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So I picked up the redbox the other day, and I've been reading through the DM's book to run my group through Twisting Halls, and a couple of things came up. Specifically, how do bursts/blasts work? It says that a Burst 2 within 10 Squares covers an entire 5x5 area! But a Blast 3 hits only a 3x3 area?

Any/all help appreciated.

Hi Cryonicleech, I have had trouble with bursts/blasts before, but once you get your head round it you'll find it easy to understand. I'll write a key and draw diagrams of sorts to demonstrate to you how they work.
C = Caster
# = blank space
B = Blast/Burst
O = Burst origin
Basically, a blast has sides equal to the number after it. For example a close blast 3, is a 3x3 square, placed adjacent to the caster. The below diagram demonstartes a close blast 3.
C###
BBB#
BBB#
BBB#
On the other hand, bursts all have an origin square, and then extend squares in all directions from that equal to their value. The origin square must be place within the range noted on the powers description, and close bursts originate from the caster. So a Area burst within 10 can have its origin square anywhere within 10 squares of the caster. Close bursts do NOT affect the caster, however area bursts do. I will demonstrate an area burst 2 within 10 below.
C#######
########
########
###BBBBB
###BBBBB
###BBOBB
###BBBBB
###BBBBB

I know these diagrams aren't the best, but they are the best I could do on dakka, you may want to look at the diagrams in the book whilst reading this for easier clarification. Hope this helps and good luck DM'ing.
-scarskull5

Here is a website that explains it with pretty diagrams and everything.

One easy way to think of it is that blast is like shotgun blast; it starts from the person carrying the shotgun and goes out from there. Bursts just start at an origin square and open up from there. If the origin is personal or 0 that means it starts on the model, if it is ranged 10 that means you can place the origin square anywhere with 10 of the model, following LOS rules of course.

Thanks Ahtman. The site makes it seem so easy...

Now to actually start DM'ing...

Also, when creating the Player Characters, I was looking at the classes in PH1, and I saw the plethora of abilities in the book. Do 1st level players get ALL of those abilities at level 1? Or is that dependent on something else...

It depends what abilities you speak of. Generally, classes have to choose one aspect of their class abilities (fighters, for example, have to choose from single-handed, duel-weapon, two-handed, battlerager, or brawling), and then select a limited number of powers (for example, 2 at wills for non-humans, out of the bajillion powers).

Cryonicleech wrote:Also, when creating the Player Characters, I was looking at the classes in PH1, and I saw the plethora of abilities in the book. Do 1st level players get ALL of those abilities at level 1? Or is that dependent on something else...

I don't believe so, but 1st level characters do get a bunch. PHB (Player's Handbook) characters generally get a couple at-wills, an encounter, and a daily from their class, plus a power or two from their race and other factors. In general, 1st level is a 'big deal' as the character need a bunch of powers to survive at all.

Certain classes,e specially in Essentials, may get more or less. Basically you have to read each class. In general, you often pick a build or 'style' to focus your character (For example, the PHB Ranger can pick either Bow mastery or Two Weapon Mastery and gets different powers based one either. In many cases this is a 'soft' choice as you aren't locked in: my Druid picks from a style that gives a minor innate power, but many powers have a bonus effect if I have the matching theme.