D&D 5E D&D is Getting Unweildy

MGibster

MGibster

Legend
So let's say I've never played D&D before, but after watching Stranger Things, checking out Critical Role, and talking to my friends, I've decided to take the plunge, purchase some books, and get to playing. I walk into my local Barnes & Noble and I see the holy trinity of D&D books, The Player's Handbook, the Dungeon Master's Guide, and the Monster Manual, and I go ahead and purchase all three because I'm a masochist and DMing seems like its right up my ally. (Alternatively I'm a sadist and I wish to make my players suffer.) I've got an introductory adventure I'd like to run, and I invite a few of my friends over to play, some of whom have been playing D&D for a few years. What shows up to my table? Well, I've got an Artificer and a Celestial Warlock. Okay, I guess. And don't the stats on the Halfling fighter seen a little wonky? Since when did they get a bonus to strength?

I don't really care if we call it a new edition or what, but I'd like the rules codified in one set of books. If we're going to go with Tasha's when it comes to race in the future, then put that in the PHB. This might not be a big deal to those of of us who have been playing for a while, but this kind of thing will frustrate new players.
 

log in or register to remove this ad


R

Retreater

Legend
It could be because I started with AD&D 2e, but the game has always been intimidating for new players. I had no idea how to play the game at all until some older teens showed me.
How many options did we have back then? Well, just looking at only the PHB, there were 6 races - some of which had subraces. Then there were numerous classes - some of which had specialty priests, wizards of specialty schools. And then weapons with Speed Factor, Weapon and Non-Weapon Proficiencies, THAC0, purchasing equipment down to your knife sheath and belt. Charts to record what every ability score meant in "real-life" and having them be not uniform at all.
All this without any livestreams, guides to show you the rules of the game, messageboards online to ask questions, adults who also played the game doing organized play events at local stores, and likely you had to hide it from angry people in your community - if you were even able to get a group together.
We're living in a golden age of the hobby. I am happy that young people are lucky to be here now than facing the junk I did to stick with D&D.
 

J

John R Davis

Hero
Its fine as long as they know how their bizarre PCs work! Few things are as annoying in games when someone says can i play a *half-aardvark/half bumble bee Black Hole Sorcerer....... and then they turn up and have no clue how it works.

*I realise in OneDND these half races are a thing of the past.
 


payn

payn

He'll flip ya...Flip ya for real...
The fact that the game isnt simple to grok is exactly what pulled me to it. I wanted to learn a nuanced and complex game to enjoy that experience. If I wanted something simple Id have stuck to Heroquest.

That given, I do see a need for easy to read and understand rulebooks. Options can be unwieldy, but I think modern design and digital offerings have made it easier than ever to keep up. So, I think the opposite is happening, D&D is getting more weildy than ever. 🤷‍♂️
 

Stormonu

Stormonu

Legend
MGibster said:
So let's say I've never played D&D before, but after watching Stranger Things, checking out Critical Role, and talking to my friends, I've decided to take the plunge, purchase some books, and get to playing. I walk into my local Barnes & Noble and I see the holy trinity of D&D books, The Player's Handbook, the Dungeon Master's Guide, and the Monster Manual, and I go ahead and purchase all three because I'm a masochist and DMing seems like its right up my ally. (Alternatively I'm a sadist and I wish to make my players suffer.) I've got an introductory adventure I'd like to run, and I invite a few of my friends over to play, some of whom have been playing D&D for a few years. What shows up to my table? Well, I've got an Artificer and a Celestial Warlock. Okay, I guess. And don't the stats on the Halfling fighter seen a little wonky? Since when did they get a bonus to strength?

I don't really care if we call it a new edition or what, but I'd like the rules codified in one set of books. If we're going to go with Tasha's when it comes to race in the future, then put that in the PHB. This might not be a big deal to those of of us who have been playing for a while, but this kind of thing will frustrate new players.
Click to expand...
Good luck with that, since printed books are a static thing.

And even using D&D Beyond, it's a case of "what version of the race are you using anyways? PHB 2014, PHB 2024, Volo's, Tasha's or Monsters of the Multiverse?"

You simply have to draw the line somewhere, or never print new books/material. That will not change, digital or physical.
 


W

wicked cool

Hero
they have been this since 1st edition. they are in the business of making money

i agree its frustrating even for new players. i showup at a flgs or convention. have my players handbook but this other person has a new book and added new spells (silvery barbs as an example). Same class but because they bought books 2&3 etc they have better options

i wouldnt mind every 3 years a revised players handbook (how about its the 2022 handbook which included all previous character options for the same core class's). or how about for core stuff heres a free download of changes to halflings etc.

i shouldnt have to go through 2-3 books to find a halfling ability. stop spreading these changes out over several books. got a wizard fine you may need players + 1 additional if you want

the sorcerer-someone posted on another thread (sorry cant remember who). basically the core sorcerer stinks but if you get book 2 its a lot better.

D&D like most of you isnt the only game i play. i follow a lot of skirmish games on facebook. The authors of these popular games contribute to discussion and often theres free content to fix obvious mistakes .
 


Similar Threads

DarkCrisis
D&D General 5E is the best version of D&D.
2 3
Replies
26
Views
2K
Zardnaar
Zardnaar
Morrus
D&D General US & Canada Gamers: Get D&D Books 2 Weeks Early At Local Game Stores
2 3 4
Replies
32
Views
6K
Queer Venger
Queer Venger
J
D&D General Original D&D cheat sheets
Replies
1
Views
320
Autumnal
Autumnal
BookTenTiger
D&D 5E What are the different 'tones' supported by 5e D&D?
2 3
Replies
22
Views
2K
jgsugden
jgsugden
SlyFlourish
D&D 5E Using "D&D 2024" instead of "5e24"
12 13 14 15 16
Replies
156
Views
12K
Mirrorrorrim
M
Remove ads

Top