PHB2: Meh.

[MerricB]

Today, my copy of the PHB2 arrived. (Actually, two copies arrived: One for me, another a birthday present for a friend). I've glanced through it. Shiny. Nice art.

And... meh.

This reaction has nothing to do with the quality of what's in it; I'm sure my players will delight in being able to play the new races and classes, and there's a few feats that will totally delight them.

However, I'm pretty much exclusively a DM of D&D these days (I play Star Wars Saga), and it's not a book that really offers much to me considering how I run my games.

DMG2? MM2? Can't wait!

PHB2? Meh.



Cheers!

 

[SabreCat]

It would have been nice if they at least gave you the NPC templates for all the new classes. I guess that's for DMG2, then...

 

[Nymrohd]

3E spoiled crunch happy DMs badly.

 

[Crothian]

Merric, yes the Players Handbook 2 is a players oriented book.

 

[OchreJelly]

I was actually gonna start a thread about this. I was genuinely curious to see how much DM material is in the PHB2. Are there any new rules? Clarifications? Expanded use of skills etc.? What about magic items?

I'm really on the fence about the purchase because I'm a sucker for a shiny new book with art and such, but since I'm 100% DM I don't think I really need it.

 

[Obergnom]

Being "DM only" as far as 4e goes, I feel more or less the same about the book... but, I loved reading the new races... can't recommend buying the book because of those, though. Just borrow it from one of your players.

 

[Crothian]

I was actually gonna start a thread about this. I was genuinely curious to see how much DM material is in the PHB2. Are there any new rules? Clarifications? Expanded use of skills etc.? What about magic items?

There is a little of this stuff but not enough to just buy the book for it.

 

[Nymrohd]

Several new magic items, rituals and clarifications on some rules (including the errata on Stealth). Plus general fluff on races and classes to help you come up with ways to incorporate them in your campaign. As a DM I don't really see a need to own a hardback of the book, but maybe a pdf copy could be of use.

 

[Dice4Hire]

I was actually gonna start a thread about this. I was genuinely curious to see how much DM material is in the PHB2. Are there any new rules? Clarifications? Expanded use of skills etc.? What about magic items?

I'm really on the fence about the purchase because I'm a sucker for a shiny new book with art and such, but since I'm 100% DM I don't think I really need it.

You don't want to own the book your players will be using to make characters? Is that what you are saying?

If you are not allowing it, I understand, but if it is available, I cannot imagine not needing a copy.

 

[OchreJelly]

If my players want to use it, I will probably read the paragon path entry or whatever it is they plan to use (feats etc.). Beyond that I don't typically disallow options for players, in any edition I've played (dangerous, I know!).

That and I'm a DDI member so all the class crunch is going to be available soon right? The sucker / completist in me wants it for the art / fluff etc. But I think I may be able to make my saving throw on this one. Thanks for the info.