Player's Handbook II (long)

Technik4

First Post
I was taking a shower and had this idea, which while certainly not original, is demanding to be shared with others. It is the Player's Handbook II. Iterative Monster Manuals is something that people expect and have been coming out in all editions of the game. Additional Dungeon Master's Guides can be seen in things like Deities and Demigods (aka- DM's Guide to Deities). For the player there have always been class-books or race-books, in 3ed these are often referred to as "splat-books" since they tend to have many rules-related topics and few roleplaying related topics.

All the class-books are out, and d&d is going to be 3.5 this year. Which is why I think a Player's Handbook II would sell like crazy. Picture this: all of the feats, spells, and items from the class-books (including Sword and Fist, Defenders of the Faith, Tome and Blood, Song and Silence, and Masters of the Wild), a select number of feats, spells, and items which "round out" each class, ie- a couple more high level feats for every class, spells enough to make sure the bard, druid and specialty wizard are well represented, and maybe we have enough items, but items that are more "class oriented", like the Beserker's Blade in Magic of Faerun (gives an enhancement bonus while user is in a rage).

Then we come to prestige classes, a tricky chapter no doubt. I recommend leaving behind any class that only an npc is likely to take, as well as prestige classes that are race-specific. Boil it down to the prcs that actually enhance an area of a class (Elemental Savant - Wizard/Sorc) or proivde a mixing of classes (Arcane Trixter). This is the ultimate Player's supplement, specifically as it relates to classes, including but not totally limited to prestige classes, feats, items, and spells.

Include all of the good articles for players to read, including how to make an "urban" ranger, or the commentary about monk's flurry of blows. Since all of these "crunchy bits" like feats and prcs have been out (many with erratta) present the "final" version, updated with 3.5 in mind.

I think a book like this would sell easily due to its ease of use (ie- no more "What book is that spell in? Who has my Tome and Blood!?") and its obvious appeal to players. In fact after cutting out organizations, there would be room for at least 1 prestige class per phb race, you could also add a feat or two that are race intensive.

So, how does this proposal strike you? Do player's need another handbook? Would this sell copies? Would you buy it?

I have outlined a preliminary Chapters list, if you see something missing, chime in!

Introduction
-How to use this Book

Chapter 1: Feats and Skills
Virtual Feats
New (ok, they aren't new) Feats
-Acrobatic
-Alluring
-Animal Control
-Animal Defiance
-Arcane Defense
-Arcane Preparation
-Arterial Strike
-Athletic
-Augment Summoning
-Blindsight
-Blindsight, 5ft radius
-Brachiation
-Charlatan
-Chink in the Armor
-Circle Kick
-Clever Wrestling
-Close-Quarters Fighting
-Create Infusion
-Dash
-Death Blow
-Dirty Fighting
-Dual Strike
-Eagle Claw Attack
-Empower Turning
-Expert Tactician
-Extra Favored Enemy
-Extra Music
-Extra Rage
-Extra Slot
-Extra Smiting
-Extra Spell
-Extra Stunning Attacks
-Eyes in the Back of your Head
-Faster Healing
-Favored Critical
-Feign Weakness
-Fists of Iron
-Fleet of Foot
-Flick of the Wrist
-Flyby Attack
-Greater Resiliency
-Greater Spell Focus
-Greater Spell Penetration
-Greater Two-Weapon Fighting
-Green Ear
-Hamstring
-Heighten Turning
-Hold the Line
-Improved Familiar
-Improved Flight
-Improved Overrun
-Improved Shield Bash
-Improved Sunder
-Improved Swimming
-Innate Spell
-Jack of All Trades
-Knock-Down
-Lightning Fists
-Lingering Song
-Mantis Leap
-Monkey Grip
-Multiattack
-Multicultural
-Multidexterity
-Obscure Lore
-Off-Hand Parry
-Pain Touch
-Persuasive
-Pin Shield
-Plant Control
-Plant Defiance
-Power Critical
-Power Lunge
-Prone Attack
-Pyro
-Quicken Turning
-Quicker than the Eye
-Rapid Reload
-Remain Conscious
-Requiem
-Resist Disease
-Resist Poison
-Resistance to Energy
-Shadow
-Sharp-Shooting
-Shield Charge
-Shield Expert
-Snatch (Foe)
-Snatch Arrows
-Snatch Weapon
-Spell Specialization
-Supernatural Blow
-Subsonics
-Throw Anything
-Trustworthy
-Wingover
-Zen Archery

