Dragons of Stormwreck Isle Review! New D&D Starter Set!

[@dragonmk123]

I grabbed this, and I agree, This is for brand new dm's to play and newish players. I took a look at the video's they had for this. Makes it excellent for newbie Dms and encourages them. I Think i'd only recomend this to younger DMs. What Irks, me is I was hoping for another LMoP kind of adventure. One to fight the box art instead we get the corner.

[@nickh3205]

A downside to me is the Nostalgia-baiting since the D&D cartoon characters are all over in the art of the set but they’re isn’t any stats for them in the box and book

[@stanbunn1329]

Considering the last few products from WOTC I'm not really surprised with them using nostalgia to sell more units without following through on the implications of their own advertising.

[@deathblazer6252]

I think this serves as a good lead up into Tyranny of Dragons if done correctly

[@Reanimatedself]

Oh! And we need some more paper minis for this set now. My family loves your paper minis for the mines!

[@JPCoovert]

Maybe!

[@Reanimatedself]

@@JPCoovert listen, you have unknowingly been teaching my son and I to draw and have been an excellent source of knowledge on our beginning d&d hobby. We did our session zero this weekend. There was no way we weren’t going to use your Mines minis for our first adventure. :)

[@romanwagner8709]

I think the essentials kit is better than both starter sets.

[@SirSeth6910]

We purchased it and it is especially good for younger players. The pregenerated characters slot well into the adventure and the sheets themselves offer clarification on what the character can do. I disagree with people that say character creation teaches you the rules. Anyone that has played TTRPGs for many years has bought a system, created characters, but the game never really pans out. At conventions there is a reason that GMs/DMs running less popular systems usually have pregens. We’ve also run Lost Mines of Phandelver, which has its own strengths, but Dragons of Stormwreck Isle is perfectly suited for elementary or middle school players. AFTER they have played through it they are primed to create characters. Which I needn’t remind people is free on DND Beyond.

[@JPCoovert]

Super agree! Making characters has too many decisions to make without knowing the rules for first time players. I think it's D&D's biggest weakness!

[@EliteKoala]

I can't wait to play this! It seems like a great adventure to get new players interested in dnd

[@FacetofChaos]

Excellent review. First time in yoyr channel. Your Dragon Town looks awesome.

[@SuperAverageJason]

I didn’t know this was coming out! Looks like I’m headed to Target lol

[@boardgamesfortwo]

Awesome overview! I didn't even know this was coming out!

[@NateTreme]

WotC needs to hire you to do an all JP illustrated starter box. I need the JP DM Screen

[@JPCoovert]

Yes they do! Thanks Nate ;)

[@mikefieweger8825]

Is it just me, or do those characters in the artwork look like the folks from the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon?

[@deathblazer6252]

That’s exactly who they are supposed to be

[@markcampbell8622]

You are not the first one to notice that. There are even minis of them coming out soon.

[@Reanimatedself]

Darn it! Now I have to go to target today 😁

[@dokushirizo]

It seems all 3 starter sets are even good for a long term game. All 3 are tied together. Gets characters to level 11(Due to Dragon of Icespire Peak's 3 expansion modules) so this starter set is like a "Lost Mine of Phandelver 6" this is where I've started my family's first time for them playing and my first time dming (Foreverplayer looking to be a DM for forever DMs once I get good enough). And the Dragon of Icespire Peak starter set has a coupon to get the 3 expansions for it for free and a DM screen and item cards (25 dollar value) so yeah I'm about to buy the starter set for that and now I get to get to purchase what's basically the 6th sequel to Lost Mine. I'm really excited.

[@JPCoovert]

Stormwreck isle is very much a level 1-3 adventure. You’d have to be creative to tie it into Phandelver, but it could absolutely be done!

[@johnmiddleton4291]

Is there a way to actually print out all the material from the 3 expansion adventures? I've never really used them because it's sort of a hassle in the app, for me at least. I would love it WotC offered a pdf or printed version.

[@sith7183]

I'm @ Target now box looks nice

[@Sakurafire1]

I understand the comments about needing more artwork, but the price point being kept low is more important that page count and paying more artists. We can have cake and eat it too.

[@JPCoovert]

As an artist and a designer that sells TTRPG products, I 100% disagree with this take. The goal of the set is to help new DM's run the adventure, art goes such a long way to accomplish that. There are blank spaces in the books, so page count isn't an issue. And having good art can actually reduce word count (don't need to explain what a character looks like when there is an illustration of them right there). Adding art has the benefit of increasing the value relative to the cost. I don't believe the margins are so thin on this product that WotC (a big company that clearly pays artists for artwork!) can't even illustrate the main NPC of the adventure. Plus, as lots of other comments have complained about, this set feels WAY lighter production-wise compared to the other two sets. In this case, we can have a cake and it eat, but it doesn't have any frosting!

