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One of the issues I had hoped Next would address is how D&D represents shields mechanically. Unfortunately, the current ruleset maintains the status quo. There are two shields in the game. One gives +2 to AC, the other gives +1 (and is given the name "buckler"). I have two issues with this...

Q: why does the buckler exist? Serious question! It's worse than a shield but uses the same proficiency. The price difference is inconsequential. In the old version of shield master, it at least could be used as it was in history: as a light weapon in conjunction with a sword or other...

With the mc rules, seems like the thing to do is to stat up for the class you want to play the most, and then start with the class you want to dip into. So if you want to be a fighter with 1 level of cleric, start as half Orc with 18 str, 16 con, 14 dex, and 10 in int wis, and 8 cha. Then multi...

I think you're correct. :) My intention is not to convert, it's to discuss. I adore this game and enjoy talking about it. It's why I searched for and joined Eric Noah's 3rd Edition News way back in the day, why I wrote such a favorable review of the game when it came out, and why I come back to...

Have you guys checked out 13th Age? Pretty interesting notions for recovery of powers (not based on time/sleep schedule; based on heroic actions/story milestones) and rate of advancement (1/4 level per game session, and at the end of each session you choose one perk/feature from the level you're...

Wow, you win the award for brevity. Thanks for writing that; it's a much more concise expression of my view, as well. I like your style, the Jester. Totally disagree with you though. While stated design goals are to honor previous editions, 5e is a "completely new game." The simple test of...

I agree with all the reasons you list. Where we disagree is while I think the "truly unique" reason exists, I don't think 5E should address it. Or rather, I don't think 5E should address it via 3e-style multiclass dipping. The player of the rogue5/ranger2/paladin1/sorcerer7 is essentially...

I don't think "balance" is a top design goal of 5e. At least, not the round-by-round balance that you seem to be advocating. Again, I think that designed-for imbalance is a good thing. My group complained that 4e classes were--after all the expansions--the same. Remove the goofy power names, and...

I think you're correct: you are reading too much between the lines (and not reading the actual lines). It's NOT my point to exclude minmaxers. I myself am a minmaxer. I'm very familiar with the joys of character optimization: you can check my previous posts in that subforum. There are...

Instead of looking at the mechanics of multiclassing, 5E's designers should take a step back and look instead at the intent of the player. Why do players want to multiclass? What roleplaying or mechanical void are they trying to fill? Which desires aren't being met by the current lineup of...

You've perfectly described the ideal play experience of the Wizard and Fighter. The Fighter is moderately effective in every combat. Dependable damage in all situations. The Wizard is extremely effective when he wants to be/when the circumstances fit his spell choices. Direct or indirect damage...

Oh man, you're in for a treat. Some of my favorite D&D memories were in the exact setup you've got: one player, one DM. It's super fun because the DM can craft an very tight story and every single turn, every player is fully engaged. Combats seem to move quickly, the plot advances quickly, it's...

I'm all for simply renaming Wisdom to Willpower. Let Wisdom be expressed through experience (inherent level bonuses to skill checks and saves) and roleplaying. Wisdom is the traditional prime stat for clerics, and renaming to Willpower makes perfect sense. Religion as typically portrayed in...

says the complete stranger, with 3 posts to his name, who self-identifies in his profile as belonging to the 19-24 age bracket. Oh yeah, Erachima. You are definitely the right person to judge D&D message board qualifications. :) I chide because I love. Welcome to ENWorld. Just consider...

I'm a fan of skill systems that have degrees of success, and that don't get in the way of story. FATE and 13th Age do a good job of this; even if you fail a roll, you can succeed at the task. For example: you make a Gather Information (or Int, or Cha, or whatever you prefer) check to learn the...

It does seem weird to have the non-fancy armors broken out at all. Each armor has a best-of-class: Chain Shirt for light, Splint for Medium, Plate for Heavy. You'll be able to afford the best armor after your second or third adventure; certainly by the time you hit 2nd level. So if the other...

Tweet said 13A doesn't require a grid. He didn't forbid you from using one, if you wish. One of the key features he kept mentioning was that 13A is designed to be customizable to your specific group's playstyle. So if you like a grid, you're welcome to use one. And, remember the pedigree of...

1. Google "5E playtest" 2. Limit results to past 24 hours 3. Click the (as of this writing) third result It's not that hard. Assuming you've signed up correctly and agreed to the terms and conditions, there's not even anything unethical about dling the materials from a functional, non-WotC...

At the DDXP "class" seminar (transcript here), Monte brought up the Three Pillars of D&D: Roleplay/Interaction, Combat, and Exploration. And the idea that classes would be balanced by their ability to interact with/excel at those three pillars. I think this is a terrible idea. It goes back to...

That'd be my concern, Jan. Based on the min-maxability, it seems the smart play would be to have each character super-specialize. A party composed of Gregor Clegane, Littlefinger, and Melisandre. Characters that bury the needle on their particular "thing". Hm. Actually, that sounds pretty fun...