New Game. New Players. Core only?

[Wormwood]

I'm starting a new 3.5 campaign with a new group.

A couple of the players (and myself) have been playing since 3e was released, and are very familiar with all the splats and add-ons that have been released in the past 3 years (except 3.5).

However, two of the other players haven't seen D&D since 2e, and haven't gamed in years.

Therefore, I'm considering a 'core' 3.5 game, limiting the player's options to the PHB (and the FRCS), and I will introduce new sourcebooks/options as the game progresses.

So my question to you is:

1. Should I keep it simple for the newbies (and possibly bore the hardcore 3e guys)?
--or--
2. Should I give everyone tons of options up front (and possibly overwhelm the newbies)?

 

[Kichwas]

Option 2, newbies can catch up pretty easily, and nothing impares them if they stick to core in their own characters.

If you're using well written d20, it will balance. If you're not, you shouldn't be.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

It is the fundamental duty of any gaming group to encourage newbies to have fun. Pull the veterans aside and say, "Look guys, I know its rough. I'd like to use Savage Species as well. But we want to get these dudes to keep coming back."

Also, remember the words of the great Piratecat: new players should be the star of the game.

Get them gaming again. Get them back into it. Then kill off their character's siblings and let them take PrCs from "Dragon". The order of these things is very important.

 

[Richards]

Personally, I would make it easy on the newbies. Surely your experienced players can still manage to come up with an interesting PC each using just the core rules.

Plus, you can always open up the exotic prestige classes after the newbies have gotten used to the game, or later on allow replacement PCs (after the starter PC was killed, or retired, or whatever) to use rules from other sources.

Johnathan

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

If your veterans can't come up with interesting characters with the core books, they're not half as clever as they think.

Plus, going core only will mean the veterans won't be able to use some of their knowledge to get characters that will steal the limelight from the less experienced guys. I'd say stick to Core only, and enjoy the experience.

 

[frankthedm]

If your veterans can't come up with interesting characters with the core books, they're not half as clever as they think.

Plus, going core only will mean the veterans won't be able to use some of their knowledge to get characters that will steal the limelight from the less experienced guys. I'd say stick to Core only, and enjoy the experience.

Core only. If the new players have ideas for a feat that would sound cool, work with them.

Allowing too much would also have people spending hours sorting through the books trying to find the most powerfull options.

 

[Buttercup]

Core only. The things that make a character really cool have little to do with rules, and everything to do with background. Campaigns that shine do so because of the plot and the fluff, not because they allow 437 prestige classes and 22 unusual races.

Simple is better.

 

[caudor]

So my question to you is:

1. Should I keep it simple for the newbies (and possibly bore the hardcore 3e guys)?
--or--
2. Should I give everyone tons of options up front (and possibly overwhelm the newbies)?

I would suggest starting with core rules only for this group. Once all the players are not newbies anymore (which should not take long), then it will be easy to phase in other options. Going back to 'the basics' a while may be refreshing for you as well. It's sort of like going camping without hauling along all your modern appliances; you get to appreciate 'basic flavors' all over again.

Also, take a few moments to discuss your reasoning with the experienced players--chances are that they won't mind at all. This is an issue best resolved by open discussion with the group prior to announcing your decision.

 

[Blue Sky]

I gotta back up everyone that's saying core, here. Besides, you can always add material, but trying to take material out of the game always ends up like giving a root canal to a 3 year old. Lots of kicking, screaming, and, if you have snacks at the table, food flying everywhere.

At least, that's my experience.

 

[maddman75]

I'm not really one for "We're using X books only". Instead, every game is core only. If someone wants something made up, or something from another source, I approve it individually. Much simpler IMO.