[@Sakurafire1]

@@JPCoovert totally fair assessment. I’m an artist too who works in management. I doubt the margins are razor thin, but they’re selling this for $10 less than the previous set. Ink and paper will cut into costs that management is already looking at. I wish the set had more art, better design, and was brilliant for new players (like your book, which was fantastically designed btw). I just feel that the layout and art director would have a hell of a time explaining to the higher ups why any of it was necessary when they’re more worried about making money. (Though at a price of $20, the set undercuts any other RPG starter by a ton. Realistically it should look it’s best AND be should be sold at a loss the garner interest in the game, but what do I know lol)

[@JPCoovert]

@@Sakurafire1 Yes! We can definitely agree on that! I bet most people would be willing to pay $25 (half the price of a handbook!) to get way more. I think that bit of extra effort would go a long way getting more people who pick up the set hooked and purchasing more books!

[@Sakurafire1]

@@JPCoovert Agreed! Also I bought your Dragon Town book to play with my nephew. 😸 Your art is adorable and I honestly can’t help but applaud your graphic design sense.

[@lucasmarquesdecamargos4298]

I don't play 5e anymore. But I might get this one just because of the art with characters from the 80s D&D cartoon, my favorite cartoon growing up!

[@romanwagner8709]

Why don’t you play 5e? It’s so streamlined and fun!

[@lucasmarquesdecamargos4298]

@@romanwagner8709 I prefer oldschool-style games, a more dangerous feel, and low-magic setting. Those are not very easily achieved in 5e framework. Aside from that, I’m kinda burnt out on the edition with all its suplements now…

[@romanwagner8709]

@@lucasmarquesdecamargos4298 I suppose it’s fair if you prefer low magic gritty settings. I am a huge Lord of the Rings fans after all. I just hope you’re not one of those old edition elitists who hates on 5e and 3.5 players for being noobs or snowflakes or whatever.

[@lucasmarquesdecamargos4298]

@@romanwagner8709, I just don’t like 5e anymore, and don’t like the whole high magic super power stuff. And I think more people should know a little bit more about other editions and different styles, aesthetics and systems of play, since 5e is so dominant now. Of course I despise those bigots and reactionaries. My criticism on the edition and on the megacorporation behind it has nothing to do with their hate. So, I just enjoy more oldschool gameplay, low-magic setting and more perilous adventure than the current edition offers (when it comes to medieval fantasy, at least). But in no way I hate people who enjoy it.

[@getoffyoubassandletsfish8565]

An actual dragon fight in it for a final quest and zombie fight right away!!!!!

[@dlear85]

im still collecting dnd stuff having never played and was hoping to start wth this with kids and wife, but its stil so overwhelming with all the NPCs etc, how do people do it lol

[@JPCoovert]

Just jump in! Playing isn't fast pace and crazy. You can take your time to organize your thoughts. And if you can't find what you're looking for, just make it up! Your players, especially if they are new, won't be able to tell if you're fumbling around.

[@CONTINGENCY_sys]

WHAT?! No big pull out map? What gives? Agreed. Map needs more zoom and more... well more. They need some more artwork for sure. They jump around more than kid on candy hype. lol

[@CONTINGENCY_sys]

DRAGON TOWN. Now that's when its done right!

[@marka351]

Shame that they did not have a separate handout with a large printout of the map of the area.

[@JPCoovert]

Agree!

[@johnmiddleton4291]

Not printing large maps for these adventures is pretty annoying. Maps are really helpful for new players and I'v had many that have trouble keeping locations straight in their heads with visual aids.

[@naroe2001]

1st-3rd level against aa evil blue dragon. What the!

[@UntoldRelic]

I was on board when I saw the box art. Who doesn't want to interact with the 80's cartoon characters? I'm glad I found out that they are not represented at all in the adventure. I guess it is just marketing to get nostalgia sales.

[@JPCoovert]

It is a weird choice!

[@velocichungus]

How is this set different from the other one you have?

[@franciscoalejandro7567]

It's very similar to the first starter set that came out for 5e. The contents are similar; a set of 6 dice, 5 pregenerated characters, a rule booklet and an adventure booklet. The adventure is a bit shorter, it only goes up to level 3, while the Lost Mine of Phandelver got you up to level 5. I've heard the DM advice for running the adventure is a bit better, so it could be a bit easier to run for a new player, and also easier to finish since its shorter.

[@JPCoovert]

What Francisco said! Different adventure, better advice for new DM's. The dice and rulebook are similar.

[@voidsabre_]

After the essentials kit had 10 dice, a DM screen, and character creation this feels like a bit of a letdown. I would've rather seen something like a $30ish combo set of the Essentials Kit with the Lost Mines of Phandelver from the original set, since those adventures already combine so well that minimal tweaking would've been required

[@Fnordathoth]

First, the whole point of creating a character from the ground up as a new player is that it forces you to learn the rules as you go, they dropped the ball not giving character creation rules. 2nd I'm really not butt hurt over a lack of artwork; I'd much rather have good text over good art. 3rd the lack of separate maps in this set and only getting 6 dice instead of seven is just cheap and I thought it was cheap of them to only include 6 dice in the other starter set as well. 4th and not specific to this set, the prepainted minis for this feature characters that look like Hank the Ranger, Presto the Magician, Eric the Cavalier, Diana the Acrobat and completely omits Bobby the Barbarian and Uni, and Sheila the Thief which SERIOUSLY ANNOYS ME; if you're not going to include them all don't make them and definitely dont allude to their existence in this new set if they're not even in the story. In conclusion, as much as I might want to run Stormwreck, I doubt very much I'll sink any money into what is to me an obvious cashgrab and nostalgia bait.

