3.5e "Unearthed Arcana"

[shadow]

With all the talk about 3.5e, I'm getting a tad apprehensive. I don't like the thought of having to shell out $90 for the revised books. (Although I can just download the SRD, in which case I'd have to print the entire thing out since I hate reading documents on the computer screen.) I've come to the conclusion that perhaps Wizards is persuing 3.5e the wrong way. Since 3e came out Wizards has issued 3e editions of many of the classic AD&D books (Dieties&Demigods, Manual of the Planes, etc.) Perhaps instead of releasing 3 seperate revised books, they can simply release the new rules in a single tome called Unearthed Arcana. I wouldn't hesistate to spend $30-$35 for a book with all the errata and new and optional rules (especially to see the ranger revised.) However, I guess such a thing isn't a good marketing strategy. It's a shame since I seriously doubt that I'm going to pick up 3.5e.

 

[the Jester]

I predicted a 3e Unearthed Arcana book a while back, but I think it'll be more akin to the Tome of Magic in 2e- a bunch of magic items and spells.

 

[Ranger REG]

I doubt that ALL owners of the 3e core rulebook(s) are going to pick up 3.5e right away in July.

I doubt that ALL owners of the first printing Player's Handbook have the second printing (with corrections from the errata).

Ultimately it is up to you to decide if you want to the new books.

For me, personally, I'll probably pick it up if the FLGS is having a discount sale. Smart, frugal gamers would shop around for lower prices.

 

[thundershot]

The announcement of these books coming out came right as I was considering buying a second set, since mine are wearing out. (PH and MM moreso than DMG) So now I'll just wait until July and get the revised ones. Heck, at buy.com they're gonna end up 18 bucks a pop with free shipping. Can't beat that.


Chris

 

[haiiro]

I'd find it irritating to have to look at something in a core book, then look at the book of revisions/errata/new stuff to see if something about it had been changed. It might be alright while prepping for a game (although I doubt it), but it would drive me nuts during play.

 

[Talaysen]

I thought I'd heard somewhere that WotC would be making the rules changes available on their site (or somewhere, anyway) free of charge - can anyone corroborate this? Was I mishearing something about changes to the SRD, or will this apply to D&D as well?

Of course, I had also heard that they would be releasing a document containing the changes made in the new edition of d20 Star Wars, but I don't believe that ended up happening.

 

[Eternalknight]

I thought I'd heard somewhere that WotC would be making the rules changes available on their site (or somewhere, anyway) free of charge - can anyone corroborate this? Was I mishearing something about changes to the SRD, or will this apply to D&D as well?

You are right.

 

[Droid101]

I doubt that ALL owners of the 3e core rulebook(s) are going to pick up 3.5e right away in July.

I am.

 

[Sanackranib]

3.5e

I doubt that ALL owners of the 3e core rulebook(s) are going to pick up 3.5e right away in July.

I doubt that ALL owners of the first printing Player's Handbook have the second printing (with corrections from the errata).

Ultimately it is up to you to decide if you want to the new books.

For me, personally, I'll probably pick it up if the FLGS is having a discount sale. Smart, frugal gamers would shop around for lower prices.

My wife and I have differnt printings of the PHB (since I didn't embrace 3e until about a year after it came out. with all the erratta they have had to publish since I might welll be waiting for a 2nd printing of those as well

 

[JoeBlank]

When Monte Cook announced Arcana Unearthed, he indicated that he got permission from WoTC to use that name.

"The product's name reminds me of an old D&D product. What's the deal with that?
When I was young and got my copy of the 1st Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons book Unearthed Arcana, I thought it was really cool. It had new classes, spells, and rules for AD&D. But the one thing that I thought could have made it cooler was if all the new stuff had been meant to be a complete, stand-alone package. Thus, the idea for a variant player's handbook was born years ago. I've wanted to do this product ever since. Wizards of the Coast has graciously said it was okay for us to use this slightly different name for our book, and we're thankful for that."

From The FAQ on Aranca Unearthed, emphasis added, http://www.montecook.com/mpress_MHB1_FAQ.html

From this, I drew the assumption that they are not planning their own Unearthed Arcana. Doubt they would have given permission if they ever planned to do another Unearthed Arcana.

Of course, this is all semantics, since they could simply use shadow's idea and some name other than Unearthed Arcana.