Smeelbo
First Post
I like building my own campaigns and fluff, rather than what Hasbro pumps out, so I am wondering about the value of some books I have declined to purchase so far.
Manual of the Planes
This one concerns me the most. On the one hand, Cosmology has never been D&D's strong point, but on the other hand, extra-planar adventure could well be an expected and vital part of paragon and epic tier play. What do I miss if I skip this book, and how useful is it for the heroic tier?
Draconomicon
I was generally unimpressed with the couple dozen pages I read. I'm planning to hit the players with a "pubescent" Black Dragon, and wondered if the book might be helpful. However, it was all pretty obvious stuff I had already thought of, and that the DMG Toolbox plus MM seemed good enough. Anything of value here, besides Crayola dragons?
Open Grave
I have bad memories from 3.X regarding The Book of Vile Deeds, Hordes of the Abyss, etc., what does this book have to offer? Admitedly, the undead in the current MM seem pretty bland. Did they save the good stuff for this book? Like what?
Forgotten Realms
Always hated the setting, always will. I hate the gods, the plot lines, the history, the novels, everything. I dislike Drow, and the RPGA. The best thing I can say about Forgotten Realms is that it isn't Dragonlance. Did they hide any important rules or character options in there?
Dungeon Delve
Under other circumstances, I would be more interested, but since I am taking care of my mother live in now, I have all the free time I can stand and more, and own mapping software. I have been less than impressed with the published adventures I have seen so far. Is it good, or is it just more half-assed trash like the stuff Gregory Marks put out for PHB2 Release Day? Did they really pay that guy? Better question: did they pay his editor?
I'd prefer it if I could get along with a minimal number of books, the PHB/MM/DMGs, Powers and Vault. But if something like Manual of the Planes is necessary for paragon play, that is something I should know.
Thank you,
Smeelbo
Manual of the Planes
This one concerns me the most. On the one hand, Cosmology has never been D&D's strong point, but on the other hand, extra-planar adventure could well be an expected and vital part of paragon and epic tier play. What do I miss if I skip this book, and how useful is it for the heroic tier?
Draconomicon
I was generally unimpressed with the couple dozen pages I read. I'm planning to hit the players with a "pubescent" Black Dragon, and wondered if the book might be helpful. However, it was all pretty obvious stuff I had already thought of, and that the DMG Toolbox plus MM seemed good enough. Anything of value here, besides Crayola dragons?
Open Grave
I have bad memories from 3.X regarding The Book of Vile Deeds, Hordes of the Abyss, etc., what does this book have to offer? Admitedly, the undead in the current MM seem pretty bland. Did they save the good stuff for this book? Like what?
Forgotten Realms
Always hated the setting, always will. I hate the gods, the plot lines, the history, the novels, everything. I dislike Drow, and the RPGA. The best thing I can say about Forgotten Realms is that it isn't Dragonlance. Did they hide any important rules or character options in there?
Dungeon Delve
Under other circumstances, I would be more interested, but since I am taking care of my mother live in now, I have all the free time I can stand and more, and own mapping software. I have been less than impressed with the published adventures I have seen so far. Is it good, or is it just more half-assed trash like the stuff Gregory Marks put out for PHB2 Release Day? Did they really pay that guy? Better question: did they pay his editor?
I'd prefer it if I could get along with a minimal number of books, the PHB/MM/DMGs, Powers and Vault. But if something like Manual of the Planes is necessary for paragon play, that is something I should know.
Thank you,
Smeelbo
Last edited: