Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 articpenguin Oct 12, 2009 11:56:39	So I've been getting into D&D stuff latley (i.e Bladur's Gate, Temple of Elemental Evil, Neverwinter Nights) and I think I want to get into the actual game it's self. What's the basics on stuff that I would need and how much it would cost? Thanks in advance.
#2 salla Oct 12, 2009 11:58:34	To just play, you only need the Player's Handbook.  To run a game, you would also need the Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual.  I couldn't tell you how much the books cost, my wife gets a discount at the bookstore she works at so we get 'em for a third to a half of, depending on the book.  I'd guess about 30 bucks per book.
#3 nikitadarkstar Oct 12, 2009 14:26:09	The players handbook, and well I really do suggest the Monster Manual also, it's not a must but I find that it does help me. (At the very least to get a quick idea of what you're up against if your DM throws names around and/or isn't great with descriptions.)   Also for version 3.5 www.dandwiki.com is a good online resource, but the books are out of print since 4e is out and about.
#4 Caeric Oct 12, 2009 15:20:36	Books range, at the moment, from $20 to $50 depending on size, content, and where you buy them. The Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual all sell for about $30 or $40 each. I would suggest buying them in one bundle if you want them all, since it costs less and they have updated rules in those ones for sure. If you're a player, just the Player's Handbook. if you're a DM, you need all three of the core rulebooks, but you'll also probably end up considering the many supplemental books that are published. There are around twenty books other than the core books out right now, and they all provide useful information. Of course, I would instead suggest buying the core books bundle and then subscribing to D&D Insider, since that's significantly cheaper than twenty D&D books and gives you more stuff (unless you feel the books themselves have merits as books, which some people do). If you're going to go into D&D, you need to make sure you have ways of playing the game. Friends willing to play, or a group that has invited you to join. You can't play D&D by yourself. Well, you can, but I hardly recommend it.
#5 sanguinesphinx Oct 12, 2009 15:42:09	Instead of going out and buying everything, I would first suggest looking for friends and friendly acquantances who have already played, and asking if you can play with them. It's nice to play once or twice before you devote money to a game.
#6 balmas Oct 12, 2009 22:53:13	Used book stores usually have at least one of the three core manuals, for perhaps 20 dollars each. If you don't want to shell out money, www.Dandwiki.com and www.d20srd.org cover most of the basics.
#7 oxybe Oct 13, 2009 8:07:10	Fear my sig, and all the free stuff it contains to let you try out D&D completely free*! for the final costs, it'll vary depending on your source. amazon.com can net you the books dirt cheap, compared to what it would probably cost you in you local gaming store. i'd buy them online myself but i rather support the local business since the owner is a great guy. *printer ink & paper costs not included in this price
#8 guardian1 Oct 15, 2009 18:30:00	Instead of going out and buying everything, I would first suggest looking for friends and friendly acquantances who have already played, and asking if you can play with them. It's nice to play once or twice before you devote money to a game. Indeed. Besides, if said friends and aquantances are willing, you can always ask if you can borrow the books if possible. Also, try asking for the core books as presents at birthdays or holidays. That's how I acquired most of my books.
#9 i_roll_ones Oct 20, 2009 16:32:02	I agree with the test run business as well. And are you planning on joining an established, experienced gaming group, or getting a bunch of your friends together and learning the game? If you don't have either, my suggestion is find the people first, and worry about the costs later. Asking a complete newb (As in, someone new to the game, not a n00b) to buy several books is a bit much, in my opinion.