Reviewer: derro from Brossard, Québec Canada

The 3rd edition Dmg encourages creativity & roleplaying!
First of all, the Dmg is back to it's original 1st edition format. For the 2nd edition the Dungeon & Dragons staff had emptied the Dmg of most of it's content making it almost possible to play without it (if not for the treasure/magical items section). Now the book is back with it's original purpose, to give the Dm all the infos that players shouldn't have access to. This edition of the game keeps it's emphasise on creativity & roleplaying as we can see from the many advices to the Dm. They no longer try to discourage you from playing evil characters ( check out the new assassin & the black guard!), and you are also given advice on how to make monsters into Pc. The new way of handling talent feats & saving throws also allows the Dm to face a broad range of situations. You also get in the book your usual sections on how to develop campaign world, how to handle Npc, treasure type & magical items plus some added goodies like new magic items & some modern world & futuristic weapons... The down side of this creativity is that it might lead some inexperienced Dm to make some embarassing mistakes! I have to express a strong reserve about the new Npc classes. According to these a Nobleman could have as much hit points as a cleric (more than a thief or an assassin) and a craftsman could have as much hit point as a thief or an assassin. Taking these rule to literaly could lead to some potentialy embarassing situations for your Pc (not to say unrealistic...) To conclude the new Dmg seems to continue building on the changes made in the 3rd edition Players Handbook those change allowing a lot more place to imgagination & roleplaying in your campaign. Most of the Dm will want to complete what they have in this book by their own set of house rules (something that is encouraged by the writers). Now I really can't wait to see the monster manual!