Explore the fantasy world of D&D and delve into dungeons, slay monsters, and gain treasure! If you've been thinking of playing D&D or you've played before and you want to get up to speed on the all-new 4th Edition, this is the book for you. Here's what you need to know to join the fantasy fun.
- D&D terminology — understand what ability check, modifier, saving throw, AC, gp, hp, and XP mean
- Roll the dice — add modifiers and see if you rolled the d20 high enough to beat the challenge
- Minding your manners — know D&D etiquette so you'll be welcome in any adventure
- Character building — select your character's race and class, and choose the best powers, skills, feats, and gear
- Roleplaying — give your character a background and personality quirks
- Combat — use combat rules, a battle grid, and miniatures to play out furious battles
Open the book and find:
- Everything a new player needs to get started playing D&D
- Details on four fantasy races and four iconic classes
- Explanations of every number and statistic on the character sheet
- The best magic items and equipment for characters of all classes
- Advice on roleplaying and teamwork
- A ready-to-use adventure to get you started as a Dungeon Master
- A ready-to-use battle grid with character and monster markers
Table of Contents:
Foreward xxiii
Introduction 1
Part I: D&D Crash Course 7
Chapter 1: Preparing for Adventure 9
Chapter 2: Your First Character 21
Chapter 3: Starting Out as a Fighter 31
Chapter 4: Starting Out as a Rogue 41
Chapter 5: Starting Out as a Wizard 51
Chapter 6: Starting Out as a Cleric 61
Chapter 7: Playing the Game 71
Chapter 8: Practice Session 91
Chapter 9: Finding a D&D Game to Join 99
Part II: Building a D&D Character 109
Chapter 10: Defining Your Character 111
Chapter 11: Choosing a Class 127
Chapter 12: Picking a Race 143
Chapter 13: Figuring Out Your Character’s Ability Scores 151
Chapter 14: Choosing Powers 159
Chapter 15: Selecting Feats 185
Chapter 16: Picking Skills 199
Chapter 17: Choosing Armor, Weapons, and Gear 209
Chapter 18: Advancing Your Character 223
Part III: Playing Your Best Game 229
Chapter 19: Handling Yourself in a Fight 231
Chapter 20: Making the Most of Magic 251
Chapter 21: Roleplaying and Working Together 275
Chapter 22: Character Building for Experts 291
Part IV: The Art of Dungeon Mastering 301
Chapter 23: Running the Game 303
Chapter 24: Building a Dungeon 323
Chapter 25: Keeping Your Players Happy 345
Part V: The Part of Tens 355
Chapter 26: The Ten Best Fighter Powers 357
Chapter 27: The Ten Best Rogue Powers 363
Chapter 28: The Ten Best Wizard Powers 369
Chapter 29: The Ten Best Cleric Powers 373
Chapter 30: The Ten Best Low-Level Monsters 377
Chapter 31: The Ten Best Mid-Level Monsters 383
Chapter 32: The Ten Best High-Level Monsters 389
Chapter 33: The Ten Best D&D Novels 393
Appendix A: Glossary 397
Index 411
About the Author :
Bill Slavicsek is Director of Roleplaying and Miniatures Game Design at Wizards of the Coast. His game design credits include Torg, Alternity, D&D Eberron, and many others. Richard Baker is a senior game designer on the Roleplaying R&D Team at WotC and author of eight Forgotten Realms novels.
Bill Slavicsek is Director of Roleplaying and Miniatures Game Design at Wizards of the Coast. His game design credits include Torg, Alternity, D&D Eberron, and many others. Richard Baker is a senior game designer on the Roleplaying R&D Team at WotC and author of eight Forgotten Realms novels.
