Over the past couple of months, something magical has happened. A lifelong gaming wish has been granted by Wizards of the Coast. That wish was for the perfect version of D&D to be published. Now, I have played Dungeons & Dragons in most of its versions and editions since I was 12. It has been a defining force in my life and probably has had as much an impact on who I am than any other experience. There have been other RPGs; I have even designed a couple of my own. However, D&D was my first and now my greatest gaming love.
This edition is everything I have ever wanted from D&D. Great mechanics, bounded accuracy, theatre of the mind: A busy DM's dream. Wizards are wizards, clerics are clerics, so many options for any style of play, gorgeous art, and pure, unadulterated fun!
I have only one quibble: The artwork of halflings is not to my liking and borders on offensive for what they have done to my beloved hairfoots. But, I am hoping the portrayal of them evolves back to the halflings of yore in future adventures and supplements.
In July, the Starter Set came out.
In August, the Player's Handbook. I have played the game with the former students (and SurfMonkey) at our FLGS.
I have played with the Red Dragon Gaming Society who is poised to finish the Lost Mine of Phandelver and begin the epic adventure path, Tyranny of Dragons. I have even recruited SurfMonkey into the Society of the Starshield.
But most importantly, I have been running a campaign for my boys. "Dad. Can we play some D&D?" Music to my ears.
When I am playing D&D, I feel like I have finally come home. Music to my soul.