DnD Editions [Archive] - Wizards Community

DnD Editions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ArenorPendragon
08-07-06, 01:17 PM Hi all - I haven't played since they phased 2nd Edition out; not because I didn't want to try the new stuff, real life just took over my play time. However, I'm looking to get back into the game, but I've just got a few questions before I spend a few hundred dollars on the new books (my how times have changed - all we used to need was a DMG, a PHB, and a Monster Manual and we were set; now it seems there's a book for every possiblity!)

Now, I'm not starting this thread to get a bunch of people bashing each other over which edition is better - - -

1. I'd just like to know what the major differences are between 2nd Edition and the new stuff?

2. What is the difference between the Player Handbook that reads Core Rules I on the front and the Player Handbook for DnD 3.5 Edition :confused: ; was there a 3rd Edition that I missed or is this "Cores Rules I" book the 3rd Edition?

3. Are there any major differences between 3rd Edition and the 3.5 Edition?

4. Is there a 4th Edition coming out? If so, should I even waste my time with 3rd (or 3.5) Edition?

Please - no harsh opinions on which edition is better - - - I just don't want to spend a lot of money on the wrong products. Thanx so much!
Cannon_Fodder
08-07-06, 01:29 PM 1. 3rd Edition got rid of the race/class restrictions, THAC0, low-is-better saves and AC, and a bunch of stuff. Introduced more classes and races.

2. 3.0 came out in 2000, and introduced the Core Rulebooks. In 2003 WotC revamped the system and came out with 3.5 - this fixed a lot of supposedly broken rules and clarified many things. The system was rebalanced, and some spells reworked.

3. 3.5 changed the Ranger class dramatically. amd reworked several spells. Additionally, there is more material being published for 3.5. 3.0 was left behind once the rules got reworked, and there are no current publications for 3.0 anymore.

4. I've heard rumors on 4th Edition. I'm taking them with a grain of salt. I think it is a safe bet to stick with 3.5 until something more concrete shows up. The D&D 3.X system is about six years old now, AD&D 2E was around for a lot longer before the system was switched to 3.X. I don't see how a 4th Edition (so quickly) would make any dramatic changes.
ArenorPendragon
08-07-06, 01:32 PM Thank you Cannon Fodder - - - not only a quick reply, but a VERY useful one as well. Now I have a better idea which direction to go . . . of course, I have these three 3.0 edition books someone gave to me that I don't know what to do with :( ! Perhaps I'll sell them on Ebay!

Again, thank you! :)
Natural_20
08-07-06, 01:40 PM My advice would be to purchase the Core books for 3.5, and then refrain from purchasing any supplements without careful research. The Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual are still all that's necessary to play the game, all other supplements are just expansions. If you like Psionics, get the Expanded Psionics Handbook, I've heard good things about it. Other than that, be careful where you spend your money, because a 4th edition could come around soon, and you don't want to be in the same boat as me... (I just spent $400 in an attempt to get every 3.5 supplement, not the brightest idea ever...)
Cannon_Fodder
08-07-06, 01:42 PM You're welcome. I still have my 3.0 books with me...and my AD&D 2E books as well. I collect editions, and it's fun seeing what changes happen. I'd sell 'em on Ebay, there are folks out there who prefer 3.0.
Big_Mac
08-07-06, 01:42 PM If you just want to start with the core books. They can, all 3, be bought on amazon as packaged deal.

Here is the link Amazon Set (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786934107/sr=1-8/qid=1154972415/ref=sr_1_8/102-4774538-8542527?ie=UTF8&s=books)

Like was said they have refined many of the mathmatics related to D&D, Higher is better all of the time.
Fangthane
08-07-06, 01:50 PM Hi all - I haven't played since they phased 2nd Edition out; not because I didn't want to try the new stuff, real life just took over my play time. However, I'm looking to get back into the game, but I've just got a few questions before I spend a few hundred dollars on the new books (my how times have changed - all we used to need was a DMG, a PHB, and a Monster Manual and we were set; now it seems there's a book for every possiblity!)

