But at the end of the day, all we really need is a table, the core set, and a sheaf of lined paper. We’ve made do with just the PH and lined paper before.

I never use a book word for word, but I rely heavily on the books for examples. I find the DMG lacks in clarity because it lacks in examples. I always start with a book (or an article from DDI now) and I shape it into my own quest (I’m sure lots of people do.) I don’t know exactly what I want in this category but I just want to constantly become better at creating my own adventures. This is why I crave for exclusive content the most, to get the examples.

I too would be very interested in dungeon mapping software, however I’ve never heard about it before (but I’m new to the game in 2009). For me; the key is to utilize the current Dungeon Tile sets that I have. I want to build elaborate dungeons and I have lots of tiles now, but it’s a pain to un-pack them, scatter them about and build a dungeon in a reasonable about of time. I want software that allows me to create the whole dungeon on a mini-map and then just sort out the pieces before the game day.
So I searched Google and found this link
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20061121t
It’s a pop-up so turn off your pop-up blockers, and it takes forever to load so be patient. This little tool is a great idea packaged in something almost unusable. It has 4 sets of tiles (I only own 1 of these sets and I was lucky to find that in a little old bookstore.) If wizards would do a better job of this feature and make that part of the DDI sub, I’d be more than happy with just the Character builder, the Compendium, and the Dungeon Tile Mapper (providing it becomes refined like the character builder).

@ Tom
There is always the risk that we may get very rough material. My hope is that WotC will maintain high standards when they release the content to us early.

@ Mike
I think 4e will be the edition that has so many classes it might leave people wondering where to start. However, it also opens up a lot of choices. With the Dungeon Delve & LFR modules there is the ability to play a different character at every session and that does make the game more interesting.

@ Ashran
WotC recently announced their plans for the DDI and the tools that would be released. I tried, in vain, to find the link for you. But rest assured they have updated us. While I’m dissappointed that the virtual tabletop has been put on hold for the time being, I am excited to see what other tools they develop and release.

I would really like to see an update for those, even to say, nope we won’t do them.

My group started playing 4e almost a year ago now. as each new book came out we were excited about the release and the items, days after the book came out we hungered for the update in DDI, and days after the DDI update, we could care less and wanted more from the next book.

id say the % we use from each book outside the PHB1 is pretty low.

im worried that 4e will be the edition where everything is awesome but no ones happy. Were we get flooded with all this new great stuff that eventually we complain and feel we deserve things when they don’t work for us.

or i could just be putting to much thought into it.

mike’s last blog post..The Two Dollar Game Session

@ Shinobicow
DMs running RPGA mods should know their stuff. They might or might not actually subscribe, but they should certainly be aware that the material is out there. I bet that those DM’s don’t have all the powers in the Compendium memorized right now (frex, those from Dragon magazine, or any Source Power book they don’t own); working with the assassin class or revenant shouldn’t be any different.

@ The Last Rogue
I doubt that WotC seriously wants to do away with print versions of their products. At least, I hope not. Those displays in Borders or Barnes & Noble undoubtedly attract some new players that wouldn’t otherwise ever be drawn into the game. I do wish they’d reinstate PDF sales, though.

Back in the days of Paizo Dungeon and Dragon magazines, I would pay more each year at my FLGS and/or Barnes & Noble for printed copies of those mags than I’m paying now for the DDI versions. In that light, my DDI subscription is saving me money just on the magazines alone. Plus I’m getting a lot of other cool stuff. I’m happy with it for now.

Icosahedrophilia’s last blog post..Icosahedrophilia Podcast, Episode 18: The Book of L’aif, Part 5

No interest in preview material. Frankly, I fear that they will be finalizing books sections prematurely in order to get them in DDi. Playtest!!

But I would like to mention that I have since signed up for DDI. Although I stand by my statement above, I needed to get in there and see what all the buzz was about.

I’m still not sure if I’m satisfied with the amount of exclusive content in the DDI. But I’m definitly sure that I’m not pleased with any overlapping content…..but that could change, I’m not that excited for the ph3 anyway.
My fingers are crossed for 2010 and whatever exclusive content they have at that time.

I’m more curious to see what will be in the DM2 frankly.

@ Anarkeith
The character builder is fantastic for trying out different builds really quickly. It’s very easy to change stats, powers, feats, and even the race to see how the character will end up.

@ Saragon
I’m with you!

@ TMan
I think you’re correct that WotC aren’t going to worry about enforcing current DDI subscriptions. They’ll keep people subscribed by offering solid content on a consistent basis.