For those that don’t know, the majority of D&D 3.5 was released (many years ago) as a collection of files known as the System Reference Document (SRD). Further, permission has been given to copy, modify, and distribute these files through the Open Gaming License v1.0a (OGL).

What this means is that anyone, under the OGL, may create and sell their own product based on the SRD.

However, my game is not based on that edition. I think it would be best described as 1e, with various ideas taken from later editions and other games, all of which then heavily modified to fit my own vision of the game. As such, it includes a great deal of copyrighted material. If I want to release my house rules under the OGL, then I have a lot of changes to make.

Getting Started

I’ve actually begun the process to get a feel for whether or not this project is feasible. I think that it will be.

The first step was to reformat the files contained within the SRD. There are dozens of files, in Rich Text Format, with endless formatting problems. The worst problem was that, in some cases, there was a CR/LF separating two lines (in the middle of a paragraph) instead of a space. Throughout the various files, there were many hundreds of occurrences of this. In other places, words were cut in half or run together. Many times a bullet item would start at the end of the line containing the previous item instead of its own line. That sort of thing.

Fortunately, I’m quite skilled at formatting Word documents and actually find it very therapeutic. After combining related files into larger files, I removed all existing formatting, and spent 100 or so hours reformatting and reorganizing the presentation in a manner that I find easier to read and more logically laid out. For instance, all the animals and vermin were listed under those categories instead of each animal and vermin creature placed where it should be alphabetically. Some people may prefer categorical groupings, but if I want to find an entry for “Hawk”, I prefer to look under “H” instead of “A” (for Animal). I’m a strong believer in attention to detail, so I spend a lot of time ensuring that even the smallest details are correct.

My next step will be to expand the spell entries. There are numerous spells that say something like “this spell is similar to some other spell except for the following”. That annoys the heck out of me. I plan to edit each entry so that each spell has a full description, without relying on a reference to any other spell.

Beyond that, I probably still have a great deal of work just formatting the SRD to display what’s in it, in the manner that I want.

I have to say that I was surprised by what all was included. I expected the SRD to be just the three core books. Instead, it also included epic rules, psionics, detailed rules on creating and running adventures in various environments, and a great deal more that I was happy to see was included (and thereby covered by the OGL).

Adding My Content

The point of working so much with the SRD first was to create a structured base as well as to have a clearly defined framework of what is OGL-covered material and what is not. Now, as I add my own content, I just need to take care that everything I add is my own work and not text taken from any other source.

In the end, the vast majority of the SRD material will be replaced by my own material. I just needed a system that would ensure that I wasn’t accidently slipping outside the OGL.

Limitations

Unfortunately, there are a number of limitations on what can be included. For instance, I cannot release three core books called “Dungeon Master’s Guide”, “Player’s Handbook”, and “Monster Manual”. They will have to be named something else. Nor can I use the term “Dungeon Master”. Most likely I will go with “Game Master” instead. A handful of the more iconic monsters may not be included (Beholder, Mind Flayer, Carrion Crawler, etc) as they have been specifically excluded from the SRD. However, that doesn’t preclude a similar monster with a different name from appearing. Most bothersome (although quite reasonable) is the restriction on NPC names. I strongly prefer “Tenser’s Floating Disc” to “Floating Disc”. Although the spells and magic items containing NPC’s names are still allowed, the names are not, which I think is unfortunate.

That does touch on one issue that I’ve been contemplating. My rules are very different from all editions of D&D. Yet I have familiar sounding names for races, classes, spells, monsters, and magic items. This familiarity may give the impression that the rules are similar as well. That impression could cause players (and DMs) to fight the new system (at least subconsciously), because they expect it to be the same as some other game. That raises the question should spells and magic items all be renamed in order to clearly delineate this system from any other? Aside from being an enormous task (keep in mind that these names are referenced all throughout the rules), I rather like some of those names and would miss them if they were gone. That question will be put off for some time.

My Goal

My plan is to create my version of the three core books (under different names) and sell the DMG and PHB as PDFs through RPGNow (or similar site) for $4.99 each, with the MM being a free download from this site. The two rule books will be filled with unique new material while the MM will just be a modification of existing material in order to make it compatible with my rule books. I can’t see asking people to pay for that. Plus, by offering a free download, people can see the level of quality and get a feel for what the other books will include. It’s also possible that by offering the MM for free, along with low prices on the other two books, I may garner some good will and enjoy wider interest.

Additionally, once the core books are available, I open the door to producing other products: setting materials, modules, accessories, etc. based on those core books. Since this is the rule set I use, naturally I prefer to spend my time creating material that uses that rule set, so I can use it myself in my own games.

