One of the absolute coolest improvements to D&D is Fourth Edition’s creation and use of Power Cards. They add an aura of deck building to the game and drastically cut down on lengthy rulebook look-ups.

Each and every class power appearing in the Player’s Handbook has its own card. Each deck of 100 cards includes all the powers for one of the eight original classes, plus a few blank cards for players to use for other powers.

Make sure you slip each power card into a durable Ultra Pro clear card sleeve. Not only will you will protect them from messy, snacky game fingers but they will also work great with a dry erase marker (try the Staedtler Lumocolor Non-permanent).

Here’s hoping they go beyond the traditional powers and begin including other abilities like racial traits, class features and character feats. Seriously Wizards – does Ben have to think of everything?

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To say Ben digs the guys over at Penny Arcade is an understatement. At first one might think what could some comic book guys possibly have to do with D&D? The answer is actually a hell of a frickin’ lot.

It began with their legendary D&D 4E podcast series with Wizards of the Coasts back in May of 2008. And it gleefully continues with a second series in 2009.

The Penny Arcade crew is also starting to sprinkle in some occasional product reviews of D&D accessories too. Even better, they’re creating some homebrew items as well. Check out the cool effect conditions! Of course, Ben wishes he could buy or download them.

So pop over to their Blog for weekly content updates and give their Gabe a say hey on Twitter.

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After a traumatic product line shift and long layoff, D&D Miniatures returns with a whole new packaging system and rules format (sorry skirmish vets). Player’s Handbook Heroes is the first set exclusively developed for Fourth Edition.

The first set totals 18 miniatures (3 per pack, 6 packs in all) and the randomness removed. All the figures are completely visible. Another forty-piece set will be released in May entitled Monster Manual: Dangerous Delves. Thus, they’ve taken a full set and spread it over two months.

The paint jobs including the faces are much better so the higher price isn’t a huge deal. However, taking previous sculpts and essentially re-painting them is a big bummer. And Ben also thinks they went a little over board on all the chick minis.

Here’s our top five: Male Goliath Barbarian (you see him, you run), Male Elf Ranger (love the bird), Female Eladrin Sorcerer (nice use of see-through blue), Male Human Cleric (love the paint job), and Male Dwarf Paladin (total package).

And here’s our bottom five: Female Elf Druid (lame pose), Male Half-Elf Fighter Warlock (too much Flash Gordon), Male Tiefling Warlock (two words – ham hock), Female Eladrin Wizard (powder puff), and Male Human Fighter (light as a feather).

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Ben’s favorite source for 25mm building models is Miniature Building Authority. They build and sell resin cast pre-painted miniature buildings that are ready to use out of the box. No need to cast the molds or paint them.

You will see many of their buildings featured in Ben’s RPG Pile but the impressive Guild Hall gets the first plug. It’s perfect for a small town setting such as Winterhaven (from Keep on the Shadowfell).

The Guild Hall has two floors and a removable roof. The paint job rocks and it’s just the right size for your game table and book shelf. Ben gives the nod to the Guild Hall as the perfect start to your miniature building collection.

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