Dungeons & Dragons is Changing!

July 2014, we will see a re-creation of the game, that involves something new and something old. For players like myself, who first started rolling dice in 1979, there is a lot of excitement as we see Dungeons & Dragons returning to the fun and craziness that first drew us in.

The current Encounters Season #18, Dead In Thay, has been builT around the new D&D rules. Some call this D&D Next, some call it D&D 5th edition. No matter what you call it though, it's fun!

There are many editions of D&D, each with their own merits (even 4E), but as a long time DM, I've not seen this kind of excitement and watched my play groups grow as fast, as I have with the new rules.

The future of D&D looks very good!

So? What can we expect? The new release schedule will be spread out throughout the rest of 2014 as follows:

• July 15, 2014 : Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set ($20) This release will include everything new players and DM's need to begin playing. Rules will include what you need to know to play to level 10.
• Aug 19, 2014 : Dungeons & Dragons Player Handbook ($50) This new book will include everything needed to create powerful characters with no limits. It will first be sold exclusively at GenCon, and then in retail stores 4 days later.
• Mid-Oct 2014 : Dungeons & Draongs Dungeons Masters Guide ($50) I personally have never been happy with a DMG since the original 1st edition AD&D DMG....So I have a very high standard on what I consider to be a good book. I hope this one will be up to my standards, and am encouraged that it may be.

What About Encounters?

Encounters will be changing too! The new Adventures League will be starting this summer. We are all still learning what it will entail, but hints are that Wizards is embracing the net with this release. For the first time, Online Play will be included in their Leage play, as well as organized events, and convention special events. Like you, I look forward to learning more.

Change is definately coming, and from the last year of playing the 5th edition pre-release testing rules, CHANGE IS GOING TO BE GOOD!