All this talk of the aurora borealis reminded me that I contributed a #DND5e creature based on that phenomena to the Scientific Secrets of Icewind Dale compilation on the DMs Guild. It's actually filled with lots of other cool creatures; purchase a copy if you're interested. Here's part of my contribution (there's more lore and some public domain art on the other page)
Though I've been drifting away from #DND5e for a while now, it's still feels really weird to be completely uninterested in the latest releases. I mean, not even a twinge of FOMO.
@Tim_Eagon@dragoncrown Prioritizing "choices at the table" pretty much always makes for better play, but unfortunately its a lot easier sell product around "choices away from the table."
I got my Kickstarter PDF copies of Tales of the Valiant from @KoboldPress. I am hoping this will replace #DnD5e for me. I cannot wait to ready the final version.
The two things that I personally feel have always been terrible about the design of #DnD are the class-based character development system and the Vancian magic system.
These systems irrationally limit the choices players can make in designing and developing their PCs, and TSR/WotC/Hasbro has missed so many opportunities to do away with these systems over the past 50 years.
But, they can be fixed, within the existing framework of #Dnd5E. (more)
With my SP system, there's no longer any "spell preparation" or "spell slots". The caster has a certain number of SP based on their caster level, and can cast any spell they know any number of times, provided their have SP remaining, and can, if they wish, exchange HP for SP, once they run out of SP, even unto death.
Once a spell is learned, it is learned permanently, and is not "forgotten" after casting.
@gcvsa I don't know why this type of system isn't the norm in FRPGs (R&R uses "Magic Points" in a similar fashion). I like your idea of spell casters potential using all their SP and additional HP to cast one last spell as they go down fighting! I agree that "forgetting" spells after casting has always been a weak feature of D&D.
Searching for some sage GM advice! Boosts appreciated!
From a player's perspective, what does a point crawl (perhaps more specifically: a dungeon point crawl) offer? How would you sell it?
Furthermore, does anyone have any links to blog posts (bonus points if they're knock! articles!!) about point crawls in general? Or any other kind of advice? I'd love to know if there's some wise beginners' tips for running a traditional dungeons as a point crawl as well!
Post update from The Finished Book: Effective hit points and damage provide a mathematical framework for comparing the defensive and offensive strengths of creatures in #DnD, without the need for running battle simulations against a variety of opponents. This post walks through their derivation, with updated math for clarity and better insights into how they can be used to analyze monsters.
New #THAC0wAdvantage today, where Ang and I talk about Sci-Fi elements in D&D, both historically, and what kind of tools you have in #DnD5e if you want to add it into your games now.
Playing a devil that the party signed a deal with is some of the most fun I've had as a GM.
When he shows up, he manifests as a cat to mess with them. He led them to a pile bones only to find the head of a demon they had to run from earlier in the campaign.
Since the #OGL fiasco, I honestly considered quitting my Properties & Provinces #DnD5E project. In fact, I stopped developing it for about 6 months.
Now that the dust is settled, emotions are processed, and drive is somewhat restored, I've been working on it again and I'm currently developing my upcoming mass combat playtest.
Except, now it's evolved into a #5E rules expansion compatible with #DnD 2024, #A5E, and #BlackFlag. And reconciling all 3 rules variants is... Surprisingly nuanced. 👀
I finished reading the 5e D&D Oz book last night. Quite frankly, I kind of struggled to finish it. Don't get me wrong, it's clearly written and the art/layout is beautiful, but it's dull, especially when describing the city state's neighborhoods.