D&D 5E Anyone play with just the basic rules?

[fjw70]

or something between the basic and standard games? Right now my kids are the only group I am playing with. We actually use less than the basic game for PCs. As the DM I use some variant rules and the full MM.

So, any not using, feats, multiclassing, etc.?

 

[Tony Vargas]

I was asked to run some intro games at a convention that would be playable using only the basic rules, yes. They're perfectly adequate. Not a whole lot of mechanically distinct characters you can create with 'em but they're as functional as the complete rules - maybe a bit more so for being 'lite.'

 

[Crothian]

We don't use feats and don't use multi classing. But we are using the classes and options of the PHB. I think we could use just the basic game and everyone would be fine, but since the players all bought the book I want them to feel like they are getting use out of it.

 

[Sword of Spirit]

Not yet, but I'd like to someday just for a change of pace and that classic really old-school feel.

 

[JeffB]

When I run 5e, I use the Basic pdfs. Have not bought the books (for reasons I have yakked on about enough here recently )

I think I have used the TOD supplement for some monster stats, and I did a on the fly conversion of a PF Gunslinger. But yeah, Basic here.

 

[Viking Bastard]

We started using only Basic, but we have introduced the PHB material in theory. We've yet to use anything from it, though.

 

[Agamon]

If I wanted to play something simpler, I'd probably run ACKS. I like the level of options available in the D&D core rules though.

Basic is a great option running for kids though, agreed.

 

[GMMichael]

I'm playing basic rules only. The rest of my group isn't! And since we're not using a tactical map, I don't really see a difference. My only complaint so far is that our hostage regained all his hit points when he rested for the night.

...for a change of pace and that classic really old-school feel.

Can 5e provide this? I want to see saving throw tables, thieving skill tables, unbalanced classes, and amateur artwork before I call 5e "old-school."

 

[Agamon]

Can 5e provide this? I want to see saving throw tables, thieving skill tables, unbalanced classes, and amateur artwork before I call 5e "old-school."

To be fair, there's a difference between old-school feel and an actual old-school game.

 

[Tony Vargas]

Can 5e provide this? I want to see saving throw tables, thieving skill tables, unbalanced classes, and amateur artwork before I call 5e "old-school."

You could plot proficiency bonuses and expertise into matrices if you wanted. The classes are as unbalanced as, say post-UA 1e or AD&D 2e at release.

But there's no line art, sorry. ( I'm with you there, actually, the art of early RPGs is part of the nostalgic experience of 'old school feel' for me, too. )