D&D 5E A truly horrifying Age of Worms

[TheSword]

What about bards? Just the spells that touch on healing magic?

Yes bards and rangers would have access to lesser restoration. However as discussed earlier rangers don’t this until 5th level and then it’s a very precious level 2 spell slot. Bards do get it but they have very few level 2 spells. It’s by no means a given that they would have it, as it is with Clerics or Druids, favoured souls etc.

 

[Oofta]

If no one is going to play the classes you find problematic, then you don't have an issue. Why even post?

As far as why change the monsters goes, these are custom undead to begin with. Nerfing specific classes is going to have all sorts of ripple effects.

Modifying the monster numbers or abilities is simply an easier solution that addresses you perceived issue. I still don't think it is an issue - any time you run a mod you're going to have to adjust encounters to provide appropriate challenge to the group.

I mean what's next? You find that wizards can kill too many bad guys so you ban them as well? The barbarian is tearing through your low-AC monsters so they can no longer rage? You've identified one niche as problematic, but there will just be another build that is now "best" at taking down your monsters.

 

[Mistwell]

Don't nerf classes. Just declare up front that certain spells or abilities work differently, rather than entire classes. Or you can even not change those spells and abilities, but instead tell the players you're applying resistance to some abilities, or getting rid of vulnerability to some damage types, or requiring a greater form of a spell to get rid of some negative status effects.

 

[Istbor]

I mean... I have yet to see a Cleric pick up remove disease unless they find they need to. And then, so what if they do? Now they are spending their slots on this instead of other, frankly more troubling spells.

If your party doesn't decide to take either of these classes that are a thematic fit, then cool. If they do, I think there are oodles of ways to enhance the encounters even if any clerics or paladins enter the fray and start using all of their resources on things that should make this more of a meat-grinder.

 

[Quartz]

You're particularly worried that Lesser Restoration is now a 2nd level spell whereas it was previously 3rd. So make it so the spell has to be upcast to 3rd level to cure the worms. Job done.

 

[dave2008]

It seems you are worried about the adventure being to easy for your group. One solution, have things inflict levels of exhaustion. There a much fewer ways to get rid of exhaustion and the effects can get fairly grim.

 

[Fanaelialae]

Yes bards and rangers would have access to lesser restoration. However as discussed earlier rangers don’t this until 5th level and then it’s a very precious level 2 spell slot. Bards do get it but they have very few level 2 spells. It’s by no means a given that they would have it, as it is with Clerics or Druids, favoured souls etc.

I usually take lesser restoration when I play bards (which is one of my favorite classes). For this campaign, I would 100% take lesser restoration as a bard.

 

[TheSword]

I’m surprised by the reluctance to tinker with 5e. I would have thought 6 years in people would have been more willing to set some limits for a thematic campaign. I mean when Dark Sun is finally released will people complain about not having Paladins? Or not being able to play elves in Theros. Setting limits on choices to shape a themed campaign is pretty standard stuff.

 

[TheSword]

I also don’t see how going through class features piece be piece to balance things is easier than just saying “guys, avoid clerics and paladins this time round as it’s an apocalyptic campaign and I don’t want you to suffer.” It might be more balanced, or it might be fairer to players... but it definitely isn’t easier.

Incidentally this conversation could also have taken place about Curse of Strahd or Carrion Crown.

 

[Fanaelialae]

I’m surprised by the reluctance to tinker with 5e. I would have thought 6 years in people would have been more willing to set some limits for a thematic campaign. I mean when Dark Sun is finally released will people complain about not having Paladins? Or not being able to play elves in Theros. Setting limits on choices to shape a themed campaign is pretty standard stuff.

It's not about being reluctant to tinker. Plenty of people have given plenty of suggestions to tinker with the rules.

What you're suggesting is less like banning paladins from Dark Sun and more like banning Wizards in a campaign set in Hogwarts.

Most of the reluctance that I've seen in this thread seems to stem not from a hesitancy to change things or set limits. Rather, my impression is that the proposed solution does not address the issue well.