Search results

  1. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) How should hit points be gained? [5E specific]

    I have the same system as Matt Mercer - although we both came to them independently. Max at first. Then roll. If you roll a 1, reroll. Why I like it: You get some variance with highs and lows without it typically being devastating. If you roll low at second level you feel it - which adds...
  2. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) House rule for in combat healing and yoyo at 0 HP

    I do not find this a problem, but I understand why people do. When addressing this as a problem, the most interesting solution was implemented in a game that used 'injuries'. A character sustained an injury if they took over half their maximum hps in damage in a round, or dropped to zero...
  3. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) Late Stage 5e Characters... Do they differ greatly from early 5e characters?

    This is going to change from table to table and player to player. Personally, I have a running list of characters I'd like to play. It has heritage/race, class(es), and personality written up. When I get an opportunity to play, I pick one of them based upon what makes sense for the...
  4. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) No One Plays High Level?

    Using high level abilities. When PCs advance to the higher level they gat access to abilities, often magic, that trivialize many things. As discussed above, many DMs tend to try to negate or limit these capabilities in order to run a games that are like lower level games. When the DM does...
  5. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) No One Plays High Level?

    Please do not be offended - but this is exactly the mindset I cautioned against, and I believe plays into why some people struggle to run high level games. Rather than use the abilities the PCs have acquired, DMs tend to try to negate them at higher level to avoid dealing with them. They try...
  6. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) No One Plays High Level?

    Let's go over this one more time. People. Play. High. Level. Successfully. And. Enjoy. It. I do it. A lot of other players have told their stories. It is undeniable that it takes place. So - why do so many games fail and end at 10th to 13th level? Because people have not learned how...
  7. jgsugden

    D&D General 0 HP Magic Missile = Death?

    This is definitely one of those areas where we can talk about RAW, but you should absolutely ask the DM. It is a very strong effect for a first level spell as either a concentration breaker or 'down killer' (if allowed), which can be horrible as a player to see used against you. A few low...
  8. jgsugden

    D&D General When do you overrule RAW?

    I was kind of disappointed in Mercer here. I do not take away from the PCs - and I could have come up with a dozen ways in which she could have effectively stopped the giant monster. Stun the leg ... make it partially slip ... lure it onto something that hats the movement ... In the end, I...
  9. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) Ending movement in occupied square?

    When the rules don't specify, tell the best story. I find the best approach when the rules do not cover a situation is to just tell the most interesting story. If I think there is too much on the line for the DM to just make a decision that essentially controls the overall outcome, I roll...
  10. jgsugden

    D&D General City Campaign

    I'd run 5E. It has the best skill system, and most well balanced rules overall. However, I am not a fan of an "urban" campaign as it presumes the PCs will stay put in a city. I have no problem starting a campaign in a city, but if the PCs develop interests outside the city, I prefer the DM to...
  11. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) Does "Unarmoured Defense" work with Druids who are shapechanged?

    From the PHB: From the DMG: This is going to be a DM call, but: 1.) As a druid you decide if equipment merges with your form or can continue to be worn if it can be worn, and magical armor does resize to fit a new form. Whether that applies to specific wildshape forms, or whether the...
  12. jgsugden

    D&D General What if High Level Was Only in a Supplement

    Your intent and the way people may read your statement are not necessarily aligned, then. When I read that statement, I saw it as saying that you share the belief that is said so often, "no one plays high level". It seemed you were referencing it as a reason why your proposal might make sense...
  13. jgsugden

    D&D General What if High Level Was Only in a Supplement

    Your premise that nobody plays at the level is flawed. While fewer play at that level, there are still a large number of games played at levels 12 and above - all the way up to 20. If there were better training for DMs to help them understand the challenges and proven approaches for running...
  14. jgsugden

    D&D General better dark elves?

    A good option these days is to not give an entire race a tendency to have a certain alignment, behavior set or personality. Instead, let them be individuals. If handled well, I believe you can still have an origin story for a heritage like the drow that will result in many of them still being...
  15. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) Does "Unarmoured Defense" work with Druids who are shapechanged?

    If you know you'll be taking a wildshape and want to avoid this, wearing anything the new form can accomodate that is considered armor would negate the unarmored defense. That would likely be up to a DM. However, from a practical perspective, the high AC animals forms are usually only selected...
  16. jgsugden

    D&D General Vague idea: Humans as the descendants of Elves and Orcs

    In my primary setting, the Giants were byproducts of a war between Gods. After them, the Dwarves, Elves and Angels were intentionally created by Gods to be their servants, or more accurately - their hands. There is a lot of history to unpack, but essentially the Dwarves and the Elves were the...
  17. jgsugden

    D&D 5E (2014) Chains of Asmodeus: Official 286-Page Nine Hells Book & Adventure Released!

    I am not buying it now because I would want to have it on D&DBeyond if it will be released there. A clear message on whether it will go to DNDBeyond might clear the path for some people to buy it now (or wait).
  18. jgsugden

    D&D General Requesting permission to have something cool

    Not in the moment. The group drew up battle plans. They all had their parts waiting to unfold. The therecwas a deflation in the room as people realized the DM was indicating he'd die before my turn ended.
  19. jgsugden

    D&D General Requesting permission to have something cool

    It sounds cool until you realize I stole the spotlight. It was not my intent, and I paused the game to apologize to the other players for doing so.
  20. jgsugden

    D&D General Requesting permission to have something cool

    Yes. He was not entirely unaided as he had spells cast on him from allies and potions, but he was the only one that took actions. The group waited until the dragon was asleep, then he moved in during a surprise round while hasted and polymorphed into a giant eagle (stealth with d12 bardic...
Top