D&D (2024) 2024 PHB Background discussion

[Aldarc]

I wonder why they even bothered printing these "backgrounds" when they have 0 unique game features? If I want to play a character who used to be a farmer I see no reason to even look at the "Farmer" background instead of doing a custom background with just the right features for my character.

They said that some people don't like to think about these things, but, instead, they just like to choose an option. These are also meant to give them ideas about how to construct it all into packages.

 

[dave2008]

I wonder why they even bothered printing these "backgrounds" when they have 0 unique game features? If I want to play a character who used to be a farmer I see no reason to even look at the "Farmer" background instead of doing a custom background with just the right features for my character.

@Aldarc beat me to it. Some people don't like a lot of customization. My group (other than me - DM) is like that. They will much prefer premade backgrounds. They don't want to choose a lot of options.

 

[Laurefindel]

As far as I'm concerned, "make your own background or pick any of the following examples to use or modify" seems like the right way of doing it.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

I definately think having a specific language for each background is silly. Whey do all guards know dwarvish?

Yes it's super easy to modify, but then why not just say pick one language?

yeah they kind of DID say just pick one, the default is to make your own, these are just examples

 

[GMforPowergamers]

This is why I feel Level Up has an objectively better origin system. You have heritage, culture, and background, which allows plenty of space for different abilities to be appropriately sourced.

I hope you are going to give this feedback to WotC

 

[Yaarel]

The feat, Skilled, is horribly underpowered.

I hope part of the ODD is to fix subpar trap options.

Spending a FEAT, needs to include Expertise, or a similar mechanical worthwhileness.

Three skills is worth about a half-feat. Especially if the character already has the good the skills.

 

[dave2008]

The feat, Skilled, is horribly underpowered.

I hope part of the ODD is to fix subpar trap options.

Spending a FEAT, needs to include Expertise, or a similar mechanical worthwhileness.

Three skills is worth about a half-feat. Especially if the character already has the good the skills.

Just note that this is 1st level Feat now, which are supposed to be weaker Feats. They also note in the UA that they plan to adjust the power of things based on playtesting and feedback. So let them know in the survey.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

The feat, Skilled, is horribly underpowered

Just note that this is 1st level Feat now, which are supposed to be weaker Feats. They also note in the UA that they plan to adjust the power of things based on playtesting and feedback. So let them know in the survey.

there is a human only feat in Tasha's that gives a skill and expertise... I think skilled should be replaced with that

 

[TerraDave]

They said that some people don't like to think about these things, but, instead, they just like to choose an option. These are also meant to give them ideas about how to construct it all into packages.

Overall, this new PHB is increasing complexity and decision making for characters. But D&D is the big mass market game, that is why I think they have so many default choices in the playtest.

 

[Bupp]

I hope BIFTs remain part of backgrounds, because as a DM I'll often assign NPCs a background and roll up their BIFTs to represent their personality.