Reddit mentions of Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebooks Gift Set (Special Foil Covers Edition with Slipcase, Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, DM Screen)

I'm with you buddy, I used to tease my friend for playing, calling him a nerd and a dork, and so on... but once I played I haven't missed a game in 10 years.

There is firstly Leagues, D&D adventure leagues, they are often hosted at conventions or in stores that sell the material, either of those locations regardless of the league should have ideas, information, or social media social groups for which you can find out.

there is also /r/LFG

you might want to grab Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook Gift Set

Its cheaper than buying the books individually, cheaper than buying 2 books.


There are also other games, /r/rpg is a place for things that are not just D&D, vampire games, robots, D&D in the future (shadowrun) war-hammer fantasy and 40k...battle tech, exalted, traveller.... many many games. Some might be more or less for you than others.


D&D is the most popular by far, games everywhere, its easier to find groups, get material, use digital resources all kinds of stuff.


you might want to get your own dice too, you can get plastic, metal, rare metal, rare stone dice, all kinds.



You can even play with your friends online, using online group meet -up's


I played D&D first on skype and IRC, There is a thing called D&D beyond but its a bit pricey for not giving physical copies of the material. Roll20 is another (but the owners are assholes) and some others people might know of. I also played starwars edge of empire on google hangouts for a year, it had a dice roller app, and we displayed our digital character sheets as out profile picture.

A few particular items of interest from Amazon :

• Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set (Six Dice, Five Ready-to-Play D&D Characters With Character Sheets, a Rulebook)
  
• Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebooks Gift Set (Special Foil Covers Edition with Slipcase, Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, DM Screen)
  
• Art & Arcana : The artistry of D&D through the years.
  
• Dungeons and Dragons Official Paint Line Adventurer's Paint Set
  
• Cup of Wonder / Cup of Illusion / Cup of Plenty : 5 Sets of 7 Premium gaming dice (Note: I purchased the Cup of Plenty for my group last year, with each member & DM getting a set of dice & the DM keeping the cup/box it all came with)
  
• Do you or your friends have children? 1-2-3's of D&D / A-B-C's of D&D
  
• Mimic Plush Dice Bag. Not your speed? How about an Owlbear instead?!
  
• Do you or your friends use the various D&D Card Sets? Get them a Spell Book to hold the cards!
  
• What's the Holidays without receiving socks?
  
  A few items & vendors from Etsy :
  
  
• PaolasPixels : A great assortment of pins, clothes, and stickers for all RPG types (Note: I have several of their pins in my collection)
  
• TheGrumpyUnicornCo : Enamel pins of all sorts for DND & other RPG.
  
• AetherwoodGaming & EldritchArtsUS : Dice boxes big enough to hold one full set dice. Want you fave set to travel in style? Here you go!
  
• AdventurersWoodworks : Specialty dice, dice trays, and other trinkets for your gaming pleasure (Note: I have their Skull & Moon Flower dice sets. Amazingly beautiful)
  
• LoftAndLegend : D20 Bath Bombs. After a long day of adventuring, sometimes you need a hot bath, you know?
  
• SilverwingArmoury : Keep your notes & character stats in style.
  
• MimicryMetals : High quality productions of D&D items. (Note: I attempted to convince my wife to let me have the Ring Of The Ram as my wedding band, but failed my "Persuasion" check)
  
• Level1Gamers : Gaming themed coffee mugs and other trinkets. These are the guys that made the Mug Stat Card Mug.

deal shopping though

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786966629?aaxitk=pvjidnEGghZBmIp.bA1bEA&pd_rd_i=0786966629&pf_rd_p=9420597b-7dad-4cbd-a28d-7d676ac67378&hsa_cr_id=3779166900401&sb-ci-n=asinImage&sb-ci-v=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-na.ssl-images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F71BURLYgGhL.jpg&sb-ci-a=0786966629

Amazon.

E: Honey says it can take off another $6.

D&D Beyond is very expensive $300-500, but well worth it, especially if the whole campaign goes in on it.

For OP, you can start with just the Player's Handbook or the standard bundle of the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual bundle [link] (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Rulebooks-Slipcase-Handbook/dp/0786966629/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+5th+edition&qid=1564184932&s=gateway&sprefix=Dungeons+and+dragons+&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUkVIV1lNUzZGM0JBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTIwODk3UjZHQzFLWDlGT1NCJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMjg3MDQxMks0VTJWTjc4V0ozJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)

Just the PHB will get you started if you find a group to play with. The entire bundle will give you everything you need to start a group yourself.

