DMG is $32 and the Monster Manual is $34:
Players don't need much. I agree with BenDunno's suggestion - PH1 is a good place to start. Depends on what they feel like playing. Community opinion is mixed on the Essentials builds in Heroes of the Fallen Lands and Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms, but these builds are fully cross-compatible with the rest of 4th Ed, so if people want to play them, it won't cause a problem. A few players in my group tried out Essentials characters and had fun with them.
The Rules Compendium is amazingly handy for both players and DM's - easy to carry around, clearly indexed and consolidated.
(btw, I included Amazon links for clarity, but if you've got a dedicated game store near you, buy from them instead - your FLGS (Friendly Local Game Store) is a really important part of the gamer ecosystem - give 'em all the support you can :) )
FR Player's Guide is a good resource.
If you want detailed history, Grand History of the Realms is a beautifully rendered timeline of all the history of Faerun.
The Wiki is a good resource.
Menzoberranzan comes out next month.
Alternately, you can get either or both of these for character creation. They offer a different style of characters to play, and will be the same classes that you'll find in the Red Box. In my experience these classes are easier on new players than the PHB classes.
I got mine from the previous Pathfinder Bundle, so I'm not sure other than keeping an eye out for a discount at your local game stores. Also, if you get emails from Barnes & Noble, you will get a 30% off one item sooner or later you can use on the physical copy. Buying used is also an option too.
Apparently, there is a Pocket Edition of the rules that goes for about $20. B&N has it too, if you want to wait for a 30% off coupon.
>How big is the arena?
>
>Grid, map, or theatre of mind?
I'll be using the full foldable adventure grid, which is pretty big (about 20x25 squares) with some terrain pieces (pillars, small changes in elevation, braziers, some hazards, and such. There will be a 3x3 platform in the middle which will serve as a sort of King of the Hill type area. I plan on having some random lair actions that occur at initiative count 20 that will seek to either encourage people to move to the central location, or otherwise mix things up. The platform in the middle will usually be safe from these. I'm thinking of things like the following:
Might also run these as legendary actions so they could happen more than once per round if I think it necessary.
> How will stealth be handled?
If a player takes the Hide action, I'd have them roll Stealth contested by everyone else's Passive Perception. Players who have a lower PP than the check "lose track of that character and don't know where he or she is until they do something that would reveal themselves (move in the open, attack, etc.). If a player sought to just hide every turn and not really participate, I'd likely leverage the hazards to encourage otherwise.
> How will general fight aviodance be handled? Druid wildshape, tiny hut, rope trick, etc?
No druids in the group, so no worries about unlimited wild shape or such. I don't plan on giving them in-game time to prepare. It's a dream, so they just appear in the arena, the Moon Deity announces the contest, and they begin! So things like Tiny Hut are a non option. Things like Rope Trick won't work, as extradimensional space cannot be created here. They've had their fair share of unexpected interactions with teleporting or creating extradimensional space in odd places, so I think they'll know to expect those tricks could have unintended risks. But in general, hazards will be used as needed to encourage participation, though I am not at all opposed to tactics outside of the usual "do damage until everyone dies" game.
> Will pc’s get a short rest or long rest during this? If not how will you balance short rest classes?
Nope, this is a single battle. Definitely something that could be negatively impacted by the "5 minute adventuring day" effect, but otherwise, I've given the short-rest classes (just our Monk, really) tools that help to combat that (an item that restores a ki point on crits/kills with unarmed strikes). Otherwise, I could do some minor random reductions to long rest resources to represent being part-way through a day and reduce crazy nova.
> What level are the pc’s?
Level 20, baby!
> How will you handle summoned creatures? Can the cleric planar ally?
The same way I usually do. They can use them as written, but attacks are rolled in batches to save time, and if you don't have your turn planned out when you get to it, they attack the closest enemy. Haven't had a problem with this, as no one wants their turns to take forever. The cleric could cast Planar Ally, but it'll take about 100 rounds of combat haha
> How about divine intervention, wish, true Polymorph, shape change, simulacrum?
There's only one player with level 9 spells (Wish being one) and I'm going to rule that it can only be used for the "duplicate a lower level spell" effect. Otherwise, run them as written, paying close attention to casting time.
> What about players teaming up?
Totally allowed, if not encouraged. Two players are very much more combat oriented than the others, so I absolutely suspect someone will propose teamwork.
> the problem I see is that one person is winning and the rest are losing full stop.
That's generally how Battle Royales work, eh? Yeah, my concern is with people sitting around for an hour or more if they get knocked out early, so I had a plan for that: when a character falls, a Shadow (or another creature I choose) rises there with the goal of taking down the person who defeated them. These creatures will be immune to damage, effectively making them active hazards. That and having them do rolls for the lair actions and such to make sure people have things to do if they fall.
So that's my thoughts. Just need to figure out if I'll let them know ahead of time that we'll be doing this or make it a surprise.
Dark Heresy II takes place in the setting of Warhammer 40k. There's another book in the same setting I was going to recommend called "Total War", but for the life of me, I can't find it on Amazon or Drivethrurpg... so yeah.
Dark Heresy, Rogue Trader, Death Company, Total War, and Dark Heresy II all use very similar (if not identical in some cases) tactical combat rules. Setting up overwatch (think ranged attack of Opportunities), using automatic weapons to pin enemies behind cover, use of area weapons like flamers (flame throwers), and tons of different psyker powers make this whole genre really fun for tactical play.
Aside from the setting, the other big reason I like this system is how deadly it is, as well as the damage charts (depending on the type of damage dealt to certain locations on the body, people die at anywhere from -3 to -10 "wounds")
I got mine off amazon.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/0786966211/ref=cm_cr_srp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
The Red Box for 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons is more of a quick start than a full game. If you're wanting to run a full game in that edition, you'll want to pick up one of the following books:
I'd also recommend the Rules Compendium as it has all the rules needed to run and play the game (outside character creation).
These books are under $20 and you may be able to pick them up for less than $10 used. They're also Prime eligible (depending on the seller) on Amazon. They're also digest sized, making them easy to take with you when you travel. The Rules Compendium is available as a digital download as well.