Chariot Feats
-Chariot Combat
-Chariot Archery
-Chariot Trample
-Chariot Sideswipe
-Chariot Charge

Divine Feats
-Divine Cleansing
-Divine Might
-Divine Resistance
-Divine Shield
-Divine Vengeance
-Divine Vigor

Metamagic Feats
-Chain Spell
-Cooperative Spell
-Delay Spell
-Disguise Spell
-Energy Admixture
-Energy Substitution
-Eschew Materials (probably should be changed so it isnt metamagic)
-Persistent Spell
-Reach Spell
-Repeat Spell
-Sacred Spell
-Sanctum Spell
-Sculpt Spell
-Split Ray
-Subdual Substitution
-Twin Spell
-Widen Spell

Rage Feats
-Destructive Rage
-Extended Rage
-Instantaneous Rage
-Intimidating Rage

Toughness Feats
-Dragon's Toughness
-Dwarf's Toughness
-Giant's Toughness


Wild Feats
-Blindsight
-Extra Wild Shape
-Fast Wild Shape
-Natural Spell
-Proportionate Wild Shape
-Scent
-Speaking Wild Shape

Skills
New Craft and Profession Skills
-Craft (poisonmaking)
-Craft (stonecarving)
-Craft (trapmaking)
-Craft (woodcarving)
-Profession (astrologer)
New Knowledge Skills
-Hearth Wisdom
-Literature
-Mathematics
-Politics
-Streetwise
-War

Same Skills, New Uses
-Bluff
-Diplomacy
-Gather Information
-Handle Animal
-Heal
-Hide
-Knowledge (the planes)
-Knowledge (religion)
-Knowledge (undead)
-Knowledge (war)
-Pickpocket
-Sense Motive
-Tumble
-Wilderness Lore

Close-Up on Skills
-Craft (poisonmaking)
-Craft (trapmaking)
-Spellcraft
-Knowledge Arcana


Thats just chapter 1, detailing over 130 feats (with full erratta, upgraded to 3.5 (probably not necessary for most feats)). It would include detailed notes as per those books on the skills, especially trap and poison making. Another thing I noticed while flipping through those class-books, things arent arranged the same book-to-book, this would be nice just to have everything at your finger tips. But lets face it, 3e hasnt been a vacuum thanks to the OGL, lets add in pertinent feats that arent campaign specific. I can think of all the counterspell feats in FRCS, and some of the martial arts from OA, though Im sure we can easily bring the total up to 150 feats.

Chapter 2: Classes
Barbarian
-The Barbarian in Perspective
Bard
-The Bard in Perspective
-Bards and Their Instruments
Cleric
-The Cleric in Perspective
Druid
-The Druid in Perspective
Fighter
-The Fighter in Perspective
Monk
-The Monk in Perspective
-Oriental Adventures "Mastery" Section
Paladin
-The Paladin in Perspective
-Special Mounts
Ranger
-The Ranger in Perspective
-Variant "Urban Ranger"
Rogue
-The Rogue in Perspective
-Thief Gear
Sorceror
-The Sorceror in Perspective
-Special Familiars
Wizard
-The Wizard in Perspective
-Specializing in a School

In perspective would include "Role in the Campaign", "Role in the Game", "Motivations", "Relations with Other Classes", and any other articles that were written for the class in question. Additional articles could expand and give tips about feat synergy and other specific class abilities. When they are useful and when they should be saved. For individual classes, it also shows some important articles like Special Mounts or Special Familiars. This would be the part new and old players could read for ideas about how the classes work, how they interact, etc.