The Unknown

This project is definitely stepping out beyond my comfort zone. I have endless questions and areas that need to be researched. And with various limitations of my own, things will move slowly. I’d be very surprised if things come together before this time next year, but it will be fun project nonetheless.

Races & Classes

There are eight races (Dragonborn, Dwarf, Eladrin, Elf, Half-Elf, Halfling, Human, and Tiefling) and eight classes (Cleric, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Warlock, Warlord, and Wizard). It uses the six familiar abilities (Strength, Intelligence, Wisdom, Dexterity, Constitution, and Charisma) to describe characters and, as before, expands a character’s abilities with skills and feats.

Skills

Skills have changed and, in my opinion, are more sensible and better laid out than before. Fourth edition skills are: Acrobatics, Arcana, Athletics, Bluff, Diplomacy, Dungeoneering, Endurance, Heal, History, Insight, Intimidate, Nature, Perception, Religion, Stealth, Streetwise, and Thievery).

Feats

Feats work pretty much as they did before. Many new feats have been added, some have been removed and others have been modified. Characters have been divided into three groups by level. Level 1 to 10 characters are in the Heroic Tier. Level 11 to 20 are in the Paragon Tier. Level 21 to 30 are in the Epic Tier. Feats are then also defined by tier, so that a character must be of the paragon tier before she may select a paragon tier feat.

Powers

In addition to feats, 4th edition adds powers. Some powers are combat powers while others are utilitarian. Each class has its own sets of powers and at each point where a character may select a power, there are a number of options available. By selecting different powers at each of these points, a character may follow a different path, individualizing the character by the choices that are made.

Spells

The biggest change is that spells have been removed. However, most of the powers available to typical spell-casting classes produce spell-like results so it could be argued that spells weren’t removed so much as they were renamed as powers. However, the number of powers available to wizards and clerics does not come anywhere close to the number of spells these classes had available to them in previous versions. There is a feat that arcane/divine casters can learn that allows them to perform rituals. A ritual is essentially a spell with a lengthy casting time and expensive material components. By including rituals, a “spell caster” can extend her repertoire beyond a handful of spell-like powers and regain some of the versatility offered in earlier versions.

Healing Surges

Another large change is the addition of the healing surge. Each character has a limited number of healing surges that they have available each day. In most cases, when a cleric heals you, instead of healing you directly she casts a spell that works as a trigger allowing you to spend a healing surge. This surge then can heal you, typically for about 25% of your maximum hit points. Various powers work as triggers allowing you to spend a healing surge and others require the use of a healing surge. Although healing surges usually heal you, sometimes they serve to create other effects instead. After a rest, you may spend as many healing surges as you wish to heal yourself but you do have a limited number of surges a day. An extended rest (a night’s sleep) restores all your healing surges as well as any damage you may have suffered.

Combat

Combat works pretty much as before. You have four defenses (Armor Class, Reflex, Fortitude and Will Power) and Hit Points. Melee attacks are usually 1d20 + half your level (rounded down) plus your strength bonus and are made against the target’s armor class. Ranged weapon attacks differ only in that they replace the strength bonus with a dexterity bonus. Each class has various powers that alter these attacks, most of which using the ability bonus for the primary ability of that class.

Magical Items

Magical items are described in the player’s handbook instead of in the dungeon master’s guide. This seems strange at first. But in 4th edition any character can create any magical item, within the restriction of level and the cost of the item. This necessitates moving magical item info from the realm of the dungeon master to that of the player.

My Impressions

Overall, my favorite feature in this version is the increased sense of structure throughout the book. Powers are described in specific terms of what happens if you hit, what happens if you miss, how ongoing effects are handled and how saves are made. Magical items each have a specific level associated with them and everything is quantifiable.

The most important tenant in dnd is, has always been, and hopefully always will be that the rules are just a guideline! Every DM must interpret the rules herself and make whatever changes are necessary to increase the enjoyment of the group. That being said, I think it is equally important for rules to be stated as clearly and unambiguously as possible.

The fourth edition Player’s Handbook has done an excellent job of clarifying a few things. They have also made a number of very interesting changes.

I never take a new rule set entirely on its own. I view it more as source material where I take out chunks to add to, or replace portions of, my existing rule set. I have come away from 4e with a great deal of new information to add to my game.

Even taken entirely on its own, it looks to be a very enjoyable game system indeed!

