Book buying suggestions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Book buying suggestions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Shrinks
03-17-07, 05:27 PM Hello all! I've been Dming with my buddies with the three core books for half a year or so now, but I want to expand my library and hence the game. I'm wondering what are some good first couple of books to invest in that will spice up the game for the PCs? I was thinking the complete adventurer, DMing II or another monster manuel, but your guys thoughts?:confused:
GrimshofHighSorcery
03-17-07, 06:17 PM I would HIGHLY reccommend buying Hereos of Horror. This book is amazing, and actually helps you run a good game. you do not need to even run a horror game, you can use the info within to help in any game. I would say the Complete Adventurer is a good book to buy. Another book i would reccommend is perhaps Unearthed Arcana, for interesting varients, and new ideas. DMG II is a good book, and if you want to pick it up, go for it, it isnt bad, but it isnt great. If you are going to buy a new MM, go with MMIII, MM2 is garbage, and Fiend Folio and MM4 are a waste of money. Hope this helps!
Morwen
03-17-07, 06:30 PM If the idea is to upgrade the PCs options, the Complete series is definitely the way to go. They're great additions for every PC. Complete Adventurer, Complete Arcane, Complete Divine, Complete Warrior, Complete Mage and Complete Scoundrel can all go into any game, while Complete Psionic requires that you use the psionic rules subset.

The Spell Compendium is also a great book, with loads of spells for players and DMs alike. PHB2 is also awesome :)
danzibr
03-17-07, 07:12 PM Yeah. Heroes of Horror, PHBII, Complete whatever classes interest you. I also like the Races books. Races of Stone is probably my favorite so far (I also have Dragon and Destiny).

If you like the Abyss and Nine Hells and such I also reccomend Book of Vile Darkness (though it's 3.0 and not official WoTC material), and although I don't own it, someone also said Fiend Folio. Then again, if you don't care for demons and devils, don't bother.

So yeah, I guess just get whatever interests you. Pretty much all of them have a good thing or two in them.

Oh gosh, I forgot Book of Erotic Fantasy. Oh wait, just kidding.

Dan
Morwen
03-17-07, 08:11 PM If you like the Abyss and Nine Hells and such I also reccomend Book of Vile Darkness (though it's 3.0 and not official WoTC material), and although I don't own it, someone also said Fiend Folio. Then again, if you don't care for demons and devils, don't bother.

In this case, I'd highly recommend Fiendish Codex I and II. They're both excellent products if you like demons or devils.
Taeldrin Laesrash
03-17-07, 08:17 PM I'd recommend the Spell Compendium and Magic Item Compendium. Both have lots of good material for the DM and players. If you want to expand the player's options, then get the Complete Books (Especially Warrior, Divine, Arcane, and Adventurer). If you want extra flavor, get the DMG II, or the 'Heroes of' books.
DreamerInsane
03-17-07, 08:25 PM Magic of Incarnum, Races of the Dragon, Player's Handbook 2, Races books and Complete books (except Complete Psionics. Go to the Psionics forum, you'll certainly find a thread explaining it all)
Drausktanchache
03-17-07, 08:26 PM I have all 4 MMs and I can say, those will give you a lot more options, but it can give you a headache if you can remember a monster, but no the book...but unless its high-powered stay away from MM II.
Cold Napalm
03-17-07, 09:17 PM The DMG2 is rather utter crud. The PHB2 is a great book to add to any collection. I think this should be the first book to add to expand your game options. If your players like playing spell casters then the spell compendium is a good addition. Then I guess you can start to add the completes based on what your players like to play. I personally like that ToB gives melee types options but some DM find the power level that this brings to a party hard to handle.
ccerose
03-17-07, 09:20 PM I'd also start with the PHBII, but also take a look at the complete line of books. Those will add the most options for any D&D campaign. After that, I recommend the Magic Item Compendium unless you and your players are really into spells, then it would be the Spell Compendium.

I really like Heroes of Battle and Heroes of Horror, but I don't recommend them unless you are looking to move your D&D in a slightly different direction. I think you would get much more value from the complete books.
Board_Rider
03-17-07, 09:27 PM Complete Adventurer, PHB2, Tome of Battle, Races of Stone, Complete Scoundrel and maybe a campaign setting like Forgotten Realms or Eberron.
ant1ers
03-17-07, 09:30 PM To make the PC's happy, I'd say the Complete series and the Races series.

To balance the game a little better, I'd say the PHB2 and the Tome of Battle. That combination will help out any melee based characters as you get to the higher levels.

