Dungeons & Dragonsis dropping a recurring Easter egg that has appeared in every Fifth Edition rulebook since the 2014 Player’s Handbook. Later this month, Wizards of the Coast will release a new version of theMonster Manual, one ofD&D’s core rulebooks. The newMonster Manualcontains over 500 statblocks, includingrevamped versions of many classic creatureswith new abilities. However, Wizards of the Coast has confirmed that a long-running Easter egg found in the credit sections of every Fifth Edition campaign and rulebook released prior to the new core rulebooks has officially been retired.
As reported byPolygon, Wizards of the Coast has confirmed thatthe humorous disclaimer that had appeared on the credits page of older Fifth Edition rulebooks will no longer appear inD&Drulebooks.These disclaimers usually referenced the perils of messing with various monsters or characters that appeared in their respective books, with Wizards of the Coast ceding responsibility for things like “sticking appendages in the mouth of a leering green devil face” or “angering a dragon of any variety,” as mentioned in the 2014 Player’s Handbook. No reason was given toPolygonfor the disclaimer’s retirement.
One Of D&D’s Long-Running Easter Eggs Is Ending
Disclaimers, Long A Part Of Fifth Edition’s Rulebooks, Are Getting Cut From Future Books
While the disclaimers had no actual meaning or impact on the game,they were a little wink and nod to bothD&D’s lore and the tropes that surround playing tabletop games.For instance,Volo’s Guide to Monstersreferenced the infamous writer’s tendency for embellishing the truth, as well as his place in campaigns. “Do not trust Volo,” the disclaimer read (viaD&D Beyond). “Do not go on quests offered by Volo. Do not listen to Volo. Avoid being seen with him for risk of guilt by association. If Volo appears in your campaign, your DM is undoubtedly trying to kill your character in a manner that can be blamed on your own actions.”
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The disclaimers are not the only change being made toD&D’s rulebook stylemoving forward.Wizards of the Coast also adopted a new style for its rulebook spines, using a full red design instead of a mix of black and red. LongtimeD&Dalternate cover artist Hydro74 also announced that Wizards had informed him that they were going in another direction for covers, withVecna: Eve of Ruinbeing their last contribution to the franchise for now.
D&D’s Disclaimers Were Funny, But Were Running Out Of Steam
Disclaimers Felt Like More Of An Obligation Than A Legitimately Funny Gag
WhileD&D’s disclaimers were humorous, they felt more like an obligation than an actual humorous Easter eggin recent tomes. There was a certain magic to the disclaimers during early Fifth Edition, butit felt like too many people were in on the joke.It might be a good thing that the disclaimers are leavingD&Dbooks for now, as their eventual return will probably be celebrated by the community. For now, players can look back fondly at the disclaimers as a part ofDungeons & Dragonshistory.
