Acts of Geek has a copy and reviews (http://www.actsofgeek.com/2014/08/rpg-review-dd-players-handbook/) the art & layout.
4.75 out of 5 stars. Only complaint is small font size for the index.
Of note: the creature appendix indeed addresses animal companions, familiars, etc.
Some new art, including half orc, sketches of conditions and another adventuring party.
That Half-Orc looks like a female, interesting.
So far the art is very hit and miss with me. Some of it reminds me of the art in the 2e reprints, and that's not a good thing. For such a large company, there are a few pieces in there that are very amateur looking. There are a few that are really cool, but some that's....not.
Gah, 'Beast Spells' made it to the final cut.
/ragequit
What's a "beast spells"? Some excuse to cast spells in animal form? I which by the way where are my previews of the Druid and Ranger?!?
Quote from: Marleycat;776130What's a "beast spells"? Some excuse to cast spells in animal form? I which by the way where are my previews of the Druid and Ranger?!?
If it's like the alpha, I think it's an ability druids get at 18th level or thereabouts. Doesn't bother me at all because I never had an 18th level PC.
Quote from: Sacrosanct;776133If it's like the alpha, I think it's an ability druids get at 18th level or thereabouts. Doesn't bother me at all because I never had an 18th level PC.
Far enough because at 18th level you should be doing awesome things and from sources not supposed to be mentioned Eldritch Knights/Valor Bards go full Bladesinger at the same level.
The picture of the horned woman with the tiger has text on it.
But yes its the ability to cast (some) spells in animal form, and yes the fact it is level 18 probably does much to mitigate it being game breaking.
Quote from: jadrax;776163The picture of the horned woman with the tiger has text on it.
But yes its the ability to cast (some) spells in animal form, and yes the fact it is level 18 probably does much to mitigate it being game breaking.
Arguably better to stick it in there and set precedent than to leave it out and risk someone turning it into a feat or alternate class feature somewhere down the road. :)
Quote from: jadrax;776163The picture of the horned woman with the tiger has text on it.
But yes its the ability to cast (some) spells in animal form, and yes the fact it is level 18 probably does much to mitigate it being game breaking.
I really like the direction 5e is going with abilities like these. It possibly leaves enough space for a book detailing epic/mythic level games without being completely borked or broken for the people that like that kind of thing or as a fun one off game like my group has done occasionally.
And precludes it from ever being a feat in the future.
Quote from: Sacrosanct;776123So far the art is very hit and miss with me. Some of it reminds me of the art in the 2e reprints, and that's not a good thing. For such a large company, there are a few pieces in there that are very amateur looking. There are a few that are really cool, but some that's....not.
Verily. I am seeing there a few obvious PC paint pieces. But. I am guessing WOTC was on a budget and used whatever they had, or someone just liked that style.
Id have preferred a more consistent look. But as its its mostly servicible.
Quote from: Marleycat;776116That Half-Orc looks like a female, interesting.
Male or female, it seems to be suffering from tiny head syndrome. That artist draws heads like Rob Liefield draws feet. :rotfl:
Quote from: Exploderwizard;776196Male or female, it seems to be suffering from tiny head syndrome. That artist draws heads like Rob Liefield draws feet. :rotfl:
The bigger issue though is the hand screwed up?:D
Quote from: Marleycat;776139Far enough because at 18th level you should be doing awesome things and from sources not supposed to be mentioned Eldritch Knights/Valor Bards go full Bladesinger at the same level.
Yeah, I've come out in favor of banning 3e's Natural Spell feat in the past – but you can get that as soon as you can assume animal forms! 18th level nuttiness is easier to accept, at least so long as it does not get entirely impossible to wrap your brain around.
Quote from: Marleycat;776199The bigger issue though is the hand screwed up?:D
You mean, like this?
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l307/shutupmark88/AdvancedDampDPlayersHandbook_zps8e2b5cf7.jpg (http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l307/shutupmark88/AdvancedDampDPlayersHandbook_zps8e2b5cf7.jpg)
Quote from: Marleycat;776116That Half-Orc looks like a female, interesting.
Is it just me or do proportions seem way off on the half orc?
Those condition sketches are sweet. A bit pointless, but sweet.
Quote from: Exploderwizard;776196Male or female, it seems to be suffering from tiny head syndrome. That artist draws heads like Rob Liefield draws feet. :rotfl:
needs more pouches
I really enjoy the condition sketchings. It'd be neat to have condition cards or counters with that sort of art on it.
For those that would use them, anyway.
Quote from: Lynn;776332Is it just me or do proportions seem way off on the half orc?
No. Why do you think I'm not totally sure.
Quote from: Lynn;776332Is it just me or do proportions seem way off on the half orc?
I am not sure. What are the normal body proportions of a half-orc? :rolleyes:
aheh...
Yes it looks a little odd. But its a non-(full)-human and there have been some really odd depictions of half-orcs and orcs in general.
Quote from: jadrax;776163The picture of the horned woman with the tiger has text on it.
That picture is just goofy (
not in the good way), and would put me right off of playing a druid. To be fair though, the only druid art I've ever liked is a few of the interpretations from Magic: The Gathering, and only barely. I guess I've yet to see my "definitive" druid.
Quote from: Shipyard Locked;776615That picture is just goofy (not in the good way), and would put me right off of playing a druid. To be fair though, the only druid art I've ever liked is a few of the interpretations from Magic: The Gathering, and only barely. I guess I've yet to see my "definitive" druid.
I kinda liked it. Pic's definitely goofy, but the pose and the antlers were reminiscent of Vadania, the iconic druid from 3e, which I kind of thought was a neat reference.
Quote from: jadrax;776163The picture of the horned woman with the tiger has text on it.
But yes its the ability to cast (some) spells in animal form, and yes the fact it is level 18 probably does much to mitigate it being game breaking.
I think its some sort of weird headress. Its been a recurring theme in the WOTC books. some gal with deer antler-esque or branch headdress. And usually an elf if I recall correctly.
(http://ironbombs.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/alumni_druid3.jpg?w=259&h=300)
Quote from: Omega;776633I think its some sort of weird headress. Its been a recurring theme in the WOTC books. some gal with deer antler-esque or branch headdress. And usually an elf if I recall correctly.
(http://ironbombs.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/alumni_druid3.jpg?w=259&h=300)
See, I don't like that one either. She looks anemic, and all the doodads and dangly bits give off this fragile, fussy, "crumbly" vibe, like a showpiece wargame miniature you never dare use on the table because you'll break something off.
This was always one of my favorite druids. Not necessarily because the actual druid looks all that great, but in the context of the entire piece. He's got insect plague going on a mindflayer. That's just a badass dude right there, and I want to play that ;)
(http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/63/16/34/631634350593b8c92e03bfd5588f2d87.jpg)