D&D (2024) 2024 PHB - A much too early review

[Horwath]

You've stated that you love the new layout. Part of that is moving all (more of?) the player-facing stuff into the PHB and all (more of?) the DM-facing stuff into the DMG. Makes sense when you think about it!

I would say that custom backgrounds are very player stuff.

 

[pukunui]

I would say that custom backgrounds are very player stuff.

Perhaps. But it seems that WotC regards anything customization-related to be DM purview. I'm fine with that.

 

[Horwath]

Perhaps. But it seems that WotC regards anything customization-related to be DM purview. I'm fine with that.

yes, we cant have players overwork their brains at 1st level, cant we?

 

[pukunui]

yes, we cant have players overwork their brains at 1st level, cant we?

I doubt that was their reasoning. However, it’s clear you have a bone to pick, and I have no desire to aid you in that endeavor.

 

[NaturalZero]

Because the custom backgrounds aren't in the PHB, they haven't been implemented in DnD Beyond. I see tons of posts on other boards where people are trying to homebrew the rules in. Custom should have been the default with a bunch of pre-made examples for people who like that.

 

[sevenbastard]

There is already errata (as Beyond version isn't matching print version in places - mostly minor things)

Far too restrictive without using the 2014 background backdoor provided in a blurb in the 2024 book.

Hopefully WOTC will see enough people have concerns on this a clarify it in future printing and the errata. I think it's a pretty common complaint and one easily fixes.

 

[Oofta]

I agree, the biggest complaint is the backgrounds. The ability score increases should have just been suggestions and every background should have multiple feat options. Easy enough to do a homebrew background in DDB, but it does take a bit of work.

That and I wish they could have released DMG at the same time, if I were new to the game, DMing might be tough.

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

Good review. After reading the book, I finally decided to stay with OG 5e because I don't care much for the mechanical changes. The new presentation of the rules and the general quality of the book is greatly increased though. This is a high quality production for sure, if only for the MTG-like slick imagery.

 

[Gorck]

Races

um, don't you mean "Species"?

 

[FrogReaver]

um, don't you mean "Species"?

if it makes you happier, yes!