As someone who has just made the conversion myself I would basically summerize that even though there are many simularities between the two I would put myself in the mindset that they are two different games. As with 1st and 2nd edition you only need the core rules and as for buying them, you do not have to do even that. You can review the rules here. (http://www.d20srd.org)

1. I'd just like to know what the major differences are between 2nd Edition and the new stuff?

PHB - while there are many minor differences the major ones are PCs are more tailorable, some class skills and all secondary skills are now purchased with skill points. Secondary skills are now more defined in their in game abilities. You can purchase these skills with a limited pool of points. Feats - feats are abilities your characters gain at various levels which allow them special abilities. Instead of all fighters being the same, now you can specialize (or generalize) as much as these feats will allow.

Advancement is quicker, and the characters do not have to have 16 or above in all ability scores to have awesome abilities.

2. What is the difference between the Player Handbook that reads Core Rules I on the front and the Player Handbook for DnD 3.5 Edition :confused: ; was there a 3rd Edition that I missed or is this "Cores Rules I" book the 3rd Edition?

3.0 and 3.5 have minor differences that can be resolved on the fly by experienced players. The 3.5 update booklet (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20030718a) can explain some of the differences.

3. Are there any major differences between 3rd Edition and the 3.5 Edition?

See the above link.

4. Is there a 4th Edition coming out? If so, should I even waste my time with 3rd (or 3.5) Edition?

There are no plans announced although speculation is always out there. It would be a bad business decision at this point IMHO. I have bought the PHB and DMG, as well as many of the complete line, Libis Mortis, Lords of Madness, and the Book of Vile Darkness. The BoVD is the only one I do not use as much as I thought I would. I will be purchasing the Races line soon.

You may want to wait to purchase the Special Edition Monster Manual which will be updated to current standards. Although the list price is expensive you will be able to get it from Amazon.com for less than the list price.
GreyLord
08-07-06, 06:23 PM Hi all - I haven't played since they phased 2nd Edition out; not because I didn't want to try the new stuff, real life just took over my play time. However, I'm looking to get back into the game, but I've just got a few questions before I spend a few hundred dollars on the new books (my how times have changed - all we used to need was a DMG, a PHB, and a Monster Manual and we were set; now it seems there's a book for every possiblity!)

Now, I'm not starting this thread to get a bunch of people bashing each other over which edition is better - - -

1. I'd just like to know what the major differences are between 2nd Edition and the new stuff?

2. What is the difference between the Player Handbook that reads Core Rules I on the front and the Player Handbook for DnD 3.5 Edition :confused: ; was there a 3rd Edition that I missed or is this "Cores Rules I" book the 3rd Edition?

3. Are there any major differences between 3rd Edition and the 3.5 Edition?

4. Is there a 4th Edition coming out? If so, should I even waste my time with 3rd (or 3.5) Edition?

Please - no harsh opinions on which edition is better - - - I just don't want to spend a lot of money on the wrong products. Thanx so much!

1. Too many to list...seriously. It would be like listing all the major differences between Chess and Axis and Allies...but with differences mulitiplied by a factor of 10. Basically, look at it as two completely different RPG systems.

3.5 is a mixture of skills based/class abilities, whilst 2e was more of a class based system. XP is handled by what monsters or items you overcome with monsters being worth a lot more XP (for example orcs are worth 150 XP instead of 15 XP). All classes level at the same rate so to get to 2nd level would take 1000 XP (instead of ~2000 in general for 2e)...as you can tell levelling can be a lot quicker as well. Skills (aka profficiencies, but with a different system) ARE NO LONGER OPTIONAL. It also has a new skill type system called feats. It uses a D20, but with a + to hit system for base class and classes building upon that. There are some symbolic restrictions to Multiclassing, but it is just that normally, symbolic. Basically you can multiclass at will. What is known as multiclassing is known as dual-classing in 2e. The 2e version of Multiclassing does not exist. There are NO balanced class creation rules (as per the 2e DMG dictating what XP costs would be paid for abilities). It goes on and on...but that might cover some of the really major basics of the changes.

2. Yes.

In otherwords, there was a 3e that you missed, and it is NOT 3.5 edition. All 3.5 core rulebooks will have 3.5 on the spine (at least last time I checked). Other books for 3.5 do not, check the dates to see if they are post 2003.

