Player's Handbook 2: A 4th Edition D&D Core Rulebook (Bk.2)
by Jeremy Crawford, Mike Mearls, James Wyatt
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Book Summary Information
Author: James Wyatt, Jeremy Crawford, Mike MearlsBrand: Wizards of the Coast
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-03-17
ISBN: 0786950161
Number of pages: 224
Model: 21898
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Product features:
- Players Handbook II Dungeons and Dragons Role Playing Game by Wizards of the Coast
Book Reviews of Player's Handbook 2: A 4th Edition D&D Core Rulebook (Bk.2)
Book Review: Great new player content
Summary: 5 Stars
The Player's Handbook 2 by Wizards of the Coast is a well-written, interesting tome of player options to be used in 4th Edition D&D. It includes a new power source, Primal, that opens up new, differently-flavored classes, new options for the old power sources, and several new races and general character options for the 4e player.
The first chapter includes 5 new player races and new racial paragon paths for every race included in the first Player's Handbook and this one. The new races include the Deva (a reflavored Aasimar race that seems directly counter in nature to the Tiefling), the Gnome (now a race of fey), the Goliath, the Half-Orc, and the Shifter. These five grant players new flavor options and races that are effective with different classes, including those in this book. I've always found increased player options to be good, and these appear very well balanced to boot. The racial paragon paths are great in that they give players a non-class option for character flavor and development, and grant interesting abilities as well. Some may be slightly weak, but they remain interesting and playable despite this.
The next chapter details 8 new classes: 4 primal, 2 divine, and 2 arcane. Included are classic options like the Barbarian, Bard, and Druid, and new options like the Avenger (a unique divine striker), the Shaman (a primal leader), and the Warden (a primal defender). All of the classes include mechanics unique to them, including transformations, rages, and spirit companions. I am personally very satisfied with the power granted to these classes, which appears on par with those included in the original handbook (though some shenanigans for the munchkins are always found eventually), and the flavor is fairly well-done. New multiclass feats are included for each new class, of course, and epic destinies appear as well, further adding to the options available to both the new and the old classes.
The Magic Items section under Character Options is probably the weakest in the book. It includes only a few new general options, and not enough options specific to the new classes to make up for it (very few Songblades appear for the Bard, for example). Feats, rituals, and the new character backgrounds are good for both flavor and mechanics, and while a few feats pop out as unnecessary or overpowered (Weapon and Implement Expertise struck me immediately), nothing seems to require direct DM intervention.
Finally, a few rule updates appear in the back of the book. These are not hugely important, but it is nice to have them in print form, and clarifications are appreciated.
Overall, I strongly recommend the Player's Handbook 2 for both players and DMs. Players will find the character options excellent and interesting, and DMs will appreciate direct access to possibilities for new NPCs and help for their players. While the various Power Source books only enhance existing classes, the Player's Handbook 2 introduces more than a sufficient amount of new material to justify a buy, even if it is the only book you buy beyond the original core set.
Summary of Player's Handbook 2: A 4th Edition D&D Core Rulebook (Bk.2)
New classes, races, and other options for your D&D(R) game.This book builds on the array of classes and races presented in the first Player's Handbook(R), adding both old favorites and new, never-before-seen options to the game.
The book adds a new power source for 4th Edition D&D; classes using the new primal power source include the barbarian and the druid.
Player's Handbook 2 expands the range of options available to D&D players with new classes, races, powers, and other material.
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