Is there a difference between the new FFG versions of the base game vs. DoW?

Are there any expansions I should get right away?

As of yet, there only is the DoW version of BattleLore. There's been no indication that FFG will change the base game nor any of the existing expansions.

There's plenty of fun to be had in the base game box, expansions aren't necessary for reasons of a stale game after a few plays. However, all of the expansions add to the variety with which the game can play. I would recommend picking up Call to Arms and Epic first, and then fleshing out the troops with the figure expansions at your own pace. As far as I know there is no concern about the expansions going out of print and having future scarcity be a reason to hurry up and grab them now.

I hope the game brings you as much fun as it has to me

Thanks for the info. I've also heard about two different printings. Should I worry about that at all?

I wouldn't worry about it. I doubt you would get the first printing, and even if you did receive it the only differences (that I can recall, anyway) are that the dice in the first edition wear a little faster than those in the second (if you are going to be playing the game with any degree of frequency you should use some clear coating of some sort regardless the edition of the dice - they both wear rather quickly has been my experience) and there are two fewer card holders in the second edition to give more space to the figures - less bending=less time dunking the figures into hot water Otherwise there are no differences of which I know.

OK, thanks again. I'll pick up the base this week. Now I just need to figure out what I'll need to paint the figures. It has been over 10 years since I've painted a mini.

Well, then it is fortunate that you will get lots of painting practice grinding away on the base set. My one painting piece of advice? Less is more. . .

Z

One difference between the 1st and 2nd edition dice that I had forgotten about (pointed out on another thread): there are slight variations between the green, blue, and red helms on the 2nd edition dice that are not present on the 1st edition dice. Necessary for those who are color blind and very helpful for all, as the green and blue are not very distinct from each other.

Actually, there are more differences AFAIK:

* better dice

* missing two card-holders

* different layout of the insert in order to give more room to the figures (squeeze them less).

I should make note of the differences between bullet points and my style of cramming multiple details into single paragraphs