Exactly what it says on the box: most of the essential stuff you need to get started. Not exotic or fancy, but others sets can complement this one nicely. Besides, I put a small white label on the back, so the players CAN write on that and if they give it back (use or sell) then I put another label over the old one and we start fresh :-)

I have recently received this item and had an opportunity to try it out in game. The players thought it was nice to have a physical representation of their items, and I tried handing them out in envelopes after a significant encounter which they also seemed to like... But all of us failed to see the utility of these cards beyond that initial "oooh cool!" reaction.

Players still need to keep track of item stats on separate paper (because there is zero chance of them scribbling all over my new cards :P) and I still have to write numbers on them and make an item index to keep track of things. It doesn't sound like a lot of work, but it really is if you just don't have a lot of time to prep every week.

These cards are beautifully drawn and it certainly doesn't hurt my game to have them included, but I would be more willing to spend money on a deck of cards that had cards associated with actual equipment in the core rulebooks with base stats on the back or even just a unique numerical identifier printed on there.

(As a side note: if you are looking for cards that really make your life as a GM easier pick up the status deck or the critical hit deck. Those two are solid gold!)

From a DM standpoint I could wish for more Backpacks.
Other then that small quibble, this is a great idea and all my players love it.

...Now I just need to get more of the 'basics'

DaBear

I don't have all of the first three sets YET but up to now I can say that you really chose a lot of my favourites for this set

Awesome item deck....as i have just acquired the current deck.....i missed the grumbling about its being a reprint.
My gaming cirle just reviewed it and love it
especially the unenlightened generation Y.....who seemed more video gamed oriented. and maybe read a book in short life span...and it was a gamer mag

It has merit and images that now turn on the light in those dim places and get the real imagination parts of the brain working.

neat improv session...4 players pick five cards...and lets play survivor D&D style
If you can think on your feet...and survive this session
then lets play a real adventure......and ya have just a little more gear....and some sharp pointy things tooo

awesome deck for newbies...and frustrated DM's
who can flash or flip a card and say here ya go..thats what have and looks like..and real questions now......
HINT HINT still want pure decks of rings, swords, scrolls....Ya know the good stuff.....
pazio.....your on the right track.....putting the keys to imagination back into the game

wonder if ya have something for trees/plants/insects/logging equipment.....it would help my forestry students....