Christmas gifts for a DM [Archive] - Wizards Community

Christmas gifts for a DM [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
RedLady
12-03-07, 06:11 AM Okay... I'll admit, I'm new to this. I've just started playing d&d, mostly due to the fact that my boyfriend is a DM whose been playing for a long long time. Like....8+ years. Any ways, he's bad ass and owns way too many books. However, as all good girlfriends should, I want to add on to his collection. He has just about every manual, but through research and pumping his friends for info, I discovered 2 things. First, he really enjoys all things Ravenloft. Second, he has a bunch of campaigns for ravenloft on his computer (don't ask how I got my way onto his beloved computer, I didn't tell him I know more about computers then I let on).
But, anyway, I found that he was lacking in hardcover books covering the subject and 2 key things his friend mentioned to me. Something called Red Box and Black Box, apperently containing info on ravenloft from 2.0 and 3.0(or 3.5, I dunno). Now, I have no idea where to find the red box and black box, I've been checking around game shops and book stores, but whenever I ask about d&d stuff, they either point me in the direction of the players handbook or romance novels with a fantasy twist.
No one takes me seriously as a girl gamer, I think it might be the fact that personality aside, I look like one of those blonde mall girls (more leg then brain as a friend so aptly put it). I dress this way for my part time job, nothing else. :weep:
So I have had no help in locating these items or even knowing if they actually exist. So I've decided to come to the source. I hope fellow gamers with more experience can point me in the right direction, or, if nothing else, give me a good idea for an awesome christmas gift for my DM boyfriend with too much DM stuff as is.
Please Help!
Red Lady
celestialkin
12-03-07, 07:08 AM Okay... I'll admit, I'm new to this. I've just started playing d&d, mostly due to the fact that my boyfriend is a DM whose been playing for a long long time. Like....8+ years. Any ways, he's bad ass and owns way too many books. However, as all good girlfriends should, I want to add on to his collection. He has just about every manual, but through research and pumping his friends for info, I discovered 2 things. First, he really enjoys all things Ravenloft. Second, he has a bunch of campaigns for ravenloft on his computer (don't ask how I got my way onto his beloved computer, I didn't tell him I know more about computers then I let on).
But, anyway, I found that he was lacking in hardcover books covering the subject and 2 key things his friend mentioned to me. Something called Red Box and Black Box, apperently containing info on ravenloft from 2.0 and 3.0(or 3.5, I dunno). Now, I have no idea where to find the red box and black box, I've been checking around game shops and book stores, but whenever I ask about d&d stuff, they either point me in the direction of the players handbook or romance novels with a fantasy twist.
No one takes me seriously as a girl gamer, I think it might be the fact that personality aside, I look like one of those blonde mall girls (more leg then brain as a friend so aptly put it). I dress this way for my part time job, nothing else. :weep:
So I have had no help in locating these items or even knowing if they actually exist. So I've decided to come to the source. I hope fellow gamers with more experience can point me in the right direction, or, if nothing else, give me a good idea for an awesome christmas gift for my DM boyfriend with too much DM stuff as is.
Please Help!
Red Lady

Well, you could always try asking one of his close friends for help in finding the perfect gift.

As for the red box and black box, wikipedia is always a good place to start:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenloft

History

First published as a stand alone Advanced Dungeons & Dragons adventure module also called Ravenloft ("I6"), it was popular enough to spawn a Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Gamebook, a sequel module (I10: The House on Gryphon Hill), and in 1990 was launched as a full-fledged campaign setting with the Realm of Terror boxed set, popularly known as the "Black Box". The campaign setting was revised twice during Second Edition - first as the Ravenloft Campaign Setting "Red Box", then as the Domains of Dread hardback - before Wizards of the Coast cancelled the line after acquiring TSR. In 1991, the "Black Box" won the Origins Award for Best Graphic Presentation of a Roleplaying Game, Adventure, or Supplement of 1990.[1]

I believe I have found some copies of the "red book" on half.com:

http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1547125QQcpidZ3358376

There is a Like New copy there for $39. The New one is near $100, though.

........................................ ........................................ .........

I believe this is the "black box":
http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1441753QQcpidZ3173731

There is a Very Good one up for sale that apparently still has everything, but the box is a bit damaged. It's only $10.55, though. The Like New ones start at $100.

