Is Adventurer's League Still Restricting Character Creation Rules to PHB?

The Current Rulebook Standards

As of season 11 effective September 22, 2021, Adventurer's League has outlined specific rulebook standards for character creation. Players may use the Player's Handbook, the latest reprintings of its rules, as well as the following books:

Fizban's Treasury of Dragons (FTD) Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes (MTF) Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide (SCAG) Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (TCE) Volo's Guide to Monsters (VGM) Xanathar's Guide to Everything (XGE)

Additionally, the following optional or variant rules are available:

blessed of Corellon from MTF customizing your origin from TCE half-elf and tiefling variants from SCAG/MTF option: human languages from SCAG optional class features from TCE variant human traits from PH Elemental Evil Player's Companion (EEPC) Locathah Rising (LR) The Tortle Package (TP)

It's important to note that if a rule has been reprinted in a newer resource, players must use the latest printing. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and facilitates a fair and balanced playing experience.

Future Developments

According to recent announcements, Dungeons Dragons is set to release a new iteration in 2024 that will be fully compatible with 5e. Many have speculated that this new version will be DD 5.5. If this speculation is correct, it may imply a more inclusive approach to rulebooks, allowing players to use either the 5e Player's Handbook or the 5.5 Player's Handbook, along with one additional book.

The rationale behind this proposed rule change is to provide players with a wider range of character creation options without overwhelming them with multiple rulebooks. This approach balances the desire for flexibility and creativity with the practical limitations of purchasing multiple books.

FAQ and Additional Clarifications

There are several commonly asked questions regarding these rulebook standards:

1. What Rules Should I Use?

In summary, you can use the following rulebooks:

The Player's Handbook (PHB) The Basic Rules Fizban's Treasury of Dragons (FTD) Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes (MTF) Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide (SCAG) Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (TCE) Volo's Guide to Monsters (VGM) Xanathar's Guide to Everything (XGE)

For background options, check the FAQ as they might have been published in select adventure products. For human languages, look in the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Optional class features and variant human traits are found in TCE and the Player's Handbook, respectively.

2. How Flexible Are These Rules?

The rules are designed to be flexible but within the framework of DD 5e. This flexibility allows for diverse character creation while maintaining the integrity of the game. Adventurer's League aims to ensure that players can enjoy the game without being overly constrained by the rulebooks.

3. What About Other Digital Publications?

Additional digital publications such as Elemental Evil Player's Companion (EEPC), Locathah Rising (LR), and The Tortle Package (TP) are also available for use, providing even more options for character creation.

Conclusion

Adventurer's League continues to maintain specific rules for character creation, ensuring a consistent and balanced gaming experience for all players. While there is speculation about future expansions, the current standards remain clear and well-defined. Players can confidently use a variety of rulebooks within these guidelines to create unique and interesting characters.

Stay tuned for updates and always refer to the official Adventurer's League Player's Guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.