You can also find multiple character creation programs online, such as Hero Lab that are detailed enough you don't actually need the books. I believe the Dungeons & Dragons Insider character generator is still available online. Unfortunately, these require a subscription or software purchase. Other programs can do the same thing, but they're fan created and some of them go way over what's legally allowed by the license to do.
These all assume you're wanting to stick with 4th Edition. If not, you can easily ditch it and make use of the accessories of the Red Box. If you want to go with D&D Next (the playtest of the edition that will launch this summer), you can pick up either of the Encounters seasons written for that edition because they include the playtest rules. Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle and Dreams of the Red Wizard: Scourge of the Sword Coast are available now.
You can also go with Pathfinder, which is a modified version of Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition. The Pathfinder Beginner's Box is one of the best introductory bundles I've ever seen, and it has rules for character creation and advancement for 1st through 5th levels (though you're limited to Fighter, Wizard, Rogue, and Cleric and Human, Dwarf, Elf, and Halfling). However, you can use the Pathfinder Reference Document to expand on that for free.
Phew This'll be a long a post, but certainly reward to read by the end of it. Playing D&D/Pathfinder really is the Nerdiest, Nerd thing I've ever done, and it is a lot of fun! Watch +DawnforgedCast's Session 0 video and download his checklist here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0FmGxmJLiw It's meant for a GameMaster/Dungeon Master, but that checklist will help you out greatly in understanding what you want when starting out in a new group, with or without veteran players. If you aren't able to find a group locally (I don't recommend online groups for your first introduction) then taking up the mantle of leadership as the GameMaster/Dungeon Master, can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. However, if you're one with a vivid imagination, or are good with thinking on the fly (believe me, it gets better with time) then you'll already have a headstart on the majority of GMs out there. A great beginning module that has a little bit of everything, adventure hook (i.e., reason why your players should be doing this), NPC interaction, wilderness adventuring, dungeon crawling, is the Hollow's Last Hope module for 1st Level Players as it works for both D&D and Pathfinder. You don't really need the print version, since you can download it for FREE at Paizo's website https://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Hollow%27s_Last_Hope
I greatly recommend you get the Pathfinder RPG: Beginner Box ($25-$35) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601256302 it is a different game, but the rule set is uber-simplified and honestly, superior to the D&D Starter Set ($15), and is worth the extra money. The Beginner Box literally has the all of the beginning needs for play. Pre-generated characters, blank character sheets for the four classes (Wizard, Rogue, Cleric, and Fighter) with either of the three races (Elf, Dwarf, and Human) that are easy to introduce new players to, a flip out map that you can use dry-erase- or wet-erase markers, and permanent markers on (all of which can be erased off, I use these wet-erase makers that are $9 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFGW because I'll draw camp fires with brown, yellow, orange, and red colors, green helps with trees and shrubbery, blue for water, and black for everything else), a Hero's handbook, and really, really, good GM guide, plus thick, cardboard punch-out marker pawns of various Monsters, NPCs, Player characters, and other creatures, that amount to a wealth of miniatures that would take a lot of money and time to paint them all up, plus they're easier to store in the box. Unfortunately, it only comes with one set of dice, so it wouldn't hurt to get these on these 7 sets ($12) on the cheap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDJNE93 and pass them out to your players, or if they have their own, then you'll have plenty of extra multiples of dice, which will come in handy during combat with spellcasters and sneak attacks by Rogues. I handed them out to my players after they told me what their favorite colors were. =P
That'd would be all you'd really need to start, $30ish Beginner Box, plus $10 for markers, and $10 more if you or your players need dice. Now, what follows is what I used for my first GMing of a game, based on many different people's recommendations. In order to make combat work in a logical way that I could understand, I bought the Pathfinder Combat Pad $20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601255470, along with those wet-erase markers from earlier. It's usefulness has been far better, and worth it's price in gold, to use than a cheap $1 store notebook, when I would have to erase or rewrite when players would defeat monsters or would hold their actions, or would tell them the wrong initiative bonus to start (lol!). Again, rather use a dollar store binder, I bought the Pathfinder GM Screen $16ish https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601252161, because it was short enough for me to look over rather than 3-ring binders or a paper folder at the actual game table. Speaking the table, I bought the Chessex Battlemats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015IQO2O this is a link to the smaller one ($20), since I bought the Megamat ($35), only because I had a large table, and players could use it as a coaster for drinks too (even though I did have coasters, to prevent spillage). As an added bonus, I recently discovered the Condition cards $10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601252854, to use with Pathfinder, and they are great to hand out to players (as you would already know these conditions since it's written behind the GM Screen) so they know what condition they are in at a glance. Keep in mind though, you only get 4 or each, so if you are lucky enough to have more players, it wouldn't hurt to buy an extra set (however, it would be strange if all of your players had the same condition).
Now, let's say you enjoy Pathfinder, and you bought the Core Rulebook $20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601258879 (if it's a hardcover, always look inside for the Sixth edition printing, the paperback will already be that edition) but are getting tired of looking up Monster stats online, then grab the Paperback version of the first Bestiary $16 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601258887 which has the great majority of all of the "regular" monsters in either D&D or Pathfinder. If you're not much of an artist, then there's the recently released Pathfinder Traps and Treasures Pawns Collection $25 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601259719 but be warned that you only want to place on the board AFTER the players find out what it is or after they trip it since it does have text explaining what it is as a trap, and if you're use the treasure ones, make sure you add whatever is actually printed on the tile is IN the list of treasure you give the players, because they can and will ask about, "can't I grab that cup or sword, it's on the tile?" ;)
Lastly, if you enjoy being the GameMaster/Dungeon Master, the storyteller, the world builder, then I'd recommend getting the Pathfinder Gamemastery Guide $15 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601259492, which again, can be applied to both RPG games. And if you what better weather effects to throw at your party than what is presented in the CRB and GMG, then Pathfinder Ultimate Wilderness $30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601259867 has all that you need, and then some, plus some cool spells and tons of new animal companions and familiars for spellcasters alike, and a new shapeshifting melee-fighting class called the Shifter, which is pretty neat to use (albeit, you may want to check out Paizo's website for any official errata or clarifications, just in case). If you want to actually create a campaign and are having a hard time coming up with ideas, locations, groups/factions, kingdoms, races, then one more purchase, which is what +DawnforgedCast used for his Pathfinder games seen here is the Inner Sea World Guide $45 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1601252692 It is pricey, but again, very much worth it, to create your own world or to use the pre-made world, as well. Remember, the Beginner Box, Markers, and Dice is really all you need, the rest of this is to expand out. I hope this helps you and anyone else out as well. =P
There is! Grand History of the Realms at least thats the historic stuff. Faiths and pantheons have all the deities. And theres elminster's forgotten realms for other random stuff.