Half.com is a great place for gaming books,in case you end up looking for another gift later on.

Also, if he is a big fan of Ravenloft see if he already owns a copy of:
http://www.amazon.com/Expedition-Ravenloft-Dungeons-Roleplaying-Supplement/dp/078693946X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196683171&sr=8-1

To my knowledge this is the only Ravenloft book released for the current version of the Dungeons & Dragons game.

If all else fails, or if you want to be a little creative with your gift, you could get him a set of personalized custom dice:
http://chessex.com/Dice/Custom_Dice_Home.htm

I had some done myself (see pic), and they turned out quite nice. For about $14 you could get him 10 dice (or more for $1 each) personalized anyway you want. You could have something like "I love you sweetie" or "From your gamer chick with love" put on either the 1's side or the 6's side. Needless to say it would automatically make him the envy of many of his geeky friends.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Celestialdragon100/untitledwiozardscomversion.png

You could also have almost any image put on the dice.

I hope some of this helps.
camthalion
12-03-07, 09:00 AM .... You could have something like "I love you sweetie" or "From your gamer chick with love" put on either the 1's side or the 6's side. Needless to say it would automatically make him the envy of many of his geeky friends.

He's got a leggy, blonde girlfriend who plays D&D and wants to buy him out-of-print D&D books. I think he's already the envy of all his geeky friends.

^^^^ other than that, I have nothing to contribute. Never heard of these books.

If all else fails, you could stuff his stocking with the kind of thing he could never have too much of. Does he have a dice fetish? Use a lot of minis? Have a favourite monster? Posters? T-Shirts?

... oh, here's (http://www.fraternityofshadows.com/DrawingRoom/Ravenloft_Products/1st_2nd_Edition/RLCampaignSetting_RedBox.htm) a link. I also searched on ebay and there was one mentioned which I think was this one ... used. Hope this helps.
Jewelprotector
12-03-07, 09:07 AM I have a similar problem finding b-day/Yule gifts for my man as well, though I've been gaming long enough (15+ years)that the local store owners know to treat me like a gamer, not a girl.

The custom dice was a good idea; you might also think about other gaming accessories. Take a couple of favorite Ravenloft images and a plain cloth bag to a custom screen-printing shop and have them make you a dice bag. Or there are places that will embroider custom images as well (a pretty penny, but lasts forever.) Get him a gothic-type beer stein for his Mt. Dew, or whatever he prefers to drink when he's gaming. How does he organize his notes for a game? There are places you can have make up custom binders and folders.

And if all else fails, and you're completely out of ideas or patience, there's always the option of a gift certificate for wherever he spends most of his money.
AlphaLoup
12-04-07, 12:35 AM I'm not sure what the black box or red box are, but boxed sets were common with second edition material. I don't believe there were any boxed material for third edition. Regardless all Ravenloft gaming material is currently out of print, so I am afraid that ebay will likely have to be your store here.

http://toys.search.ebay.com/ravenloft_Toys-Hobbies_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQcatrefZC12QQfro mZR40QQfrtsZ0QQsacatZ220

If he is a collecter try these:
The Original Adventure AD&D 1ed.
http://cgi.ebay.com/I6-Ravenloft-adventure-module-TSR-1983-AD-D-1E_W0QQitemZ320191634573QQihZ011QQcatego ryZ44112QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem

Possibly the Black Box:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AD-D-2nd-ED-Ravenloft-Realm-of-Terror-Box-Set_W0QQitemZ140186236097QQihZ004QQcateg oryZ2545QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem

Possiblu the Red Box:
http://cgi.ebay.com/TSR-Ravenloft-Campaign-Setting-Boxed-Set-AD-D-SW-OOP_W0QQitemZ260189559500QQihZ016QQcateg oryZ2545QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem

There were plenty of Ravenloft "Ral Partha" minatures on that search as well. Also if he has a dice obsession you should check out the Dwarven Stones section of Crystal Caste's website. Nothing says I love you like semi precious dice. If you have any questions on Ravenloft material, don't hesitate to ask.
DarthVegan
12-04-07, 02:17 AM I don't know much about Ravenloft, so sorry I'm not a big help. However, I must ask a question from the ladies who are gamers:

