D&D (2024) Set ups for tables where not everyone can purchase the book?

[Piperken]

Ty for the generous replies, esp. the links ppl took the additional time to offer; I realize some of this may feel like for lack of better phrasing at the moment, common sense, but I've been using 5E 2014 game references very piecemeal at the table, with some combination of a book/hurriedly glancing at an online sites, for spell or ability questions for myself or them.

It feels like with ttrpgs being more popular generally, there are a lot more formats insofar as how game information is presented: zines are popular again, A5 booklets are more common, games now offer provide single sheet summaries, etc. so I wanted to see what ppl have done in their own table experience in light of all that.

Much appreciation, will definitely be making use of these!

 

[Voadam]

Sharing a book for an entire group is a long tradition. In the 80s and 90s I played in a long time Warhammer campaign where only the GM had the book. I would borrow it between games sometimes to read up on some stuff but mostly it was at the table passed around as needed, including what individual advancements to spend your xp on.

 

[Piperken]

Sharing a book for an entire group is a long tradition.

Yes, absolutely familiar with this aspect! I have passed books around during resupply/shopping, as well as when they were ready to level their characters.

 

[DragonLancer]

I've purchased two copies of the new PHB. One for me as the DM, and one that players can use during the game.

 

[Clint_L]

I routinely run beginner campaigns where few or any of the players have their own books. I have one right now with 8 kids and one PHB between them, and it’s 2014. DnDBeyond + Master Tier subscription means that for six bucks a month they all have access to basically all of DnD, plus online character sheets, maps, dice, etc. It’s a ridiculously good deal.

 

[Horwath]

Just pass the book between players, how many hours do you need to make the character?

alternately, well, we all know what the alternate option is...

 

[AnotherGuy]

I've purchased two copies of the new PHB. One for me as the DM, and one that players can use during the game.

That is generous and cool!

 

[el-remmen]

I've purchased two copies of the new PHB. One for me as the DM, and one that players can use during the game.

I've done that for every edition since 2E (save for 4E where I gave away all three core books when I realized it was not for me). But even as a kid when I could not afford to do that, we just made do by sharing what few books we had among us (which often could be just one, esp. for any non-D&D game).

 

[Bayushi_seikuro]

It seems to me that this is a long standing issue/tradition in D&D-space. I'm thinking back to the old stories where there was a ton of homebrew and people passing on photocopies of the books and putting them in three ring binders.

 

[Li Shenron]

What set ups/arrangements have people done to facilitate game rules at tables, where not everyone can get the books?

I designed and printed out action cards so that there is no need for players to look at the books. I did this for our family games as we didn't think of buying additional PHBs, but also because I believe that it's actually better not to let players use books at the table if they can avoid it.