Chapter 3: Tools of the Trade
Weapons
-Alchemist's Arrow
-Ankus
-Battlepick, Gnome
-Bayonet
-Bladed Gauntlet
-Blowgun
-Blowgun, Greater
-Bolas, 2-ball
-Caber
-Chain-and-Dagger
-Crossbow, Covered Hand
-Crossbow, Great
-Crossbow, Grapple-Firing
-Crossbow, Winch
-Duom
-:):):)imi-Bari (Mouth Darts)
-Fullblade
-Garrote, Cord
-Garrote, Locking
-Garrote, Wire
-Gyrspike
-Harpoon
-Manti
-Mercurial Greatsword
-Mercurial Longsword
-Nagaika
-Nagaika, Mighty
-Shotput, Orc
-Skiprock, Halfing
-Sleeve, Weighted
-Spinning Javelin
-Spring Loaded Gauntlet
-Stump Knife
-Three-Section Staff
-Triple Dagger
-Tumbling Bolt
-War Fan
-Ward Cestus
-Whip Dagger
-Whip or Whip Dagger, Mighty

Bard Instruments
-Alphorn
-Bagpipes
-Banjolele
-Bell, Hanging
-Bones
-Clavichord
-Crumhorn
-Drum
-Drums, Bongo
-Drums, Kettle
-Dulcimer, Kettle
-Fiddle
-Flute
-Gong
-Handbell
-Harmonica
-Harp
-Harpsichord
-Hautbois
-Horn, Natural
-Horn, Shelf
-Lap-Harp
-Lur
-Lute
-Lyre
-Mandolin
-Organ, Pipe
-Pipes, Pan
-Psaltery
-Recorder-Flute
-Shawm
-Tabor
-Trumpet, Herald's
-Water-Pipe
-Whistle-Pipe
-Zither
Self-played Instruments
-Chimes, Wind
-Harp, Aeolian
-Stones, Wind

Mundane Items
-Arcane Lab
-Arcane Library
-Familiar Carrier
--Fine Familiar
--Diminuitive Familiar
--Tiny Familiar
--Small Familiar
--Medium-Size Familiar
-Portable Writing Desk
-Reading Lamp
-Scroll Organizer
-Secret Component Compartment
-Secret Component Pocket

Sacred Gear
-Altar Case
-Altar Cloth
-Aspergillum
-Brazier
-Candelabra
-Candle
-Candlestick
-Censer
-Incense
-Holy Symbol
-Prayer Book or Scripture
-Snuffing Bell

Special Items
-Diappearing Ink
-Flashpellet
-Glowpowder
-Healing Salve
-Phantom Ink
--Firelight
--Magical Light
--Moonlight
--Starlight
-Scentbreaker
-Suregrip

Thief Gear
-Automated Footpad
-Double-Sided Clothes
-Expandable Pole
-Gorget
-Leather Collar
-Longreach Tongs
-Long-Spoon Thieves' Tools
-Mechanical Burglar
-Reverse Lock
-Waterproofing

Magic Items
-Armor and Shield Descriptions
--Absorbing
--Antipathy
--Aquatic
--Arrow-Catching
--Blinding
--Called
--Charming
--Command
--Dancing
--Daylight
--Ease
--Energy Drain
--Ethereal
--Fearsome
--Feathered
--Ice
--Sacred
--Speed
--Undead Controlling
--Undead Disrupting
--Wild

-Specific Armor Descriptions
--Barricade Buckler
--Blue Armor of Crystalmist Mountains
--Equerry's Armor
--Golden Apron
--Gray Ironwood Suit
--Red Dragon Armor
--Splint Mail of Stability

-Weapon Descriptions
--Exhausting
--Ki Focus
--Hunting
--Merciful
--Opposable
--Seeking
--Sure Striking
--Vicious

