manual of the Planes vs. the new Plannar Handbook.

KenM · Jul 23, 2004

I have the 3rd edtion Manual of the Planes. What's the difference between that and the new Plannar Handbook?

Mouseferatu · Jul 23, 2004

They're completely different books. The new Planar Handbook talks about classes, races, spells, PrCs, monsters, specific locations within the planes (like Sigil and the City of Brass). It's not a revision or replacement for the MotP. In fact, while this metaphor breaks down somewhat because the book does have DM-centric info, you might think of it at least partly as the Planar PHB, vs Manual of the Planes as the Planar DMG.

Pants · Jul 24, 2004

They're meant to be used in tandem, so pitting them against each other kind of misses the point.

But, to answer the question, it really depends on what you want in a book. The Planar Handbook seems more focused on rules and assorted 'crunchy' bits, while the Manual of the Planes is mostly flavor text and information.

That said, the Manual of the Planes is one of the best books I've purchased. I probably won't buy the Planar Handbook though.

PJ-Mason · Jul 24, 2004

the MOTP is one of my favorite all time rpg books. I got the Planar Handbook. Its okay. Get the MOTP before you get the PLHB, though.

Shemeska · Jul 24, 2004

Indeed, you won't appreciate the PlHB unless you have the info in the MotP first. They're both good, and the MotP is one of the WotC's best 3e books.

(Of course they're both watered down Planescape put into 3e rules and 'simplified and streamlined' aka dumbed down with a loss of detail)

If you like them both, and I'm sure you will, look into the older PS material to see what you're only getting a glimmer of fully in the newer books, despite how good they are overall.

Thotas · Jul 24, 2004

Well, the new book claims to be a Player's resource, and it certainly is in places. But there are some extensive descriptions of various planar locations (many of which are very interesting, and as a group definately a good starting point for inspiring your own) that look like DM material to me. Even more so the bit in the back (a very handy bit) that is a listing of extraplanar creatures in such a way that it's more convienient to make up Encounter Tables ... I've never made an Encounter Table as a player. All in all, it's a good supplement to MoP; player material in the front, more and more DM stuff toward the back.

CRGreathouse · Jul 24, 2004

The Planar Handbook is about 2/3 a player resource, 1/3 a DM resource. I'd guess 85%-95% of the content is new -- the remainder, of course, is revised to 3.5.

The Planar Handbook isn't as brilliant as the Manual of the Planes was, but (on my first reading, at least) the rules content is rock-solid -- much as I love the MotP, there were some questionable choices made (an overpowered LA, an a really weak divine agent for example).

Thotas · Jul 24, 2004

The divine agent is weak? That's an honest inquiry, not an objection. I haven't played it, but I've long thought that looked like one of the most potentially fun PrCs. Have you played, and if so, where's the power lack most painful?

Shemeska · Jul 24, 2004

Thotas said:
The divine agent is weak? That's an honest inquiry, not an objection. I haven't played it, but I've long thought that looked like one of the most potentially fun PrCs. Have you played, and if so, where's the power lack most painful?

I've played one and it was indeed really fun to play. However the 1:2 caster level progression really hurt, despite the abilities gained. I ended up playing second fiddle to the other players in terms of spellcasting ability, and it really hurt in that campaign (which died spectacularly, like every other game in 'the gaming group from hell').