3. Yes.

4. Yes. On both counts. However 4e is not coming out that soon...so unless you like waiting for a VERY long time...you should probably buy 3.5 edition. I would suggest 3.5 over 3e (I favor 3.5 over 3e myself).
Alac Luin
08-07-06, 07:04 PM . . . of course, I have these three 3.0 edition books someone gave to me that I don't know what to do with :( ! Perhaps I'll sell them on Ebay!

Depending on which 3 they are, I'd say keep them.
Not all the 3.0 books have been rewritten for 3.5.

Monster Manual 2 and the Fiend Folio are both 3.0 and only have update booklets to convert them to 3.5. (found on same link Fangthane provided in this potion of his post)
3.0 and 3.5 have minor differences that can be resolved on the fly by experienced players. The 3.5 update booklet (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20030718a) can explain some of the differences.
Death Stryke
08-07-06, 07:15 PM XP is handled by what monsters or items you overcome with monsters being worth a lot more XP (for example orcs are worth 150 XP instead of 15 XP).

This is not entirely accurate. XP is now based on Challenge Rating(CR) of the monster compared against the Level of the character. Challenge Rating is an indicator of how tough that opponent is for four characters of the same level. A CR 1 monster should be a moderate encounter for a party of 4 1st level characters.

Example: Kobold (3.X CR = 1/4)
2nd Edition 1st Level Character gets 7xp
2nd Edition 20th Level Character gets 7xp

3.5 Edition 1st Level Character gets 75xp (I think, don't have chart with me)
3.5 Edition 20th Level Character gets 0xp it is not a significant challenge anymore.

Hope that makes sense.

DS
Death Stryke
08-07-06, 07:39 PM Also, the link that Fangthane provided is to the System Reference Document. It does not include all the information necessary to play but includes the rules and mechanics of the system.

You would have to come up with XP requirements for levels among some other things to play with just those rules.

DS
Verelor
08-07-06, 08:30 PM Skipping to the point: 3.5 edition is significantly better, more balanced, playable, and consistent than any other system. It is able to retain much of the feel of 1st edition, if not necessarily always the descriptive flavor of 2nd. It is plain and simple better when you get down to it.

As it goes, a Player's handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual are still the only books needed to run a game (yay!), with only the Player's Handbook needed for each player. Any other books make a great addition to the depth and fun of the game, but are never strictly necessary.
R2-DS
08-07-06, 08:51 PM One of the biggest advents in roll playing history came with the introduction of the 3rd edition......and with that the "Open Game Liscence".

Hence the "book for every occaision". It opened the door for every two bit publisher under the sun to produce roleplaying material that uses a common frame work of rules.

Another reason to do your research.

On that note. With a few exceptions, I have limited myself to "official" D+D products only and even that is daunting as WOTC releases new material every month.

Oh yeah! One other big difference in 3rd was the streamlining of the games existing campaign settings.

You only have to look as far as these message boards to see which settings are no longer supported.

Dragonlance was farmed out to sovereign Press.
Ravenloft was under a division of White wolf but has recently reverted back to wizards.....but who knows?

As for the others, I cant say what kind of future they have.

Cheers!
shadowatching
08-07-06, 09:15 PM its been 5 years of me playing and i am back playing and a friend made my char. up usually i do but i thought that i would have someone else do it i was wondering cleric/druid what can i not do i never played cleric and we are using 2ed books they don't want to grade up. so what cant i do
Alac Luin
08-07-06, 09:32 PM Also, the link that Fangthane provided is to the System Reference Document. It does not include all the information necessary to play but includes the rules and mechanics of the system.
Ahh, he provided two links.... I was thinking about the 2nd one.
Death Stryke
08-07-06, 10:06 PM Ahh, he provided two links.... I was thinking about the 2nd one.

Okay, I was not responding to your particular post, I was just pointing out that the SRD has the game mechanics and rules but is not completely sufficient to play without a few additions.

As Verelor said, yes 3.5 is much better than 2nd Edition. You can easily play with just the 3 Core books for the DM and a PHB or the SRD for each player. You will need the PHB for some things like XP chart and whatnot but it will suffice for players as long as you have one actual PHB since every class advances at the same amounts now.

DS
Death Stryke
08-07-06, 10:10 PM its been 5 years of me playing and i am back playing and a friend made my char. up usually i do but i thought that i would have someone else do it i was wondering cleric/druid what can i not do i never played cleric and we are using 2ed books they don't want to grade up. so what cant i do

Let me be the first to say: Welcome to the boards.