Disclaimer i only own faiths and pantheons but ive heard good things about grand history.
Hoard - not Horde it turns out - of the Dragon Queen
Rise of Tiamat
Princes of the Apocalypse - available April 7
If you are like me and prefer a physical book over pdfs, you can try and search "Pathfinder CRB softcover" on Amazon. It's pocket sized (if you wear cargo pants) and only costs $25 which is a pretty good deal compared to the hardcover. Note: I have the student Amazon prime for Pathfinder sales. A lot of their stuff goes on sale occasionally which is really nice.
What I do for my friends is show them the Core Rule Book and get them to know what their classes do, how combat works, etc. Then I allow them to use nearly any material they can find online from Paizo sources, or third party sources that I can approve. The beauty of Pathfinder is that the Core Rules are pretty sick, but there is a world of content outside of it too (like, over 40 classes or something like that, not counting prestige classes).
Link to softcover https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1601258879/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491394704&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=pathfinder+core+rulebook&dpPl=1&dpID=518q5G6xFfL&ref=plSrch
RA Salvatore wrote the books the current Neverwinter lore is based on.
Neverwinter
If you want straight lore...
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146
THIS IS WHY WE CAN HAVE NICE THINGS!
Well, /u/Halfkender reached out to me and tried to lift my spirits last week when I was in a deep funk after some people saying some less-than-pleasant things about me on another subreddit... he didn't know me, I didn't know him, but he was an emotional super trooper.
There's an RPG on his wish list I bet he would like to have.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934547476?colid=3RV8VLH1Z1ZJK&coliid=IN4BB19QORDGB
You can buy the rulebook for like $25 on amazon
. I really like it, i've played like 4-5 sessions of it. It plays a bit like D&D but usually you play as detectives (More in actions then in title, unless you want to play an actual detective) And combat is SIGNIFICANTLY more deadly. You won't be much stronger than the average cultist.
[If you want to see it being played I'm particular to Dice Stormers on youtube.] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oi1i70iaUM&list=UUiHMbAFXhVslHs0wPd8-JrA)
its on amazon. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Heresy-Second-Edition-Rulebook/dp/1616616946
It comes in a few different flavors already.
Firefly
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/128012/Firefly-RolePlaying-Game-Corebook
Hackers Guide (all the rules for the different incarnations in one book, misses the "flavor" though)
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/117419/Cortex-Plus-Hackers-Guide?filters=0_0_44283_0_0
Leverage (Con Job / Spy Thriller)
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/browse.php?keywords=leverage&x=0&y=0&author=&artist=&pfrom=&pto=
Marvel Heroic
http://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Heroic-Roleplay-Basic-Game/dp/1936685167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396635239&sr=8-1&keywords=marvel+heroic
Smallville
http://www.amazon.com/Smallville-Roleplaying-Game-Cam-Banks/dp/1931567891/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396635264&sr=8-1&keywords=smallville+rpg
Dragon Brigade
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/93882/Dragon-Brigade-Opening-Salvo
Check out the Neverwinter campaign guide. Though written for dnd 4e, I just finished a campaign of 10 levels of D&D Next there and it was a blast.
So much of it is system neutral or portable, and it's just a great setting.
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146/ref=cm_sw_em_r_awd_2ukwtb15YJ2JD_tt
I recommend that you pick up Dungeon Delve for getting started with pre-made encounters and Masterplan to keep it all together.
Well, we're still really new to the game.. we only started playing in August. However, if you want to get a good idea of what gameplay is like and/or how to build a character, check out these links:
One group's weekly D&D game, recorded live
Dungeons & Dragons Official Homepage
Character building help: 27 Questions to Ask your New Character
Also buy these books:
Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms
Heroes of the Fallen Lands
D&D Rules Compendium
These first two books are all about the character races and classes, and the last one is just a comprehensive list of all the game rules. Like I said, I've been playing since August, and I haven't read all of them cover to cover, because so far the only parts that have been pertinent to me were about building my character and leveling up. But there's a good, strong description of the gameplay in there, so you should get a pretty good idea of how it works.
Hope this helps!
That already exists dude, buy it on Amazon
There is the pen and paper A Song of Ice and Fire RPG made by Green Ronin Publishing, which is a fantastic game with great supplements. I too would love a video game RPG in the style of Elder Scrolls or Witcher.
on Amazon.de it's available for about 43€ with Amazon Prime shipping. I bought mine through the http://www.bookdepository.com/ but they have somewhat longer shipping (and only the paperback version of the book). But to be honest: I have only seen the hardcover version so I'm not convinced if there actually is a paperback version. I will report back as soon as my copy arrives.
Buy some dice.
Buy some books.
Honestly, it depends what kind of game you want to play. I think here you're going to get a lot of weird niche games suggested but for starters you're better off sticking with the a more 'traditional' experience. D&D is an excellent starting point if you want to play a fantasy game, you can even pick up one of their adventures if you don't want to write your own material.
If you're unsure about spending that much just to get started you can pick up this starter set that will include the basic rules, a set of dice, some pregenerated characters, and a short adventure. From there, if you like the game, you can pick up the full rulebooks and some more dice and whatever else you like. Alternatively you can try out the free basic rules by downloading them from the Wizards of the Coast website. All you'll need is a set of dice to get started.
If you don't like or don't want to play D&D you can check out a bunch of other systems that will let you play other games or settings. [Edge of the Empire] (https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Edge-Empire-Rulebook/dp/1616616571/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=edge+of+the+empire&qid=1563883870&s=gateway&sr=8-1) is a really cool Star Wars game, but it requires custom dice. My personal favourite sci-fi rpg is Traveller though, and it has the advantage of only requiring six sided dice.
A lot of people really like Savage Worlds, it's fun, it's cheap, and it's generic enough that you can run almost any setting you like with it. Unfortunately there's a new edition due out really soon so take that in to consideration. If you want a more in depth generic system then I can recommend GURPS, although you'll also need the Campaigns book. This system is absolutely not beginner friendly, it slaps you in the face with tables and rules for all sorts of scenarios, but I adore it and it's not really all that hard to figure out.
