Hello everyone. I am trying to figure out what would make a better entry point into the game: should I buy the core boxed set, or should I buy the three guides and vaults? On one hand, the guides and vaults seem to be more expensive. On the other hand, getting all the information in the guides and vaults seems to actually end up costing more than the guides and vaults themselves... but it seems like by going that rout I might end up missing some of the fluff. Also, here and there I read about missing cards. Are those cards missing from the core box and expansions combinations, or from the vaults?

Check THIS flowchart.

What does the flowchart mean when it refers to "the bits?"

bits is wargamer slang for components.

In this case it specifically means the cards, counters, trackers and so on.

But, if I were to buy the guides plus the vaults, wouldn't I have all the bits anyway?

I believe that if you want the bits the boxes are the better value.

Are you just going to be playing? If so, the Player's Guide and Player's Vault are cheaper than the core set. If you're going to be GMing or buying for a group then the core set is still the best entry point into the game.

I went with the Player's Guide, Game Master's Guide, Creature's Guide, and the corosponding Vaults for my entry point. I don't like the make up of the box set and I feel having the info in the hardbound books makes it easier for me to haul around and to show players.