Second, I am pretty sure this is not the thread to ask whatever you are trying to ask. If you are playing 2nd Edition and want help you will have to go elsewhere.

If you are looking for help with a 3rd edition character you should head here (http://boards1.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48)

Not trying to be rude, just pointing out your thread was a little hard to understand with little punctuation, capital letters and a somewhat unclear question at the end.

DS
GreyLord
08-07-06, 10:43 PM Skipping to the point: 3.5 edition is significantly better, more balanced, playable, and consistent than any other system. It is able to retain much of the feel of 1st edition, if not necessarily always the descriptive flavor of 2nd. It is plain and simple better when you get down to it.

As it goes, a Player's handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual are still the only books needed to run a game (yay!), with only the Player's Handbook needed for each player. Any other books make a great addition to the depth and fun of the game, but are never strictly necessary.

That is a complete matter of opinion. Most old schoolers would HIGHLY disagree that it retains or even has any semblance ot the feel of 1st edition any more than any other RPG (and actually less than most others in many of their eyes). Hence what some could call the great disillusionment after the release of 3e and the anger of some of the older players leading to what could be called the edition wars (which still have an outbreak now and then).

I have to agree that whilst 3.5 can be fun, it is not like 1e in feel or spirit. 1e was a much simpler rule set as far as player creation and advancement were concerned, as well as focusing on archtype and using XP and levels as the class balancer. 3e uses abilities and skills as the balancer.

Hence, this is entirely opinion, but it is one that I'd say is highly contested as can be seen by the eruptions of edition wars that are still seen today (though nothing like they were originally).

If one wants to have a 1e feel I would suggest playing 1e or Castles and Crusades. If you want to play WotC's D&D, you need to play 3.5 and not expect it to be like other editions lest you get disappointed. Play it and accept it for what it is, not what you thought it might be like but might not actually end up being.
GreyLord
08-07-06, 10:48 PM This is not entirely accurate. XP is now based on Challenge Rating(CR) of the monster compared against the Level of the character. Challenge Rating is an indicator of how tough that opponent is for four characters of the same level. A CR 1 monster should be a moderate encounter for a party of 4 1st level characters.

Example: Kobold (3.X CR = 1/4)
2nd Edition 1st Level Character gets 7xp
2nd Edition 20th Level Character gets 7xp

3.5 Edition 1st Level Character gets 75xp (I think, don't have chart with me)
3.5 Edition 20th Level Character gets 0xp it is not a significant challenge anymore.

Hope that makes sense.

DS

True. I was trying to cover too much in too little space...to convey differences, but yes, tis true. Explaining CR could take a lot more space (as shown by your post and even that isn't really all that great desribing it) so I just simplified the idea (I suppose some 20th level guys go hunting Orcs for XP, but normally they were worth so little at that point anyways...still worthless for XP at 20th level in 3.5, so I guess I just decided to simplify with the idea and proceed. Too many differences and too little space...I'll leave others to extrapolate...so thanks for doing that part of it at least.
Myree
08-08-06, 02:21 AM I've gotta stop posting tonight -- I'm feeling too old now....

But, speaking as someone who started with the VERY original manilla paperback copies, and owning and playing at least some of the core books of every set since then, GreyLord has it right. I always felt that the 1st Ed. (AD&D, that is, not those vague paper ones) was far better in most cases, but never liked the number of restrictions it had.

OK, an elf can live for hundreds of years studying magic, which is part of the very core of his being -- but can never raise to the equivalent of a human who spends far less time (only a few decades!) on it? And only a human can be holy enough to be a paladin? Give me a break! And why couldn't a fighter pick up the skill of "picking locks" or "listening at doors" without taking the time to learn every other thief skill too?

