Modules...what else do you recommend?

Hi, I'm new to the hobby (though I played as a kid 30 years ago..the one with the red dragon on the front) Really sorry as this is such a noob question but I haven’t found a clear answer. Ive just finished DMing (and playing) LMoPhandelver, with one of my daughters. I have a pro-sub for Roll20. We used the roll 20 stuff..amazing compared to pen and paper and had the physical starter set. we are now about to play princes of the apocalypse.... I’ve bought the module for it from Roll20 but what else do I need or recommend? I want a copy of the players handbook and preferably a hard copy. I’ve found google and compendium useful for answering questions and guidance. There also lots of free pdf versions of the core texts. I don’t want to have to pay 30 quid for hard copy and then 20 quid for an electronic version  What my question is.... Do I need the monster manual as well? Do I also need the electronic version of PHB and MM or is literally everything in the POTA? Is the Roll20 electronic version different from any other version? As you can see I’m a bit confused and don’t want to make multiple purchases. So if someone helpful could explain what’s what and what makes the best experience? thanks

To answer some questions: 1) If you have found a copy of a WotC core book as a PDF, it is without question pirated. WotC does not release them in PDF form on any platform. 2) The PHB on Roll20 is in a form that allows you not only to look up rules, but to build characters programmatically, using the Charactermancer. You can also drag and drop equipment, spells, feats and more. It also gives you the full range of core classes and subclasses. Without that, you are limited to the subset of material in the System Reference Document released for free use by Wizards. Highly recommended. 3) The Monster Manual is more of a time saver. It does grant you a lot more monsters to use than the SRD, but the SRD does have most of the classics. The Monster Manual also has all the lore and more importantly artwork and tokens. Also a very good purchase. 4) Electronic versions bought from other sites will be tailored for that site. Buying it on Fantasy Grounds or DnD Beyond will not appreciably make your life any easier on Roll20, and vice versa. A lot of work goes into conversion of the basic text of the print edition into something that can be used by a digital application.

The big advantage for the Roll20 purchase is how it integrates with the game. Having the PHB (and many other books that are useful for character building) connect straight into Charactermancer. Having the Monster Manual (or other creature books) makes it super easy to add a creature to your game (though for modules these are usually included so may be less necessary).

Also, what is "POTA"? I'm probably missing something very obvious.

keithcurtis said: Also, what is "POTA"? I'm probably missing something very obvious. Princes of the Apocalypse

Thank you. That was driving me crazy.

Thanks So wha I understand is that getting the PHB (is a must anyway because otherwise using pirated media...oops) but the Roll20 version is the option to go for. A hard copy would cost me same again but would be personal preference to have something physical. MM and other books in roll 20 format if I start making my own adventures but not really needed if using a module.

That's pretty accurate to my personal recommendations, yes.

Andreas J. said: keithcurtis said: Also, what is "POTA"? I'm probably missing something very obvious. Princes of the Apocalypse Heh. Reminds me of two people online debating about a movie many years back. They were getting pretty heated and could not believe the other's comments until they realized that while they both said PotC , one was talking about Passion of the Christ and the other was talking about Pirates of the Caribbean . :-)

Bought the PHB and Xanthurs guide bundle Figured monsters in module and can use compendium for most DM stuff. Now to continue building my game terrain.