D&D 5E New D&D Next Playtest package is up (19/9/2013) [merged threads]

[werecorpse]

WHy does the first level pre gen dwarf fighter roll a d12 for damage when he criticals? Where is the rule that expresses this?

 

[Weather Report]

WHy does the first level pre gen dwarf fighter roll a d12 for damage when he criticals? Where is the rule that expresses this?

Last packet.

 

[Derren]

And so this bonus should stay, and be celebrated in song as one of the best design choices in the Races document, working not to ghettoize a race into a niche but develop them into a more nuanced creation. Cue trumpets and choirs.

Note that it's not the case that the race has training in the skill (again, cf. Dwarf and Elf weapon proficiencies): on default, they are not capable of greater intimidation than anyone else. But they will tend to do better, on average, at this one charisma-based check, than other races. Which is a perfectly acceptable design choice.

Giving races random abilities without explanation or reason is everything but a "perfectly acceptable design choice".

 

[Iosue]

And that is nebulous.

Well, yes. It's assumed that DMs that don't want specific skills in their game want that nebularity.

 

[Weather Report]

Well, yes. It's assumed that DMs that don't want specific skills in their game want that nebularity.

"nebulosity".

 

[Jack99]

According to the Read First-doc, the crits rule has changed, but in the How To Play-doc, it seems they forgot to change it from the last version (no maxed out die, add one die). Anyone heard or read anything about this?

 

[Weather Report]

According to the Read First-doc, the crits rule has changed, but in the How To Play-doc, it seems they forgot to change it from the last version (no maxed out die, add one die). Anyone heard or read anything about this?

Yeah, lazy; max damage is fine.

 

[Iosue]

"nebulosity".

"nebulahood".

 

[Weather Report]

"nebulahood".

You don't want to be stuck in that one...

 

[Cyberen]

Half Orc advantage on Intimidate
This situational bonus could be coming from orcs having a nasty reputation. It's easier to play on people's fears when you are their Big Bad Wolf

Multiclassing
I hate 1-level dips. I am neutral concerning abilities prereqs. I guess they did quite a good job at balancing it all (except armor proficiencies), but I am afraid most of the balancing is done at a subliminal level (ability score increases, for instance). It reeks of system mastery...

Skills
Proficiency works smoothly. Tools and Expertise feel clunky.

Saving Throws
Beurk ! From mid level on, sfx targeting untrained ST are almost impossible to resist. I believe we could design something around a universal mechanism enabling to trade HP loss for additional STs. Weak STs would then become weaknesses, rather than Win/Lose buttons.