AD&D 2E Do you consider the Handbooks canon?

[Micah Sweet]

Using every monster is a drop in the bucket compared to using all the handbook material. My point is that it's too varied to all apply to any one single setting.

I literally said that.

Sometimes. Sometimes not.

Please show me objectively bad design, in all circumstances, for everyone

 

[Belen]

Core for me is the core 3 of PHB, DMG, and MM. All other books are options.

The complete books are canon but any rule can be optional.

The game is meant to be modular.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Very heartening to see so much love for the 2e Psionics Handbook here. I adored that book but figured most actively loathed psionics in D&D.

A few days ago I asked Steve Winter if he could change anything from that book, what would it be. He said since he was in charge of everything, he got to do what he wanted It was a tight time frame to get it out, however, and if there was one thing, it would be to simplify the mechanics.

 

[Fenris-77]

Please show me objectively bad design, in all circumstances, for everyone

Lol. No.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Lol. No.

Then your opinion is as subjective as everyone else's.

 

[Fenris-77]

Then your opinion is as subjective as everyone else's.

Also no. I'm not here to do your imperial bidding. There is lots of objectively bad game design out there, your majesty should feel free to go find some so your majesty knows what your majesty is talking about.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Also no. I'm not here to do your imperial bidding. There is lots of objectively bad game design out there, your majesty should feel free to go find some so your majesty knows what your majesty is talking about.

You're the one who made a claim and refuses to provide evidence.

 

[Fenris-77]

You're the one who made a claim and refuses to provide evidence.

You started making wild accusations and throwing demands around. Whatever my doode. I'm uninterested in your outrage here.

 

[el-remmen]

Sometimes the rules in even one of those books were not even very compatible with each other (and this was even more the case between “complete” books), but like all things splat book, they are a collection of optional rules to pick and choose from and I never thought of them any differently.

 

[Retreater]

One thing I've recently come to appreciate about 2E is how optional a lot of the subsystems were. Easy to add complexity or take it away to customize an experience.
My favorite OSR game (Swords & Wizardry) is similar in that respect. Optional rules are clearly marked.