Frank Mentzer on D&D...O through 4.

Jason Vey · Post by **Jason Vey** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:19 pm

Part One: http://rpgbomb.com/videos/id_175/title_ ... ed-vesion/

Part Two: http://rpgbomb.com/videos/id_177/title_ ... -part-two/

Part Three: http://rpgbomb.com/videos/id_184/title_ ... deo-three/

Part 3 is the part where he talks about 3.x and 4e, and the core differences between them and the older editions. Interestingly, he links 2e more to 3.x/4 than to 1e.

He also gives Troll Lord Games and Castles & Crusades a shout-out in the third video.

Matthew · Post by **Matthew** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:29 pm

Hmmn. I didn't really notice that. I thought he made more of a division between the pre 1985 and post 1985 approach to D&D.
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Jackal · Post by **Jackal** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 3:46 pm

Thanks for the links. Some very interesting stuff there. I didn't finish them all but I'll throw them on my mp3 player and listen while going down the road. lol

I got my start with the Mentzer "Red Box" so it'll be interesting to hear what he has to say on the various versions of D&D.

And, as noted, a TLG and C&C mention...not bad at all!

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:04 pm

Frank's a great dude and has been quite friendly to the TLG crew. The fact that he gave C&C a shoutout is good to see. I've watched all three of the posted vids and there is some good info in there. Watch em if you have time.

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:09 pm

Oh, I also managed to pick up 1 of the 50 copies Frank made for his gen con 2008 exclusive Empyrea Campaign Setting introductory summary with the Appraisal adventure. Very cool stuff and I am fortunate to have gotten a chance to catch up with Frank and secure a signed and numbered copy (#24 of 50) of this gem while I was juggling my booth duties at the con. Thanks Frank!

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 5:37 pm

Lucky bastage. I could never find Frank anywhere (YES, including the auction) in order to pick uo a copy. dangit.

-O
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> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
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serleran · Post by **serleran** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:01 pm

I needs to get me one of them there Empyrea. I have the stuff Frank graciously allowed me to download, but, having it in print form... yum!

Jason Vey · Post by **Jason Vey** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:07 pm

And of course, over at RPGNet they're all basically saying that Mentzer is wrong when he claims early (pre-second ed) versions of D&D were supposed to present guidelines and frameworks rather than hard rules for every situation like later editions.

One of the guys who's been there almost from the beginning. Wrong. Huh.

Geleg · Post by **Geleg** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:43 pm

very interesting material. Takes me back to hear the old stories, particularly how Mentzer won the "DM of the Year Contest". Remember hearing about that (from Dragon, maybe) and wondering what it took to be DM of the year. His comments about 3e, 3.5e and 4e were fair and insightful. I, of course, happen to agree with his ultimate assessment.
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Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:37 pm

Omote wrote:
Lucky bastage. I could never find Frank anywhere (YES, including the auction) in order to pick uo a copy. dangit.

-O

That stinks chief. Frank was at our booth at least twice, maybe three times.

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 8:38 pm

The Grey Elf wrote:
And of course, over at RPGNet they're all basically saying that Mentzer is wrong when he claims early (pre-second ed) versions of D&D were supposed to present guidelines and frameworks rather than hard rules for every situation like later editions.

One of the guys who's been there almost from the beginning. Wrong. Huh.

RPGNet's inherent pessimism rears its head like that a lot. Its only a few posters, but they seem to be the ones that post the most and have the least to say. ENWorld has become like that as well since the 4e release. Everyone's mad about something over there.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 2:43 pm

A little threadomancy goes a long way.

The Grey Elf wrote:
And of course, over at RPGNet they're all basically saying that Mentzer is wrong when he claims early (pre-second ed) versions of D&D were supposed to present guidelines and frameworks rather than hard rules for every situation like later editions.

One of the guys who's been there almost from the beginning. Wrong. Huh.

I love this.
The reason for this ressurection is this - is it possible to ge the Empyrea Campaign Setting, or was this only available at GenCon?

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:30 pm

As far as I understand it there were only 50 copies made/available, and they were availalbe at GenCon.

-O
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:25 pm

Omote wrote:
As far as I understand it there were only 50 copies made/available, and they were availalbe at GenCon.

-O

That is most unfortunate. Thanks for the reply, Omote. Guess i could try hitting up Frank to make doubly sure, but I'm sure you're right.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:31 pm

On Dragonsfoot, Frank suggested the possibility of a publishing endeavor, so it is possible, if it flies, to see this again.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:09 pm

serleran wrote:
On Dragonsfoot, Frank suggested the possibility of a publishing endeavor, so it is possible, if it flies, to see this again.

Thanks for the heads up. That would be nice, as I'd like to get my hands on one (and not pay through the nose for it )

Post by **Breakdaddy** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 1:17 pm

This product is simply an overview of a much larger planned product, so rejoice, for it is good.

Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:46 pm

Breakdaddy wrote:
This product is simply an overview of a much larger planned product, so rejoice, for it is good.

Even better news! Thanks!