Players Handbook II

[Frostmarrow]

WotC won't have to take any critisism either for releasing the rules twice as those can be downloaded for free via opengamingfoundation.org. We are paying for content, art and binding. For me 11 new classes means a veritable smorgasboard of options. Just as it was two years ago. In fact, such a release would increase the shelf life of my already purchased stuff.

I don't think everything has been done already or that we could create any character with the existing classes. I only need to cruise the house rules forum for a few minutes to find lots of new and interesting stuff that would blow my mind if it had been presented in full color on glossy paper!

 

[Zappo]

I don't understand what's wrong with the splatbooks.

All of the d20 products out there are based on the assumption that all players own the D&D PHB. Publishing an alternative PHB effectively invalidates that assumption.

I'm all in favor of publishing new splatbooks, but new core manuals? That'd be extremely illogical on WotC's part.

BTW, the rules on opengamingfoundation.org aren't enough to learn to play unless you already have a PHB.

 

[Frostmarrow]

All of the d20 products out there are based on the assumption that all players own the D&D PHB. Publishing an alternative PHB effectively invalidates that assumption.

In fact WotC have already covered their backs. MotW for example has a PrC called Exotic Weapon Master. Among it's prereqs we find ability to rage... Not being a barabarian. Just in case they would invent another class with rage later on.

Sure you need to own the PHB but that doesn't affect my suggestion.

There is nothing wrong with the splatbooks. But they sure as dawn aren't as nice as the core rulebooks.

 

[Zappo]

Sure you need to own the PHB but that doesn't affect my suggestion.

Uh... so you are not proposing an alternative PHB?

Anyway, regarding your example: ok, but that means the PHB2 would have a class with the ability to rage. And another with the ability to turn undead. And another with an unarmed BAB. And of course all of the spellcasters must have their spells divided by levels and schools. It starts to sound very similar to the standard PHB... not counting the fact that 100% of the modules would be invalidated anyway, because if I meet a cleric in RttToEE and I have the PHB2 I don't know what this "cleric" thing does.

The reason for which they left a possibility for other classes with similar abilities is not to trash the other classes, but to add to them. So that if someone makes a class with the ability to rage, a player can take that and Exotic Weapon Master. But it was not to allow people to trash the Barbarian, and definitely not to allow WotC themselves to trash the Barbarian.

Compatibility has been one of the points of strength of 3e D&D, and I'm sure they will not damage it.

As for the "nicety" of the core rulebooks... I don't see why a book has to be core in order to be nice. If all you want is a 200+ pages hardcover, glossy pages and color book, chock full of classes, spells, feats, skills and whatever (*drool* )... why on Earth does it have to be presented as a core book?

 

[paqman]

Oh lord UK- you had to go and mention that one.

With the Ultra Killer Archer.

One of my players killed a very strong white dragon with an Archer 2nd edition/UA...... in one round.

 

[Aeolius]

I'd gladly pay to see a revamped Survival guide though, assuming it was the "Sea & Skies Survival Guide". Half would be devoted to new Auran PC races, with new spells, PrCs, equipment, and so on, while the other half would be for Aquan races, etc. Of course, a section devoted to 3D combat rules, possibly including a Chainmail addendum, should be included.

 

[thatdarncat]

troll troll troll

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hi Graz'zt mate!

Oh lord UK- you had to go and mention that one.

Just UK is fine - no need to call me lord!

 

[AGGEMAM]

Frostmarrow, if you do find out, that you are coming to Roskilde Festival, please drop me a line.

EDIT: this is not limited to Frostmarrow.

 

[Grim]

what about the kingdoms of kalimar players handbook? It has all new core classes.