D&D General 6E But A + Thread

[Argyle King]

I'm not sure exactly what the answer is for how D&D would 'fix' this, but moving away from using more hitpoints as the main way to make monsters higher level would be nice.

D&D tends to be a very combat-focused rpg. I'm fine with that. However, if that's one of the main pillars of play, I want 6E to find a way to do it differently.

If that means you cut HP in half but add +50% to encounter design budget, so be it. I think having more moving pieces that actually do stuff rather than big blobs of HP.

If proficiency bonus sticks around, I think the 6e default should be the variable bonus optional rule that uses proficiency dice rather than a static number. Maybe allow some classes to spend their proficiency die to exchange accuracy for specialized effects.

Divorce initiative from dexterity. Just have initiative be a flat d20 roll + proficiency die + any special feats or features that allow adding something else.

 

[mamba]

A compatible edition means the back catalog remains viable.

that is only of interest as long as people keep buying the game (and back catalog)

 

[Parmandur]

Except that CoC still reissues their most popular modules, right?

Yes, but the 1E stuff can still be run in 7E without a headache.Heck, you can run 7E CoC in 1E withiut being a rocket surgeon.

 

[Parmandur]

that is only of interest as long as people keep buying the game (and back catalog)

Right. And, people turn 12 every year...

 

[Chaltab]

What would you have it be used for?

Whatever the players want. Strongholds, spaceships, armies, luxury resorts in fantasy Penzance...

 

[Zardnaar]

what a depressing thought

My post?

 

[Scribe]

then why draw the line at fighters?

As always, some people want mundane options.

 

[payn]

what a depressing thought

I thought reassuring...

 

[Faolyn]

Why have magic if it doesn’t make you more powerful?

Realistically?

Define powerful.

Are we just talking damage? Because I bet you could make really interesting casters that have few or no direct-damage dealing spells. Only utility, buffs, and de-buffs, and things like illusions and enchantments. And that could still be a very interesting caster for a lot of people.

 

[Argyle King]

I think you can have magic and supernatural options without being so gonzo that the game becomes supers masquerading under a fantasy aesthetic.

I've said this in other threads, but I think D&D could learn a lot from professional wrestling. Yes, obviously, pro wrestling contains things that are not real. However, even with Undertaker being an undead wrestler; Hulk Hogan essentially being a paladin fueled by the power of Hulkamania; etc, there is still generally an effort to portray things as a "sport." Even if it is one with very loose rules, the rules are still there. There's still a referee and defined conditions for how things should go.

Similarly, even though fantasy can do essentially anything because "it isn't real," there should be some attempt to make it seem like the character who just wants to swing a sword and the character channeling otherworldly power exist within the same set of ropes while fighting monsters.