Recent content by jayoungr

I do think the folks at WotC could be doing a lot more to emphasize the different options for what failing a roll means, but interpretations other than complete binary failure are in their books. So yeah, I'd call it mostly a DMing issue, or maybe a wider "game culture" issue.

Only if there's a time constraint, in my experience. Otherwise, you try the free resource (rogue skill check) first. Also, sometimes the spell has its own cost. If you're talking about the difference between Thieves' Tools and knock, for example, a Thieves' Tools check doesn't alert the entire...

Surely this is dependent on party composition. Other classes can step on the rogue's toes depending on the build, but it's not inevitable. If your party doesn't have those other classes, or if they choose builds that don't overlap with the rogue, then the rogue has a perfectly decent niche.

Odyssey of the Dragonlords: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/285960/odyssey-of-the-dragonlords-adventure-book

Compare with the full map from the original B3, "Palace of the Silver Princess." You can see the same layout on the eastern part of the map.

I just wanted to add a note to this thread, as I'm currently running Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus. For anyone who wants to have your PCs pursue Tiamat to hell and finish her off once and for all, be aware that she features rather prominently in Descent into Avernus. If you are thinking of...

I actually find that this makes quite a large difference in character concept. What does being born to power mean in a particular family? A particular society? Do you hide it or are you open about it? What led you to make the trade for power? What sort of being did you trade with, and how did...

It depends on the campaign and the players. For players who are new to the game, I like starting at level 1 because it introduces the features gradually. For those who are more experienced, especially if it's going to be a short campaign, I am more likely to start higher.

I guess that part is left as an exercise for the DM.

I actually think Dragon of Icespire Peak (aka the Essentials Kit) is that expansion. It adds a ton of side adventures to the basic Phandelver setting and brings the party level up a little.

There is a College of Dance bard subclass.

I suspect "School year/summer ends" is another factor.

Yeah, it was modeled on D&D 3.X, which was the "golf bag of magic swords" edition.

Oh dear. Bracing self.