How in the world can I convince my loving wife to play DnD with me?:confused:
gullas
12-04-07, 06:50 AM to answer the original question , if you don't find anything , buy him the biggest , meanest and badest mini you can find:D

the other question I can't answer cause I'm an single guy:rolleyes:
Nomad_the_Odd
12-04-07, 11:43 AM to answer the original question , if you don't find anything , buy him the biggest , meanest and badest mini you can find:D

No. Do not buy the scariest mini you can find for your DM. That's just a bad idea ;)

And as for getting the wife to play, I started my future wife off with a vampire larp. RPS is easier to explain, and it's a good grounding in role playing games. Besides, it's an excuse to get her to wear all sorts of interesting things :D
Kadasbrass
12-04-07, 12:35 PM For DM? For Xmas? +6 Nerfbat of Munchkinbane. Never play without it.
CCS
12-04-07, 01:08 PM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenloft

I believe I have found some copies of the "red book" on half.com:

http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1547125QQcpidZ3358376

There is a Like New copy there for $39. The New one is near $100, though.

........................................ ........................................ .........

I believe this is the "black box":
http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1441753QQcpidZ3173731

There is a Very Good one up for sale that apparently still has everything, but the box is a bit damaged. It's only $10.55, though. The Like New ones start at $100.

Half.com is a great place for gaming books,in case you end up looking for another gift later on.

That pretty much covers the boxed sets.
Also check Nobelknight.com availability.
larry_the_titan
12-04-07, 01:10 PM Depending on the level of money you have, the leather bound core books, a set of plush dice, a large metal d20, a new large combat grid (with Hexs on the reverse) and dry erase markers, New Ink cartrigdes for his printer, a load of blank printer paper, a new campaign note book, a hundred mechanical pencil with lead (I lose one every week some how), Minis or a collection of tokens for combat purposes, food, food and food.
LadyDM
12-04-07, 03:02 PM However, I must ask a question from the ladies who are gamers:

How in the world can I convince my loving wife to play DnD with me?:confused:

As a woman gamer with a wife, it's hard. It really all depends on her preferences and what she likes. My wife likes to read mild fantasy (Harry Portter, David Eddings), but HATES D&D and thinks it's geeky. I tried a few years ago to get her involved and create a character, but she got bogged down with all the rules and dice and just all the stuff. She doesn't mind that I play, or have a group at the house to play, but it just insn't her cup of tea. (she even helped me decorate our playing room.)

My first suggestion is to see if she even wants to play or is interedted in it at all. If not, well then you know.

If she IS interested then I would suggest a small campaign with just the two of you. I would also suggest that you get her her own PHB (inscribed with a loving and heartwarming note from you on the inner cover). When creating the character, go literally step by step. Start at chapter 1 and go right on through answering all her questions along the way. I'm not saying she can't grasp the concepts, but there is a LOT of information to wade through and making it fun for her is important.

Hope this helps and you both enjoy your time together playing!
CryoSilver
12-04-07, 04:50 PM I got my DM beer last Xmas.
High Octane
12-04-07, 05:00 PM If he's like any of my DM's I think you will have to buy him a life.

Or if he's like one of my DM's he might enjoy it if you forcibly removed the joy and happiness from other people (preferably innocents) and then boil it down until there is nothing left but agony and a feeling of helplessness left so that he may feast upon it wallowing in the utter hopelessness you feel due to the collapse of your being when all that you have worked for and hold dear is ripped away from you by a malignant evil force.

Or a sword. Can never go wrong with swords.
SlanderPanic
12-04-07, 05:03 PM 1) Personalized dice are a phenomenally bad idea. If it doesn't work out between the two of you, he ends up with a bunch of bad-luck dice he has to toss out. (Just as girlfriend dice are always blessed, ex-girlfriend dice are always cursed. I know this from bitter experience.)

There are some other great suggestions here. Leather-bound core books make great gifts, as do enormous battlemats. I also really like the ideas of personalized dice pouches or gothic beer steins. You could also buy him a case of D&D Miniatures. Given his predilection for Ravenloft, an Unhallowed case (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mg/un) will likely make him extremely happy. It's full of werewolves, vampire hunters, and Ravenloft-specific miniatures like Strahd and Van Richten. Many of my all-time favorite D&D Minis come from that set.

