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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kristian Serrano" data-source="post: 3111991" data-attributes="member: 13046">Be aware that the extra hardcovers are purely optional. Those who ask for additional supplements and support want additional supplement and support. An argument against the cost of buying additional supplements is invalid when presented to individuals who desire more more material.One could argue that Ptolus is intended to be a complete product with its voluminous collection of content, but that doesn't invalidate one's potential desire for newer material such as prestige classes, feats, magic items, spells, and additional flavoring for races and cultures.Additionally, the scope of the Eberron Campaign Setting is international and transcontinental whereas Ptolus is focused on a single city, which is why Eberron has so many books.If one were to acquire the Eberron books that might cover the same quantity of content that Ptolus covers, the cost might be similar, if not cheaper considering online retailers such as Amazon.com, which offers a price approximate to two-thirds the cover price.For example, let's say one wanted enough information for the core setting, the primary city (i.e. - Sharn), and expanded information on races and religions. That would consist of four books (Eberron Campaign Setting at a cost of approximately $26 for the Eberron Campaign Setting and $18 for each of the supplements (Sharn: City of Towers, Races of Eberron, and Faiths of Eberron) from Amazon.com for a total approximate cost of $86. Not bad. That leaves enough room for a few more supplements and/or adventures to add to the collection. Let's not forget the free material Wizards of the Coast offers on the official Eberron web site, too.In Ptolus' defense, having free PDFs of the Player's Guide to Ptolus is a very compelling aspect of the product. It was actually one of the primary reasons why I had considered it in the first place. I didn't think my players should have had to purchase a book for the campaign setting let alone try to absorb so much information. Ptolus assumes the rules contained within the D20 SRD leaving the players to only have to worry about the content in the Player's Guide. In all honesty, if I only had the D&D Core Rulebooks, I would have definitely chosen Ptolus. However, because of my existing investment and limited time, I thought it best to stick to what I know and what I had available.I will also admit that the idea of a complete product such as Ptolus appeals to me. I was introduced to D&D as of the release of 3e, and I loved it when there were new supplements because I loved having options. As the years went by, I moved on to being a DM, and loved the options even more because they gave me more creative liberty. Although sometimes I wonder if running a game would be easier if I only had the D&D Core Rulebooks and Ptolus.</blockquote>

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