The new 3.5 has definitely made improvements here, and I'm planning on playing it for the foreseeable future (just like a new version of Windows, I don't jump on the "new version" band-wagon until a new version is proven better, which is why I never really got into 3.0 at all). But, I still feel trapped in all the different skill checks and modifiers and adjustments -- so sometimes I just fall back on "yeah, I guess a 15 will do" -- but don't tell my players!). Wish there was still a "cleaner" way to track all that. But maybe that is just my old age talking.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ArenorPendragon 08-07-06, 01:17 PM	Hi all - I haven't played since they phased 2nd Edition out; not because I didn't want to try the new stuff, real life just took over my play time. However, I'm looking to get back into the game, but I've just got a few questions before I spend a few hundred dollars on the new books (my how times have changed - all we used to need was a DMG, a PHB, and a Monster Manual and we were set; now it seems there's a book for every possiblity!) Now, I'm not starting this thread to get a bunch of people bashing each other over which edition is better - - - 1. I'd just like to know what the major differences are between 2nd Edition and the new stuff? 2. What is the difference between the Player Handbook that reads Core Rules I on the front and the Player Handbook for DnD 3.5 Edition :confused: ; was there a 3rd Edition that I missed or is this "Cores Rules I" book the 3rd Edition? 3. Are there any major differences between 3rd Edition and the 3.5 Edition? 4. Is there a 4th Edition coming out? If so, should I even waste my time with 3rd (or 3.5) Edition? Please - no harsh opinions on which edition is better - - - I just don't want to spend a lot of money on the wrong products. Thanx so much!
Cannon_Fodder 08-07-06, 01:29 PM	1. 3rd Edition got rid of the race/class restrictions, THAC0, low-is-better saves and AC, and a bunch of stuff. Introduced more classes and races. 2. 3.0 came out in 2000, and introduced the Core Rulebooks. In 2003 WotC revamped the system and came out with 3.5 - this fixed a lot of supposedly broken rules and clarified many things. The system was rebalanced, and some spells reworked. 3. 3.5 changed the Ranger class dramatically. amd reworked several spells. Additionally, there is more material being published for 3.5. 3.0 was left behind once the rules got reworked, and there are no current publications for 3.0 anymore. 4. I've heard rumors on 4th Edition. I'm taking them with a grain of salt. I think it is a safe bet to stick with 3.5 until something more concrete shows up. The D&D 3.X system is about six years old now, AD&D 2E was around for a lot longer before the system was switched to 3.X. I don't see how a 4th Edition (so quickly) would make any dramatic changes.
ArenorPendragon 08-07-06, 01:32 PM	Thank you Cannon Fodder - - - not only a quick reply, but a VERY useful one as well. Now I have a better idea which direction to go . . . of course, I have these three 3.0 edition books someone gave to me that I don't know what to do with :( ! Perhaps I'll sell them on Ebay! Again, thank you! :)
Natural_20 08-07-06, 01:40 PM	My advice would be to purchase the Core books for 3.5, and then refrain from purchasing any supplements without careful research. The Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual are still all that's necessary to play the game, all other supplements are just expansions. If you like Psionics, get the Expanded Psionics Handbook, I've heard good things about it. Other than that, be careful where you spend your money, because a 4th edition could come around soon, and you don't want to be in the same boat as me... (I just spent $400 in an attempt to get every 3.5 supplement, not the brightest idea ever...)
Cannon_Fodder 08-07-06, 01:42 PM	You're welcome. I still have my 3.0 books with me...and my AD&D 2E books as well. I collect editions, and it's fun seeing what changes happen. I'd sell 'em on Ebay, there are folks out there who prefer 3.0.
Big_Mac 08-07-06, 01:42 PM	If you just want to start with the core books. They can, all 3, be bought on amazon as packaged deal. Here is the link Amazon Set (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786934107/sr=1-8/qid=1154972415/ref=sr_1_8/102-4774538-8542527?ie=UTF8&s=books) Like was said they have refined many of the mathmatics related to D&D, Higher is better all of the time.
