D&D 5E Replacing Darkvision with other special senses

[Charlaquin]

you're right
I was trying to separate Elfsight and Night vision
What is the difference between elf vision and lion vision?

Depends on how you want elves vision to work. In Tolkien, elves have superior vision because the world appears to them as if it was flat, so there is no horizon and they can theoretically see for ever unless an object blocks their line of sight. In D&D, elves have traditionally had a small bonus to vision-related checks, and some ability to see in the dark (ranging from infravision to Darkvision to low-light vision depending on edition.)

I have no interest in further differentiated senses. The last thing I want to do is spend even more time describing and relaying how the PCs perceive every new room or environment.

I'd be in favor of eliminating darkvision entirely, quite honestly.

Also totally valid!

 

[Minigiant]

Depends on how you want elves vision to work. In Tolkien, elves have superior vision because the world appears to them as if it was flat, so there is no horizon and they can theoretically see for ever unless an object blocks their line of sight. In D&D, elves have traditionally had a small bonus to vision-related checks, and some ability to see in the dark (ranging from infravision to

So should Elfsight be a bonus to Perception and not a cancellation of penalty?

 

[Guest 6801328]

I agree about Elves and Half-elves (except for those of Drow descent). Elves like the woods and starlight/moonlight, not absolute darkness. So I can see removing the Perception penalty to dim light, but giving them nothing in total darkness.

And in general I think there's too much Darkvision.

 

[Charlaquin]

So should Elfsight be a bonus to Perception and not a cancellation of penalty?

That’s what I was considering. Advantage on all Wisdom checks that rely on vision would also cancel out the effects of dim light.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I really like the idea of elves seeing further than everyone else rather than just better.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

For Tritons what if they have something like tremorsensue with a very wide range, but it’s at half range out of water?

 

[Guest 6801328]

I really like the idea of elves seeing further than everyone else rather than just better.

I agree, but I think what you mean (or what I mean anyway) is not just how far you can see, but how well you can see detail at a given range. And there aren't really rules for that*, so no useful way to let elves see more. I suppose it could be a ribbon.

Also, I'm overly influenced by Tolkien. Maybe it makes no sense for D&D elves.

(*Or did I miss something in the DMG?)

 

[Charlaquin]

I agree, but I think what you mean (or what I mean anyway) is not just how far you can see, but how well you can see detail at a given range. And there aren't really rules for that*, so no useful way to let elves see more. I suppose it could be a ribbon.

Also, I'm overly influenced by Tolkien. Maybe it makes no sense for D&D elves.

(*Or did I miss something in the DMG?)

Ranged weapons attacks have disadvantage beyond their close range. Elves could ignore that. Maybe throw in “elves never suffer disadvantage to Wisdom checks relying on sight due to distance” to cover cases where the DM would fiat such a penalty.

 

[NotAYakk]

Dwarves: Lesser Tremorsense 60' (+10 perception against stealth within 60', can see walls etc, no disadvantage attacking invisible non-hidden creatures in contact with ground), weak eyesight (disadvanage on vision checks, attacks in creatures not touching ground (unlimited range)).

Elves: Keen sight (advantage on vision perception, no disadvantage long range weapon attacks)

Gnomes: Low light vision, keen smell

Dragonborn: Blindsight 5', keen smell (smaug!)

Tieflings: Devil's Sight 20'.

Orcs: Darkvision 30'.

These all suck compared to "classic" darkvision, intentionally. All of them would prefer a bright light. You'll be fumbling around in darkness if exploring a dungeon eithout a torch.

Ooo:
Halfling: Always honest. Magic cannot detect their lies. Disadvantage on insight checks to detect lies on them.

Halflings always tell the truth: they believe what they are saying the moment they say it. A moment later, less so.

 

[doctorbadwolf]

I agree, but I think what you mean (or what I mean anyway) is not just how far you can see, but how well you can see detail at a given range. And there aren't really rules for that*, so no useful way to let elves see more. I suppose it could be a ribbon.

Also, I'm overly influenced by Tolkien. Maybe it makes no sense for D&D elves.

(*Or did I miss something in the DMG?)

I think @Charlaquin has it right on this one.