The Deck of Many Things is a new core rulebook for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the popular tabletop role-playing game. It is based on one of the most infamous items in the game, a magical deck of cards that can grant amazing rewards or terrible curses to those who draw from it. The book promises to expand the possibilities of the deck with new cards, rules, and adventures.
The book was scheduled to be released on November 14, 2023, along with a physical set of cards that players can use in their games. However, the physical release has been postponed indefinitely due to a high defect rate in the products.
What went wrong with the products?
According to Kyle Brink, the executive producer of D&D at Wizards of the Coast, the company that publishes the game, the products did not meet their manufacturing standards. He said that they found many errors and inconsistencies in the physical cards, such as different shapes, sizes, and foil quality. He also said that some of the paper packaging damaged the cards during shipment.
Brink explained that these issues were partly caused by their recent shift to more environmentally friendly materials, such as paper bands instead of cello wrap. He said that they inspected everything closely throughout the production process, but some of the problems were not detected until later.
“We need to fully inspect it, and understand exactly how many units are defective,” Brink said. “The defect rate is too high. I cannot in good conscience ship this stock.”
How will this affect the fans?
The delay of the physical release is a disappointment for many fans who pre-ordered the book or planned to buy it on launch day. However, Wizards of the Coast has offered some alternatives and compensation for them.
First, the digital release of the book will not be affected by the delay. Fans can still buy and download the PDF version of the book on November 14 from D&D Beyond, an official online platform for D&D content.
Second, those who bought the Physical + Digital Bundle will still get early access to the digital copy on October 31, as well as a $10 coupon for their next purchase on D&D Beyond.
Third, those who only bought the physical copy will get a full refund and a $10 coupon for their next purchase on D&D Beyond.
Brink apologized to the fans for the inconvenience and said that they are working hard to resolve the issues and deliver the products as soon as possible. He said that they hope to have a physical launch before the end of the year.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this,” Brink said.
Why is The Deck of Many Things so popular?
The Deck of Many Things is one of the most iconic and controversial items in D&D history. It was first introduced in 1975 in an issue of The Strategic Review, a magazine for wargaming enthusiasts. It was later included in various editions and supplements of D&D.
The deck consists of 22 cards, each with a different name and effect. Some of the effects are beneficial, such as gaining wealth, magic items, or levels. Some of the effects are harmful, such as losing possessions, abilities, or even life. Some of the effects are unpredictable, such as summoning enemies, allies, or random events.
The deck is notorious for its potential to disrupt or derail a game session with its random and powerful outcomes. Some players love it for its excitement and unpredictability. Some players hate it for its chaos and imbalance. Some players avoid it altogether for fear of its consequences.
The Deck of Many Things core rulebook aims to explore and expand this item with new options and features. For example, it introduces new cards with different themes and effects, such as The Deck of Illusions, The Deck of Fate, and The Deck of Horrors. It also provides rules and guidelines for using the deck in different settings and scenarios, such as Baldur’s Gate 3-inspired shenanigans or grenades with a randomized table. It also offers adventure hooks and stories that involve the deck in various ways.
The book is designed to appeal to both fans and critics of the deck, by giving them more choices and control over how they use it in their games.
