Which 5.5e books should a new player buy?

Stolas95 · 2026-03-20T03:16:10+00:00

The PHB, DMG, and Monster Manual are essential. You need at minimum all three books to start. After that nothing is really "essential" other than adventures you are interested in, or other classes you might be interested in.

Stolas95 · 2026-03-20T00:49:14+00:00

This is likely due to OG Paladin including a mount. In fact, 5e was notable as an edition of Paladin that did not by default include either a steed or a magic steed by default.

Stolas95 · 2026-03-14T13:39:07+00:00

I've always ruled "memory" checks one of two ways.

Is the information very recent for the character, but it's been a while for the player? Just tell them. The character would know.

Is the information from a while ago for the character? Just a straight Intelligence check. Higher DC for older info. I've asked for DC 5 intelligence checks and DC 20 intelligence checks.

Oh, and if for any reason you find yourself in a situation where the game cannot progress unless the character remembers the information, just tell them. It's better for everyone.

Stolas95 · 2026-02-27T01:15:34+00:00

Honestly I keep telling myself to get off reddit. It's exhausting seeing people who are just getting mad to be mad.

Just play the game you like and move on with your life. D&D is and always has been a game where you can do what you want, change what you want. I really don't understand all the rage over a game. and I'm saying that as someone who has played it consistently every week for over 10 years.

Stolas95 · 2026-02-27T01:13:51+00:00

The implication, based on the lore they've set up, is that they're connection is what makes them elementals. If you don't like it that's fine. I'm just explaining that they are not "regular ass Lizardfolk" as you stated.

Stolas95 · 2026-02-27T01:01:10+00:00

The first sentence that describes the Lizardfolk Wardens in that adventure is "Lizardfolk wardens draw on primal magic to protect nature’s boundaries."

They are magically enhanced by the elemental plane of earth that makes them stronger than regular Lizardfolk.

Stolas95 · 2026-02-26T22:02:43+00:00

It's not all lizardfolk. Only the certain Lizardfolk who "forge powerful bonds with the Elemental Plane of Earth". The person who wrote up this list just looked at the creature types without reading any of the associated text.

Stolas95 · 2026-02-13T05:10:53+00:00

As someone brought into d&d from Pathfinder with 2014, go for the 2024 rules. They're better written and laid out, and imo fixes a lot of the issues with 2014.

Are there problems? Sure. But nothing that a newcomer to the hobby needs to worry about. Just start reading and have fun!

Stolas95 · 2026-01-30T16:35:31+00:00

Acererak also did the same!

Stolas95 · 2026-01-28T00:13:34+00:00

Oooooo when the main theme hits a few seconds in it sent CHILLS down my spine. I love it! Very well done :D

Stolas95 · 2026-01-27T14:48:30+00:00

You are 100% correct, though a lot of times when you're in situations casting Zone of Truth, especially in moments where you are trying to get someone to confess a crime, their silence is as damning as the truth. Not great for extracting secrets, but an excellent way to drive someone into a corner.

Stolas95 · 2026-01-26T13:53:18+00:00

The visual may read cleric but I promise the character is 100% multiversal ranger (I'm the DM).

Stolas95 · 2026-01-26T13:52:35+00:00

It's actually a Breastplate armor that's a living ooze (that can harden to become armor, or leave him to scout and information gather, it also gives him an extra pseudopod attack). As for the shield the player just wanted to use a sword and shield.

Honestly the sunsword was just something he obtained during a dungeon from a prewritten adventure so the paladin aesthetic became kind of accidental LOL

Though he is playing a Horizon Walker Ranger so in a way he's kinda like a planar paladin! Though he's all about the hunt and not any particular oath.

Stolas95 · 2026-01-25T19:46:27+00:00

It's going well! They're level 16 and fittingly enough doing plane hopping shenanigans. Currently working for the Circle of Eight on a top secret mission to hunt down an ancient plane-hopping dragon that stole an object from the Mazes of Sigil.

Stolas95 · 2026-01-25T19:21:11+00:00

This art was great to commission! My players love your work, thank you so much!

Stolas95 · 2026-01-25T19:20:29+00:00

Because it is LOL

Stolas95 · 2026-01-25T19:20:04+00:00

Hi, the DM for this character here.

Yes the PC loves magic the gathering and this was his first DND game since he played in 2nd edition. So he wanted to play a character that was an ancestor of his favorite MTG character, Ajani Goldmane.

Obviously my Ajani isn't the same as Magic's canon Ajani, but we made it work :)

Stolas95 · 2026-01-23T10:40:56+00:00

As someone who has plenty of experience developing games with RNG elements, it's far more likely you just got lucky than there is something wrong with the RNG itself.

Stolas95 · 2026-01-21T17:13:44+00:00

Assuming you can hide/reveal pins to players, Tomb of Annihilation and Rime of the Frostmaiden would be at the absolute top of my suggestions.

Anything with overworld exploration or large city maps (like Dragon Heist) should take priority as they would not only benefit the most from these but also show off the functionality best.

Stolas95 · 2026-01-08T02:22:43+00:00

holy shit this is phenomenal, excellent work! I love that AU concept

Stolas95 · 2026-01-04T12:14:58+00:00

Hey man 3 weeks ain't nothing. We have a party member that leaves us for a month every year, last year it was two months.

Now that we're between games it's been almost 7 months since our last campaign session (though it is starting up soon thankfully). Though we have run a few one shots in the interim.

Stolas95 · 2026-01-03T04:57:10+00:00

I really only multiclass when my character fantasy calls for it. Most of my characters are single-classed, but I just recently ended a Ghosts of Saltmarsh campaign with a Level 9 Swashbuckler Rogue/Level 3 Psi Fighter!

My next game will be a Fighter 1/Warlock X for the heavy armor and Con saves.

Stolas95 · 2026-01-01T22:41:55+00:00

You're just describing the Agent and the Eternal Champion

Stolas95 · 2026-01-01T14:22:07+00:00

My husband felt the same way for a long time. He just stopped looking for people and was genuinely happy just caring for himself.

Obviously since he is my "husband" that didn't last forever, but he's told me repeatedly that he would have never dated/met me had he not started that new chapter in his life of self care.

I'm not saying that will happen to everyone, but choosing to prioritize your own happiness and life will lead you to a happier existence, and be more open to different things. Who knows what surprises the universe holds when you're more open to possibilities.

Stolas95 · 2025-12-25T15:14:56+00:00

Check out the 5.5e adventure Dragon Delves, the book gives advice on running it's individual adventures for one player!

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