Fangthane 08-07-06, 01:50 PM	Hi all - I haven't played since they phased 2nd Edition out; not because I didn't want to try the new stuff, real life just took over my play time. However, I'm looking to get back into the game, but I've just got a few questions before I spend a few hundred dollars on the new books (my how times have changed - all we used to need was a DMG, a PHB, and a Monster Manual and we were set; now it seems there's a book for every possiblity!) As someone who has just made the conversion myself I would basically summerize that even though there are many simularities between the two I would put myself in the mindset that they are two different games. As with 1st and 2nd edition you only need the core rules and as for buying them, you do not have to do even that. You can review the rules here. (http://www.d20srd.org) 1. I'd just like to know what the major differences are between 2nd Edition and the new stuff? PHB - while there are many minor differences the major ones are PCs are more tailorable, some class skills and all secondary skills are now purchased with skill points. Secondary skills are now more defined in their in game abilities. You can purchase these skills with a limited pool of points. Feats - feats are abilities your characters gain at various levels which allow them special abilities. Instead of all fighters being the same, now you can specialize (or generalize) as much as these feats will allow. Advancement is quicker, and the characters do not have to have 16 or above in all ability scores to have awesome abilities. 2. What is the difference between the Player Handbook that reads Core Rules I on the front and the Player Handbook for DnD 3.5 Edition :confused: ; was there a 3rd Edition that I missed or is this "Cores Rules I" book the 3rd Edition? 3.0 and 3.5 have minor differences that can be resolved on the fly by experienced players. The 3.5 update booklet (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20030718a) can explain some of the differences. 3. Are there any major differences between 3rd Edition and the 3.5 Edition? See the above link. 4. Is there a 4th Edition coming out? If so, should I even waste my time with 3rd (or 3.5) Edition? There are no plans announced although speculation is always out there. It would be a bad business decision at this point IMHO. I have bought the PHB and DMG, as well as many of the complete line, Libis Mortis, Lords of Madness, and the Book of Vile Darkness. The BoVD is the only one I do not use as much as I thought I would. I will be purchasing the Races line soon. You may want to wait to purchase the Special Edition Monster Manual which will be updated to current standards. Although the list price is expensive you will be able to get it from Amazon.com for less than the list price.
GreyLord 08-07-06, 06:23 PM	Hi all - I haven't played since they phased 2nd Edition out; not because I didn't want to try the new stuff, real life just took over my play time. However, I'm looking to get back into the game, but I've just got a few questions before I spend a few hundred dollars on the new books (my how times have changed - all we used to need was a DMG, a PHB, and a Monster Manual and we were set; now it seems there's a book for every possiblity!) Now, I'm not starting this thread to get a bunch of people bashing each other over which edition is better - - - 1. I'd just like to know what the major differences are between 2nd Edition and the new stuff? 2. What is the difference between the Player Handbook that reads Core Rules I on the front and the Player Handbook for DnD 3.5 Edition :confused: ; was there a 3rd Edition that I missed or is this "Cores Rules I" book the 3rd Edition? 3. Are there any major differences between 3rd Edition and the 3.5 Edition? 4. Is there a 4th Edition coming out? If so, should I even waste my time with 3rd (or 3.5) Edition? Please - no harsh opinions on which edition is better - - - I just don't want to spend a lot of money on the wrong products. Thanx so much! 1. Too many to list...seriously. It would be like listing all the major differences between Chess and Axis and Allies...but with differences mulitiplied by a factor of 10. Basically, look at it as two completely different RPG systems. 3.5 is a mixture of skills based/class abilities, whilst 2e was more of a class based system. XP is handled by what monsters or items you overcome with monsters being worth a lot more XP (for example orcs are worth 150 XP instead of 15 XP). All classes level at the same rate so to get to 2nd level would take 1000 XP (instead of ~2000 in general for 2e)...as you can tell levelling can be a lot quicker as well. Skills (aka profficiencies, but with a different system) ARE NO LONGER OPTIONAL. It also has a new skill type system called feats. It uses a D20, but with a + to hit system for base class and classes building upon that. There are some symbolic restrictions to Multiclassing, but it is just that normally, symbolic. Basically you can multiclass at will. What is known as multiclassing is known as dual-classing in 2e. The 2e version of Multiclassing does not exist. There are NO balanced class creation rules (as per the 2e DMG dictating what XP costs would be paid for abilities). It goes on and on...but that might cover some of the really major basics of the changes. 2. Yes. In otherwords, there was a 3e that you missed, and it is NOT 3.5 edition. All 3.5 core rulebooks will have 3.5 on the spine (at least last time I checked). Other books for 3.5 do not, check the dates to see if they are post 2003. 3. Yes. 4. Yes. On both counts. However 4e is not coming out that soon...so unless you like waiting for a VERY long time...you should probably buy 3.5 edition. I would suggest 3.5 over 3e (I favor 3.5 over 3e myself).