2) Tell her that it's like improv acting, except that she gets to design her character from the ground up. As Shelly Mazzanoble explained in GRZ #21 (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=grz), women often like the design aspect.
Passivearmada
12-05-07, 05:07 PM A question. You're blond, leggy, (obviously gorgeous), and you play D&D? A friend of mine, who is rather... nice.... would like to play, but I really don't know if she's all that serious about it. Maybe I'll wait for 4E to come out before I start a game with her, as they say it'll be a lot easier to recruit.

I like the idea of personalized dice bags and stuff, but unless he's obsessed with the game, then I suggest that you but something out-of-game for a primary gift, and then something not very expensive that contributes to his DMing. I think something sentimental will prove more valuable to him than a gameing thing, but I don't know him (this is just my judgement on relationships).

Have fun, get creative. Perhaps a memory is better than a material object (intimate or not... :P)
baby_kamikaize_kobold
12-05-07, 05:30 PM The bat of munchkin bane sounds good. but you can never go wrong with a D20 the size of your fist to smite ignorance.
Count Nerindil Van Seraph
12-05-07, 07:51 PM All my DM wants for Christmas is new players.:devil:
CryoSilver
12-05-07, 10:16 PM And 2 front teeth?
Count Nerindil Van Seraph
12-05-07, 10:46 PM And 2 front teeth?

If he keeps threatening to throw rust monsters at my warforged, yeah, he'll be wishing for those, too.
1 ton ghost
12-06-07, 03:21 PM any D&D text you get, Amazon it. reliable, no holiday traffic, and the price is right. i'd be leary about getting too much gaming stuff. vary it up. don't make it another all D&D Christmas. besides, there's sales afterward too that kick ass. you'll save more money this way.
my g/f has contributed to my collection (and her's, my bro's, and a mutual friend's character development/gaming XP) pretty much every b-day and xmas for the last 4-5years. this is good, but getting too much text for the holidays saps the majesty of it. it's totally respectable, but big. really big. we're talking like medium to heavy load, no Dex, try not busting one's ass on slippery stairs heavy.

so, i suggest the following:

-really good (sturdy) backpack or some Samsonite w/ rollers, something. scotchguard the Hell out of it. you'll see why in tragic fashion one day
-peripherals that aren't niche only. minis and maps are excellent. i paint my own and refuse to buy plastic. encourage him to take it up. good hobby, builds skill and is better than store bought crap. more personable to PCs too.
-stay clear of luxury or frivolous ones; ie)the customized dice, leather bound books, etc. if you wish to "keep" them, then they'll never get used.
-dinner and a movie never hurt followed by, um, desert. i'm a traditionalist in some regards. on the otherhand, when he's asleep, get the raspberry jam and...
spades1013
12-08-07, 10:16 PM This is a pretty nice gift for a DM, not Ravenloft but nice.
http://www.trollandtoad.com/p173234.html
Ikeman04
12-08-07, 10:41 PM While I have nothing useful to contribute, I must admit I am envious of celestialkin's magnificent dice.
celestialkin
12-09-07, 12:14 AM While I have nothing useful to contribute, I must admit I am envious of celestialkin's magnificent dice.

Why thank you! :D

If you want some, just save my picture, call Chessex up, ask for the "custom dice guy", and talk to him. He will give you an email to send the image you want made into dice. Tell him you want the same dice I had made (they keep all their templates on their PC), and that I don't mind others using it (I don't think it even matters, they would probably still sell you some). If needed, send him the images I posted here, so he knows what template you are talking about. For about $14 you can be the proud owner of your own Desu dice!
Ikeman04
12-09-07, 11:50 AM Awesome! Then one less thing in my life won't need moar DESU!
celestialkin
12-09-07, 02:42 PM Awesome! Then one less thing in my life won't need moar DESU!

Sweet.

