Diversity vs Consistency

[Starshadow]

There are a lot of products out there for this game. Many are WOTC, and just as many are not. I was wondering about how you all think about tapping into that wealth.

While I have at my disposal various monsters and treasures I could give you all, there are also many feats, spells and classes in non core books that you, the players can use.

Should I allow them? Or keep the game simple? Is it an unfair advantage to allow those with the resources to buy more books to use things other players are unaware of?

My collection of books is growing, yet there are more out there they am considering buying. For me, part of it is the collector in me that wants them. But I also sometimes pick up new ideas, and I can always use the stuff in that Table Top game I keep dreaming about. But I would feel an investment is worth it, if the players wanted to see the game expanded.

Some of you may recall the original Unearthed Arcana. In my mind, that was D&D 1.5. That book came up with a whole lot of extras that were big stretches from the original game, and started a trend of other books (Wilderness Survival Guide, etc) that eventually led to the formation of 2nd edition.

They just released it for the newest system, and seems to have some interesting stuff. Elemntal races is one thing that stands out in my mind, like fire elves and Earth gnomes. I saw a point buy generation variant as well as more classes. In fact, the whole book is *****d with variants, and I was wondering if such a thing would add to the game, or simply waste space and money.

What are your thoughts, not only about these topics, but the general subject of variety? Or should we just keep it simple?

[rahnewhitebriar]

Honestly, I'd like to keep it simple if possible, but I've got my own particular reasons for that. Since I don't have any of the books, I have to rely on our (very patient) DM for a LOT of help. I don't want to add to his burden.

But really...for me, I've never been into the "coolest new thing" when it comes to gaming...or, I guess, when it comes to just about anything. I'm comfortable with the character as-is, and will be content to work her way up ranks. I'm more interested, in this case, in the adventures than in the rewards of the adventures (no matter what my characters may tell you).

[Dramavictim]

Well, as they say, "It's your money" [img]smile.gif[/img]

Personally I'd say it would depend on whether most of the stuff in the book would be useful to you or the players. You like elves (as do the players) but do you have a place for those fire elves in the setting? Would the classes be harder or easier to incorporate than the ones you already have in the main book?

That sort of thing should be chiefly considered IMHO.

[otherlleft]

I've found lots of variants and things online. Some are amazing, some are just terrible (which is like the WOTC stuff too - the Oozemaster??). I usually don't bring up the things I find interesting because I don't want to make DMing more challenging. I'm all for doing new things personally. What the variants unnecessarily burden the DM?

[Starshadow]

The variants would not burden the DM at all. Of course, I must have access to(and approve) any new material, for how else can I moderate and keep the relative level of control. I remember allowing someone to use a 2nd edition kit once that gave the charater certain special skills and abilities. That player then dominated the game from that point on. As our game is currently, I see no one out powering anyone else. Both male barbarians, for example, have maintained game balance by keeping their armor charcteristicly light and shunning large amounts of magic. I know for a fact that Einkil is frequently at a loss to mental challenges that I know full well his player has already figured out. Even though the rest of the party is at a loss, the player does not use intelligence his character would not, and I think most of our players have that same integrity.

So given the circumstances, I am not opposed to allowing players access to extra treats. If I was more conservative, we would not have an Arcane Archer and Stranng would not be using spells from outside the Players Handbook.

I certainly will never take this game to the level in which I require the most recent and updated material to be owned. If I was going to do that, we would have a fully functional 3.5 system. But I think an eclectic system is viable.