Search results

Speaking in generalizations: TRPGs do social interaction, plot, and free-form solutions to problems better. CRPGs do exploration, atmosphere, and complex rules systems better. I'll always pick a TRPG or even a board game night over playing my Xbox. But when the former aren't an option, I will...

I build natural, but... I know what level the party is and I make sure to place them initially in an environment they can handle. There may be powerful adversaries in that environment, but they generally won't go looking for the PCs. If the PCs go to them, talking and running are also options...

Basically, there are two kinds of costs that you can impose on powerful spells: a valuable component or a spell slot. Any powerful spell should have one or both of these costs. I could see changing Planar Ally to a ritual, because the price of striking a bargain can introduce an enormous cost...

Back on topic, sometimes NPCs have the Parry ability, but I'm always forgetting to use it. I'm planning on adding a big, shiny token to place on top of my notes behind the screen next game, to help my remember.

The kuo-toa use a pincer staff that lets them grapple at 10'. Here's how I ran it: If the grapple succeeds, the kuo-toa with the staff and the target cannot attack each other in melee. However, the target can still melee adjacent squares as normal. The kuo-toa can push/pull the target with an...

I like this kind of setting myself, and I think it can be a rich source of storytelling ideas. As a player, I would love to come across ancient technological wonders... and try to activate them. :-) Ben

Here's my offering: Wall of Farce Energy Brain Singer of Death Rind Walk Tree Stripe

Future project not connected to this KS. This KS includes the core rules plus sourcebooks on Ifri (Africa), the New World, the Crescent Empire, various Cities of Adventure, and Secret Societies.

I'm very excited to see that he's dramatically expanding the geography of the setting! Ben

I'd say it's more like "psionics and magic overlap" since 1e. In AD&D some spells mimic psionic powers, and somewhere in the DMG it mentions that casting them can attract the attention of psionic predators. Furthermore IIRC, some magic spells can help protect the caster in psionic combat...

This looks pretty good! Minor comments: * "Greater disciplines" should be called "sciences", and a hypothetical third category opening up at 11th level should be called "grand arts". * Very nice use of psychic focus as a flexible tool available only to the class. * What is so psychic about...

I think it's OK for you to give grunts a minor bump to AC or saving throws. It will make a fight a little more difficult, but 5E gives you a lot of wiggle room in encounter difficulty vs. PC survival. For solos/boss monsters, take a close look at the legendary monsters in the MM. I've tried a...

My dirtiest secret is that I've always wanted to run a meatgrinder campaign but can't find the players for it. These days everyone wants their own arc... spoiled youngsters. :-)

I agree with yourplayer's sentiment "that the Assassin archetype fits this concept better than the Thief archetype".

The player should also keep in mind that assassinate need not be used for killing. It's entirely appropriate for PCs who are good at sneaking up on someone and knocking them out so they can steal their uniform and keep infiltrating. The ability makes them really good at that. I agree, the...

If he's really interested in role-playing for its own sake, take him aside and suggest that his quirky lame duck is becoming boring and frustrating. Interesting characters grow. In a novel, this wizard who is constantly getting her ass kicked would eventually change her tactics or question her...

I think this is really interesting. I haven't had time to think about it deeply, but my first impression is that the high-level abilities arrive "out of the blue" and I would like more narrative justification for them. Rather than just hand-waving these abilities as the result of studying with...

I think of warforged as plants, personally. At least, the majority of their bodies are "living wood". I could play a WF as Groot-in-armor. :-)

How about making Hunter's Mark a mundane ability for all rangers, that activates not with spell slots but by studying an enemy for 1 full combat round? This gives rangers an incentive to scout ahead of the party--they can get that round of studying in before the combat starts. And to give a...

The DMG offers some skill variants that might interest you. For example, eliminate skills altogether and just grant the proficiency bonus when attempting an action that matches class or background.