And by the way, I had her engraved on Gemini� Green-Red w/white (http://chessex.com/Dice/Gemini/gemini_dice_home.htm). It matches her eyes beautifully.
Ikeman04
12-09-07, 04:04 PM Good Lord, you must love Rozen Maiden.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
RedLady 12-03-07, 06:11 AM	Okay... I'll admit, I'm new to this. I've just started playing d&d, mostly due to the fact that my boyfriend is a DM whose been playing for a long long time. Like....8+ years. Any ways, he's bad ass and owns way too many books. However, as all good girlfriends should, I want to add on to his collection. He has just about every manual, but through research and pumping his friends for info, I discovered 2 things. First, he really enjoys all things Ravenloft. Second, he has a bunch of campaigns for ravenloft on his computer (don't ask how I got my way onto his beloved computer, I didn't tell him I know more about computers then I let on). But, anyway, I found that he was lacking in hardcover books covering the subject and 2 key things his friend mentioned to me. Something called Red Box and Black Box, apperently containing info on ravenloft from 2.0 and 3.0(or 3.5, I dunno). Now, I have no idea where to find the red box and black box, I've been checking around game shops and book stores, but whenever I ask about d&d stuff, they either point me in the direction of the players handbook or romance novels with a fantasy twist. No one takes me seriously as a girl gamer, I think it might be the fact that personality aside, I look like one of those blonde mall girls (more leg then brain as a friend so aptly put it). I dress this way for my part time job, nothing else. :weep: So I have had no help in locating these items or even knowing if they actually exist. So I've decided to come to the source. I hope fellow gamers with more experience can point me in the right direction, or, if nothing else, give me a good idea for an awesome christmas gift for my DM boyfriend with too much DM stuff as is. Please Help! Red Lady
celestialkin 12-03-07, 07:08 AM	Okay... I'll admit, I'm new to this. I've just started playing d&d, mostly due to the fact that my boyfriend is a DM whose been playing for a long long time. Like....8+ years. Any ways, he's bad ass and owns way too many books. However, as all good girlfriends should, I want to add on to his collection. He has just about every manual, but through research and pumping his friends for info, I discovered 2 things. First, he really enjoys all things Ravenloft. Second, he has a bunch of campaigns for ravenloft on his computer (don't ask how I got my way onto his beloved computer, I didn't tell him I know more about computers then I let on). But, anyway, I found that he was lacking in hardcover books covering the subject and 2 key things his friend mentioned to me. Something called Red Box and Black Box, apperently containing info on ravenloft from 2.0 and 3.0(or 3.5, I dunno). Now, I have no idea where to find the red box and black box, I've been checking around game shops and book stores, but whenever I ask about d&d stuff, they either point me in the direction of the players handbook or romance novels with a fantasy twist. No one takes me seriously as a girl gamer, I think it might be the fact that personality aside, I look like one of those blonde mall girls (more leg then brain as a friend so aptly put it). I dress this way for my part time job, nothing else. :weep: So I have had no help in locating these items or even knowing if they actually exist. So I've decided to come to the source. I hope fellow gamers with more experience can point me in the right direction, or, if nothing else, give me a good idea for an awesome christmas gift for my DM boyfriend with too much DM stuff as is. Please Help! Red Lady Well, you could always try asking one of his close friends for help in finding the perfect gift. As for the red box and black box, wikipedia is always a good place to start: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenloft History First published as a stand alone Advanced Dungeons & Dragons adventure module also called Ravenloft ("I6"), it was popular enough to spawn a Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Gamebook, a sequel module (I10: The House on Gryphon Hill), and in 1990 was launched as a full-fledged campaign setting with the Realm of Terror boxed set, popularly known as the "Black Box". The campaign setting was revised twice during Second Edition - first as the Ravenloft Campaign Setting "Red Box", then as the Domains of Dread hardback - before Wizards of the Coast cancelled the line after acquiring TSR. In 1991, the "Black Box" won the Origins Award for Best Graphic Presentation of a Roleplaying Game, Adventure, or Supplement of 1990.