D&D 5E The Case for a Magic Item Shop?

[Hussar]

Actually, it would invalidate a number of class features. The scout cannot use any perception type skills, is useless in combat without light and basically cannot do anything which the character normally does.

Adding in a relatively minor magic item that fits fine with the adventure is hardly asking much from the DM.

 

[Grainger]

Changing the subject slightly, I think that "goggles" are a totally stupid type of magic item for a medieval world. This isn't Splinter Cell. A ring or necklace that grants the same benefit would be more in keeping, IMO.

 

[Tony Semana]

Actually, it would invalidate a number of class features. The scout cannot use any perception type skills, is useless in combat without light and basically cannot do anything which the character normally does.

I understand what you're trying to say but, again, what I'm saying is scout is not a class, it's the character 'schtick' of this specific character. None of the classes are invalidated by sticking them in the underdark. It invalidates the character shtick AS EXECUTED in this case, but it does not invalidate any class features.

It is not useless in combat, because the character and party has the option to unhood a lantern when combat starts (unless there's another issue not mentioned in the OP). Yes, they cannot use the perception skill outside the range of light, but 'cannot do anything the character normally does'?? If the character is truly NOT a one-trick pony, then that shouldn't be the entirety of its usefulness to the party.

Adding in a relatively minor magic item that fits fine with the adventure is hardly asking much from the DM.

In the same breath, having the character yield the floor to someone who's better suited to do his schtick in this case and take on a support role OR develop a new schtick until he can figure out a palatable solution is not asking much of the player.

But again, the point being there's an assumption that the DM isn't facilitating some sort of in-game circumstance, and that this is both a 'minor magic item' and 'it fits with the story'. Always tying back to the OP question; No, this is still not a compelling reason for magic shops.

 

[Hussar]

Meh, I look at it this way: The player has approached me (the DM) and told me that he is not enjoying the game because of how the scenario is playing out. Now, apparently I could:

A) Ridicule the player for making poor choices and tell him he's a pretty crappy ninja if he can't work in the dark. Suck it up buttercup.

or

B) Add in a fairly minor magic item that is a pretty logical item to find where they are and everyone is happy.

I know which answer I'll pick every time, thanks.

 

[ExploderWizard]

Actually, it would invalidate a number of class features. The scout cannot use any perception type skills, is useless in combat without light and basically cannot do anything which the character normally does.

Cannot use any perception type skills?

I must have missed the rules that covered losing hearing and sense of smell when in darkness.

Useless in combat? Good to know all that training goes right out the window when the lights go out. If you are doing a great deal of fighting while scouting then you are probably doing it wrong.

Boo hoo hoo I'm not at maximum effectiveness in the dark so throw me a gewgaw to nullify the disadvantages I chose at character creation, is not a good reason to include magic item shops.

Not too long ago there was quite a fit being thrown by some because of the mere existence of gauntlets of ogre power. " OMG!! these things give you a 19STR! If I give my fighter any STR when I create the character then get these, it will invalidate my whole build!!!"

How is this any different?

If anyone can just run out and grab a doodad off the shelf to compensate for shortcomings due to race or class why have choices? "Hey I could have rolled a drow or something but human gives a feat at first level and I'll just grab a pair of goggles to see in the dark with anyhow?"

Public Service Announcement:

Please create a character you will be happy to play without a guarantee of ever getting item X.

 

[SkidAce]

Meh, I look at it this way: The player has approached me (the DM) and told me that he is not enjoying the game because of how the scenario is playing out. Now, apparently I could:

A) Ridicule the player for making poor choices and tell him he's a pretty crappy ninja if he can't work in the dark. Suck it up buttercup.

or

B) Add in a fairly minor magic item that is a pretty logical item to find where they are and everyone is happy.

I know which answer I'll pick every time, thanks.

C) Work with the player to develop other ways to contribute during this phase.


Its usually never a binary decision.

 

[Tony Semana]

Meh, I look at it this way: The player has approached me (the DM) and told me that he is not enjoying the game because of how the scenario is playing out. Now, apparently I could:


A) Ridicule the player for making poor choices and tell him he's a pretty crappy ninja if he can't work in the dark. Suck it up buttercup.


or


B) Add in a fairly minor magic item that is a pretty logical item to find where they are and everyone is happy.


I know which answer I'll pick every time, thanks.

Meh, luckily those aren't the only 2 options being proposed. Speaking only for myself (a DM), I know those aren't the ONLY things I could do, and probably wouldn't do either of those things in this case. I don't advocate for pointing and laughing at the 'ninja'. And again, for the third time, I ask: Is it spelled out SOMEWHERE that the player actually DID approach the DM, and that they (the DM) actually DID do option A?

BTW, the OP actually stipulated that HE, PERSONALLY "Hates the very idea" of finding the things in a future treasure pile "for whiny PCs". BUT, apparently it's okay to have it available for purchase. So he's against finding the one, single, specific, 'fairly minor magic item that is pretty logical to find where they are'. We'll have none of that! Cause that's for whiners! We need a whole store of magic items, so that we can buy that one single thing... and maybe some other stuff, since we're there already.. so I guess you'll have to go on with your Option A

 

[mcbobbo]

Meh, I look at it this way: The player has approached me (the DM) and told me that he is not enjoying the game because of how the scenario is playing out. Now, apparently I could:

A) Ridicule the player for making poor choices and tell him he's a pretty crappy ninja if he can't work in the dark. Suck it up buttercup.

or

B) Add in a fairly minor magic item that is a pretty logical item to find where they are and everyone is happy.

I know which answer I'll pick every time, thanks.

Was this question ever actually asked?

What was the result?

 

[Elf Witch]

That underlined part is the important bit. A couple of session? Sure, suck it up and move on. But, that's not the case here. We're talking about multiple sessions. And, clerics limited to only third level and lower spells? Yeah, that's a limitation, sure, but, hardly on the same level as having disadvantage on EVERY action and everyone else having advantage on you.

There have been other times we have played with disadvantages for longer than a few sessions. At ninth level we choose to run after being captured and we left everything behind our weapons, armor the wizard's spellbook and all our magic items. We were trapped in unfriendly lands and it took around six sessions to get home. Yes it was hard but we had to learn to work together and think outside the box to make it through and you know what it as a blast.

And no the player is not as a disadvantage as you make out they can use a lantern when fighting so they are not limited in combat their perception does not rule out listen and scent. What they are disadvantage at is to scout. So maybe it is time for another PC to pick up that and scout while in this situation.

Also the player has said that they don't want to find magic items because that is to cheesy. The OP is trying to make a point about how there should be magic marts. I don't think they have done that. We have no clue if the OP has talked to the DM. There are many ways to solve this without putting in magic goggles. There are limited use items that would work just as well like scrolls, potions even alchemy items.

I do not believe that the only way to play is to always be at 100% and that PCs should never be disadvantaged in some way.

 

[KarinsDad]

Meh, I look at it this way: The player has approached me (the DM) and told me that he is not enjoying the game because of how the scenario is playing out. Now, apparently I could:

A) Ridicule the player for making poor choices and tell him he's a pretty crappy ninja if he can't work in the dark. Suck it up buttercup.

or

B) Add in a fairly minor magic item that is a pretty logical item to find where they are and everyone is happy.

I know which answer I'll pick every time, thanks.

Or C) Go with the easy solution because neither my player nor I as DM can think outside the box.