D&D (2024) Best 5.5 Mechanic They Should Use More IMHO

[EzekielRaiden]

2014's main advances AFAIR were advantage/disadvantage and the pseudo-narrative background traits, the latter of which they got rid of.

And the former was rampantly overused. Weapon of first resort when it was designed as a weapon of last resort.

 

[soviet]

Although 2014 also featured Monte Cook's freshly invented idea of passive perception

 

[soviet]

And the former was rampantly overused. Weapon of first resort when it was designed as a weapon of last resort.

Agreed.

They should have had it as only ever a GM-assigned modifier to the circumstances of that roll. That is to say, no published skills, feats, spells, or class abilities should grant it. Maybe Aid Another would use it. I seem to remember some of the playtests were close to this, and also that some monsters had circumstances that would trigger it like fire, bright lights, etc.

That's how you encourage players to be creative in combat and elsewhere - make their improvisations around their environment genuinely and uniquely impactful.

 

[dave2008]

Actually @dave2008 had some interesting takes on improved versions of magic resistance that might be worth a look, if you like the Rakshasas immunity but don't want to spam it to every magic resistant baddie. Did you ever playtest those, Dave? Where's that thread...

What's funny is that having run so much Level Up A5E, I'd almost wish for some monsters that were more resistant/immune to martial maneuvers

Here is the thread you are referring to: Magic Resistance: What was Old is New

And to answer your question I have not playtested any of the methods yet. I actually haven't even revised the OP with my preferred method derived from the discussion in the thread!

 

[Distracted DM]

Here is the thread you are referring to: Magic Resistance: What was Old is New

And to answer your question I have not playtested any of the methods yet. I actually haven't even revised the OP with my preferred method derived from the discussion in the thread!

What's your preferred method? I know you updated the OP a couple times.

 

[dave2008]

What's your preferred method? I know you updated the OP a couple times.

A version of this one: post #83
With a version of this explanation: post #11

I am busy this weekend, but plan to get this updated with version 4 next week.

 

[Sulicius]

Greater Magic resistance on the rakshasa.

Basically they automatically make their saves. Spells with attack rolls automatically miss.

Magic resistance and legendary resistance often isn't enough. Oys a bit to easy to essentially stun lock bosses with low level spells.

I actually think it is a very tough ability to play around as a spellcaster, having faced off against it. I would not recommend giving it to more than Rakshasa’s.

 

[Zardnaar]

I actually think it is a very tough ability to play around as a spellcaster, having faced off against it. I would not recommend giving it to more than Rakshasa’s.

Cast buff spells instead?

 

[Stalker0]

I actually think it is a very tough ability to play around as a spellcaster, having faced off against it. I would not recommend giving it to more than Rakshasa’s.

Yeah I think its fitting for the rakshasa who is in dnd lore a highly notable magic resistant creature. I could also see it on some golems, as again historically golems were immune to the vast majority of spells. But I wouldn't make it a thing you just give to a number of bosses.

 

[Distracted DM]

Yeah I think its fitting for the rakshasa who is in dnd lore a highly notable magic resistant creature. I could also see it on some golems, as again historically golems were immune to the vast majority of spells. But I wouldn't make it a thing you just give to a number of bosses.

Yeah, magic resistance is pretty weak-sauce in 5e. Golems used to be terrifying to spellcasters.