As a DM, I'd want Lords of Madness and Heroes of Horror. Of course, I also like to drive my PC's insane. :D
Shrinks
03-17-07, 09:38 PM Thanks alot for the suggestions, all take them all into account, now onto shopping!
ccerose
03-17-07, 09:39 PM I totally forgot about Tome Of Battle: Book of 9 Swords (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/953787200). If your group likes fighters, but is looking for some serious options, you can't go wrong with this book.
Magikeeper
03-17-07, 11:58 PM I agree with what was said above, but would like to add XPH to the list (The "Expanded Psionics Handbook", which is the main one.). I consider it one of my favorite books.

If you're not sure about psionics, check out the SRD on the site of your choice. It has a section on psionics - the XPH is practically core.

As for "Complete Psionics", be wary. The psionics board goes over this in great detail... the book was a bit disappointing. Well, the good parts were a bit disappointing.
zvbxrpl
03-18-07, 09:37 AM Either of the Tomes are a good case of 'now for something completely different.' However, the Tome of Magic is IMO a bit low powered. Fiend Folio is a great choice for your second monster manual, and don't be intimidated by the fact that it's 3.0, pretty much all you have to do is change DR. Eberron CS is very well loved, and I myself have gotten great mileage out of it. Of the Complete books, I would recommend Warrior, Arcane, and Adventurer. (Scoundrel's fun, but it's not much book for the money.) Above all, though, I would say that the PHBII and Unearthed Arcana are the best books to get as a 'fourth core book.'
Treymordin
03-19-07, 01:40 PM PHB II, Complete Books, maybe even a Campaign Specific world!
The Jake
03-22-07, 02:42 AM My latest approach has been to buy books relevant to the campaign direction. I've lately bought Dragon Magic and Races of the Dragon due to a relatively high dragon level that its heading towards.

As a DM, I personally love Heroes of Horror, Libris Mortis, Power of Faerun (even in a non-FR campaign). All the completes, ToB and dragon books above (and Draconomicon) I also recommend but they are often largely player books (player books you want access to but anyway). Monster Manuals you can never go wrong with and I wish I had more.

What direction is your game going? What battles are they fighting? Any planes? Specific threats? What theme would you like it to go to?

I can say don't buy Heroes of Battle (that was a waste, the only thing I liked was the PrCs).
Yokomohoyo
03-22-07, 04:10 AM My suggestions would be:
Monster Mannuals 2-4
Complete Set (Mage, Arcane, Adventurer, Etc)
Book Of Vile Darkness
Book Of Exalted Deeds
Oriental Adventures
Rokugan

That should keep your players and you entertained for atleast 5 years or more. ^_^
AlchemyPhd
03-22-07, 01:46 PM I would suggest
1. Spell Compendium (loads of new spells to add)
2. PHBII (some new base classes, lots of feats, some new spells)
3. Monster Manual III (more monsters for the DM)

The Spell Compendium and PHBII can prove to be useful to many players, while some of these other books may be more useful to certain players than others.
I found MM 3 a little more useful than 2 or 4, but more monsters are cool any which way!

But all the Races books and Complete books are good too. As is Libris Mortis, Heores of Horror, FCI and FCII. It would depend on which direction your campaign is going as to which you should buy.

And don't forget Stormwrack, Frostburn, and Sandstorm for different environments...
You may just need to buy all of them!

good luck
AP
phelanarcetus
03-22-07, 02:10 PM I actually have to vote against Tome of Battle... for incorporation into an existing campaign.

Between the amount of flavor inherent in the book, and the fact that for a minimally-optimized group (i.e. they don't make stupid decisions, but they don't spend a lot of time maximizing one capability or another, just build sensible characters), a ToB melee character is easily and visibly more powerful than a Core melee character... and probably visibly more fun as well. It doesn't add particularly much to the power level of a character that's heavily optimized, but it definitely adds to the power of a "well that looks like a logical choice" sort of character build, and makes melee quite a bit more fun.

For a brand-new campaign, it's excellent, but it could be awkward to work into an active game. Completes and PHB2 are probably the best starting points; many of the other books are only really interesting if you're going in that sort of direction.

So if you have somewhere you want to move the game; frozen north, seafaring, demon-hunting, warfare, horror, whatever, get the appropriate book.
HagerHobbit
03-22-07, 02:26 PM Complete Warrior & Adventurer
Player's Handbook 2

These 3 books offer more feats, and tricks for all kinds of characters.

Magic can be unbalancing but if your characters need a boost...I'd suggest Complete Arance and Complete Divine.

Also in Player's Handbook 2 and Comp War and Adv, there are new uses for old skills, new level progressions for classes and a few 'plot ideas'

If you're in a campain wholely in the water area, Stormwrack, in the cold... Frostburn, or in the desert: Sandstorm. They also have little mini-campaign ideas that you may find interesting.

