TOPIC: Guide changes...

To All,<br />I wanted to start a poll to get some feedback on how the new token guide should be laid out.  With all the different versions, variations, and now types, there are several ways we could handle the new layout.<br /><br />1. Feature images of the new tokens, and only unique wooden ones to ensure coverage of all types and have a matrix in the back with each token and what year it was made, like it is now.<br /><br />2. Have a section for wooden tokens (images) and a section for the new tokens, and the matrix.<br /><br />3. Freeze the Wooden token guide at 5.3, maybe 5.4 with some edits, and start 6.0 with only the new tokens, with a collectors matrix.<br /><br />Also if you have any additional ideas for the guide, bearing in mind I do this in my spare time, post ‘em here.<br /><br />Dave<br />

Wouldn't freezing the wooden guide be easiest?<br /><br />Maybe point out what you think is the easiest solution Dave - that would impact my votes...

I understand the desire to separate the old vs. new however, on a certain level, I really think you need an integrated list of the tokens.  There is a pretty substantial overlap with the Woodies vs. the Chippers (weapons and armor) and I think if you grouped tokens by type, it would be pretty intuitive.<br /><br />I would break it down like this (which is close to the current layout with some modifications).<br /><br />1. Introduction<br />2. Purpose and Scope<br />3. Types of Tokens and Identification (I would mention WHAT the origins and purpose for each type of token and not token specifics)<br />    A. Common, Uncommon, Rare, Ultra Rare<br />    B. Combo Tokens<br />    C. Artisan Tokens<br />    D. Ingredients<br />    E. Promo Tokens (Bag of Holding, Mugs)<br />    F. Reward Tokens (Savior Stone, Drow Blade Venom, Bucknards Everful Mug)<br /><br />4. Gems and Gold<br />5. Weapons<br />    A. Melee (Including Masterwork Spear, Bastard Sword, Silver Dagger, etc.) <br />    B. Ranged (Sling to Flaming Short Bow)<br />    C. Ammunition (Masterwork Arrow, Arrow of Slaying)<br />6. Armor (by slot)<br />    A. Head (Helm of Clear Thought)<br />    B. Neck (Hand of Glory, Amulet of Protection)<br />    C. Cloak (Cloak of Displacement to Cloak of the Mage)<br />    D. Torso (Leather to Dragonscale Armor)<br />    E. Bracer (Bracers of Defense to Bracers of Dragonfist)<br />    F. Gloves (Gauntlets of Ogre Power, Gloves of Dex)<br />    G. Fingers (Rings)<br />    H. Waist (Girdle of Hill Giant Strength)<br />    I. Boots (Boots of Elvenkind)<br />    J. Shields (Small to Dragonscale)<br />    K. Ioun Stones<br />7. Potions  (Cats Grace to Elixir of Life)<br />8. Scrolls<br />9. Wands<br />10. Gear <br />11. Misc (Wondrous Gear, Rumors, Specials)<br />12. FAQ<br />13. Compatibility Matrix (who can use what)<br /><br />There are two main reasons why a person would consult this guide.  They want to know what a Token does and who can use it.    I would answer the second question at the end and just have one Compatibility Matrix and reference it through out the guide.<br /><br />I would have images of primarily new tokens but would include old images for reference where applicable.<br /><br />I REALLY think you are going to run into problems if people are trying to track down a ruling on a token if there are two Guides.  Do you not include information on a new Chip token because it is in the old guide?  Like Boots of Elvenkind for example?  And What if something changes with a token that comes in both Wood and Chip format?  Are you planning on making changes to both versions?  This could happen to Mage Armor for example.<br /><br />Going with one Integrated Guide would be much better I think and we would avoid many potential problems.

One question on having an integrated guide is how many changes are there in tokens that were reprinted?  I believe the Potion of Bull Strength has changed between the 2006 woodie and the 2007 chippie.  Are there other changes?  <br /><br />On the whole I think I'm in favor of a consolidated guide, so that people looking for info have "one stop shopping".  And if they're interested - for instance - in what weapons a Fighter can use, they can get it from one table instead of having to look at two tables and try to mentally combine them.  <br /><br />Mike

I am leaning toward an integrated guide for much the same reasons.  Unless the token specifically indicates a particular set of damage or has specific wording, any rules updates for the new tokens would apply recursively to the older wooden ones.  In the case of the Bull's Strength, we would go with the token wording, but if a token did not indicate a use or specific effect, then the new ruling would prevail for both.  <br /><br />For example, (let's just say for arguement) the new ruling on smoke stick was that the area was a 12x12 room not a 10x10 room.  Since there was no indication on the old token any use of smokestick would fall under the new ruling.<br /><br />My initial thought was to use the nicer full color token images for all tokens, except where there were unique wooden ones, in that case I will try to get decent images of those and use them in the guide.<br /><br />I really wanted a sanity check from the group before I went off and did what I figured was probably OK.  Besides if you had some ideas for changes, new sections, layout (like Douglas) I can always use the input.<br /><br />I ihave not thrown out any version of the guide since I started doing them, so if anyone wants a specific version, I can always make it available later.<br /><br />Keep 'em comming.