Which D&D book should I buy?

[BiggusGeekus]

The complete and total opposite of what you asked for: Magical Medival Society: Western Europe. It's awesome. but it isnt' wotc and has no prcs and feats. It's just world design.

Closer to what you asked for: Monster Manual 3. Again, no feats or PrCs but it's good

Even closer: a subscription to Dragon magazine

Dead on what you asked for: sorry. I like Manual of the Planes as well. Maybe strike out the word "Planes" and write in "weird places"?

 

[Mercule]

I like Manual of the Planes as well. Maybe strike out the word "Planes" and write in "weird places"?

How much of it is useful for designing a custom cosmology? I have an Eberron-like scramble in my head, but still need to flesh out some bits. I've got no interest in the great wheel, so anything more than a rough sketch would be wasted space. Oh, and I really dislike Planescape.

 

[Shemeska]

How much of it is useful for designing a custom cosmology? I have an Eberron-like scramble in my head, but still need to flesh out some bits. I've got no interest in the great wheel, so anything more than a rough sketch would be wasted space. Oh, and I really dislike Planescape.

The 3e MotP is effectively watered down Planescape. Heck, most of the individual locations on the various planes are right out of the PS material.

However... the book has a section devoted to making your own custom cosmology, and it has a number of varient cosmology layouts, plus a chapter of optional planes. It does offer a nice swathe of ideas for things beyond the Great Wheel / DnD / Planescape cosmology.

 

[Azul]

What about Unearthed Arcana? It's got lots of nifty stuff in it. UA is one of the best "idea" books WotC has published. DMG II is a solid mix of tools (especially for more novice DMs but still handy for vets) and the upcoming PHB II is likely to be worth considering. Those are all solid for crunch (well, I assume the PHB II will be if it resembles the DMG II).

For fluff... hmm... I'd say something FR sounds like a good pick given your description of your campaign. Perhaps Underdark or another regional guide? I don't use FR so I can't comment too much on this.

Our group also does virtually no plane-hopping and while it was a cool read, my Manual of the Planes 3e has more or less just gathered dust since I bought it. I use the monsters and templates once in a while but that's about it. Not a good buy unless your campaign includes planar traval or you are an old Planescape fan.

 

[Mercule]

What about Unearthed Arcana?

Ah, yes. The fourth core book. (IMO)