Core Books vs SRD

[smetzger]

The only thing I use from the core books that isn't in the SRD is the CR/XP table. And maybe the random treasure tables in the DMG. If I were buying the books at this point, I would buy the PHB and probably the DMG but I would definantly pass on the MM.

I think the only viable way to dump the books in favor of the SRD is if you use a computer while gaming.

Why are you asking us? Why don't you try it and see if it works for you, after all thats all that matters.

 

[Sir Edgar]

I doubt you'll get more than $50 for three used core rulebooks on eBay.

 

[Voadam]

Copy down the sample NPCs, the starting treasure for PCs, the treasure for NPCs, and the monsters by CR table.

You don't need to have the whole srd printed out, either have it on a loptop or print out the parts you are going to need for that game (probably the combat sections for reference, and any monsters being used that game, plus the specific items classes and spells available in the game). Actually specific monsters and combat rules are probably the only things you will want immediately at hand for running combats, the specifics of spells and classes can be looked up as needed if you have it on a laptop.

If you run Greyhawk you will want to copy down the gods portfolios, favored weapons and domains.

 

[Tonguez]

I say go with the SRD - I certainly do (I create my games on the Computer and its easy to check the SRD download than swivel around and flick through the books)

As an experienced Dm you can easily assign a DC 5/10/15/20/25/30/35/40 and guess at XP 'um okay 4 Orcs I'll give them 1500XP!'

and with all the other ideas and information available online (and at Enworld no less who even uses the ideas in the DMG?

 

[yongi]

Digital Life & the SRD

I suppose I probably should have mentioned that I do, in fact, have a laptop that I use at the table when I DM. As it turns out, I haven't actually cracked any of the core books since I started working this way. I feel that this colors the question quite a bit, which is why I left it out originally - but then again, it is valid information relating to the question, so "bad yongi!" on that.

My main concern here (the why I'm asking y'all) is that the core books have some crucial data (not ideas, I've got those aplenty) that I'll wind up wishing I had.

Now, the concept of having the books in hand (or at least, capable of being in hand) is a strong reason not to sell them off - I may be all swanky and digital, but I do still love the feel of a book in my hands. So that's part of the battle I'm fighting with myself - book lover/pack rat vs. streamlined mondern dude.

Of course, I still have all my original AD&D books buried in the closet along with a "white box" set of the old little brown books and my Basic/Expert books. So it's not like the three 3E books are the source of my problem, really.

I guess the bottom line is that I'm trying to figure out just what critical things are missing from the SRD. But critical is a subjective term and what's critical to me is different from what's critical to all of you folks individually.

I'm still undecided, and I know that I'll just have to make a decision myself at some point, but I thought it couldn't hurt to get some advice from the EnWorld crowd.

Thanks again to all who've put in their 2 cents, and I'm still listening if anyone else wants to add anything.

-y-

 

[jmucchiello]

* The SRD spells do not list the spell components that the PHB lists.
* The formatting of the SRD is pathetic to look at for long periods of time.
* Have you memorized the XP charts or already use an alternative?
* No default deities. Monster clerics have domains with no deity names.
* No monster descriptions. All monster are shapeless and colorless, having claws, bites, and tail the project out from them somehow in the SRD.

Personally, keep the books, they look better, feel better and have indexes.

 

[Veander]

I just don't get getting rid of them if you need them. It's apparent you are going to missi information needed in running the game. One Combat Rules question from the group and, as a Dm, you would be without the proper answer.

In 1st and 2nd edition days I can see that, but 3rd edition breeds following the rules somehow. Just scan them, put them into your laptop, and be done with it - if you desire getting rid of them.

V

 

[John Crichton]

I would keep it for new players. Having a bound, colorful and well put-together source can be inspiring for newbies (young and old!). It's also helpful if for whatever reason you don't have your laptop around (I don't know why not, but work with me here). I use a laptop all the time and understand how helpful it is, BTW.

 

[Gez]

My advice: put the books somewhere, on the bottom of your shelf, and try to use the SRD. I suppose you have a laptop if you consider this option, because printing is out of question (IMHO, it's not something a sane mind would seriously consider, for all the reasons that have been given above).

If you fare well that way, for a long period of time (say 3-4 months), and never said to yourself things like "I'd like to consult this or that in the MM" or "having the DMG would be handier", then you can go on and sell the books. Otherwise, you'll have found the answer: you still need them.

 

[jmucchiello]

I just don't get getting rid of them if you need them. It's apparent you are going to missi information needed in running the game. One Combat Rules question from the group and, as a Dm, you would be without the proper answer.

What Combat Rules are missing from the SRD? IMHO, learning the combat rules from the SRD is better than learning them from the PHB.