D&D 5E [+] Ways to fix the caster / non-caster gap

[Vaalingrade]

But, neo-Vancian slotcasting is just... whatever... it manages not to be any less complicted or more beginner-friendly than traditional Vancian, while being even more imbalancing. I admit, 1e balancing factors were a heavy blunt instrument, ok, a collection of them, but that's better than nothing.

At least it takes away the 'pick every slot individually' deal. Not a huge improvement, but it's progress in recognizing a lot of people avoid prep casters because of the daily paperwork.

 

[Tony Vargas]

At least it takes away the 'pick every slot individually' deal. Not a huge improvement, but it's progress in recognizing a lot of people avoid prep casters because of the daily paperwork.

TBH, that's exactly what I'm complaining about. That's greater power/versatility, and less engaging/challenging, right there. Heck, even the old school convention that you could memorize the same spell two or more times was a bit generous. (necessary for the 14 WIS Cleric, if the party is to see 2nd level, but still...)

And, you still do the daily paperwork, in 5e. You're still a prepped caster, like in 3e (or even, technically 4e, it was just 'A or B' for each spell level for the Wizard, only), you just have the round-by-round versatility of a 3e prepped caster, on top of that.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I whole heartedly agree with this. I love appendix N - I love Ashton Clark Smith, Howard, Lovecraft, tolkein, etc etc.

But I don't think people in their late teens or early twenties care or know about those influences/tropes/etc. Even though that's certainly my preference, I think D&D is old enough now that it needs to adapt with the times and connect with contemporary touchstones for new player bases.

I think if you want your game to be based on modern sources, make a new game based on modern sources.

 

[Micah Sweet]

If "design fidelity to reproduce a fictional model" is your metric of measure, that's fine by me.

I'd personally value that more when evaluating a licensed game, like an AiME or Doctor Who or something like that, but obviously your taste is your taste.

Not just a fictional model. This applies to individual mechanics as well, what specifically they are intended to model, and how well they model it. That doesn't require a specific setting, licensed on otherwise.

 

[TwoSix]

TBH, that's exactly what I'm complaining about. That's greater power/versatility, and less engaging/challenging, right there. Heck, even the old school convention that you could memorize the same spell two or more times was a bit generous. (necessary for the 14 WIS Cleric, if the party is to see 2nd level, but still...)

And, you still do the daily paperwork, in 5e. You're still a prepped caster, like in 3e (or even, technically 4e, it was just 'A or B' for each spell level for the Wizard, only), you just have the round-by-round versatility of a 3e prepped caster, on top of that.

Spell casting method definitely feels like something that's strongly individual preference, and ideally each caster class would get to choose from a menu of options.

 

[TwoSix]

Not just a fictional model. This applies to individual mechanics as well, what specifically they are intended to model, and how well they model it. That doesn't require a specific setting, licensed on otherwise.

What else can they be modeling other than some fictional source, or a list of sources?

 

[Tony Vargas]

Spell casting method definitely feels like something that's strongly individual preference, and ideally each caster class would get to choose from a menu of options.

I'm all for more choices! Y'know, so long as they're balanced - each meaningful, and viable, no traps....

 

[Micah Sweet]

What else can they be modeling other than some fictional source, or a list of sources?

Combat rules model individual aspects of combat. Skill systems measure use of skills. Equipment rules model equipment and its properties and uses. It applies everywhere.

 

[TwoSix]

I'm all for more choices! Y'know, so long as they're balanced - each meaningful, and viable, no traps....

I'm not a miracle worker.

 

[TwoSix]

Combat rules model individual aspects of combat. Skill systems measure use of skills. Equipment rules model equipment and its properties and uses. It applies everywhere.

This seems to be seriously drifting from the "we shouldn't have attack cantrips just because kids like it and it makes Ha$bro money" topic.