Alac Luin 08-07-06, 07:04 PM	. . . of course, I have these three 3.0 edition books someone gave to me that I don't know what to do with :( ! Perhaps I'll sell them on Ebay! Depending on which 3 they are, I'd say keep them. Not all the 3.0 books have been rewritten for 3.5. Monster Manual 2 and the Fiend Folio are both 3.0 and only have update booklets to convert them to 3.5. (found on same link Fangthane provided in this potion of his post) 3.0 and 3.5 have minor differences that can be resolved on the fly by experienced players. The 3.5 update booklet (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20030718a) can explain some of the differences.
Death Stryke 08-07-06, 07:15 PM	XP is handled by what monsters or items you overcome with monsters being worth a lot more XP (for example orcs are worth 150 XP instead of 15 XP). This is not entirely accurate. XP is now based on Challenge Rating(CR) of the monster compared against the Level of the character. Challenge Rating is an indicator of how tough that opponent is for four characters of the same level. A CR 1 monster should be a moderate encounter for a party of 4 1st level characters. Example: Kobold (3.X CR = 1/4) 2nd Edition 1st Level Character gets 7xp 2nd Edition 20th Level Character gets 7xp 3.5 Edition 1st Level Character gets 75xp (I think, don't have chart with me) 3.5 Edition 20th Level Character gets 0xp it is not a significant challenge anymore. Hope that makes sense. DS
Death Stryke 08-07-06, 07:39 PM	Also, the link that Fangthane provided is to the System Reference Document. It does not include all the information necessary to play but includes the rules and mechanics of the system. You would have to come up with XP requirements for levels among some other things to play with just those rules. DS
Verelor 08-07-06, 08:30 PM	Skipping to the point: 3.5 edition is significantly better, more balanced, playable, and consistent than any other system. It is able to retain much of the feel of 1st edition, if not necessarily always the descriptive flavor of 2nd. It is plain and simple better when you get down to it. As it goes, a Player's handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual are still the only books needed to run a game (yay!), with only the Player's Handbook needed for each player. Any other books make a great addition to the depth and fun of the game, but are never strictly necessary.
R2-DS 08-07-06, 08:51 PM	One of the biggest advents in roll playing history came with the introduction of the 3rd edition......and with that the "Open Game Liscence". Hence the "book for every occaision". It opened the door for every two bit publisher under the sun to produce roleplaying material that uses a common frame work of rules. Another reason to do your research. On that note. With a few exceptions, I have limited myself to "official" D+D products only and even that is daunting as WOTC releases new material every month. Oh yeah! One other big difference in 3rd was the streamlining of the games existing campaign settings. You only have to look as far as these message boards to see which settings are no longer supported. Dragonlance was farmed out to sovereign Press. Ravenloft was under a division of White wolf but has recently reverted back to wizards.....but who knows? As for the others, I cant say what kind of future they have. Cheers!
shadowatching 08-07-06, 09:15 PM	its been 5 years of me playing and i am back playing and a friend made my char. up usually i do but i thought that i would have someone else do it i was wondering cleric/druid what can i not do i never played cleric and we are using 2ed books they don't want to grade up. so what cant i do
Alac Luin 08-07-06, 09:32 PM	Also, the link that Fangthane provided is to the System Reference Document. It does not include all the information necessary to play but includes the rules and mechanics of the system. Ahh, he provided two links.... I was thinking about the 2nd one.
Death Stryke 08-07-06, 10:06 PM	Ahh, he provided two links.... I was thinking about the 2nd one. Okay, I was not responding to your particular post, I was just pointing out that the SRD has the game mechanics and rules but is not completely sufficient to play without a few additions. As Verelor said, yes 3.5 is much better than 2nd Edition. You can easily play with just the 3 Core books for the DM and a PHB or the SRD for each player. You will need the PHB for some things like XP chart and whatnot but it will suffice for players as long as you have one actual PHB since every class advances at the same amounts now. DS