[@joshbingham212]

The new starter set doesn’t really interest me. I’ve been DMing for a long time and prefer homebrew campaigns unless the adventure/setting is really compelling. This just doesn’t scratch my itch, especially since I already have the Phandelver adventure and really like that one. You made a great video though, well done JP!

[@JPCoovert]

Makes total sense! This set was definitely not designed for you. Reading through Radiant Citadel at the moment and it's super compelling stuff.

[@simounobrien9096]

Homebrew settings are in my opinion the best way to learn how to DM. I do love some Adventure Modules like LMOP, Curse of Strahd and Icewind Dale Rime of the Frostmaiden (my favorite) and you can be inspired by those modules to create similar tropes

[@KeithSkates]

Man, did you stay up all night editing this? I just saw your tweet about finishing recording this and still needing to edit.

[@JPCoovert]

Frank is helping!

[@KeithSkates]

@@JPCoovert that explains that. With the baby he never sleeps anymore anyway. 🤣

[@Centdot]

So… this IS still fifth edition, right?

[@JPCoovert]

Oh yes. Completely!

[@Uzur9]

5.5 or 6E not till 2024

[@LeonShuriken]

Uhhh is it just me or does the picture art and pre made characters resemble the cast of the 90s dnd show?

[@JPCoovert]

It’s not you! The art and character classes reference it, but nothing else.

[@yanaleigh]

Even if the adventure is good it's a shame that you get so much less than the Starter Set for the same price. All the way down to only having 6 die instead of 7. Come on, at least give them a full set.

[@JPCoovert]

Didn't even realize there wasn't a second d10!

[@justincaviness]

Actually, the original starter set also only had six dice, basic rules, an adventure, and character sheets. It's only got less in comparison to the Essentials Kit.

[@christianemerson4622]

I hate that you're limited in premade classes. There's definitely going to be classes that people would rather play than the ones provided

[@captainapollo1894]

When it comes to D&D the only limits are self imposed. Even as a new player you could easily use the character creator on D&D Beyond to create a character you want.

[@christianemerson4622]

@@captainapollo1894 True, but these are premade ones designed for new players trying to get into D&D. It feels weird and wrong that there would only be a handful of classes that come premade with the new starter, as there will be players who won't like the play style of the ones given

[@captainapollo1894]

@@christianemerson4622 True, i mentioned D&D Beyond because that's how I started off. But, as easy it was for me, i understand it might not be that straightforward for everyone

[@bluefish5]

Is this worth getting when you can find the original Starter Set for about $12 and you get an adventure that takes you all the way to lvl 5? Doesn't seem so. In any case, DRAGON TOWN is way better than both

[@JPCoovert]

Thanks! Yes, less content than other sets, but I think this is better for new DM's and players.

[@carpetsnake83]

It has recycled art too This is cheap as $20 you are better off getting the OG starter quest or spend $5 more get the essentials kit

[@JPCoovert]

The value compared to the other sets does seem lacking, but the amount of play you get from the $20 still seems really great to me.

[@carpetsnake83]

@@JPCoovert yeah but you get the exact same stuff from the OG starter kit and more content as you quest up to level 5 Giving you more bang for your buck for the same money This probably one of the laziest cash grabs With not a lot of art and recycled art Where’s a map Where’s the dm screen Where’s character creation Id be telling new players to get OG or essentials before bothering with this Which is not something you want to say about the starter quest that’s supposed to get players into the game

[@DeathCatInHat]

I like starter sets but sadly not so much DnD. I started with it but also profer other games far more. Looks good thoug may get it to use the adventure for another game.

[@JPCoovert]

Yeah! I would say that everything about this set and adventure are about getting new players in. If you’re confident running games, there are a million other adventures to play before this one.

[@garfieldwithissuez]

Or you could buy the core rule book to dungeon crawl classics and have literally everything you need to play forever with no additional cost no additional cost for $25 And you get 2 introductory adventures not just one.

[@scottjarvis8114]

Yeah but then you gotta get those weird dice that you’ll never use for anything else

[@HowtoRPG]

I consider this a poor product compared to other starter sets, even if the adventure is more new Dungeon Master friendly. Missed opportunity by Wizards of the Coast. Thanks.

[@frogblasttheventcore69]

cuul

[@pa_zere]

Im super sad cause you don’t answer my questions ever. I love your work but you don’t care. Nice starter set though

[@JPCoovert]

What's your question?

[@pa_zere]

@@JPCoovert If I’m using photoshop, which brush you will recommend to get that paper/pencil texture.

[@JPCoovert]

@@pa_zere click the three horizontal lines in the brush window and go to "get more brushes". It'll take you to a website with TONS!

[@theophrastusbombastus1359]

@@pa_zere I'm sure you're very grateful for the advice.

[@pa_zere]

@@theophrastusbombastus1359 I am, actually. Thank you.