After the core, what is the "must have" 3.5 book?

[Mark CMG]

Beyond the core three from WotC, I like UA and the DMG II the most.

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

Arcana Evolved. By far.

Although, that's mostly for the same amount of base classes and races as the original full sets of Complete and Races books, so you may consider that more of a 'player' thing. Personally, I consider it vital just for the AE giant, one of the coolest races ever for standard fantasy.

Otherwise, I'm not sure what you're looking for. A 'campaign in a box?' Shackled City, or Age of Worms when the hardcover comes out. A setting? I'd go with Iron Kingdoms, Eberron or DragonMech for something different - or Arcana Evolved itself, for the high fantasy angle. A book of house rules? Unearthed Arcana, DMG II, PHB II and Grim Tales are all solid choices, but the last will require the most work. Generally valuable material to flesh out your game? Expanded Psionics Handbook, Tome of Battle: Book of Nine Swords or, again, Arcana Evolved.

 

[Kem]

My Top 4 (In Order )

Arms & Armor by Bastion Press
Spells and Magic by Bastion Press
Frostburn by WotC
Sandstorm by WotC

 

[delericho]

Past thsoe two, none really, though next I would say complete adventurer, as it has seomthing for everyone. Then the rest of the complete books (sans psionics) Then races, environment nad down the road.

FWIW, I really enjoyed "Complete Psionic". It certainly was far from perfect, but I felt there was enough in there to warrant the purchase. My biggest gripe was with the pathetic number of PrCs, but since I generally don't like PrCs, I wasn't too unhappy.

Edit: Of course, I wouldn't list is as a "must-have". But, if I'm in a campaign using Psionics and the other Complete books, then I would certainly add it, too.

 

[Amazing Triangle]

PHB 2, DMG 2, Unearthed Arcana, and Spell Compendium.

These are the four books I would say are "necessary" beyond the core books.

 

[Mark Plemmons]

It's no secret that I'm biased so from our site I'd strongly suggest:

Goods and Gear: the Ultimate Adventurer's Guide

KoK: Player's Guide to the Sovereign Lands (PDF)

 

[rgard]

Not just WOTC either, and Dm orientated since I'm not doing all the splats right off the bat at least. Advice books are probably less vital than books with must have mechanics or monsters.

My favorites:

1. Unearthed Arcana
2. Complete Book of Eldritch Might
3. PHB 2
4. BoVD - if you are DMing or playing anything evil.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[DJCupboard]

I would vote Expanded Psionics followed by complete Adventurer (definitely the best of the four) followed by either GR's Advanced Bestiary or WotC's DMGII.

 

[Psion]

I would vote Expanded Psionics followed by complete Adventurer (definitely the best of the four) followed by either GR's Advanced Bestiary or WotC's DMGII.

That's a fine sentiment right there.

 

[Nightchilde-2]

PHB II or Spell Compendium. The former for various class options, the latter if you just want lots of spells without having to flip through a bunch of books. Or Draconomicon for dragon goodness.

Agreed, though I'd say PHB II AND Spell Compendium. And Draconomicon, but not so much as the first two.