Death Stryke 08-07-06, 10:10 PM	its been 5 years of me playing and i am back playing and a friend made my char. up usually i do but i thought that i would have someone else do it i was wondering cleric/druid what can i not do i never played cleric and we are using 2ed books they don't want to grade up. so what cant i do Let me be the first to say: Welcome to the boards. Second, I am pretty sure this is not the thread to ask whatever you are trying to ask. If you are playing 2nd Edition and want help you will have to go elsewhere. If you are looking for help with a 3rd edition character you should head here (http://boards1.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48) Not trying to be rude, just pointing out your thread was a little hard to understand with little punctuation, capital letters and a somewhat unclear question at the end. DS
GreyLord 08-07-06, 10:43 PM	Skipping to the point: 3.5 edition is significantly better, more balanced, playable, and consistent than any other system. It is able to retain much of the feel of 1st edition, if not necessarily always the descriptive flavor of 2nd. It is plain and simple better when you get down to it. As it goes, a Player's handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual are still the only books needed to run a game (yay!), with only the Player's Handbook needed for each player. Any other books make a great addition to the depth and fun of the game, but are never strictly necessary. That is a complete matter of opinion. Most old schoolers would HIGHLY disagree that it retains or even has any semblance ot the feel of 1st edition any more than any other RPG (and actually less than most others in many of their eyes). Hence what some could call the great disillusionment after the release of 3e and the anger of some of the older players leading to what could be called the edition wars (which still have an outbreak now and then). I have to agree that whilst 3.5 can be fun, it is not like 1e in feel or spirit. 1e was a much simpler rule set as far as player creation and advancement were concerned, as well as focusing on archtype and using XP and levels as the class balancer. 3e uses abilities and skills as the balancer. Hence, this is entirely opinion, but it is one that I'd say is highly contested as can be seen by the eruptions of edition wars that are still seen today (though nothing like they were originally). If one wants to have a 1e feel I would suggest playing 1e or Castles and Crusades. If you want to play WotC's D&D, you need to play 3.5 and not expect it to be like other editions lest you get disappointed. Play it and accept it for what it is, not what you thought it might be like but might not actually end up being.
GreyLord 08-07-06, 10:48 PM	This is not entirely accurate. XP is now based on Challenge Rating(CR) of the monster compared against the Level of the character. Challenge Rating is an indicator of how tough that opponent is for four characters of the same level. A CR 1 monster should be a moderate encounter for a party of 4 1st level characters. Example: Kobold (3.X CR = 1/4) 2nd Edition 1st Level Character gets 7xp 2nd Edition 20th Level Character gets 7xp 3.5 Edition 1st Level Character gets 75xp (I think, don't have chart with me) 3.5 Edition 20th Level Character gets 0xp it is not a significant challenge anymore. Hope that makes sense. DS True. I was trying to cover too much in too little space...to convey differences, but yes, tis true. Explaining CR could take a lot more space (as shown by your post and even that isn't really all that great desribing it) so I just simplified the idea (I suppose some 20th level guys go hunting Orcs for XP, but normally they were worth so little at that point anyways...still worthless for XP at 20th level in 3.5, so I guess I just decided to simplify with the idea and proceed. Too many differences and too little space...I'll leave others to extrapolate...so thanks for doing that part of it at least.
Myree 08-08-06, 02:21 AM	I've gotta stop posting tonight -- I'm feeling too old now.... But, speaking as someone who started with the VERY original manilla paperback copies, and owning and playing at least some of the core books of every set since then, GreyLord has it right. I always felt that the 1st Ed. (AD&D, that is, not those vague paper ones) was far better in most cases, but never liked the number of restrictions it had. OK, an elf can live for hundreds of years studying magic, which is part of the very core of his being -- but can never raise to the equivalent of a human who spends far less time (only a few decades!) on it? And only a human can be holy enough to be a paladin? Give me a break! And why couldn't a fighter pick up the skill of "picking locks" or "listening at doors" without taking the time to learn every other thief skill too? The new 3.5 has definitely made improvements here, and I'm planning on playing it for the foreseeable future (just like a new version of Windows, I don't jump on the "new version" band-wagon until a new version is proven better, which is why I never really got into 3.0 at all). But, I still feel trapped in all the different skill checks and modifiers and adjustments -- so sometimes I just fall back on "yeah, I guess a 15 will do" -- but don't tell my players!). Wish there was still a "cleaner" way to track all that. But maybe that is just my old age talking.