[1] I believe I have found some copies of the "red book" on half.com: http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1547125QQcpidZ3358376 There is a Like New copy there for $39. The New one is near $100, though. ........................................ ........................................ ......... I believe this is the "black box": http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1441753QQcpidZ3173731 There is a Very Good one up for sale that apparently still has everything, but the box is a bit damaged. It's only $10.55, though. The Like New ones start at $100. Half.com is a great place for gaming books,in case you end up looking for another gift later on. Also, if he is a big fan of Ravenloft see if he already owns a copy of: http://www.amazon.com/Expedition-Ravenloft-Dungeons-Roleplaying-Supplement/dp/078693946X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196683171&sr=8-1 To my knowledge this is the only Ravenloft book released for the current version of the Dungeons & Dragons game. If all else fails, or if you want to be a little creative with your gift, you could get him a set of personalized custom dice: http://chessex.com/Dice/Custom_Dice_Home.htm I had some done myself (see pic), and they turned out quite nice. For about $14 you could get him 10 dice (or more for $1 each) personalized anyway you want. You could have something like "I love you sweetie" or "From your gamer chick with love" put on either the 1's side or the 6's side. Needless to say it would automatically make him the envy of many of his geeky friends. http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/Celestialdragon100/untitledwiozardscomversion.png You could also have almost any image put on the dice. I hope some of this helps.
camthalion 12-03-07, 09:00 AM	.... You could have something like "I love you sweetie" or "From your gamer chick with love" put on either the 1's side or the 6's side. Needless to say it would automatically make him the envy of many of his geeky friends. He's got a leggy, blonde girlfriend who plays D&D and wants to buy him out-of-print D&D books. I think he's already the envy of all his geeky friends. ^^^^ other than that, I have nothing to contribute. Never heard of these books. If all else fails, you could stuff his stocking with the kind of thing he could never have too much of. Does he have a dice fetish? Use a lot of minis? Have a favourite monster? Posters? T-Shirts? ... oh, here's (http://www.fraternityofshadows.com/DrawingRoom/Ravenloft_Products/1st_2nd_Edition/RLCampaignSetting_RedBox.htm) a link. I also searched on ebay and there was one mentioned which I think was this one ... used. Hope this helps.
Jewelprotector 12-03-07, 09:07 AM	I have a similar problem finding b-day/Yule gifts for my man as well, though I've been gaming long enough (15+ years)that the local store owners know to treat me like a gamer, not a girl. The custom dice was a good idea; you might also think about other gaming accessories. Take a couple of favorite Ravenloft images and a plain cloth bag to a custom screen-printing shop and have them make you a dice bag. Or there are places that will embroider custom images as well (a pretty penny, but lasts forever.) Get him a gothic-type beer stein for his Mt. Dew, or whatever he prefers to drink when he's gaming. How does he organize his notes for a game? There are places you can have make up custom binders and folders. And if all else fails, and you're completely out of ideas or patience, there's always the option of a gift certificate for wherever he spends most of his money.
AlphaLoup 12-04-07, 12:35 AM	I'm not sure what the black box or red box are, but boxed sets were common with second edition material. I don't believe there were any boxed material for third edition. Regardless all Ravenloft gaming material is currently out of print, so I am afraid that ebay will likely have to be your store here. http://toys.search.ebay.com/ravenloft_Toys-Hobbies_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQcatrefZC12QQfro mZR40QQfrtsZ0QQsacatZ220 If he is a collecter try these: The Original Adventure AD&D 1ed. http://cgi.ebay.com/I6-Ravenloft-adventure-module-TSR-1983-AD-D-1E_W0QQitemZ320191634573QQihZ011QQcatego ryZ44112QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem Possibly the Black Box: http://cgi.ebay.com/AD-D-2nd-ED-Ravenloft-Realm-of-Terror-Box-Set_W0QQitemZ140186236097QQihZ004QQcateg oryZ2545QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem Possiblu the Red Box: http://cgi.ebay.com/TSR-Ravenloft-Campaign-Setting-Boxed-Set-AD-D-SW-OOP_W0QQitemZ260189559500QQihZ016QQcateg oryZ2545QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZVie wItem There were plenty of Ravenloft "Ral Partha" minatures on that search as well. Also if he has a dice obsession you should check out the Dwarven Stones section of Crystal Caste's website. Nothing says I love you like semi precious dice. If you have any questions on Ravenloft material, don't hesitate to ask.
