D&D 5E Ban Variant-Human! Impact?

[Al'Kelhar]

In short - without a lot more background - simply saying it's not been a problem in your games isn't convincing. I could easily play in your games and find problems that you've overlooked.

Sorry, are you saying that we should all ban variant humans because you've spotted some fundamental mechanical problem with them? If so, fine. But stop the snark, mate. I love threads where the OP says they've got a real problem with something, and then spend the whole thread being told something they don't want to hear and treat it like some personal mission to prove everyone else wrong. Grow up.

 

[Yaarel]

Well it was the same in 3ed (human the only race that got a bonus feat). The difference was that feats were much more common in 3ed and they weren't as swingy.

Feats are much more rare in 5E, and the problem is compounded by the fact that there is WAY more variability from feat to feat.

I agree, the problem is how unbalanced the feats are compared to each other. Some are overpowered, and others underpowered.

Moving overpowered ones to a higher tier, helps solve this.

 

[Oofta]

I think rolling for stats has a far bigger impact on PC effectiveness than a single feat for an otherwise substandard race.

 

[FrogReaver]

Sorry, are you saying that we should all ban variant humans because you've spotted some fundamental mechanical problem with them? If so, fine. But stop the snark, mate. I love threads where the OP says they've got a real problem with something, and then spend the whole thread being told something they don't want to hear and treat it like some personal mission to prove everyone else wrong. Grow up.

Changing the status quo is always argued against - and justifications are always made for why the status quo is not a problem. Happens in every thread. Happens everywhere throughout life as well.

 

[Zardnaar]

Quick explainations.

-5/+10 feats
It's very easy to negate the -5 part so tends to double or triple the damage.

Warcaster/resilient
Concentration rolls. Concentration spells tend to be better than ones without it.

Healer feat
Compare with how much healing a life cleric can do.

Even at higher levels say 9 it's 1d6 plus 13 healing per person per short rest. 1hp whack a mole healing especially with thief.

 

[FrogReaver]

I agree, the problem is how unbalanced the feats are compared to each other. Some are overpowered, and others underpowered.

Moving overpowered ones to a higher tier, helps solve this.

From a design paradigm I'm good with this. From a user modifying the game - I'm not sure I want to go through the whole feat list and make that decision on each feat individually.

 

[Ashrym]

I think the biggest indicator for me is how many threads discuss builds and whatnot that start with taking a specific feat at 1st level to get ahead of the curve. Standard human is good on point buy but bit niche while variant human is open to synergy abuse. I tend to do it in my characters whether I'm indicative of the norm or not so I see it.

That's why I prefer a limited selection.

 

[FrogReaver]

I think rolling for stats has a far bigger impact on PC effectiveness than a single feat for an otherwise substandard race.

I'm not sure I agree there. The difference in having PAM at level 1 and not having it is typically a bigger difference than most ASI differences from rolling are going to make (especially since rerolls are always allowed)

 

[Zardnaar]

I think the biggest indicator for me is how many threads discuss builds and whatnot that start with taking a specific feat at 1st level to get ahead of the curve. Standard human is good on point buy but bit niche while variant human is open to synergy abuse. I tend to do it in my characters whether I'm indicative of the norm or not so I see it.

That's why I prefer a limited selection.

Feat combos can be a problem although some feats are a big problem all by themselves.

20 strength plus two feats level 6 can be done.

Or Dex plus cbe+SS.

 

[Yaarel]

From a design paradigm I'm good with this. From a user modifying the game - I'm not sure I want to go through the whole feat list and make that decision on each feat individually.

There is kinda no other way to do it right. Each feat needs to be vetted for its balance and playability.



The problem with removing all feats is, it removes character customizability. This is moving against the tide, since many (most?) players want 5e to have more customizability.