If you want an alternative to D&D Green Ronin has the "Age" series of games, starting with Fantasy Age, continuing with Modern Age, and the recently released The Expanse RPG covers Sci-Fi. I will admit that I've not actually had a chance to play any of these games, but I've read the rules and like the system.
Honestly you can find a game to cover practically any genre you want, whether it's Grimdark Fantasy, Martial Arts, Space Exploration, Lovecraftian Horror, Anime Cyberpunk Space Opera, or almost any other thing you can think of.
Don't fall in to the trap of playing a game because someone suggests it's 'easy', play something that really grabs your interest and inspires your imagination.
Inner Sea World Guide - lore about Golarion in general, and a world history. Lots and lots of really cool info, the "go-to" book for lore in Golarion/Pathfinder
Inner Sea Gods - lore about the core deities in Golarion and their religions, as well as some info about some of the outlying, less-common deities/religions.
Pathfinder Player Companion: Varisia, Birthplace of Legends Quite a few adventure paths take place or start in Varisia, particularly the city of Sandpoint.
Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Magnimar, City of Monuments A major city in Varisia that also is involved in a number of adventure paths.
The Rise of the Runelords adventure path is a great introduction for new players and new GMs into Golarion and pathfinder in general.
Ninja edit: www.pathfinderwiki.com is another great resource, and is just lore-based as opposed to including things like stats for creatures and that sort of thing. More detail is in the books that are referenced for each page, but that site will get you started with things like the gods, various countries, and prominent events in Golarion history.
Hi there underneaththestars9!
2nd grade is a great time to get a kid interested in RPGs. Although disclaimer: I haven't ran for kids myself (I have run some solo games, though) - If I were to do so though, I personally wouldn't use D&D 5e for it. As streamlined as it is, it's still pretty darn complicated - especially for a youngin'
Instead, perhaps consider something like Basic Fantasy (They also give their PDFs away for free). It's super easy to learn and run - it's based on the Basic D&D set from back in the day, so most of it is very identifiably D&D - even if you've only played newer versions. Perfect place for a new adventurer to start out!
As for the campaign itself, I'm guessing it's gonna be just her? If so: make the game all about her. Ask her what sorta theme she'd like and pander to whatever kind of game she wants. Essentially find out the kind of character she wants to play and build a game based around the sorts of things that character would get into.
Also, maybe for inspiration read up on kids' fantasy. The Hobbit, Narnia, that sort of thing. Obviously some aspect of those works tick with young readers - whether it's the fantastical whimsy, the way they narrate events, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146
Again, it's technically 4e and I'm not personally familiar with it but I hear it's setting-free.
For any backround information, just refer to the wiki:
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page
For the adventures, buy either of the following:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496916563&sr=8-1&keywords=5e+starter+set
https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Kings-Thunder-Dungeons-Dragons/dp/0786966009/ref=pd_sim_14_9?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0786966009&pd_rd_r=G32SS8JKKV8E0RJEWD11&pd_rd_w=q2eos&pd_rd_wg=Fl90h&psc=1&refRID=G32SS8JKKV8E0RJEWD11
https://www.amazon.com/Hoard-Dragon-Queen-Adventure-Wizards/dp/0786965649/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1496916592&sr=1-1&keywords=hoard+of+the+dragon+queen
https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Tiamat-Adventure-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965657/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1496916610&sr=1-1&keywords=rise+of+tiamat
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=princes+of+the+apocalypse+d%26d&sprefix=princes+of%2Cstripbooks%2C573&crid=1MNP7K2PCNO3F
https://www.amazon.com/Out-Abyss-D-Accessory/dp/0786965819/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1496917649&sr=1-1-fkmr0
You could also learn the lore while playing games like:
I'd recommend the Neverwinter Campaign Setting of 4e. While the mechanics are all for 4e, there's a lot of fluff specific to Neverwinter and the surrounding areas. Might not want to use all of it, but it'd certainly be great for background/descriptions/fluff/NPC and faction ideas.
As I recall, it has details for Castle Never as an adventure site, and has info on Lord Neverember and other important leaders of the city.
Here's the amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Neverwinter-Campaign-Setting-Dungeons-Supplement/dp/0786958146
Depends on what races/creatures you have in your book. Different races behave differently in different universes, but I personally prefer the treatment given to races and monsters in DnD because of how thorough and fleshed out it is.
Dungeons and Dragons Monster Rulebook for monsters (Dragons, Beholders etc)
Complete Book of Humanoids for humanoid races (Centaurs, Dark elves, Ogres etc)
Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook for more conventional races (Humans, Dwarves, Elves)
​
Even if you don't play DnD, those books are worth a read.
If you prefer an all-in-one read then the Pathfinder manual is pretty good- It's a compressed (slightly less detailed and not as comprehensive) tome containing all 3 of the above classes of information
Pathfinder RPG Rulebook
​
I think, in general, reading the settings books should give you enough background - since they usually incorporate much of the history.
One suggestion though is the Grand History of the Realms: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-History-Realms-Forgotten/dp/0786947314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500408654&sr=8-1&keywords=grand+history+of+the+realms
It's pricey currently, but it it is basically a history book of the realms.
http://www.amazon.com/Colossal-Dragon-Dungeons-Dragons-Icons/dp/0786941685/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
This? I saw it in a video just now and it is a pretty impressive "miniature"!
Have you checked out the Song of Ice and Fire rpg? I find it a very fun game for world builders. It has lots of good stuff on building and managing houses, large scale combat, and politicking.
There are several actually. This appears to be the most recent and best liked
Another from 2005
There may be more.
Just to clarify, you're referring to the now-defunct A Game of Thrones RPG, put out by... White Wolf? Maybe?
They're referring to A Song of Ice And Fire Roleplaying, by Green Ronin.
Well...
The Expanse Roleplaying Game https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934547972/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4q3VDbJF3A80Q
Rad Hack is a great post-apocalyptic rpg for super cheap.
For a solid old school tabletop experience, I would also highly recommend Basic Fantasy RPG . It’s five bucks for a good sized rule book.