-Specific Weapon Descriptions
--Arrow of Cure Light Wounds
--Arrow of Farsight
--Battle Rod
--Beserker Blade
--Bolt of Battering
--Bow of True Arrows
--Goad of Mastery
--Shatterspike
--Shuriken of Tremendous Shock
--Singing Sword

-Potion Descriptions
--Animal Logic
--Flase Life
--Flaming Fists
--Natural Clarity
--Unerring Direction
--Vial of the Last Gasp

-Ring Descriptions
--Mage Armor
--Shocking Blows

-Rod Descriptions
--Rod of Authority
--Chaining
--Cooperation
--Empowerment
--Enlargement
--Extension
--Maximization
--Quickening
--Sculpting
--Silence
--Substitution

Staff Descriptions
--Illumination
--Abjuration
--Conjuration
--Enchantment
--Evocation
--Illusion
--Necromancy
--Transmutation

-Wondrous Item Descriptions
--Amulet of Memory
--Amulet of Mighty Fists
--Arm of Nyr
--Belt of Many Pockets
--Belt of Mighty Prowess
--Belt of Spell Resistance
--Black Patch
--Boots of Endurance
--Bowl of Contemplation
--Bracers of Binding
--Breaker Bottle
--Cloak of the Forest
--Collar of Cleverness
--Collar of Resistance
--Eyes of Dark Aura
--Flute of the Snake
--Gate Amulet
--Gloves of Fearsome Grip
--Goggles of Following
--Golem Manual
--Greater Holy Symbol
--Harp of the Immortal Maestro
--Headband of Ferocity
--Headband of Perfect Excellence
--Helm of Bonding
--Helm of Vision
--Horn of Triumph
--Jumping Caltrops
--Ki Straps
--Lute of the Wandering Minstrel
--Mandolin of the Inspiring Muse
--Mark of Apostasy
--Mask of the Dead
--Mirror of Revelation
--Necklace of Favored Enemy Detection
--Nondescript Box
--Possum Pouch
--Rug of Welcome
--Safe Box
--Sacred Scabbard
--Sandals of the Tiger's Leap
--Spool of Endless Rope
--Standing Stone
--Strings of Spell Storing
--Thief Catcher (Hungry Book)
--Torc of Animal Speech
--Vest of False Life
--Vest of Resistance
--Wilding Clasp

Vehicles
-Chariots
-Halfling War Wagon

This is another "crunchy" chapter, but a lot of these items actually have more use in a roleplaying sense than say in straight combat (although there are those too). I think having a lot of referencing earlier in the class section to some of these items would be perfect, like in the bard section "see Bard Instruments pg XX". That way when youre building your bard you can immediately jump to the corresponding page to pick an instrument.

Chapter 4: Prestige Classes
Class-Specific

Barbarian
--Exotic Weapon Master
--Forsaker
--Frenzied Beserker
Bard
--Virtuoso
Cleric
--Church Inquisitor
--Divine Oracle
--Sacred Exorcist
Druid
--Shifter
--Tamer of Beasts
--Verdant Lord
Fighter
--Duelist
--Deepwood Sniper
--Gladiator
--Master Samurai
--Order of the Bow Initiate
--Tempest
--Weapon Master
Monk
--Drunken Master
Paladin
--Hunter of the Dead
--Knight Protector of the Great Kingdom
--Knight of the Chalice
Ranger
--Bloodhound
--Foe Hunter
--King/Queen of the Wild
Rogue
--Dungeon Delver
--Spymaster
--Thief-Arcrobat
Sorceror
--Acolyte of the Skin
--Dragon Disciple
--Elemental Savant
Wizard
--Alienist
--Mage of the Arcane Order
--Pale Master

Multiclassed
-Arcane Trixter
-Consecrated Harrier
-Geomancer
-Holy Liberator
-Knight of the Middle Circle
-Ninja of the Crescent Moon
-Sacred Fist
-Spellsword
-Templar
-True Necromancer
-Warpriest

