Good morning folks. I posted this to Reddit this morning, but realized this is probably the best place to ask these questions from knowledgeable people.
I have been playing D&D since 1st edition back when I was a kid. I played throughout my military career and during the early 2020's. A couple of years ago I had a bad time with a group and gave up, threw away everything I owned (so regret that now) and now my grandson wants me to start DM'ing a neighborhood group for him and his friends. So I am looking for some advice
1. 2024 vs 2014 rules? I was playing 5e most recently but saw some videos on the new rules and think it might be easier on the kids, 11-13 years old. 1. Speaking of that - do all of the 5e books/rulesets work with the 2024, or is it 5.5, rules? Things like Tasha's and Xanathar's or are they all out now? 2. Buy new books or look for used? I can't believe the new books are going for $50 each now, thats crazy. I do also have DNDBeyond, but really want to go old school with the kids to start. 3. Mini's - I have used heroforge in the past for characters, but where to get good bundles/lots of various NPC type minis?
I know this may seem excessive, but I am the type who if I am going to do something I go all in. Anything else you can think of that I may need would be appreciated, especially in link form.
On 2024 vs 2014: at this point, there's not going to be any more development of the 2014 ruleset or any new official content released for it, so for new players (or anyone who's been away for a while and is now coming back) starting with the 2024 rules is probably the way to go.
The sourcebooks written for the 2014 rules largely work with the 2024 rules just fine. The general guideline is that you need to use the updated version of things that have been updated, but you can still use the old version of things that haven't been updated. For example, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything includes two Fighter subclasses: Psi Warrior and Rune Knight. Psi Warrior has an updated 2024 version (in the 2024 Player's Handbook) so you're supposed to use that version, rather than the one from Tasha's. Rune Knight does not have an updated 2024 version, so for that you can use the one from Tasha's. D&D Beyond's character builder enforces this restriction.
As for new books vs. used — you're not likely to find many used 2024 books yet, and while the new ones do cost about $50, that's the same MSRP as new 2014 ones were originally. However, if you have the digital versions on D&D Beyond (which are cheaper than print versions) you don't necessarily need print copies at all, or at least not as many copies.
I don't really use physical minis these days, so I can't help on that one, but I'm sure someone else here can.
If you start from nothing, you might as well invested in the latest rule system. Yes it is a bit more then used books (I doubt there are any 2024 used books), but assuming you are buying the grandkids Christmas/Hannukah/birthday/etc. gifts, will it make a big financial hit?
The pro of starting with 2024 books is all future new books for the next 8+ years will be for 2024. Then probably compatible with the next edition. The kids will be able to grow into the 2024 rules. Future support for questions et.al. will be 2024 rules.
The con is initial entrance price.
As for minis, not sure a lot has changed so use what you got and expand as time moves forward.
Have you considered investing in a 3D printer? They've come a long way these past few years. You can create some amazingly detailed minis with one. My brother has a 3D printer and the minis he can produce are so much better detailed than the mass-produced minis made from molds. And much cheaper, too. The initial startup cost will be the biggest barrier, but instead of spending $14 on a single mini that looks half-melted you can spend a few cents and produce your own.
Many of the files used for printing minis can be found online for free(or bought for cheap), or you can learn how to use free CAD software to tweak or build your own minis.
As an alternative, if you have any friends with a 3D printer, maybe buy them some filament and ask if they can print some pieces for you? At least some NPCs and low-level monsters to get started.
@dizzy111 I did have one at one point, but I was horrible at trimming the models, so got rid of it.
Another question -
I was wondering if there are race/species cards like there are for spells and magic items? I think it would be very helpful to be able to give them the cards to go through the races to help determine which is best for them. I do a google search and found some stuff on etsy, but wasn't sure if there was anything "official" or that the community suggests.
You can get bulk minis for pretty cheap on amazon. They’re not pretty, but they’ll do the job. If you’re looking for nicer, but not fully custom, Etsy has some good options where you can basically search dwarf with a sword, and lots pop up — just like sifting through the old metal reaper minis at the game store in the old days. Much cheaper than hero forge.
And the new starter set, I believe has the kinda of cards you’re looking for. Though I think it’s really only meant for characters up to level 3 or 4 before you end up needing the PHB.
Good morning folks. I posted this to Reddit this morning, but realized this is probably the best place to ask these questions from knowledgeable people.