There are several good ones on DriveThruRPG as well.
i'll just suggest the new World of Darkness because i think it's cool. pretty simple and adaptable system
http://www.amazon.com/World-Darkness-White-Wolf-Studio/dp/1588464849/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344394194&sr=8-1&keywords=world+of+darkness
There aren't a lot out there specifically for 5e (assuming you're playing 5e, don't remember if you mentioned it) yet. In fact the only ones I'm aware of are of the campaign variety (a string of 'adventures') and there's nothing wrong with any of them. I've run Hoard of the Dragon Queen, The Rise of Tiamat, Princes of the Apocalypse and I'm currently running Out of the Abyss..
You can always take a module from an older version of the game (or from a completely different game even) but you'll have to do some work to get it ready. The stats for the monsters will be different - you'll need to look up the same or similar monsters in the Monster Manual and have the stats ready. Other than that though the plot, maps and the rest can be used as-is.
DriveThruRPG has some modules that don't cost too much. You get them as a pdf instead of a physical book, but everything you need is there. Again, if you use one from an older version of the game you'll have to do some prep work.
You can find them on EBay as well. Some of the most famous ones are Tomb of Horrors (really though - don't do it. Your players will hate you), Ravenloft (my personal favorite module of all time which a Redditor has converted to 5e) and here's a list that I largely agree with.
You could try Pathfinder expansions, or The Resistance (probably the Avalon version is most fun) is a great mix of board game and light RPG.
You can find out more about Pathfinder here: http://rpggeek.com/rpg/1627/pathfinder-roleplaying-game. Pathfinder is, as far as I know, an RPG system not just an RPG in of itself, that other RPGs can be played off if you have the core rule book handy, which some of which are listed in 'Linked Items' (to move through the pages, the link is hidden in the top right hand corner of the Linked Item box :) ).
You can also find out top ranked RPGs by the users of RPG Geeks here: http://rpggeek.com/browse/rpg, if you wanted them to get into a new RPG! Call of the Chtulhu is its own system, and apparently number 1! I've heard good things about it - if he's asking for a new RPG, the core rule book is here: http://www.amazon.com/Call-Cthulhu-Roleplaying-Lovecraft-Edition/dp/1568821816/. You can also buy spiffy dice for it here: http://www.awesomedice.com/rpg-dice-by-game/call-of-cthulhu-dice but they are pricey! The same site has nice sets of dice for D&D (so I THINK they can be used for Pathfinder but I'm not 100% - maybe check on /r/rpg for that) at a much more reasonable price, if you maybe wanted to opt for them!
The Resistance Avalon - there are bad guys and good guys, but not everyone knows who is who. The bad guys have to try and bluff their way through the game to sabotage all the missions, and the good guys have to try and stop them - but if the bad guys work out who Merlin is (and Merlin knows who all the bad guys are), then they automatically win anyway. Great group game (I don't own it but I know it), and fun. You can see the peeps from Shut Up & Sit Down play it here: http://susd.pretend-money.com/videos/v/play-the-resistance-avalon/
Someone else mentioned Pandemic, which I do own, and is a boat load of fun! A co-operative game trying to wipe out infections!
I've only played one RPG, once, before, so I'm not an expert! Board games are more my domain. But I hope this helps with your giftee! :)
First off, I think this is the most elaborate contest I've ever participated in, so congratulations for that :P Fear cuts deeper than swords. I hope some of my items are awesome enough for some extra credit ;) Also I wasn't sure if duplicates are allowed. I will revise if necessary.
1.) Something grey and it's been on my wishlist.
2.) Rain, well not technically rain, she is a water bender :P Previously on my wishlist.
3.) Unusual, I think this is something I would use like twice a year. With ice cream or cereal.
4.) Someone else My sister and I want to start playing tabletop games. Previously on my wishlist.
5.) "Book" I took a little bit of liberty with this one because it's a graphic novel. But it's Batman, so...(Previously on my wishlist).
6.) Under a dollar.
7.) Cats There's a catbus in it, which is pretty much the best part of the movie. Previously on my wishlist.
8.) Beautiful As a Star Wars fan having the original trilogy on Blu Ray would be beautiful to me. I love high definition movies, especially ones that are aesthetically pleasing. Previously on my wishlist.
9.) Movie As a Browncoat, I would encourage anyone who has a remote interest in Sci-Fi to give this a chance. Previously on my wishlist.
10.) Zombie tool I don't think this needs explanation.
11.) (Updated) Useful for future. I have a desire to create meaningful video games. Previously on wish list.
12.) Add on I actually had this on my wishlist but removed it because add-on items are lame.
13.) Most expensive As previously stated, I want to be a game developer/designer so not only would it be fun to play with, I could create with it too. Previously on list.
14.) Bigger than breadbox Total in the box it is bigger than a breadbox. Previously on wishlist.
15.) Bigger than a golf ball It's a large book. Previously on wishlist.
16.) Smells good As a guy...I enjoy the scent of lavender.
17.) Safe for children toy I don't think this needs any introduction of why it's awesome.
18.) Back to school drawing helps keep me sane. Previously on my list.
19.) Current obsession I'm a noob to tabletop games. But have been wanting to get into it obsessively within the past month or so. And this also takes my love of A Song of Ice and Fire into the mix. Previously on list.
20.) [Amazing] (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-XBR-65X900A-65-Inch-120Hz-Ultra/dp/B00BSREQI6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376281533&sr=8-4&keywords=4k+tv) I've seen one of these in person at the mall and it literally made me stop walking the resolution was so incredible. I know it's as expensive as dicks...but man...when these are affordable...
Bonus 2) Made in Oregon I would have put Tillamook Ice Cream, since it's pretty awesome...but alas not on Amazon.
Edit: Changed an item because I saw it won't count because it's a duplicate.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/952590444X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_FGVXCbMRF6WTN is the physical book, though if you can get your LFGS to order it, that's always recommended.
If you're looking to go cheap, Basic Fantasy RPG is a a great option. It's available free in PDF form and dead tree copies are on Amazon. For $20 you can get the core rules and at least a year worth of adventures and campaign stuff: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1503334945/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_DIVXCbCSGRPAT
Ordered it from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Grid-Wizards-RPG-Team/dp/0786966211/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?crid=2IL6ZYP781QGU&keywords=dnd+battle+mat&qid=1554750814&s=gateway&sprefix=dnd+battle+&sr=8-14
If you get one use the cardboard to make yourself a screen too!
