I wish to start a php-based gaming fansite that has:
  • searchable database of items, materials, etc.
  • displaying results in sortable/searchable tables (jQuery datatables)
  • user profile creation and management
  • maps
  • VB forum that links profiles with website profile (maybe shares login and cookie?)

I need advice on where and how to start.

Should I start with a PHP framework, or just use a User Login Library, and do the rest of the PHP from scratch?