D&D 5E (2024) Preferences in a New Official 5.5e Specific Setting

[Paul Farquhar]

I remember years ago in my 2e days running into this. I billed my campaign as low magic because I didn't use a lot of casters and magic items were pretty rare. My player pointed out that it really wasn't very low magic since there were all sorts of fantastic monsters running around, many of which had magic powers. It was a low spell magic campaign, but, not low magic in any real sense.

I was talking about the need for a low fantasy setting, not merely a low magic setting. I.e. all supernatural elements are rare, it's mostly humans fighting other humans. Some versions of Robin Hood have been this.

I don't really see the point in restricting spells when there are dragons and beholders around every corner.

 

[Hussar]

I was talking about the need for a low fantasy setting, not merely a low magic setting. I.e. all supernatural elements are rare, it's mostly humans fighting other humans. Some versions of Robin Hood have been this.

I don't really see the point in restricting spells when there are dragons and beholders around every corner.

Yes, that's the point isn't it? If low magic/low fantasy is your bag, I really, really couldn't imagine using D&D for it. There are so many other systems out there that are much better suited to that kind of campaign. While I get the idea of wanting to pound square pegs into round holes, there has to be some limit.

About as low magic as I would want to go with D&D is something like Witcher. I wouldn't even consider using D&D for something like Game of Thrones.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

There are so many other systems out there that are much better suited to that kind of campaign

They all seem to be either heavy simulationist or retro clones. I can’t think of anything that is light, fun and not-mired-in-the-1970s.

I guess Beowulf is the closest, but that is still a bit heavy.