I have been playing D&D since 1st edition back when I was a kid. I played throughout my military career and during the early 2020's. A couple of years ago I had a bad time with a group and gave up, threw away everything I owned (so regret that now) and now my grandson wants me to start DM'ing a neighborhood group for him and his friends. So I am looking for some advice
1. 2024 vs 2014 rules? I was playing 5e most recently but saw some videos on the new rules and think it might be easier on the kids, 11-13 years old.
1. Speaking of that - do all of the 5e books/rulesets work with the 2024, or is it 5.5, rules? Things like Tasha's and Xanathar's or are they all out now?
2. Buy new books or look for used? I can't believe the new books are going for $50 each now, thats crazy. I do also have DNDBeyond, but really want to go old school with the kids to start.
3. Mini's - I have used heroforge in the past for characters, but where to get good bundles/lots of various NPC type minis?
I know this may seem excessive, but I am the type who if I am going to do something I go all in. Anything else you can think of that I may need would be appreciated, especially in link form.
Thank you, and good gaming!
On 2024 vs 2014: at this point, there's not going to be any more development of the 2014 ruleset or any new official content released for it, so for new players (or anyone who's been away for a while and is now coming back) starting with the 2024 rules is probably the way to go.
The sourcebooks written for the 2014 rules largely work with the 2024 rules just fine. The general guideline is that you need to use the updated version of things that have been updated, but you can still use the old version of things that haven't been updated. For example, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything includes two Fighter subclasses: Psi Warrior and Rune Knight. Psi Warrior has an updated 2024 version (in the 2024 Player's Handbook) so you're supposed to use that version, rather than the one from Tasha's. Rune Knight does not have an updated 2024 version, so for that you can use the one from Tasha's. D&D Beyond's character builder enforces this restriction.
As for new books vs. used — you're not likely to find many used 2024 books yet, and while the new ones do cost about $50, that's the same MSRP as new 2014 ones were originally. However, if you have the digital versions on D&D Beyond (which are cheaper than print versions) you don't necessarily need print copies at all, or at least not as many copies.
I don't really use physical minis these days, so I can't help on that one, but I'm sure someone else here can.
pronouns: he/she/they
If you start from nothing, you might as well invested in the latest rule system. Yes it is a bit more then used books (I doubt there are any 2024 used books), but assuming you are buying the grandkids Christmas/Hannukah/birthday/etc. gifts, will it make a big financial hit?
The pro of starting with 2024 books is all future new books for the next 8+ years will be for 2024. Then probably compatible with the next edition. The kids will be able to grow into the 2024 rules. Future support for questions et.al. will be 2024 rules.
The con is initial entrance price.
As for minis, not sure a lot has changed so use what you got and expand as time moves forward.
Have you considered investing in a 3D printer? They've come a long way these past few years. You can create some amazingly detailed minis with one. My brother has a 3D printer and the minis he can produce are so much better detailed than the mass-produced minis made from molds. And much cheaper, too. The initial startup cost will be the biggest barrier, but instead of spending $14 on a single mini that looks half-melted you can spend a few cents and produce your own.
Many of the files used for printing minis can be found online for free(or bought for cheap), or you can learn how to use free CAD software to tweak or build your own minis.
As an alternative, if you have any friends with a 3D printer, maybe buy them some filament and ask if they can print some pieces for you? At least some NPCs and low-level monsters to get started.
I have Darkvision, by the way.
@dizzy111 I did have one at one point, but I was horrible at trimming the models, so got rid of it.
Another question -
I was wondering if there are race/species cards like there are for spells and magic items? I think it would be very helpful to be able to give them the cards to go through the races to help determine which is best for them. I do a google search and found some stuff on etsy, but wasn't sure if there was anything "official" or that the community suggests.
Thanks!
You can get bulk minis for pretty cheap on amazon. They’re not pretty, but they’ll do the job.
If you’re looking for nicer, but not fully custom, Etsy has some good options where you can basically search dwarf with a sword, and lots pop up — just like sifting through the old metal reaper minis at the game store in the old days. Much cheaper than hero forge.
And the new starter set, I believe has the kinda of cards you’re looking for. Though I think it’s really only meant for characters up to level 3 or 4 before you end up needing the PHB.
The new starter set (heroes of the borderlands) actually looks pretty good, though it has tokens rather than full fledged minis.