Hope this is ok if I ask this here, you folks seem knowledgeable enough and always nice: - I discovered that I actually possess 2 so-called "core rulebooks", which I must have purchased around 2002 or so (I guess). The PHB and the DMG. No where, nowhere indeed, do they make mention of the rules version history. Nowhere. I know they are version 3, since it is all about AoO and stuff they never had in the rules I knew when I was a lad, so it must be up to date. The DMG reads "first printing", I think it is 2000, and the PHB reads "second printing" (I think 2002). Q: Is this 3.0 or 3.5? How can one find out? (Why do I even have to ask, grrr?) (Interestingly enough, I couldnt see any info on this on the WOTC Website, despite searching for 15 minutes. (Gave up after that).) - I see that there are a number of Monster Manuals out there, I think 1-5; are they all 3.5? And is 1 considered "core", the others supplemental? - Finally: I live in Europe (in Germany), but would be interested in perusing one or two "modules", just for curiousity's sake, maybe it will whet my appetite or help in modding or whatever. When I used to DM and play, we had our own campaigns, never store-bought stuff. Q: Where can a person purchase a decent module IN ENGLISH (not e.g. in German)? I tried amazon, but obviously dont know the right keywords, since "module" gets me no-where, even in connection with "D&D" (which gets me the PBH for instance). thanks tons!
The corebooks are have an additional 3.5 in their names. For example the Player's Hand Book 3.5. As for monster manuals, the other ones are supplemental. You can surely do without them. As for modules their surely listed on WOTC D&D website... Oh... doesn't WOTC actually have links to some e-bay or something, for people who want to buy their stuff?
The Atari Temple of Elemental Evil PC computer game is based on the D&D 3.5 version of rules. It would appear that the D&D 3.5 ruleset officially started being published in July 2003.
the Wizards.com website has a really useful D&D downloads section where you can download the 3.0 to 3.5 update booklet, character sheets, and 3.5 adventures for characters of all levels from 1 - 20, and ranging from short side treck adventures to the Tomb of Horrors module. The mini adventures are enjoyable, and well constructed (I actually ran an entire campaign from those modules with very little story telling of my own involved - though the group did get unballanced and retired at level 14).
Oh I see -- thank you. Darn, then I have been understanding 3.0. I will try to print those things out (see if that works: Letter size docs on a A4 paper). I see that the picture on the DMG is a different one than I have, but a similar style, while the PBH looks identical. The updates from 3.0 to 3.5 are free? And the modules too? That's very cool, people used to buy them before. Does WOTC distribute them for free now? And last question: It seems that Gary Gygax is nowhere to be seen in these books and docs; did he leave in a huff when WOTC took over TSR, or did he die or something? thanks tons!
WotC still sell modules, but they also distribute short (one night sized) modules for free, and the Tomb of Horrors module was just updated to 3.5 rules. AFAIK Gary Gygax is still around, but has nothing to do with the latest editions of D&D (the reason the new rule sets were released was to separate the game from Gygax's copywrited material - thus lowering the amount of royalties they have to pay to Gygax).
I see, thank you. I took a look at some of the stuff you suggested. I examined all of the items under "rules" in the download section, and while that is quite interesting, it is misleading, at least as far as the WOTC claim goes ("all you need to update your game to 3.5"). The two downloads which have things about the core rulebooks only contain "overviews", so I cannot see what has been changed at all. But whatever, I think I'll stick to 3.0 then, since I own 2/3rds of the rules. I can glean what I can from ToEE and your fine Co8 site. The modules that WOTC sell appear to be sold through retailers or distributors, at least on their site; I havent found any "near me" (that is, in Berlin) that sell originals in English; if one were to splurge and purchase a newer (non-"one-night"adventure) one, could you point me to the website of your choice? Thanks so much -- as always, you are helpful and friendly!
The only dungeons and dragons shop left in London is The Orc's Nest, perhaps they will deliver? Otherwise I have no idea.
Wizards.com also has an area where you can download modules. They are smaller modules but they're free and in pdf form with all the good stuff. http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/oa/20030530b I've downloaded a few and used them. They even have White Plume Mountain and Tomb of Horrors updated to 3.5 and free to download.
Amazon.co will deliver anywhere, and Amazon.co.uk as well. Both carry D&D related stuff. And there are many, many online RPG shops.