Also...as a whole Weapons of Legacy isn't great for a power campaign, but it is a good resource for new GM's as it has ideas for plot twists, and due to the rituals to unlock the weapons powers...it can have the PCs be more active in what they want to do.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Shrinks 03-17-07, 05:27 PM	Hello all! I've been Dming with my buddies with the three core books for half a year or so now, but I want to expand my library and hence the game. I'm wondering what are some good first couple of books to invest in that will spice up the game for the PCs? I was thinking the complete adventurer, DMing II or another monster manuel, but your guys thoughts?:confused:
GrimshofHighSorcery 03-17-07, 06:17 PM	I would HIGHLY reccommend buying Hereos of Horror. This book is amazing, and actually helps you run a good game. you do not need to even run a horror game, you can use the info within to help in any game. I would say the Complete Adventurer is a good book to buy. Another book i would reccommend is perhaps Unearthed Arcana, for interesting varients, and new ideas. DMG II is a good book, and if you want to pick it up, go for it, it isnt bad, but it isnt great. If you are going to buy a new MM, go with MMIII, MM2 is garbage, and Fiend Folio and MM4 are a waste of money. Hope this helps!
Morwen 03-17-07, 06:30 PM	If the idea is to upgrade the PCs options, the Complete series is definitely the way to go. They're great additions for every PC. Complete Adventurer, Complete Arcane, Complete Divine, Complete Warrior, Complete Mage and Complete Scoundrel can all go into any game, while Complete Psionic requires that you use the psionic rules subset. The Spell Compendium is also a great book, with loads of spells for players and DMs alike. PHB2 is also awesome :)
danzibr 03-17-07, 07:12 PM	Yeah. Heroes of Horror, PHBII, Complete whatever classes interest you. I also like the Races books. Races of Stone is probably my favorite so far (I also have Dragon and Destiny). If you like the Abyss and Nine Hells and such I also reccomend Book of Vile Darkness (though it's 3.0 and not official WoTC material), and although I don't own it, someone also said Fiend Folio. Then again, if you don't care for demons and devils, don't bother. So yeah, I guess just get whatever interests you. Pretty much all of them have a good thing or two in them. Oh gosh, I forgot Book of Erotic Fantasy. Oh wait, just kidding. Dan
Morwen 03-17-07, 08:11 PM	If you like the Abyss and Nine Hells and such I also reccomend Book of Vile Darkness (though it's 3.0 and not official WoTC material), and although I don't own it, someone also said Fiend Folio. Then again, if you don't care for demons and devils, don't bother. In this case, I'd highly recommend Fiendish Codex I and II. They're both excellent products if you like demons or devils.
Taeldrin Laesrash 03-17-07, 08:17 PM	I'd recommend the Spell Compendium and Magic Item Compendium. Both have lots of good material for the DM and players. If you want to expand the player's options, then get the Complete Books (Especially Warrior, Divine, Arcane, and Adventurer). If you want extra flavor, get the DMG II, or the 'Heroes of' books.
DreamerInsane 03-17-07, 08:25 PM	Magic of Incarnum, Races of the Dragon, Player's Handbook 2, Races books and Complete books (except Complete Psionics. Go to the Psionics forum, you'll certainly find a thread explaining it all)
Drausktanchache 03-17-07, 08:26 PM	I have all 4 MMs and I can say, those will give you a lot more options, but it can give you a headache if you can remember a monster, but no the book...but unless its high-powered stay away from MM II.
Cold Napalm 03-17-07, 09:17 PM	The DMG2 is rather utter crud. The PHB2 is a great book to add to any collection. I think this should be the first book to add to expand your game options. If your players like playing spell casters then the spell compendium is a good addition. Then I guess you can start to add the completes based on what your players like to play. I personally like that ToB gives melee types options but some DM find the power level that this brings to a party hard to handle.
ccerose 03-17-07, 09:20 PM	I'd also start with the PHBII, but also take a look at the complete line of books. Those will add the most options for any D&D campaign. After that, I recommend the Magic Item Compendium unless you and your players are really into spells, then it would be the Spell Compendium. I really like Heroes of Battle and Heroes of Horror, but I don't recommend them unless you are looking to move your D&D in a slightly different direction. I think you would get much more value from the complete books.
Board_Rider 03-17-07, 09:27 PM	Complete Adventurer, PHB2, Tome of Battle, Races of Stone, Complete Scoundrel and maybe a campaign setting like Forgotten Realms or Eberron.
ant1ers 03-17-07, 09:30 PM	To make the PC's happy, I'd say the Complete series and the Races series. To balance the game a little better, I'd say the PHB2 and the Tome of Battle. That combination will help out any melee based characters as you get to the higher levels. As a DM, I'd want Lords of Madness and Heroes of Horror. Of course, I also like to drive my PC's insane. :D
Shrinks 03-17-07, 09:38 PM	Thanks alot for the suggestions, all take them all into account, now onto shopping!
