D&D (2024) (+)One Big Thing I Would Change

[doctorbadwolf]

So for the most part I run 5e with few houserules, mostly simple stuff or things added to change the basic play loop.

However!

If I could change one big thing in 5e, it would be this:

No static numerical bonus stacks with another static numerical bonus, ever.

Your shield can add to your AC because it’s a bonus and a calculation, not two bonuses, but a shield and a ring of protection would not stack.

You might end up needing to change some stuff, like make shield work a little differently (maybe it changes your AC to 14 + Spellcasting mod +proficiency, for instance), but it would eliminate an Avenue of cheese while simplifying the game, I think.

What about everyone else? What is a BIG bit singular thing you’d change. Something that can be stated in one normal sentence, preferably.

And keep it civil and don’t snipe at others’ ideas.

 

[Morrus]

That’s the 3.x rule, IIRC?

 

[payn]

Alignment mechanics in magic items and spells.

 

[ersatzphil]

Death Saves.

 

[Jahydin]

Ability Checks! They just don't work the way they should.

Characters that can shoot lighting out of their eyes, self-heal at will, fall multiple stories, etc., etc., but as soon as skill/save rolls start to fly, it's like watching the 3 Stooges.

More than anything though, I just want more rules to make it a better game. As in, if you stripped away all the fluff and story elements, would it still be fun to run? If not, tweak it until it is.

 

[Jahydin]

That’s the 3.x rule, IIRC?

I think in 3e bonuses of the same "type" don't stack.

I'm playing through Baulder's Gate (based on 2e) for the first time and I think that's the case too? Not sure, cause sometimes items stack, other times not...

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

Capping ability scores to 18, so that with proficiency bonus it eventually becomes +10, a nice flat number.
Remove ASI, including 1st level and 4/8/12 etc).
Give access to most class features before 10th level, with more ''name level'' roleplay features at high level, and more uses of the features acquired at low-level.

 

[Eubani]

Capping ability scores to 18, so that with proficiency bonus it eventually becomes +10, a nice flat number.
Remove ASI, including 1st level and 4/8/12 etc).
Give access to most class features before 10th level, with more ''name level'' roleplay features at high level, and more uses of the features acquired at low-level.

I think that edition already exists.

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

I think that edition already exists.

Not really, I still think that bounded accuracy/proficiency bonus are huge improvement on the first few editions. And I'd also require to have actual features for the first few levels, not just at lvl 1-2 then nothing but HP and more ''to-hit'' for 20+ levels. And it would also requires to have ability scores actually matters beyond the +X at every 2 points.

On the other hand, I feel 5e has too many things/resources/features going on at the same time. I feel there's too much emphasis on what's going on the character's sheet and not enough on activity to do in-fiction.

 

[Xamnam]

Advantage and Disadvantage cancel out only on a one to one basis.