TOPIC: Token advice for some newbies

This will be my second Gencon but first True Dungeon experience.  Me and 3 buddies (all also new to TD) are signed up together for normal runs of The Evading Hilt and DragonWard.  Since half our group is guaranteed to be fresh meat, I'm trying to be as prepared as possible so our group has the best chance at being successful.  With that in mind, I have a few questions that I’m hoping you all can help me with.<br /><br />1.   I know each player is given a bag of tokens prior to the TD run and there was the option to buy packs online (now expired) and possibly buy additional bags onsite at Gencon.  I’ve been looking through Ebay, trying to find a possible beginner set of tokens relatively cheap, as I would like to get our group of 4 newbies as much aid as possible for maximum enjoyment (ie some basic armor/equipment/etc) without breaking the bank and picking up some URs.  I’m somewhat leery buying items for a specific class, as there is no guarantee any one of us will get that class (in case someone else in our run is a higher level).  Are there any other options excluding Ebay to purchase some beginner set tokens?  Also, are there any specific tokens that are good all around tokens, not just for a specific class that I should be on the lookout for?<br /><br />2.  Regarding potions and scrolls – are these items use it and lose it to the TD DM forever or just use it and it is no longer usable that specific run but you retain for future runs?<br /><br />3.  Any general advice/tips for newbies?  I’ve read through the beginner guide and a few topics related to tips and I’ve signed us all up for the TD 101 seminar, but I figured I’d just ask for any additional help just in case.  <br /><br />Edit: 4.  What are the "easiest" classes to run as for a first time through?<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />

1.  First, list your ticket times on this website and see if you can coordinate with the other players in your group.  The runs may already have a thread about them in discussion.  If you are looking to pick up tokens on the cheap, look on the trade posts here on this site.  There are a lot of players that have rares and lower commonalities fairly cheap.  Most will sell or trade tokens.  <br /><br />2.  Potions and Scrolls are given to the DM when used, never to be seen again.<br /><br />3.  General advice:  Be prepared to work as a team.  You will want everyone's abilities in your group at some point in the dungeon.  Listen to the other players when solving puzzles.  They may spark an idea that will solve the puzzle, or have the solution outright.  Don't just run across tiles on the floor.  Think then act.  Be aware of the 12 minute hard time limit though.

Probably easiest to play a melee class as all you have to do is slide well.  No memorization like the spellcasters or steady hand needed like the rogue.    Really doesn't matter for most of the puzzle challenges.

Have someone play the Monk.  He requires very little equipment and can still hit really hard (twice per round, if you're using his open hand attack).  And, like the other melee characters, he only needs to slide well, no memorization required.  I think he's a great character for starting TD players.

Thanks all for the advice.  We'll shoot for melee classes.  <br /><br />Any tips of generally all around good starter tokens I should be on the look out for?

On tokens, first of all, check out the token guide and Amorgen's character builder spreadsheet.  In general, look especially for a +1 weapon - not only will you then do more damage, the weapon will have a better chance to hit the monster.  Also, look for *something* to fill all slots (head/feet/hands/back/neck, etc).  Better to wear a Ring of Featherfall than no ring, on the off chance you fall off a cliff.<br /> <br />Some good tokens to look for:<br />Weapons (all do good average damage of 5.375-5.5 pts per hit):<br />+1 Longsword/+1 Elven Longsword (rare - barbarian, bard, fighter, ranger, paladin), one handed bladed weapon, leaves room for a shield<br />+1 Mace/+1 Orcish Flail (rare - barbarian, cleric, fighter, paladin, ranger), one handed blunt weapon, leaves rooom for a shield<br />+1 Longbow/+1 Darkwood Longbow (rare - barbarian, bard, fighter, paladin, ranger) good, widely usable ranged weapon, but 2 handed, so no shield unless you pick up the 2010 token Archer's Buckler (uncommon)<br /><br />Armor:<br />Great Helm, Elven Coif, Cassis (uncommon - barbarian, cleric, fighter, paladin)<br />Plate Armor (rare - cleric, fighter, paladin) <br />Wolf/Toad/Ram Totem Armor (uncommon - barbarian, bard, druid, ranger, rogue)<br />Large Shield, Large Darkwood Shield, Large Elven Shield (uncommon - barbarian, bard, cleric, fighter, paladin)<br /><br />Misc:<br />Cloak - most usable by all classes, many boost saves - +2 Cloak of Resistance (rare, but long OOP and hard to find) or Cloak of the Phalanx (rare)<br />Boots - most usable by all classes, various effects, Boots of Free Action  (rare) or Boots of Sure Footing (combo 2008)<br />Gloves/Gauntlets - Gauntlets of Ogre Power (rare - all classes)<br />Belt - Belt of Ogre Power (rare - all classes)<br />Bracers - Bracers of Defense (rare - all classes)<br />Neck - Torc of Natural Armor (rare - all classes) or Amulet of Mugwort (common, all classes, +1 to max hp, not a bad choice if don't have the cash for the Torc)<br />Ring - Ring of Fire Resistance, Ring of Protection +1 (rares - all classes)<br /><br />Finally, you should bring some healing, preferably "independent" like potions, where you don't need the cleric's attention.

I am new to this. Getting taken in by friends. They do not have a lot of tokens so I was wondering how I could get some of the more powerful tokens. I do not have any tokens to trade so do people sell them anywhere other than eBay?

There was one vendor in the vendor hall at GenCon that had tokens last year, and I'll bet she does again this year.  The company name is Gaming Etc.  She also sells a lot of tokens on eBay.  Other than that, there's several on the forum here that will sell for cash - I'm sure you're getting PMs as we speak.  Take your time and look through all the offers before committing - and check what they'll charge you for shipping, too.<br /><br />

if you want ultra rares, you can get one with a $250 purchase. they can be had on ebay, but on occasion someone on the forum will part with one. sometimes they want gold sometimes cash. trading is your best bet, but to trade you would have already needed to purchased tokens from TD.<br /><br />there are a few folks that might set you up for a flat fee (meaning $). i know it sounds like i'm talking in circles, but the longer you lurk/participate on the forum, you will see how easy it is.  =D

Thanks for the advice guys. I will look at the vendor you mentioned at GenCon. I will also look and see if I can find people selling things here.