What Do Your Players Think of Splatbooks?

[Henry]

I was wondering though if this is a common thing or if it is just my players who do this?

Most of the players in our group worship at the altar of splatbooks. They love them. A couple of us don't always see all splatbooks as rosy, but it's funny -- the ones with DM experience are the ones who are more negative towards certain aspects of splatbooks.

I have to admit, some I love, but I have kept a more wary eye on some things over the past few years. It seems as time goes on, I see little tendrils of overpowered combinations creeping in.

 

[Razz]

I allow the Spell Compendium, PHB II and a couple of other splatbooks that I own, such as Races of the Dragon and Complete Divine, into my game. A couple of players continually mock them though, saying how that they are overpowered and uber, despite having only read the spells, feats, etc.

This started to grate on my nerves a bit. I asked them to knock it off and they have for a bit. I was wondering though if this is a common thing or if it is just my players who do this?

Olaf the Stout

I'll never understand this mentality among D&D gamers.

The strange mentality that anything outside the Core Books is overpowered and broken. Anything and everything can be overpowered. The Cleric and Wizard are two prime examples in the PHB alone.

I can't help you there because my players are the opposite. They love new splatbooks and love the myriad of infinite combinations they can use to create unique, role-play inspiring characters.

 

[Ron]

I guess I have a strange mentality like Razz was mentioned as the last game I played was a 3.0 game with all 3.0 splatbooks and I definitely think they have a lot of broken material. Never looked at the 3.5 material. Perhaps they got better, I wouldn't know, I just don't have much hope.

 

[Olaf the Stout]

I don't know. It might've worked.

Honestly, I haven't come across this issue IRL, myself. But I've had other issues with certain players, so I kind of get your frustration and uncertainty as to exactly what you should do.

Are there particular things that these players are derisive about? Or is it more of a general stance?

It is more of a general stance from 2 players in particular, although they have mentioned some specific things. One player, who feels that Sorcerers are already much more powerful than the Wizards, felt that the Complete Book of Eldritch Might version of the Sorcerer just made this class over the top.

Off the top of my head, it gave the Sorcerer d6 HD and more spells per day but I wouldn't quote me on that.

Occasionally they will point out spells from the SC or feats from the PHB 2 that they think are too powerful. Of course this is without ever having used them in the game.

Olaf the Stout

 

[MerricB]

Yeah, playtesting is so important.

I allowed the BOEM2 Sorcerer in my game, and I still feel it was a mistake. It really stood on the toes of the 3e Bard. Was it a sorcerer or a skill-user? Urgh.

However, I've had no problems with feats and spells from PHB2 or SC... and my players have been taking a lot of advantage of both books recently. (Running a 19th level Age of Worms game is great for seeing all of this in action).

Seeing the fighter deal 250+ hp damage in one round has been good.

Cheers!

 

[Kafkonia]

My current players don't know about splatbooks. Heck, only one of them owns the 3.5 PHB!

In the game I play in, however, we own and allow pretty much anything.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

One player, who feels that Sorcerers are already much more powerful than the Wizards

I never quite understand that. I heard it a couple of times, but I just don't see it.

 

[DM_Jeff]

>>What Do Your Players Think of Splatbooks?

They love them, pretty much as much as if not even more than I do. A new book, especially one that brings something to the table they can use means a flurry of group emails on the book once it comes out. It helps generate excitement for the games. Their arms are getting more muscular too, so they help with fitness as well.

-DM Jeff