I just got done reading the recently released rules for Imperial Assault. This includes:

1. Learn to Play
2. Rules Reference Guide
3. Skirmish Guide

The really nice piece, and the purpose of this post, is the Rules Reference Guide. They actually have created a Glossary with all major terms and rules defined in alphabetical order. Each entry lists the basic rule first, followed by a list of exceptions (if any) and additional details. Lastly, each entry lists some related topics that may hold additional information that is relevant to the topic.

I think I have died and gone to heaven. Good job FFG !

Now, can I please have this done for Descent? Pretty Please? With Sugar on Top?!!!

I support this message :-) I enjoy Descent's theme far more than Star Wars, so here's hoping FFG continues to support us and sends a bit of that rules loving this way!

That reference guide is very nice, and a great addition to the IA rulebook. It's a professional, more detailed version of the glossary I wrote for Descent- actually, if you ignore the symbols, many (though not all) of the definitions in this rules reference apply just as well to D2E (for example, the section on pierce.) Other things such as adjacency rules are different.

I believe that Fantasy Flight Games started using the separate Learn to Play and Reference Guides with Eldritch Horror earlier in the year. This idea was very helpful towards learning Eldritch Horror. I have a feeling a lot of their new games will use these type of guides, but I doubt that they're going to re-write all the rulebooks from previous games.

I believe that Fantasy Flight Games started using the separate Learn to Play and Reference Guides with Eldritch Horror earlier in the year. This idea was very helpful towards learning Eldritch Horror. I have a feeling a lot of their new games will use these type of guides, but I doubt that they're going to re-write all the rulebooks from previous games.

I agree with you. I doubt they will. What would be nice, however, is if they would create a Reference Rule Guide for Descent. They could do this without re-writing any existing rule book. Simply build the reference from the core game rules, the expansions, and the FAQ to date. It really wouldn't be that hard, as they already have a head start since many of the mechanics and key words in Imperial Assault are the same for Descent.

Anyway, I know I am dreaming, but it would be nice.

I should point out that, in case you aren't aware, Zaltyre has been developing a version of a Glossary for Descent. I think a good job has been done so far, and I think what we all get out of it is the effort and help we all put into it.

Since it is unlikely that FFG would create their own at this point, I think we could all benefit by helping Zaltyre's version become a success.

I am getting off of my soap box now.

The problem is that in order for FFG to do that with descent, they would also have to clean up a bunch of cards to use proper templating and to use rules words consistently. This is really the type of thing you need to do from the start. This kind of reference isn't just for the players, it's also for the designers, so that they don't use one word in one place and a different one in another, or use an undefined term on one random card.

That being said, I am a big fan of Zaltyre's efforts so far. I think he's got a great grasp on the descent rules, and anyone who has time should look at the Glossary and help out.

SW:IA has a lot of cool, in my opinion, ideas that should be from the start in D2e. Starting from so many books, a better balance system when there are only 2 heroes, no overpowered heroes becouse each has it's own deck of Class cards, personal missions, a very open campain system where players can build a deck of quests and still have a choice at the game which ones whey will play, fixed big enemies movement and line of sight, up to a very cinematic play/campain/mechanic with a lot of exploration on each map. SW:IA is a very good title and I only wonder why Descent has not got all those changes when it was released.

I would imagine that its because Descent 2nd Ed was launched 2 years ago.

That's a long period of time to take feed back and amend design choices for a similar product released 2 years down the line.

Things that are done better in SW:IA are probably because of direct feed back from Descent 2nd ed in some capacity.

I would imagine that its because Descent 2nd Ed was launched 2 years ago.

That's a long period of time to take feed back and amend design choices for a similar product released 2 years down the line.

Things that are done better in SW:IA are probably because of direct feed back from Descent 2nd ed in some capacity.

One of the significant advantages of playing FFG games - they actually listen to feedback from their customers.