Since I play with many other players and DMs, I usually get them all gifts for their birthdays and holidays. Typically their gifts are digital adventures or sourcebooks. I'm stumped on which gift to give one of my friends; he's a DM with about 6 months of DM experience and he's been a player for a few years. Which of the following options is best?
I voted for Candlekeep - it is far and away the most useful on the list to a DM. The others are full campaigns - and, while the DM might get some inspiration from them, they may or may not want to commit to something that long.
Candlekeep, on the other hand, is a set of mini adventures that can easily be slotted into any other campaign, including many premade ones and any homebrew - making it perfect for a “I need to pad the time” or “I am feeling too lazy to homebrew for this session and need a short break.” Or you can use it for a one shot. Or you can use it for a longer campaign.
It is far and away the most versatile book on that list, and that makes it great for whatever your DM might need. (Note: All the same could be said about Radiant Citadel as well).
Personally i would recommend "The Wild Beyond the Witchlight" out of these particular choices, as it can literally be dropped into any current adventure or be a completely stand-alone campaign.
Conversely i would avoid Curse of Strahd for someone with 6 months of experience, as even experienced DM's tend to find the CoS campaign difficult to navigate.
(my previous statement on the deleted thread about using 2nd edition books to vastly expand the lore of the land still stands though, especially when it comes to the extremely limited Spelljammer material for 5th edition)
I say the Waterdeep:Dragon Heist. It gives plenty of options for a bad guy. Different groups for the players to join and just all around a great starter adventure. Though second choice would be The Wild Beyond Witchlight for fun too ^^.
To be honest, it really depends on the person, their tastes and habits. My assessments:
Curse of Strahd - I don't know much about it beyond it being a gothic horror.
Candlekeep Mysteries - it's really good if he homebrews campaigns but wants quick adventures to slot in. They're a whole bunch of one-shots from L1-L16. However, the stories are pretty unique, in that they will still need to do a lot of work to make it fit into the existing campaign.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist - this is my next adventure as a player so I don't know much about it. I know there are different big bad evil guys the DM can choose from and that affects the game, but I don't know how much. If it affects it a lot, then that's potentially several adventures in one since you could replay it. It is short though, L1-5.
Ghosts of Saltmarsh - I don't have this one, I have Tales from the Yawning Portal, which is similar.in concept (several short adventures). I wasn't a fan. The stories aren't all that connected and so it never felt like there was progression. I guess you could use it like Candlekeep Mysteries and use the adventures as slot ins. I don't know how well this is suited for it though - TFtYP was better suited, easier to adapt to an adventuring party. I'd guess Saltmarsh is closer to Yawning Portal in that regard, but not possessing it, I can't be sure.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight - another one that I have but haven't prepared yet. The main thing about this is that you can resolve every situation without combat (potentially, combat is still often an option), which is a gimmick that excites my wife. It did seem railroady to me when I read through it, but I was more checking what minis I need to make than following the story closely so it might be freer than I think.
It really depends what you think he'll want or like. Does he prefer following published adventures? Then Strahd, Waterdeep or Witchlight are the ones to look at. If he like to homebrew, then Saltmarsh or Candlekeep. Then it's down to taste.
Personally, I'd first consider sourcebooks, but it depends on what they already have.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Since I play with many other players and DMs, I usually get them all gifts for their birthdays and holidays. Typically their gifts are digital adventures or sourcebooks. I'm stumped on which gift to give one of my friends; he's a DM with about 6 months of DM experience and he's been a player for a few years. Which of the following options is best?
I'm only looking for D&D Beyond adventures.
If anybody would like my GMing playlists
battles: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mRp57MBAz9ZsVpw895IzZ?si=243bee43442a4703
exploration: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qk0aKm5yI4K6VrlcaKrDj?si=81057bef509043f3
town/tavern: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/49JSv1kK0bUyQ9LVpKmZlr?si=a88b1dd9bab54111
character deaths: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6k7WhylJEjSqWC0pBuAtFD?si=3e897fa2a2dd469e
I voted for Candlekeep - it is far and away the most useful on the list to a DM. The others are full campaigns - and, while the DM might get some inspiration from them, they may or may not want to commit to something that long.
Candlekeep, on the other hand, is a set of mini adventures that can easily be slotted into any other campaign, including many premade ones and any homebrew - making it perfect for a “I need to pad the time” or “I am feeling too lazy to homebrew for this session and need a short break.” Or you can use it for a one shot. Or you can use it for a longer campaign.
It is far and away the most versatile book on that list, and that makes it great for whatever your DM might need. (Note: All the same could be said about Radiant Citadel as well).
Personally i would recommend "The Wild Beyond the Witchlight" out of these particular choices, as it can literally be dropped into any current adventure or be a completely stand-alone campaign.
Conversely i would avoid Curse of Strahd for someone with 6 months of experience, as even experienced DM's tend to find the CoS campaign difficult to navigate.
(my previous statement on the deleted thread about using 2nd edition books to vastly expand the lore of the land still stands though, especially when it comes to the extremely limited Spelljammer material for 5th edition)
Edit reason: Typo
Voted 'The Wild Beyond the Witchlight' because I was impressed with the beautiful artwork and presentation that comes with the dice set.
May not have the entire setting book, however, did manage to collect a few delightful miniatures in a D&D styled-loot box last Summer.
I say the Waterdeep:Dragon Heist. It gives plenty of options for a bad guy. Different groups for the players to join and just all around a great starter adventure. Though second choice would be The Wild Beyond Witchlight for fun too ^^.
To be honest, it really depends on the person, their tastes and habits. My assessments:
Curse of Strahd - I don't know much about it beyond it being a gothic horror.
Candlekeep Mysteries - it's really good if he homebrews campaigns but wants quick adventures to slot in. They're a whole bunch of one-shots from L1-L16. However, the stories are pretty unique, in that they will still need to do a lot of work to make it fit into the existing campaign.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist - this is my next adventure as a player so I don't know much about it. I know there are different big bad evil guys the DM can choose from and that affects the game, but I don't know how much. If it affects it a lot, then that's potentially several adventures in one since you could replay it. It is short though, L1-5.
Ghosts of Saltmarsh - I don't have this one, I have Tales from the Yawning Portal, which is similar.in concept (several short adventures). I wasn't a fan. The stories aren't all that connected and so it never felt like there was progression. I guess you could use it like Candlekeep Mysteries and use the adventures as slot ins. I don't know how well this is suited for it though - TFtYP was better suited, easier to adapt to an adventuring party. I'd guess Saltmarsh is closer to Yawning Portal in that regard, but not possessing it, I can't be sure.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight - another one that I have but haven't prepared yet. The main thing about this is that you can resolve every situation without combat (potentially, combat is still often an option), which is a gimmick that excites my wife. It did seem railroady to me when I read through it, but I was more checking what minis I need to make than following the story closely so it might be freer than I think.
It really depends what you think he'll want or like. Does he prefer following published adventures? Then Strahd, Waterdeep or Witchlight are the ones to look at. If he like to homebrew, then Saltmarsh or Candlekeep. Then it's down to taste.
Personally, I'd first consider sourcebooks, but it depends on what they already have.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
I think Witchlight is my final decision. Thanks guys!
If anybody would like my GMing playlists
battles: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mRp57MBAz9ZsVpw895IzZ?si=243bee43442a4703
exploration: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qk0aKm5yI4K6VrlcaKrDj?si=81057bef509043f3
town/tavern: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/49JSv1kK0bUyQ9LVpKmZlr?si=a88b1dd9bab54111
character deaths: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6k7WhylJEjSqWC0pBuAtFD?si=3e897fa2a2dd469e