Number of PHBs and DMGs

[Gort]

The PHB/DMG/MM model still makes most sense to me. PHB to the players, DM uses the DMG to plan adventures, and the MM when he runs them.

 

[Alaxk Knight of Galt]

Print as many PHBs as you'd like. I'll only buy them if I find them to be quality products

 

[Umbran]

Because the whole premise of a phb2 or three is it will contain important core material, not just supplementary material.

But, I may run the game for a year (or years, or a lifetime) without books 2+. If you didn't tell me those books existed, can I be happy with my game? Yes? Then, those books are supplementary.

 

[DEFCON 1]

Because the whole premise of a phb2 or three is it will contain important core material, not just supplementary material.

There is nothing in 4E's PHII or III that is "important" core material. Because what is "important" is all in the mind of the beholder.

For some people... the gnome and the druid is "important" core material because they want their PHI to exactly match their 2E PHI. But for many of us... it doesn't matter. Is the tiefling any more "important" than the gnome? Only if you cling to certain tropes of certain types of D&D games. And those of you who do "cling" are always going to find something has been eliminated from your so-called "core game", because it will be impossible for these new books to match EXACTLY what was in your BECMI, AD&D, AD&D 2E, D&D 3E, D&D 3.5E or D&D4E books.

 

[Guest 85555]

But, I may run the game for a year (or years, or a lifetime) without books 2+. If you didn't tell me those books existed, can I be happy with my game? Yes? Then, those books are supplementary.

For me the problem is the scattering of traditionally core races/classes across several books. The other problem is I may only huy the three core but if my players buy phb ii and I don't, I find that makes it harder for me to manage my campaign. I just prefer the old model of 1 phb.

 

[Stormonu]

I'd like to see 1 PHB & DMG (Honestly, I'd like to see one rulebook, period). The PHB should contain all the base rules the players would need access to; how to determine stats, choose class and race, select equipment, spells, how to handle combat and otherwise interact with the fantasy world.

I'd also like it to include a sampling of races, classes, spells, gear and whatnot. Enough to give you a base game, and the more it can hold, the merrier.

I think overall, I'd prefer the division of the Rules Compendium and the "Heroes of..." books. While the essentials breakout is somewhat aggrevating in the number of overall items, if you could break the game into Rules Compedium, "Heroes of .../X Power and Monster Vault trio, I think that would work best (Then have a beginner box that contains a mix of all three for the 1st - 3rd level of the game).

 

[Deset Gled]

Having a small, clearly defined, and sufficiently encompassing set of books defining the basis of the system is critical to me. I was okay with the PHBx and DMGx in 3.x, because they were really marketed as optional material. When you got down to it, calling them PHBx and DMGx was really just a marketing decision about how to name and organize Optional Supplement X.

Conversely, I was bothered by the way the the PHBx and DMGx in 4.0 contained data that was labeled as "core". It really seemed like they took the marketing that worked well in 3.x and turned it into a mechanical tool to force players to buy more books. And yes, I understand that they didn't put a gun to anyone's head, but by holding out levels 11-20 and a large number of previously standard races and classes, it really was set up for PHB2 and DMG2 to be required books, not optional books. And the bottom line is that I didn't like it at all.

 

[grimslade]

5e will be a supplement bonanza

I like a basic all inclusive rule book , a core phb and dmg in one. I don't see a box set as being marketable for a game now. Box sets are a niche market. A nice large core book with all the basic rules to run a campaign would be great. Supplement books can be smaller and more focused but not necessary.
Want to play in a Neverwinter campaign? You need the Core book and the FR supplement. The DM might need the Neverwinter book from 4E.

 

[BASHMAN]

Agreed that this was the wrong move. Instead of releasing 1/3 of the race/classes for levels 1-30 on day 1; they should be releasing ALL the race/classes for levels 1-10 on day 1.

They could still divide it up into 3 books, just make levels 11-20 and levels 21-30 separate books? What makes more sense, to offer someone to play 30th level characters of 1/3 the possible race/class combos on day 1, or let them play every race/class combo on day 1, but "unable" to start at level 30?

If people started out as level 1 characters, odds are they won't be at level 10 by the time the book for levels 11-20 comes out anyway, or they may just be ready to by that point.

One might counter "But everyone wouldn't buy the level 21-30 book if they only liked playing levels 1-10, or 1-20". My reply is "and that's a problem because...?"

What's more likely, that someone in your group would want to play a 30th level character, or that someone would want to play a Gnome Bard or Half-Orc Barbarian on day one?