DarthVegan 12-04-07, 02:17 AM	I don't know much about Ravenloft, so sorry I'm not a big help. However, I must ask a question from the ladies who are gamers: How in the world can I convince my loving wife to play DnD with me?:confused:
gullas 12-04-07, 06:50 AM	to answer the original question , if you don't find anything , buy him the biggest , meanest and badest mini you can find:D the other question I can't answer cause I'm an single guy:rolleyes:
Nomad_the_Odd 12-04-07, 11:43 AM	to answer the original question , if you don't find anything , buy him the biggest , meanest and badest mini you can find:D No. Do not buy the scariest mini you can find for your DM. That's just a bad idea ;) And as for getting the wife to play, I started my future wife off with a vampire larp. RPS is easier to explain, and it's a good grounding in role playing games. Besides, it's an excuse to get her to wear all sorts of interesting things :D
Kadasbrass 12-04-07, 12:35 PM	For DM? For Xmas? +6 Nerfbat of Munchkinbane. Never play without it.
CCS 12-04-07, 01:08 PM	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenloft I believe I have found some copies of the "red book" on half.com: http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1547125QQcpidZ3358376 There is a Like New copy there for $39. The New one is near $100, though. ........................................ ........................................ ......... I believe this is the "black box": http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ1441753QQcpidZ3173731 There is a Very Good one up for sale that apparently still has everything, but the box is a bit damaged. It's only $10.55, though. The Like New ones start at $100. Half.com is a great place for gaming books,in case you end up looking for another gift later on. That pretty much covers the boxed sets. Also check Nobelknight.com availability.
larry_the_titan 12-04-07, 01:10 PM	Depending on the level of money you have, the leather bound core books, a set of plush dice, a large metal d20, a new large combat grid (with Hexs on the reverse) and dry erase markers, New Ink cartrigdes for his printer, a load of blank printer paper, a new campaign note book, a hundred mechanical pencil with lead (I lose one every week some how), Minis or a collection of tokens for combat purposes, food, food and food.
LadyDM 12-04-07, 03:02 PM	However, I must ask a question from the ladies who are gamers: How in the world can I convince my loving wife to play DnD with me?:confused: As a woman gamer with a wife, it's hard. It really all depends on her preferences and what she likes. My wife likes to read mild fantasy (Harry Portter, David Eddings), but HATES D&D and thinks it's geeky. I tried a few years ago to get her involved and create a character, but she got bogged down with all the rules and dice and just all the stuff. She doesn't mind that I play, or have a group at the house to play, but it just insn't her cup of tea. (she even helped me decorate our playing room.) My first suggestion is to see if she even wants to play or is interedted in it at all. If not, well then you know. If she IS interested then I would suggest a small campaign with just the two of you. I would also suggest that you get her her own PHB (inscribed with a loving and heartwarming note from you on the inner cover). When creating the character, go literally step by step. Start at chapter 1 and go right on through answering all her questions along the way. I'm not saying she can't grasp the concepts, but there is a LOT of information to wade through and making it fun for her is important. Hope this helps and you both enjoy your time together playing!
CryoSilver 12-04-07, 04:50 PM	I got my DM beer last Xmas.
High Octane 12-04-07, 05:00 PM	If he's like any of my DM's I think you will have to buy him a life. Or if he's like one of my DM's he might enjoy it if you forcibly removed the joy and happiness from other people (preferably innocents) and then boil it down until there is nothing left but agony and a feeling of helplessness left so that he may feast upon it wallowing in the utter hopelessness you feel due to the collapse of your being when all that you have worked for and hold dear is ripped away from you by a malignant evil force. Or a sword. Can never go wrong with swords.
