D&D (2024) What should be the Optimization and Magic Item Assumption of PCs be?

[James Gasik]

That's why it's moderate.

Low optimization is taking flavor picks that don't line up with your source of power, not prioritizing your primary or secondary scores, comboing classes that don't combined, or rolling low.

Should the game be balanced around a fighter/sorcerer with 14 STR and CHA with Tavern Brawler?

There's this long standing myth about D&D that you can create whatever kind of character you want to. Some people take that to heart, not realizing not all choices are equal, and you might not be rewarded for your decision to play a 18 Intelligence Barbarian.

I remember the story of a player who hated point buy because buying high stats "wasted" points, and he would belly up to the table with 14 as his highest stat, then wonder why being "decent at everything" wasn't a strength.

It might make sense to be like "ok, I'm a Fighter, that's 16 Str, 16 Dex, try not to dump anything", but some people get this idea that all attributes are equal, or don't want to be deficient in an area.

So I think knowing the game works fine if you don't get everything right is more important than basically telling new players how to make their characters, or worse, effectively doing it for them.*

*And I'm not saying the game doesn't work fine doing that, but there's a lot of debate on this point.

 

[Parmandur]

The game design should assume that the players couldn't optimize their way out of a paper bag and have never received a Mmagic item.

 

[James Gasik]

The game design should assume that the players couldn't optimize their way out of a paper bag and have never received a Mmagic item.

I guess this is a fair way as well, but I just miss the days when magic items were the DM's tools to balance the game.

 

[Parmandur]

I guess this is a fair way as well, but I just miss the days when magic items were the DM's tools to balance the game.

I think they are fun as a DM's tool to let players wreck the game a new one, and create memorable moments. Also, if they are not assumed to be there, a low magic campaign is a breeze.

 

[Horwath]

Roll damage twice, take the highest.

Please no.
Game has too much of rerolls as it is.

rather add +1d6 damage instead of +1 attack/+1 damage

 

[Olrox17]

Please no.
Game has too much of rerolls as it is.

rather add +1d6 damage instead of +1 attack/+1 damage

I’d personally go with +1d4 per plus, improved to +1d6 for heavy melee weapons

 

[Horwath]

I’d personally go with +1d4 per plus, improved to +1d6 for heavy melee weapons

maybe +1d6 and +1d8 for heavy melee.
anything but the d4

 

[rules.mechanic]

Moderate Optimization and Some Numerical Bonus Magic Items. No stacking.

 

[Minigiant]

There's this long standing myth about D&D that you can create whatever kind of character you want to. Some people take that to heart, not realizing not all choices are equal, and you might not be rewarded for your decision to play a 18 Intelligence Barbarian.

I remember the story of a player who hated point buy because buying high stats "wasted" points, and he would belly up to the table with 14 as his highest stat, then wonder why being "decent at everything" wasn't a strength.

I mean youcould design a D&D edition where a 14/14/13/13/13/11 works. But the people who'd want that array to be viable also hate the mechanics neccessay to do so.

So the fanbase will have to wipe their tears and accept having at least a 16 in your primary, 14 in your secondary, and 13 in your tertiary is assumed. Anyone with low rolls will either have to reroll, be assumed to get magic item favoritism, or be going for a grim and gritty game.

 

[Horwath]

If we replaced every ability modifier in saves, attacks, ACs, DCs and damage with proficiency modifier, we would not need any optimization.
also instead of Con add prof bonus to HPs every level.

use ability modifier for ABILITY CHECKS only.