When I decided to get back into D&D and to embrace 4th edition, I bought the three core books: DMG, PHB, and MM. (Actually, I also got a deal on PHB2 so I got that too.) Since then I've been wanting to get a bunch more but the price has been putting me off. Specifically, I've been wanting Adventurer's Vault, Adventurer's Vault II, and Monster Manual II. The price tag on those new is $30, $30, and $35. I couldn't afford them but really wanted them for my upcoming game.

I checked online and Amazon had quite a deal. I could get all three (new) for around $60 with free shipping. But I don't like buying anything online. I know lots of people who do and none of them have ever had a problem but I still prefer to walk into a store and pick up the product before I buy it.

I was at the Heritage Mall in Albany today and stopped by the book store. They are closing up in a couple weeks and I thought I'd see if they were having any sales before then. I didn't expect them to match Amazon but thought it was worth checking in.

Good thing I did! Everything was on sale between 30% and 50% off. Instead of paying $95 for the three books, I got them for $55.

Mini-Review

I've just barely flipped through the books but so far I am very happy with them. The biggest lack in the three core books, imo, is the number of magic items. Compared to the volume of magic items detailed in earlier versions, 4th edition's selection is laughable. Did someone really think that FOUR potions was an adequate selection?!?

The two Adventurer's Vault books more than made up for that. A lot of old favorites are there along with tons of new stuff. All of it updated to fit with 4th edition. And there are tons of potions! Beyond magic items, the books had a wide variety of adventuring gear plus some new things like alchemical goods.

Monster Manual II was similarly impressive. The first book was missing a lot but that was expected. You can only fit so much into a book and still hit your price point. The second book filled in the gaps nicely. Most of the monsters that I was aware were missing from the first book were in the second book. Between the two I feel like I have the full array once again.

That's probably all the books that I'll be buying for some time now. Honestly, I don't feel like I'm missing anything anymore. However, I've got a LOT of typing to do now. In between everything else, I am building databases for monsters and magic items, among other things, and these three books have given me a ton of new material to add!

The site has been up for two weeks and I have been making continual improvements to its functionality. The comments editor has been updated. There is a decent feedback form now. Posts can be searched for, listed by monthly archive or by category. The links section has been greatly expanded. The about page is a bit more comprehensive. Google ads and analytics are in place. RSS feeds are available through feedburner now as well as an email subscription. I have a twitter account that you can access in the sidebar and I've created a basic customized twitter page.

Security

For security purposes, I have removed the Admin account and created a different account with admin privileges. Further, I have created another account with author privileges to use for posting. This is supposed to eliminate certain vulnerabilities. I have added a mod that automatically disables any account that has five consecutive failed logins (i.e. – Someone is trying to guess a password). This makes the site all but impervious to dictionary or brute force attacks. Users can easily re-enable their own account simple by clicking on the "forgotten password" link at login (They are instructed to do so if their account is disabled). I've also installed a watchdog program that emails me when it detects any new or changed files or database entries.

Security To-Do List

I have been compiling a .htaccess file that addresses various security issues and will be implementing it shortly. I plan to set up a cron job to automatically email me the entire database every night along with the site logs so I can run my own utilities against them. I need to back up the entire database and re-install the whole structure using non-standard table prefixes, modify the backup to use the new table prefixes, and then upload everything and test it. This prevents automated script attacks against the database. These attacks are defended against in a number of ways already, but just in case I missed something, this makes things extremely more difficult for the hackers. Then I need to test everything and make sure that nothing is so restrictive that it keeps legitimate users out. :)

Why Worry So Much About Security For a D&D Blog?

Its not that there is anything here that a hacker would want. They could screw things up but that just requires that I re-upload everything so that isn't a real hardship. It's the fact that these bastards cause so much annoyance and there's very little that can be done about it. Mostly I want to bulletproof my sites just to spoil their fun.

Look Of The Site

I know the site looks kind of dull. I'm playing with various ideas for what I want to do but that's a low priority atm. I'll probably revamp the look in a month or so.

This is my first WordPress template and I designed it myself from scratch. I started with a Starkers template (which completely strips the default template down to bare bones with no CSS) and have created everything from there. It has taken a great deal of work, far more than expected, to add back in the functionality that I wanted. Now that the site does what I want, my focus is on adding content and then coming up with a cool design.

Status of My New Campaign

In my Hello World post, I told you that I had been away from D&D for some time and that version four is new to me. Because of that I decided to create a new campaign from scratch and document my progress in adopting the new rules, creating the world, and preparing for a game.