In addition to what others are saying about the SRD and basic rules versions being free to use, next month a gift set containing the core three books (Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, and Player's Handbook) along with some other goodies is coming out. It's a decent chunk of change, but if you guys decide you like the free version enough it might be something to save towards https://smile.amazon.com/Core-Rulebook-Gift-Wizards-Team/dp/0786966629 (or if you have a local gaming store sometimes they're cheaper there, and some are getting an exclusive version with some pretty sweet alt cover art). You can get a decent starter set of dice sets for pretty cheap, https://smile.amazon.com/Wiz-Dice-Bag-Devouring-Role-playing/dp/B01KP4T6TQ (20 complete 7 die sets for ~30 USD, might be a bit overkill for starting out) https://smile.amazon.com/Smartdealspro-Colors-Dungeons-Dragons-Pouches/dp/B01ABST9S4/ (5 complete 7 die sets for ~10 USD, might be a bit more reasonable)

While the Essentials sets are pretty cool, I'll go ahead and mention that the three 5E big books box set is also on sale relatively cheap right now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786966629/

If you want to get into 5e, get the core book set. It is a good place to start. I'm partial to Eberron, and getting that setting book could be a decent way to get into the as well, with it having just released.

No, but if you're getting the core rules there's a set that's the 3 core books and a DM scree‏‎n.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786966629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_AaaZDbQBW1NAC

Really though the screen is just a nice add-on, anything would work, bit of cardboard, a book, whatever.

The Gift set is on sale for $90

The same thing happened to me just a couple of months ago. We are having our 4th session coming up. I was gifted the players handbook, dm's guide, monster manual, and dm screen which were all very helpful when deciding how to go about this. ( I never played anything beyond a oneshot basically at this point. As a player not dm no less.) So the idea of a continuous campaign was intimidating. I've watched alot of Matt Colville's running the game series, dm tips from geek and sundry, and another amazing tool is Piper (link below). Though Piper has alot of other resources the link I have on hand is if you decide to make your own world and not use a campaign setting. I still feel like a dog with protective goggles on at times "I have no idea what I'm doing". Though, my players are having fun and tell me they are excited for the next session. So remember to plan just enough to feel comfortable but not too much to overwhelm you and HAVE FUN it's a game still. Both going with a campaign setting or beginning your own world are great ideas. I chose my own world I've heard many other start with a campaign and go just as great.

Obviously as other people have said their is a free PDF on WotC website for starter set or you could purchase the hardcover.

This is a set that has the players handbook, dungeon master guide, monster manual, and a dm screen. It's not necessary for everyone but for me it was a huge boon. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Rulebooks-Slipcase-Handbook/dp/0786966629/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+core+rulebook&qid=1558880532&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Piper. http://www.welshpiper.com/hex-based-campaign-design-part-1/

And last piece of advice is this! Session 0 checklist https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/dndnext/comments/601awb/session0_topic_checklist_and_guide/ this was huge in setting everyone on the same page.

Buy some dice.

Buy some books.

Honestly, it depends what kind of game you want to play. I think here you're going to get a lot of weird niche games suggested but for starters you're better off sticking with the a more 'traditional' experience. D&D is an excellent starting point if you want to play a fantasy game, you can even pick up one of their adventures if you don't want to write your own material.

If you're unsure about spending that much just to get started you can pick up this starter set that will include the basic rules, a set of dice, some pregenerated characters, and a short adventure. From there, if you like the game, you can pick up the full rulebooks and some more dice and whatever else you like. Alternatively you can try out the free basic rules by downloading them from the Wizards of the Coast website. All you'll need is a set of dice to get started.

If you don't like or don't want to play D&D you can check out a bunch of other systems that will let you play other games or settings. [Edge of the Empire] (https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Edge-Empire-Rulebook/dp/1616616571/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=edge+of+the+empire&qid=1563883870&s=gateway&sr=8-1) is a really cool Star Wars game, but it requires custom dice. My personal favourite sci-fi rpg is Traveller though, and it has the advantage of only requiring six sided dice.

A lot of people really like Savage Worlds, it's fun, it's cheap, and it's generic enough that you can run almost any setting you like with it. Unfortunately there's a new edition due out really soon so take that in to consideration. If you want a more in depth generic system then I can recommend GURPS, although you'll also need the Campaigns book. This system is absolutely not beginner friendly, it slaps you in the face with tables and rules for all sorts of scenarios, but I adore it and it's not really all that hard to figure out.

If you want an alternative to D&D Green Ronin has the "Age" series of games, starting with Fantasy Age, continuing with Modern Age, and the recently released The Expanse RPG covers Sci-Fi. I will admit that I've not actually had a chance to play any of these games, but I've read the rules and like the system.

Honestly you can find a game to cover practically any genre you want, whether it's Grimdark Fantasy, Martial Arts, Space Exploration, Lovecraftian Horror, Anime Cyberpunk Space Opera, or almost any other thing you can think of.