ccerose 03-17-07, 09:39 PM	I totally forgot about Tome Of Battle: Book of 9 Swords (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=products/dndacc/953787200). If your group likes fighters, but is looking for some serious options, you can't go wrong with this book.
Magikeeper 03-17-07, 11:58 PM	I agree with what was said above, but would like to add XPH to the list (The "Expanded Psionics Handbook", which is the main one.). I consider it one of my favorite books. If you're not sure about psionics, check out the SRD on the site of your choice. It has a section on psionics - the XPH is practically core. As for "Complete Psionics", be wary. The psionics board goes over this in great detail... the book was a bit disappointing. Well, the good parts were a bit disappointing.
zvbxrpl 03-18-07, 09:37 AM	Either of the Tomes are a good case of 'now for something completely different.' However, the Tome of Magic is IMO a bit low powered. Fiend Folio is a great choice for your second monster manual, and don't be intimidated by the fact that it's 3.0, pretty much all you have to do is change DR. Eberron CS is very well loved, and I myself have gotten great mileage out of it. Of the Complete books, I would recommend Warrior, Arcane, and Adventurer. (Scoundrel's fun, but it's not much book for the money.) Above all, though, I would say that the PHBII and Unearthed Arcana are the best books to get as a 'fourth core book.'
Treymordin 03-19-07, 01:40 PM	PHB II, Complete Books, maybe even a Campaign Specific world!
The Jake 03-22-07, 02:42 AM	My latest approach has been to buy books relevant to the campaign direction. I've lately bought Dragon Magic and Races of the Dragon due to a relatively high dragon level that its heading towards. As a DM, I personally love Heroes of Horror, Libris Mortis, Power of Faerun (even in a non-FR campaign). All the completes, ToB and dragon books above (and Draconomicon) I also recommend but they are often largely player books (player books you want access to but anyway). Monster Manuals you can never go wrong with and I wish I had more. What direction is your game going? What battles are they fighting? Any planes? Specific threats? What theme would you like it to go to? I can say don't buy Heroes of Battle (that was a waste, the only thing I liked was the PrCs).
Yokomohoyo 03-22-07, 04:10 AM	My suggestions would be: Monster Mannuals 2-4 Complete Set (Mage, Arcane, Adventurer, Etc) Book Of Vile Darkness Book Of Exalted Deeds Oriental Adventures Rokugan That should keep your players and you entertained for atleast 5 years or more. ^_^
AlchemyPhd 03-22-07, 01:46 PM	I would suggest 1. Spell Compendium (loads of new spells to add) 2. PHBII (some new base classes, lots of feats, some new spells) 3. Monster Manual III (more monsters for the DM) The Spell Compendium and PHBII can prove to be useful to many players, while some of these other books may be more useful to certain players than others. I found MM 3 a little more useful than 2 or 4, but more monsters are cool any which way! But all the Races books and Complete books are good too. As is Libris Mortis, Heores of Horror, FCI and FCII. It would depend on which direction your campaign is going as to which you should buy. And don't forget Stormwrack, Frostburn, and Sandstorm for different environments... You may just need to buy all of them! good luck AP
phelanarcetus 03-22-07, 02:10 PM	I actually have to vote against Tome of Battle... for incorporation into an existing campaign. Between the amount of flavor inherent in the book, and the fact that for a minimally-optimized group (i.e. they don't make stupid decisions, but they don't spend a lot of time maximizing one capability or another, just build sensible characters), a ToB melee character is easily and visibly more powerful than a Core melee character... and probably visibly more fun as well. It doesn't add particularly much to the power level of a character that's heavily optimized, but it definitely adds to the power of a "well that looks like a logical choice" sort of character build, and makes melee quite a bit more fun. For a brand-new campaign, it's excellent, but it could be awkward to work into an active game. Completes and PHB2 are probably the best starting points; many of the other books are only really interesting if you're going in that sort of direction. So if you have somewhere you want to move the game; frozen north, seafaring, demon-hunting, warfare, horror, whatever, get the appropriate book.
HagerHobbit 03-22-07, 02:26 PM	Complete Warrior & Adventurer Player's Handbook 2 These 3 books offer more feats, and tricks for all kinds of characters. Magic can be unbalancing but if your characters need a boost...I'd suggest Complete Arance and Complete Divine. Also in Player's Handbook 2 and Comp War and Adv, there are new uses for old skills, new level progressions for classes and a few 'plot ideas' If you're in a campain wholely in the water area, Stormwrack, in the cold... Frostburn, or in the desert: Sandstorm. They also have little mini-campaign ideas that you may find interesting. Also...as a whole Weapons of Legacy isn't great for a power campaign, but it is a good resource for new GM's as it has ideas for plot twists, and due to the rituals to unlock the weapons powers...it can have the PCs be more active in what they want to do.