D&D General 5.5 and making the game easier for players and harder for DMs

[Micah Sweet]

Because if you screw up, you die.

Doesn't mean your PC has a lot of options. You just have little margin of error.

They can have a lot of options. It is possible to thread the needle, even if you have to spin your own thread sometimes (though not all the time, there are games that do it).

 

[DEFCON 1]

Which works great if and only if that game isn't really a big deal to you.

Well, if someone makes the brand identity of 'Dungeons & Dragons' bigger than it should be to them because it is just a game after all... there's not much of us can do to help that person. They are stuck with a problem of their own making.

 

[DarkCrisis]

I've always thought the meme-phrase of "5E is everybody's second-favorite edition of D&D" to be right on the money.

It's the best compromise for the most people who do not have the time, energy, or wherewithall to put in the effort to get their favorite D&D onto the table with the handful of players needed who agree with them.

So much this.

 

[DEFCON 1]

The issue, as always is that the circle moved and left them outside of it. The fact that that movement brought other people into the circle doesn't do anything for those left behind.

Nothing ever stays in place, and you know that. Everything constantly moves. So why would someone possibly be surprised about that or think they can rage against the tide?

 

[payn]

I've always thought the meme-phrase of "5E is everybody's second-favorite edition of D&D" to be right on the money.

It's the best compromise for the most people who do not have the time, energy, or wherewithall to put in the effort to get their favorite D&D onto the table with the handful of players needed who agree with them.

Yes, 5E is very malleable. It's not designed to specifically lean into a lot of RPG elements that have arisen over the decades, but it can do most of them with some effort. The fact that it takes some effort, and that its not perfectly suited, is what is often decried. So, either you figure it out and live with it, or you move on. Seems most people have learned to live with it being their second favorite.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Well, if someone makes the brand identity of 'Dungeons & Dragons' bigger than it should be to them because it is just a game after all... there's not much of us can do to help that person. They are stuck with a problem of their own making.

I'm just not fond of the idea that because something isn't necessary for life you shouldn't care what is done to it.

 

[Minigiant]

I've always thought the meme-phrase of "5E is everybody's second-favorite edition of D&D" to be right on the money.

It's the best compromise for the most people who do not have the time, energy, or wherewithall to put in the effort to get their favorite D&D onto the table with the handful of players needed who agree with them.

5e is ordering pepperoni pizza pies and cheese pizza pies for the party.

Those 2 may not be everyone's favorite but most people would love to have a slice of one or the other or both.

5.5e replacing 2 pies with veggie.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Nothing ever stays in place, and you know that. Everything constantly moves. So why would someone possibly be surprised about that or think they can rage against the tide?

I was in that circle for over 30 years before it finally moved beyond me. That's most of my life, and TTRPGs have always been my most time-intensive hobby. I feel justified in being irritated about it.

 

[mamba]

1% chance is still a chance. Is that good enough?

sounds about right, it's not like anyone is looking for even a 10% chance imo

 

[Micah Sweet]

5e is ordering pepperoni pizza pies and cheese pizza pies for the party.

Those 2 may not be everyone's favorite but most people would love to have a slice of one or the other or both.

5.5e replacing 2 pies with veggie.

But is it one of each, or two of one?