Oh cool. Thanks. I'll definitely check out Cortex Plus & Smallville.
Is this it? I didn't see anything about the cortex system and I'd had to shell out $30 on the wrong book.
If you got 34$ . Or make all the players chip in... Get one of these Pathfinder boxes. It's what we used to start for our minis and for the bad guys until we could afford custom minis
https://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Pawns-Villain-Codex-Box/dp/1601259255/ref=pd_aw_fbt_21_img_2/145-6248616-2512338?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1601259255&pd_rd_r=91edd721-f847-46b9-b08c-88d953c8405e&pd_rd_w=YWR6B&pd_rd_wg=FxX23&pf_rd_p=3ecc74bd-d08f-44bd-96f3-d0c2b89f563a&pf_rd_r=2YWZSVXZZMDP76J2H1ZQ&psc=1&refRID=2YWZSVXZZMDP76J2H1ZQ
Oh wow that is tiny. Do you know if all of the 'DnD Adventure' listings on Amazon are all of the campaigns out at the moment?
Such as...
https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Tiamat-Adventure-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965657/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1466616249&sr=8-4&keywords=Dnd+adventure
Just so you're aware, Cortex Prime is still in development. If you can find a copy of the Smallville RPG or the Cortex Plus Hackers Guide, you'll have the basis for Cortex Plus Drama. (I'd have to check my files on the Hackers Guide -- that book's last half was all SRD for at least two flavors of Cortex Plus. I think Drama was in there, but it's been years since I've looked that those files.) Right now, I'd go with Smallville and hack from there until Cortex Prime is completed.
This is a black company campaign setting book for dnd 3.5 that you would probably find extremely useful.
I found a copy of the dungeon delve. It does not provide enough exp to get through the whole level.
Part of this campaign is to see how much time actually needs to be spent to get from level 1-30.
It is a great place to start. Do you have more recommendations?
If you have the 4e Character Builder from WotC, then you don't need to read "a bunch of books for various benefits or character creation," because everything is in there.
Sadly, if you want to play D&D and have a long term campaign, someone's gonna have to suck it up and be the DM. With the DM, you could find the Dungeon Delve book which is just a series of adventures organized by level. You could just run through that with the same characters, and level up each game.
No. I mean D100/percentile.
If you mean a vRPG, we already have one and it HEAVILY apes Dragon Age Origins. It doesn't have the polish or graphics and the UI is heavily unintuitive, but if you figure that out and turn the graphics to max you will find a pretty good story buried under there. http://www.gameofthrones-rpg.com/
if you mean a tabletop RPG, we have that too although it's out of print. Made by Guardians of Order, the guys who did Big Eyes, Small Mouth, it's every bit as political and unforgiving as the books it's based on. Definitely not a hack and slash RPG unless you want to go through characters like toilet paper. http://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-D20-Based-Open-Gaming/dp/1588469425
You could try to get the RPG game from Chaosium and such, stuff like "Call of Cthulhu" (https://www.amazon.com/Call-Cthulhu-Horror-Roleplaying-Lovecraft/dp/1568821816/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1467686272&sr=1-3) and also some extensions like Delta Green (https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cthulhu-Horror-Roleplaying-Modern/dp/1887797084). Most are nice to read even if you don't play the RPG.
Also books from Robert E. Howard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Howard).
Try http://smile.amazon.com/dp/0786947314 or p266 of the 3E FR book.
Just echoing what these guys are saying. Keep it simple for new players and the best way to do that is with a low level game.
In 4e they [made a book] (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Delve-4th-Supplement-Adventure/dp/0786951397) entirely of one shots. I don't own it but my DM ran a few of it for us while he was working on his own campaign. Even though it's 4th edition, it's easily adaptable and at worst inspiration.
They typically following the rule of Backstory + 3 encounters.
For example: "You're here in Countryville after being hired by King SoandSo. His daughter, Princess Superimportant is traveling to a neighboring city to broker a new trading agreement between the two kingdoms. The road that will be traveled is dangerous and goes through the mountains where Goblins reside. You're tasked with ensuring her safe arrival." That paints the scene for the players and makes clear goals.
Roleplay meeting the princess, loading the carts and making necessary preparations from taking off.
Encounter 1: 4 goblins are keeping watch of the entrance to the mountain on makeshift watch towers. As the PC's approach a horn is blown alerting their kin. They knock arrows and begin to fire down through the canvas roof of the cart. Roll initiative.
Encounter 2. Along the way they see some fellow humans chained up near in an alcove near the side of the road fixing to be fed to a bugbear, perhaps from Princess Superimportant's kingdom or the Kingdom she is traveling to. Princess Superimportant urges that we stop to save them, even if it's super dangerous. She tasks the players with cutting through the couple goblins and then dealing with a large bugbear beast before he's able to have his meal.
Encounter 3: The players have made it through the mountains, saved some allies and everything looks good. Until the driver of the wagon notifies the princess something is tailing them. They look out of the wagon behind them and there's 3 goblins riding on wolves and one goblin chieftain riding a dire wolf chase after. Perhaps they shoot an flaming arrow to the back of the cart and set it ablaze. There's a hide speed battle while moving to the city which should make a memorable fight.
Bam - there's a one shot.
Just follow the formula of:
Backstory
Encounter
Encounter
Encounter
One of the encounters can be a roleplay encounter should you choose or roleplay between the encounters to mix it up.
I'm not sure it addresses all of them directly, but the magic system in The Black Company RPG from Green Ronin is really incredibly detailed, complex and a lot more fluid than D&D style "I memorize X spells" kind of stuff.
If you are going to be playing in person, the Pathfinder Pawns are a great starter tool if they are available in Europe.
https://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Roleplaying-Game-d20/dp/1588467813
To be honest, 2nd edition Faerun was really good. We still play in that time period (as did we in 3rd ed, and 4th ed).
The best FR source book past 2nd ed was the 3rd edition book. I would try and find this book in PDF and go from there. It is not bad, but 4E realms was...well we did not like it (your results may vary).
A good all around book for everything is A Grand History of the Realms.
>What are the major 'world changing' books or series
3rd edition - books about the Shadow Weave and the return of the Netherese.
