false http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1242428751m/660461.jpg 660461 1 The <I>3rd Edition Dungeon Master's Guide</I> focuses on how to create and run a fun Dungeons & Dragons game. Like previous editions, the <I>3rd Edition DMG</I> further explains the rules introduced in the <I>Player's Handbook</I>. But this book goes beyond rules and offers valuable tips on pacing, story creation, conflict, villains, motivation, and player rewards. <p> Novice DMs will benefit from the sections on creating individual adventures and describing action, while even experienced DMs will appreciate the notes on extended campaigns, detailed world creation, and high-level play. We loved the "Behind the Curtain" blurbs, which explain the reasoning behind the changes made in 3rd Edition. Well-considered optional rules are offered to daring DMs, including rules for monsters as PC races (troll paladin, anyone?), high technology, and guidelines for creating custom races and classes.<p> The nuts and (lightning) bolts of DMing are also covered in great detail. The book teaches DMs how to gauge Challenge Ratings for players and monsters in order to create balanced encounters. These encounters are easier to run thanks to 3rd Edition's standardized monster abilities, each of which are covered in depth. Rewarding players for successful encounters is also easier, now that the cumbersome treasure tables of 2nd Edition have been replaced. Particular attention is paid to magic items: how to award them, how players create them, how to adjudicate them, and how to take them away. The new magic item enhancement rules (similar to the magic items in the computer game <I>Diablo</I>) are also detailed.<p> One dramatic departure from D&D as we knew it could have used a bit more attention. The DMG introduces the concept of prestige classes, and includes rules for six sample prestige classes: arcane archer, assassin, blackguard, dwarven defender, loremaster, and shadowdancer. Characters can't take these classes at first level but must instead work toward them by choosing specific classes, skills, and feats. For example, before taking a level in arcane archer a character needs to be an elf or half-elf and have a high attack bonus, specific archery feats, and the ability to cast at least one arcane spell. Unsure how these classes will affect your game? Want tips on how to properly create and balance these classes? Sorry, the DMG does not provide adequate answers. <p> But aside from this complaint the DMG stands out as an honestly useful guide book to the incredible new Dungeons & Dragons game. The rules and tips are well organized and easy to find, thanks to a detailed table of contents and full index. Artwork, examples, and diagrams are liberally placed throughout the book. All this attention to detail makes the DMG an easy and effective read. We wouldn't want to DM without it. <I>--Mike Fehlauer</I> 6625079 30 9 2000 Dungeon Master's Guide (Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition) total:131|5:24|4:42|3:46|2:17|1:2| 131 462 182 3 5 0 false false Fri Apr 10 23:41:13 -0700 2009 Sat Apr 11 00:18:13 -0700 2009
I found new friends and my pass...more...]]> 5 0 false false Tue Dec 04 13:42:41 -0800 2007 Tue Dec 04 13:44:20 -0800 2007 4 0 false false Mon Sep 24 09:49:52 -0700 2007 Mon Sep 24 09:49:59 -0700 2007 0 0 false false Sat Dec 05 22:34:58 -0800 2009 Sat Dec 05 22:34:58 -0800 2009 0 0 false false Sat Nov 07 07:13:29 -0800 2009 Sat Nov 07 07:13:29 -0800 2009 0 0 false false Sat Oct 31 12:54:20 -0700 2009 Sat Oct 31 12:54:20 -0700 2009 5 0 false false Tue Oct 13 15:08:28 -0700 2009 Tue Oct 13 15:08:28 -0700 2009 4 0 false false Wed Sep 30 13:12:40 -0700 2009 Wed Sep 30 13:12:40 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Tue Sep 29 09:59:30 -0700 2009 Tue Sep 29 09:59:35 -0700 2009 4 0 false false Thu Sep 24 03:03:47 -0700 2009 Thu Sep 24 03:03:47 -0700 2009 5 0 false false Thu Sep 24 01:52:24 -0700 2009 Thu Sep 24 01:52:24 -0700 2009 4 0 false false Sun Sep 13 09:49:07 -0700 2009 Sun Sep 13 09:49:07 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Fri Sep 11 16:09:53 -0700 2009 Fri Sep 11 16:09:53 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Wed Sep 09 20:11:57 -0700 2009 Wed Sep 09 20:11:57 -0700 2009 4 0 false false Mon Sep 07 19:27:39 -0700 2009 Mon Sep 07 19:27:39 -0700 2009 4 0 false false Sun Sep 06 01:51:32 -0700 2009 Sun Sep 06 01:51:32 -0700 2009 2 0 false false Tue Sep 01 10:31:53 -0700 2009 Tue Sep 01 10:31:53 -0700 2009 2 0 false false Thu Aug 27 20:34:48 -0700 2009 Thu Aug 27 20:34:48 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Wed Aug 26 21:11:48 -0700 2009 Wed Aug 26 21:11:48 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Thu Aug 13 15:46:21 -0700 2009 Thu Aug 13 15:46:21 -0700 2009 http://www.goodreads.com/book_link/follow/8?book_id=660461