Which splatbooks?

[Adamaro]

I have in mind a wizard campaign (me being a DM), but I like to know the books players will be using to build their PCs. So I am thinking of limiting the core+ splatbooks for PC wizards. Which splatbook (preferrably one) would you recomend in addition to core books? Or, if you think it absolutely nessesary, which splatbooks?

tnx

[Dusk Eclipse]

Complete Mage and Complete Arcane, and if we include divine caster Complete Divine and Complete Champion, Spell compendium and Magic item compendium (for crafting purposes)

[Corey]

Spell Compendium and Magic Item Compendium cover a lot.

They don't touch PrCs, however.

[Sinfire Titan]

If by Core+Completes, are you including the second set?


Honestly, Spell Compendium covers CArc, CD, CAdv, and the Minis Handbook nicely IIRC. It's generally more balanced than allowing all of the first three Completes (save for Complete Warrior, for PrCs, and CAdv for base the Scout class itself).

Allowing just Core+Spell Compendium for full casters removes several questionably balanced abilities/feats (Thought Bottle, Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil, DMM Persist), but Core still has a lot of broken. You'll need to sift through and find the really broken spells and neuter them/ban them outright.

The second set of Completes are very balanced though. Worst I've ever found would have been Arcane Fusion in CM.

As for PrCs, look for Son of Zeal's list and allow only +0/+1 PrCs. And Prestige Paladin and Prestige Ranger, because those are actually good for something.

[Gametime]

Spell Compendium should provide enough variety to distinguish the wizards from one another. Complete Mage and Complete Arcane provide some prestige classes, if you want further differentiation. Honestly, though, spellcasters and spellcaster-related material is hit-or-miss enough that you may find yourself forced to adjudicate on a case-by-case basis.

Master Specialist is one class I'd strongly advocate allowing, and the rest of Complete Mage is pretty harmless.

[Eldariel]

I think you'll want Complete Mage. Spell Compendium if allowing a second, but Complete Mage is all kinds of awesome.

[HunterOfJello]

Spell Compendium is a must for looking up spells and having on hand while playing.

Other looks like Complete Mage are great, but can be kept on a computer or have pages/info from them printed out.