Race
-Bladesinger
-Halfling Outrider

Unused
-Bane of Infidels
-Blighter
-Blood Magus
-Candle Caster
-Contemplative
-Dread Pirate
-Eye of Gruumush
-Fang of Lloth
-Fatespinner
-Fist of Hextor
-Ghostwalker
-Hospitaler
-Hexer
-Lasher
-Master of Chains
-Master of Shrouds
-Mindbender
-Ooze Master
-Outlaw of the Crimson Road
-Ravager
-Red Avenger
-Royal Explorer
-Temple Raider of Olidammara
-Tribal Protector
-Verdant Lord
-Vigilante
-War Master
-Watch Detective
-Wayfarer Guide
-Windrider

Whew. Thats a lot of prcs. I tried to get about 3 per class, but obviously the fighter has almost double that. There werent enough race ones, but I was skimming pretty fast. If you have any input on this list, like one you think should be in the book, please reply. And thanks if youre still reading.

This section would be nice, show standard prestige classes that characters take, and then some neat multiclass combinations people go for. I would include a couple of the monk prcs from OA, like tattooed monk, and I think wizards just needs to MAKE some bard ones. Anyway, this is the biggest change from the class-books, since almost half of the prestige classes from the class-books will be cut.

Chapter 5: Spells

Well, I think Ive given a near thorough proposal. I will get around to doing the spells later if there is interest, but for now how do you feel? I envision the book being Hardback, with color pictures (keep some old ones, add some new ones). The biggest point of contention I think would be that 80+% of the book has already seen print. This is just a consolidated, errattad, 3.5-compatible version.

Technik

PS- If someone could post this on the wizard boards, I dont have (and can't get) an account there. I would like to see what some of the developers (should they choose to respond) think. Thanks.
 

log in or register to remove this ad


Optional

They are still optional. They are optional in the classbooks, they would be optional in a combined book. The point is people (Im going to assume most people, as the glut of prcs must indicate that SOME people like them) like prcs.

Technik
 

Re: Optional

Technik4 said:
The point is people (Im going to assume most people, as the glut of prcs must indicate that SOME people like them) like prcs.

I like PrC's. I like them alot.

But- the point is not to confuse the matter and lead players to believe they have core access to PrC's by putting them in a book called a "player's handbook".

SD
 


:eek: No offense, but you're so crazy to type this HUGE list of feats & classes. That must have been a looooong shower...

And know ye that there are so many good RPGs (incl d20) that have everything in 1 single book! Player's, GM and setting section all in one! Check out SW, CoC, WoT...

D&D already has too many books IMO. It's not a game anymore but a collector's hobby. :rolleyes:
 

I'd like the idea. Especially if it had an easy to use table of contents. A group I played with spent time scanning and putting this all together from their books, but it looked like garbage, and was hard to follow.
 

Shadowlord said:
D&D already has too many books IMO. It's not a game anymore but a collector's hobby.

Has the forum already gone back to complaining about too many options?

To summarize- many people like options. no one forces you to buy them.

:rolleyes:

SD
 

Index

I had forgotten but one of the biggest appeals was going to be its index, a full massive index that would tell you where to go if you wanted to make an archer, or if you were looking up a feat that gave a bonus to climb. It would give references in either the phb or phb2.

Technik
 

Ideally, I would hope the SRD would eventually be updated with all the crunchy bits from the class books.

However, I like the concept you have, as I've had similar thoughts as well.

Prestige classes present the greatest challenge to a book like that because there are just too many of them to put them all in one book (unless you don't mind paying a lot for a sourcebook that contains info you already have).

What I would rather see is each company coming up with their own online SRDs that could be downloaded so we could cut and paste to compile our own sets of equipment, feats and acceptable prestige classes for our home campaigns.

-David
 

Remove ads

Top