250?
DMG 1, (2 is good, but not necessary)
MM 1, 2, 3
PHB 1 (or rules compendium)
Use the trial of the character generator for class/power/feat info until level 3

I make that 5 books, ~£100

Even the full core set is 8 (DMG1+2, MM1,2+3, PHB1,2+3), so ~160

If you play rather than DM, that can be shortened to the PHB for your class, and the rule compendium is that isnt PHB1.


That said, I have sent back a ton more money than that (the minis look good, and they look even better on ebay auctions, and working it out as 75p a mini doesn't seem to bad... Especially since you're putting on some early bids due to holiday and will probably win only 1 or 2 of the 5 auctions at best...), and have a D&D insider subscription.
( Tedium Alduce me to interlow myself., Tue 5 Oct 2010, 10:19, Reply)