SlanderPanic 12-04-07, 05:03 PM	1) Personalized dice are a phenomenally bad idea. If it doesn't work out between the two of you, he ends up with a bunch of bad-luck dice he has to toss out. (Just as girlfriend dice are always blessed, ex-girlfriend dice are always cursed. I know this from bitter experience.) There are some other great suggestions here. Leather-bound core books make great gifts, as do enormous battlemats. I also really like the ideas of personalized dice pouches or gothic beer steins. You could also buy him a case of D&D Miniatures. Given his predilection for Ravenloft, an Unhallowed case (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mg/un) will likely make him extremely happy. It's full of werewolves, vampire hunters, and Ravenloft-specific miniatures like Strahd and Van Richten. Many of my all-time favorite D&D Minis come from that set. 2) Tell her that it's like improv acting, except that she gets to design her character from the ground up. As Shelly Mazzanoble explained in GRZ #21 (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=grz), women often like the design aspect.
Passivearmada 12-05-07, 05:07 PM	A question. You're blond, leggy, (obviously gorgeous), and you play D&D? A friend of mine, who is rather... nice.... would like to play, but I really don't know if she's all that serious about it. Maybe I'll wait for 4E to come out before I start a game with her, as they say it'll be a lot easier to recruit. I like the idea of personalized dice bags and stuff, but unless he's obsessed with the game, then I suggest that you but something out-of-game for a primary gift, and then something not very expensive that contributes to his DMing. I think something sentimental will prove more valuable to him than a gameing thing, but I don't know him (this is just my judgement on relationships). Have fun, get creative. Perhaps a memory is better than a material object (intimate or not... :P)
baby_kamikaize_kobold 12-05-07, 05:30 PM	The bat of munchkin bane sounds good. but you can never go wrong with a D20 the size of your fist to smite ignorance.
Count Nerindil Van Seraph 12-05-07, 07:51 PM	All my DM wants for Christmas is new players.:devil:
CryoSilver 12-05-07, 10:16 PM	And 2 front teeth?
Count Nerindil Van Seraph 12-05-07, 10:46 PM	And 2 front teeth? If he keeps threatening to throw rust monsters at my warforged, yeah, he'll be wishing for those, too.
1 ton ghost 12-06-07, 03:21 PM	any D&D text you get, Amazon it. reliable, no holiday traffic, and the price is right. i'd be leary about getting too much gaming stuff. vary it up. don't make it another all D&D Christmas. besides, there's sales afterward too that kick ass. you'll save more money this way. my g/f has contributed to my collection (and her's, my bro's, and a mutual friend's character development/gaming XP) pretty much every b-day and xmas for the last 4-5years. this is good, but getting too much text for the holidays saps the majesty of it. it's totally respectable, but big. really big. we're talking like medium to heavy load, no Dex, try not busting one's ass on slippery stairs heavy. so, i suggest the following: -really good (sturdy) backpack or some Samsonite w/ rollers, something. scotchguard the Hell out of it. you'll see why in tragic fashion one day -peripherals that aren't niche only. minis and maps are excellent. i paint my own and refuse to buy plastic. encourage him to take it up. good hobby, builds skill and is better than store bought crap. more personable to PCs too. -stay clear of luxury or frivolous ones; ie)the customized dice, leather bound books, etc. if you wish to "keep" them, then they'll never get used. -dinner and a movie never hurt followed by, um, desert. i'm a traditionalist in some regards. on the otherhand, when he's asleep, get the raspberry jam and...
spades1013 12-08-07, 10:16 PM	This is a pretty nice gift for a DM, not Ravenloft but nice. http://www.trollandtoad.com/p173234.html
Ikeman04 12-08-07, 10:41 PM	While I have nothing useful to contribute, I must admit I am envious of celestialkin's magnificent dice.
celestialkin 12-09-07, 12:14 AM	While I have nothing useful to contribute, I must admit I am envious of celestialkin's magnificent dice. Why thank you! :D If you want some, just save my picture, call Chessex up, ask for the "custom dice guy", and talk to him. He will give you an email to send the image you want made into dice. Tell him you want the same dice I had made (they keep all their templates on their PC), and that I don't mind others using it (I don't think it even matters, they would probably still sell you some). If needed, send him the images I posted here, so he knows what template you are talking about. For about $14 you can be the proud owner of your own Desu dice!
Ikeman04 12-09-07, 11:50 AM	Awesome! Then one less thing in my life won't need moar DESU!
celestialkin 12-09-07, 02:42 PM	Awesome! Then one less thing in my life won't need moar DESU! Sweet. And by the way, I had her engraved on Gemini� Green-Red w/white (http://chessex.com/Dice/Gemini/gemini_dice_home.htm). It matches her eyes beautifully.
Ikeman04 12-09-07, 04:04 PM	Good Lord, you must love Rozen Maiden.