New release and review of the Players Handbook II

The Players Handbook II came out last week. The official description reads "The Player’s Handbook II builds upon existing materials in the Player’s Handbook. This is the first direct followup to the best-selling and most used D&D rulebook. It is specifically designed to expand the options available for players by both providing new material and increasing the uses for existing rules. Included are chapters on character race, background, classes, feats, spells, character creation, and character advancement. New rules include racial affiliations that make race matter as a character advances in level, new character classes and alternate class features for existing classes, new feats, tools for rapid character creation, and additional organization and teamwork benefits -- an option first introduced in Dungeon Master’s Guide II and Heroes of Battle."


I've read most of this book and generally like it. The cover art is a wonderful reminder of the old days to us old timers. Some of the options for alternate class features are very nice. They added some nice new spells and feats. They expand some concepts and ideas to help beginner/intermediate players get a feel for how to advance/build characters. Unfortunately, like many of their recent books, the price tag may not be right for the amount of useful material. Many groups or individuals will certainly find the Players Handbook II very worthwhile, so take a look at it and keep in mind I have it in stock if anybody wants one.