Recent content by treebear

Historically the bastard sword was a slightly heavier longsword with an extended hilt to allow it to be gripped with two hands or still wielded one handed with a shield. It was a compromise weapon between a heavier two handed weapon and a longsword for the Knight too poor to afford both weapons...

I have noticed some of those also, and I think there maybe a few monsters where it crops up as well, but I cannot recall a specific one.

The Shadow does 1d4 strength damage, recovered after a short or long rest.

How would you rebalance the PC's vs encounters at the higher levels? Easier or fewer encounters, and more and better magic items are two that I can think of off hand. A STR 16 fighter with a +3 sword is just as good on offense as a STR 20 fighter with +1 sword. A belt of vigor or some such could...

I think the best approach is what is fun for you the DM and the players. Some players have attention problems, are new, or very in the box thinkers, or just slow thinkers for what every reason. A directed search won't work well for these players. They will be left out, left behind or unable to...

If conjure (summon) animal was scored like a DM designed encounter for the PC to overcome, here are the xp. budget costs for the different options, 1 Cr2 450xp, 2 Cr1 600xp, 4 Cr1/2 800xp, and 8 Cr1/4 1000xp. A more balanced approach using the encounter building budget xp. costs would be, 1 Cr2...

It depends on your situation. If moneys tight then its a tough call especially it your the DM and could really need all three books run your game. If its not and your local store supports Dnd or gaming in general with a gaming area I would support the store. If they don't then there no different...

It be more than just harder. It would favor some classes over others, with the most obvious being those who depend on stats for AC would be penalized while the armor wearing would not. It would also weaken saves all around leading to the PC being more afflicted and frustrated. Like wise the...

The problem is the designers keep the CR# times #of creatures the same namely 2. CR2 you get one, CR1/4 you get 8 etc. Cheaper more numerous things be they tanks or monsters will be more effective than fewer more expensive ones when this is the case within reason. Wizards recognized this in...