Don't fall in to the trap of playing a game because someone suggests it's 'easy', play something that really grabs your interest and inspires your imagination.

I dunno. The D&D gift box I'm talking about is this one
https://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/rpg-products/dd-core-rules-gift-set

It has 3 books in it as opposed to Pathfinder's 3.
It retails for $169.00 but Amazon has it for $117
Couldn't find the Retail price for the special edition one, but it's $200 on amazon and looks amazing. I'd love for Pathfinder to have something like it. (Other than the deluxe editions I mean)

I made a mistake though, it doesn't come with a battle mat or dice.

(https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Rulebooks-Slipcase-Handbook/dp/0786966629/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=d%26d+gift+box&qid=1562353036&s=gateway&sr=8-1)

If he has nothing, get the d&d Essentials set. It's got rules, dice, an adventure, and a dm screen.

Or if you wanna go big, get this.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0786966629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OpEvDbK919KCC

so I was thinking about buying this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/0786966629/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8 is it worth the money for what it is?

So if you're willing to spend the coin


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786966629/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


These books are all on sale for the same price as buying all 3 of them individually. It comes with a DM screen, and all 3 books are foiled. Super cool.

The 3 core books and a dm screen are $80 on amazon right now. That's ~27 a book.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786966629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_WRh4DbAMT0J24

$82 set for DMG, MM, and PHB w/ DM Screen



Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebooks Gift Set (Special Foil Covers Edition with Slipcase, Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, DM Screen) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786966629/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lFq4DbH2MHEWH

For those that are interested: DND Core Books w/ Screen

They are also currently running a deal "three for the price of two" which has a bunch of DND modules and such included if you search "DND" or "Wizards of the Coast". Deal found here

Hey guys,

I know that the physical books typically don't come with DNDBeyond codes, but I thought I read somewhere that the core rulebooks bundle (PHB, DMG, and MM) comes with a code to unlock all three books on DNDB. I can't find the post anymore, so it might've just been a fever dream, but if anyone could verify either way I would appreciate it!

Well, make sure you have enough dice but that's a given.

Since you're running two people in a premade module, you're probably going to need to nerf the encounters a bit, as they're designed for 4 players.

The wotc dm screen is pretty nice, it has a bunch of lists and tables. If you don't already have a rulebook set, I'd recommend this one, it's at $90 right now and includes a dm screen, the player's handbook, monster manual, and dungeon master's guide. It's totally up to you if you want to get it, the basic rules will work fine.

If you don't want the books the dm screen is like $15 on Amazon.

Also, something really nice to have is a dice tray to keep your dice from rolling off the table and under something.

Regardless of the above, I bet you'll do fine.

Hey update the monster Manuel I have is the one in this set I can't find the gelatinous cube in the table of contents
https://www.amazon.ca/Dungeons-Dragons-Rulebooks-Slipcase-Handbook/dp/0786966629/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=dnd+5e+books&qid=1571083563&sprefix=dnd+5e+&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Rulebooks-Slipcase-Handbook/dp/0786966629

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Rulebooks-Slipcase-Handbook/dp/0786966629/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=D%26d&qid=1567754912&s=gateway&sr=8-4

This is a great deal which gives you everything you could possibly want to play and run a game!

If he already plays a lot then he may already have these and in that case I would search for supplemental books, cool dice, and miniatures to add to his game!

Awesome advice, thank you.

In regards to which books to invest in, do you think I, as a "player-first, potential DM second," I should just stick with buying the Player's Handbook now? Especially since I would only be DMing new players almost exclusively for the near future?

Or should I buy the Rulebook Gift Set which is cheaper on Amazon right now for about $8 less than the 3 books separately?

I'm assuming you're young, since just the PHB is an acceptable expense (in my opinion) to begin as a player. As of right now it's not even $50, which was the typical price when I began playing in 3.5. So might I suggest this as a birthday or other holiday gift if you're not able to get together the money?

I'm definitely not digging on your for not being able to afford it, that's fine and people have reasons. I'm just saying, $30 entry point is damn good and there's so much meat in this game that I'd pay $50 gladly for the core book.

​

In addition, if you and your gaming group would go in on the core rule set, it's 50% off currently on Amazon, so you're getting each book for effectively $27.50 with a free DM screen.

​

PHB: https://www.amazon.com/Players-Handbook-Dungeons-Dragons-Wizards/dp/0786965606/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=players+handbook&qid=1564688516&s=gateway&sr=8-2

​

3 Book Core Set:

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Rulebooks-Slipcase-Handbook/dp/0786966629/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=players+handbook&qid=1564688680&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFSNDJCRjExRFA0UkkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTEwMDQwMzU2OUtKM1Y0MjRQRUcmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDQ5MDAwNDhJSUVBQTU2T0ZPUCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=