First off, I have obtained the basic gaming materials. I purchased the three core books (Dungeon Master's Guide, Player's Handbook, and Monster Manual). Wizards had a deal where you could get PHB1 and PHB2 bundled together for the price of one so I have a copy of PHB2 now as well. I picked up a Dungeon Master's Screen and one set of dice.

I mentioned in a previous post that I had given away all of my D&D books, notes, dice, miniatures, etc. The woman I gave them to wasn't using them and still had them and was nice enough to give them back so I have a good base of supplies.

Otherwise, I would have also purchased: another ten sets of dice, a couple dozen miniatures, a gaming mat (I prefer hex-grid but a square-grid would do as well), and a half-dozen cheap calculators (for players).

I also purchased an upgrade to Campaign Cartographer 3 from Profantasy. I will upgrade to Dungeon Designer 3 as well. They run $40 new each but are well worth the investment. You need overland maps for both you and your players. DD3 expands the map-making tools to make dungeon design easier. You can also use it to create printable tile maps that I then laminate. You can make a number of them for different size rooms and hallways and piece them together as characters explore.

Second on my checklist, after obtaining supplies, was to familiarize myself with the rules for version four. I have read through the rules many times and am fairly conversant with the changes that they have made.

I like having digital access to everything as well as my own databases and utilities so I have begun work on those. I have typed in the stats for all of the monsters in MM1 and am working on a program that will handle searches, create/store encounter tables and roll them up, allow me to modify monsters and add the new version to the database, create/store encounters, and assist me during combat. I'm also working on a treasure generation program (I don't care for the "treasure parcels" used in the book. Beyond that, I intend to create my own Player's Handbook modified to support the house rules that I will be including. I will make my utilities available when they are completed if doing so falls within what's permissible by Wizards.

The next step is to document any house rules that I plan to implement. I have discussed a couple already and will cover a few more shortly.

Also, I have a fairly good idea of what I want for a starting area for my players and am thinking about what I will need when I am ready to start the map-making process.

My target date for my first game is February 20, 2010. I think I'm right on track for that.

This part can get very expensive. There are some things you can live without initially and some that you can work-around in the short term. Over time though prepare for a hefty investment.

First off, you will need the three core rule books: the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG), the Player's Handbook (PHB) and the Monster Manual (MM). New, these run $35 each. You may be able to borrow a set from friends or find them used somewhere but you absolutely need all three.

There is also a "book II" of each of these: the Dungeon Master's Guide II (DMG2), the Player's Handbook II (PHB2), and the Monster Manual II (MM2). These are not necessary but they do have some great ideas and expand on the core rules. If you have the means I would suggest getting them right off the bat. If that's a problem, you can easily do without them or pick them up later and incorporate the expanded rules then.

There is tons of additional source material available in the form of books, magazines, modules, etc. Most of it is extremely useful. However, I'd wait on that for now. Get the game running smoothly with a regular group and then look at these things. Even a module may be a bit aggressive for a new group. Get everyone up to speed in the basics first.

Next, you'll need dice. You will need at least one of every type of dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20. If you have the funds I would strongly recommend getting 5-10 sets. You will frequently need to roll more than one of a certain type of dice. Each player will need at least one full set as well so if you are supplying dice for them, grab another 5-10 (or more) sets for them. One set of dice, including two d10s (one marked in 1's, the other marked in 10's) to be used as percentile dice (d100) run around $5-$10.

Probably the largest investment will be in miniatures. These run from $0.80 to $200.00 plus for each depending on the quality, size and complexity. It's nice to have a distinctive miniature for each character that represents that character's race and class. With a dozen or so miniatures you can probably offer enough choices to make your players happy. For monsters, it is helpful to have a miniature that shows what the monster looks like and it's relative size. However, it is very common for DMs to use dice to represent monsters. Get six each of various colors of d6 dice and you should be fine. Then start adding one of each monster type as you can.

Some miniatures are made of metal. Others are made of plastic. Some are painted. Others are not. Complicated ones are made up of multiple pieces that must be assembled and glued. And the quality varies greatly. The links section on this site lists a number of miniatures sources if you are having trouble finding quality pieces. For a good quality adventurer piece, expect to pat $2-$5 or more.

Lastly, you will need a gaming pad. These are flexible pads that roll up and have either a square or hex grid printed on them. Make sure that you get one that is designed for erasable markers. These are fairly inexpensive and incredibly useful.

Beyond that you will need loads of paper, pens, pencils and erasers. Each person will most likely need a calculator. Every player will need their own copy of the PHB but that is something you should expect them to purchase. I find that as DM a notebook computer is invaluable! Many players will find that one would benefit them as well. Therefore, a wireless router for internet access for everyone would be handy.