Core rules only for character designs?

[Driddle]

Poll question: Are you able to develop a satisfying character using nothing but the elements of the PHB and DMG? This is not a question of theory, but actual practice -- DO you stick to the core rule books?

(The alternative implies that you extend your reach to prestige classes, feats, abilities, etc. in non-core supplemental materials or homebrew rules.)

 

[BlueBlackRed]

In one of my campaigns, I only allow the core books.

Saves time.
Less rules = less complication = more time to game.

 

[Voadam]

I played a human rogue with nothing but the srd.

I've also done one where I just used core rules for everything but the race which since it was scarred lands, used their dwarf variant. The class, feats, and equipment were straight from the srd.

 

[the Jester]

I can easily be happy with a core rules only character, but a lot of non core stuff is really fun.

 

[Crothian]

It depends on the character. Sometimes the core rules are enough to make the concept, but not always.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

I've never had much trouble making the kind of character I wanted using the core rules. The only times I ran into difficulty is when I wanted to make a dipolomat sorceror and then the only reason I had a hard time is because I was tyring to powergame the character.

That said, my group has recently opened up character generation. Mostly because there's only two of us that have a lot of books and we want an excuse to use them!

 

[Aeolius]

For an undersea campaign, you have to at least add the option to use select MM entries for PC races; sea elf, locathah, and merfolk come to mind. MM is a core rulebook, so those count as a core races, right?

 

[shilsen]

Sure.

 

[Kanegrundar]

I can make just about any character that I want from the Core Rules. That said, my group uses a variety of materials in game, so we don't tend to use *just* the Core Rules.

Kane

 

[Umbran]

I can, and have, stuck to only the core rules and had plenty of fun. I have also had characters that didn't stick to the core. Which is appropriate depends upon the campaign I'm in.

So, I don't always stick to the core, but neither do I always require non-core stuff. I cannot answer your all-or-nothing poll