4th edition - The spell-plague.
Also there is also the best Realms Source on the internet (Ed Greenwood posts there): http://www.candlekeep.com/
On Amazon, they updated the publication/release date of the rulebook to March 19th
Just pick up one of these. Only 576 pages.
I'm not sure how good a game it is but the SciFi channel (now Amazon?) had a show called The Expanse which was pretty hard sci-fi. They made an rpg from it, which recently completed a kickstarter.
https://www.amazon.com/Expanse-Roleplaying-Game-Steve-Kenson/dp/1934547972
Free quick start PDF. https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/247982/The-Expanse-RPG-Quickstart
4e Neverwinter campaign setting
Are you aware of the official adventure featuring exactly that? Would be a good resource for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Hoard-Dragon-Queen-Adventure-Wizards/dp/0786965649
https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Tiamat-Adventure-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965657
Miniatures weren't sold in a set that covered you. Even when they work with WizKids and have a set of the same name... they're still random blind boosters that have SOME of the stuff in it. It isn't a kit you can just buy.
For the WizKids lines here are the galleries:
There is NOTHING wrong with the Pathfinder ones. They're just extra variations (Pathfinder IS D&D 3e revised etc etc).
Anyway, what I would do is look at those galleries and note the set and creature you want.
Then go to eBay and check out sellers like Miniature Market, Noble Knight Games, etc etc and find the place that has what you want in the quantities you want. You're going to spend a pretty penny to get a workable set going.
Another option that I suggest is get the Pathfinder Pawns. You can spend $30ish per box (so about $100 for like 1,000 miniatures).
They are the cheapest way to get into it. Far cheaper than the pre-painted miniatures or investing in paints, brushes, and metal figures.
Then you can feel better splurging $30-50 on a cool dragon rare or go to Hero Forge and get a custom mini, etc.
If you want to go all out I'd recommend these books:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Monster-Rulebook-Roleplaying/dp/0786965614/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1549840456&sr=8-6&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons
https://www.amazon.com/Xanathars-Guide-Everything-Wizards-Team/dp/0786966114/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1549840456&sr=8-10&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons
https://www.amazon.com/Volos-Guide-Monsters-Wizards-Team/dp/0786966017/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1549840456&sr=8-14&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons
Enough dice for you and whoever you're playing with:
https://www.amazon.com/Wiz-Dice-Pack-Random-Polyhedral/dp/B01KN7REWQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549840537&sr=8-4&keywords=1+pound+of+dice
If you want minis:
https://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Codex-Pawns/dp/1601254725/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549840982&sr=8-4&keywords=monster+codex+box
https://www.amazon.com/Paizo-Inc-Pathfinder-Pawns-Bestiary/dp/1601255616/ref=pd_sbs_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1601255616&pd_rd_r=d89745e3-2d8a-11e9-bc59-4fcf3b72f982&pd_rd_w=Ip8Jz&pd_rd_wg=d87AF&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=CQ2TM4MZQSVKFXX2GYRS&psc=1&refRID=CQ2TM4MZQSVKFXX2GYRS
https://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Pawns-Villain-Codex-Box/dp/1601259255/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549840982&sr=8-3&keywords=monster+codex+box
First and foremost, it might help to establish whether you are Old WoD or New WoD (old: Vampire the Mascarade, Werewolf the Apocolypse, Demon the Fallen / new: Vampire the Requiem, Werewolf the Forsaken, Demon the Descent)
There's some serious deviation between the various games, and I'd hate to think you picked up one book from oWoD and one from nWoD, because then your head will explode and you will die.
Secondly, yeah. Assuming you can talk your players back from the ledge, the best thing to do is pick up the New WoD core materials book (either World of Darkness or God Machine Chronicle) and start them out as plan vanilla mortals. Play, say, a three-game story arc. Run it like a Call of Cthulhu or other pulp horror game. Go for a proper Halloween vibe. Feel free to kill everyone in the final game. They should even have a few out-of-the-box adventures you can run. This can be a prelude or just an intro-to kind of thing, but don't make anyone feel too bad about "losing" or dying or whatever.
That should establish everyone on the ground rules of the game and also give them a taste for the grittery modern setting, the less hack-and-slash friendly environment, and a bit of proper social investigation-style role playing. WoD, generally speaking, runs like a pulpy supernatural murder mystery or survival horror. You shouldn't be marching your players through dungeons or leading armies into glorious battle, but gum-shoeing it on the mean streets and eating beans out of a can between confrontations with mind-melting horrors and underground masterminds.
Finally, once everyone's on an even footing, I recommend picking ONE of the setting books - Vampire, Werewolf, Demon - and spend a week or two soaking it in. Then let your players role up some proper supernatural characters and start the campaign. If you want to rotate through the settings, maybe do another couple of three-game arcs. Run a short Vamp game. Then run a short Werewolf game. Then run a short Demon game. Then if you are still feeling absolutely crazy, try and merge the settings. But by that time, you should have run this game for the better part of a year, and feel a lot more confident in what you're doing.
I wish you the best of luck. WoD is probably my favorite RP setting. Feel free to bug us for hints or hooks or to express the inevitable "WTF, overpowered!" gripes. We're always happy to take in a little... ahem fresh blood. :-)
I'm a fan of Dungeons and Dragons so this Dragon will be my submission.
There are two blank spaces listed on Amazon right now (here and here), both of them under $20. I doubt it's going to be a big adventure path. I'm guessing one of them is going to be a collection of UA stuff.
You can order it from [Amazon.com.] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932442383/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Wte9ybF1W5RM4)
I'd recommend taking a look at Basic Fantasy Roleplay. The rules are based on D&D. They're free and complete (and very cheap if you just really want a paper copy) but more importantly for your players - they're short.
There are free adventures to download and you can also use the system to play older D&D modules from the DM's Guild.
As for extras - a nice luxury item I use all the time is a sleeved GM screen. I can pop in screens from PDFs of whatever system I want to run. If you do individual initiative, I'd grab a pack of index cards you can chop in half and tent them over your screen in order with each character's name, AC, class, perception score, that sort of thing.
This
I know, I know, it's a problem...
For those that might not know, that is an old Wizards of the Coast Colossal Red Dragon which currently goes for about $500.
