3.5 Complexity Revisited: Core Books Only, Low Levels . . .

[Simon Atavax]

I'm trying to decide how I want to re-enter the D&D world. My initial enthusiasm for 4e is waning somewhat for a number of reasons that aren't relevant here, and I'm wary of returning to pre-3.x days, again for reasons that aren't relevant here.

But something about 3.5 really, really resounds with me in a positive way. I have good memories and emotions of that system, although the sheer mass of rules *did* start to wear me out after awhile.

Lately I've been struck by how commonplace the "3.5 is too complex to DM" idea has become. It seems to get repeated over and over as if it is almost self-evident, and no room for debate or clarification exists.

Now without question, 3.5 is a complex game. But let me ask the following: if a DM were to only use the three core rulebooks and was only interested in running a low-level adventure/campaign (say, levels 1-8 or something), would DMing 3.5 still be a painfully complex affair?

And if you will indulge a second question, give me a quick answer to this one: is 3.0 more, less, or of equal complexity to 3.5?

 

[Stalker0]

Generally I've never had problems dming 3.5 games from 1st to about 7th. After that it gets a bit more complex. I've run enough high levels to know it is a lot of work to dm, much moreso then I want to do.

 

[Creamsteak]

The E6 variant might be worth looking into. It focuses a lot on what you're talking about.

The game isn't too difficult to run at low levels. It really isn't until higher levels that things start growing out of hand.

 

[Merlin the Tuna]

The E6 variant might be worth looking into. It focuses a lot on what you're talking about.

Agreed. E6 sounds like it's exactly what you're looking for.

 

[Simon Atavax]

The E6 variant might be worth looking into. It focuses a lot on what you're talking about.

What's the E6 variant, praytell?

 

[rounser]

Software like NPC Designer are huge time savers if you aren't happy with fudging stats.

 

[Creamsteak]

http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/206323-e6-game-inside-d-d.html

 

[Simon Atavax]

http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/206323-e6-game-inside-d-d.html

Thanks for the link!

(reads about E6)

Shrug. I'd just as soon use 3.5 and focus on the lower levels. But still, the E6 was an interesting read.

 

[Treebore]

3E isn't all that complex. ITs all the splat books that make it overly complex. So sticking to core books only should keep it pretty manageable.

Or E6, the game inside D&D, may be the better answer for you.

 

[ppaladin123]

Avoid monsters/abilities that produce level drain and ability damage...there is little more annoying in 3.5e than having to continuously recalculate BAB, HP and defenses each round. Avoid grapple too. I think you can keep the complexity down to acceptable levels.