There is also a Blue Dragon and Black Dragon that were made as well which are far less expensive.
I have not seen one in person in a very long time and regret never having bought them because I assumed that I would never have the players fight anything of that size.
https://www.amazon.com/Pathfinder-Adventure-Path-Runelords-Anniversary/dp/1601254369
Sorry to be a pain but would this be the book to get?
New world or Old? I'd say start by reading the core book for nWod: The World of Darkness and one of the core splats that strikes your fancy: Vampire, Geist, Werewolf, Mage, Changeling, Hunter, etc. Between those two books you'll be ready to run a game. You can also find some SAS (stand alone stories) for your chosen game if you prefer published stories to writing your own.
Seconded.
The problem with DIY low-magic or no-magic campaign worlds for 3.X D&D is that the system is both delicate and interlocking. Change something in one place (like switching to a Wounds/Vitality system, or a spell points system, or trying to move combat into skills, etc.) and you'll find it has wide-ranging and drastic effects all throughout the system. Without extensive playtesting, you're bound to run into all kinds of issues you never imagined.
You can avoid this by going with a published game world and/or modified d20 system, because those companies have done playtesting, taking lots of work and brain acrobatics off your hands.
Look into these:
Iron Heroes
The Black Company
Midnight (The second edition is probably better, but also more expensive. You can find the first edition for pretty cheap.)
Someone else mentioned using d20 Modern, which is actually a good idea, but your players might balk at the different approach to classes (six base classes, one each based on a primary attribute -- Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma, Constitution).
http://smile.amazon.com/Call-Cthulhu-Horror-Roleplaying-Lovecraft/dp/1568821816/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452378050&sr=8-2&keywords=call+of+cthulhu+rpg
Yeah, but Reaper doesn't make miniatures like this!
I know it's out of the price range. I just thought it was sweet and wanted to share.
All of the 1st edition stuff is out of print and can be hard to find. There really aren't that many differences in 2nd edition apart from a much improved character creation system. All you need is the main rule book to get familiar with the game. As for dice, you'll need a regular d10 and a percentile die.
https://www.amazon.com/Heresy-Second-Rulebook-Warhammer-Roleplay/dp/1616616946
I'm with 3d battalion 7th marines.
There's a 2007 book called The Grand History of the Realms
I haven't seen it myself, but it sounds like it should be a pretty good primer on historical events in/around Faerun. It's not a direct sourcebook, but again sounds like it's full of well organized information for the entirety of the campaign setting through the years.
I've heard a lot said about buying a premade adventure. If you are running 4e, might I suggest Dungeon Delve?
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Delve-4th-Supplement-Adventure/dp/0786951397/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241077629&sr=8-1
It's a great way to get a bunch of basic encounters ready fast. Just jump in and play, and learn the rules as you go.
I don't know as if this is really the right place, but I might be able to help.
This is probably the book you want. You might be able to shop around and find it cheaper. Also, before you buy anything, you probably want to double check with the group to see what edition you're playing. I've linked the latest rules book, which is the 2nd edition, and I'm not really sure if that's notably different from the 1st edition of the rules.
Dark Heresy is set in the Warhammer 40K universe, so it might help to read up on the basic lore if you're not already familiar with it. Specifically, you'll be playing as members of the Inquisition, who are basically the gestapo of the Imperium of Man. You can probably expect to hunt down demon-worshiping cultists, root out infiltrating aliens, and cleanse heresy with fire, all in the name of the glorious God-Emperor. If you find a citizen who doesn't love the Emporer, that's heresy, so you kill them. If you find a citizen worshiping chaos gods, that's extra heresy, so you kill them, and probably their neighbors too, just in case they've been tainted by the forces of chaos.
On Amazon it's only $24.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1568821816
I found this, although it doesn't look great. Still, it seems to be double-gridded
https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Grid-Wizards-RPG-Team/dp/0786966211
You've purchased a setting supplement for Dungeons & Dragons, 4th Edition. 4th Edition (aka D&D4e, 4th, 4e) is very different to earlier editions and isn't particularly compatible with them.
There are many others in this thread recommending products and games that are not compatible with the product you've purchased, because they are different games (and thus the rules are different, in the way Scrabble and Monopoly are different). Be aware that The Shadowfell box is not compatible with non-4e games.
My suggestion is to start out with the Red Box that you've looked into already, and also the "Essentials" books -- Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms, Heroes of the Fallen Lands, and the Rules Compendium.
After that you'd want to look into the Monster Vault box.
Each of these (including the Monster Vault box) is about $20. The MV box is well worth the money.
There are entire books you can get that are D20 but take place in established MMOs.
[EQ] (http://www.amazon.com/EverQuest-Players-Handbook-Role-Playing-Game/dp/1588461254/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426774878&sr=1-1&keywords=everquest)
[WoW] (http://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Roleplaying-Game-d20/dp/1588467813/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426774925&sr=1-1&keywords=world+of+warcraft+d20)
I saw you like RPG's, World of Darkness is quite fun, it's a lot more RP heavy than D&D, I find.
I like Baoding balls.
http://www.amazon.com/Mythic-Vistas-Company-Campaign-Setting/dp/1932442383
/u/amightyrobot speaks truth. I'd mentioned CoC yesterday, but I guess it was easy to miss around all of the other posts. It's very simple to learn, has a ton of good adventures and setting books, and all of the published material is 99% compatible across editions.
You can even get the core rulebook for cheap.
Here's an Amazon entry.
Here's DriveThruRPG's PDF of the same.
You could no doubt find cheaper ones with some effort, but that was just off the top of my head.
There are WoW books using the 3.5 rules, IIRC.
edit: https://www.amazon.com/World-Warcraft-Roleplaying-Game-d20/dp/1588467813
Back in 2006 I ran a mercenary campaign using the D20 GoT system. I made a custom world and threw the party members in the middle of a civil war. Mercenaries can do quite well in that sort of environment.
It was a short-lived campaign due to scheduling, but was well received by the players!
One thing that I definitely remember about this campaign: No magic makes healing difficult. So choose your battles wisely.
My players were beset by a pack of wolves and though they survived, had to take several months rest (in game) to heal up to fighting strength again.
Unless it's significantly cheaper I'd suggest buying he anniversary edition. Fully updated for Pathfinder.
Unless that's what you meant in which case you can ignore me!