Core+1

[Yaarel]

‘Core+1’ refers to building a player character while using the options in the ‘core’ Players Handbook (with DMs Guide and Monster Manual) ‘plus one’ other rulebook, only.

So far, noncore rulebooks include: Xanathars Guide, Sword Coast Adventurers Guide, Volos Guide, and now Mordenkainens Tome.

Many explain the Core+1 policy as relating to organized play in the Adventurers League. Reducing the number of books helps to avoid overwhelming new players.

However, the motive for Core+1 seems more about quality control. If in addition to core, only one other rulebook enters consideration, then the design and development teams can more reasonably test the possible permutations and better ensure balance.

Imbalance is more likely when unanticipated combinations of options cause break the game. The combos might too frequently trivialize conventional challenges. Thus increasing the number of noncore books increases the risk of fatal combinations of options.

The 5e phenomenon of ‘republishing’ the same content from one rulebook into an other rulebook, has the ostensible purpose of consolidating more options, in order to make that ‘one’ noncore book a more useful choice. Defacto, this seems to be the method for officially certifying those options whose combinations are expected to be safe.

DMs and players can, of course, choose to use many noncore rulebooks to build their characters. The point seems to be, the WotC design and development teams only accept responsibility for gaming balance if subscribing to Core+1. By contrast, if DMs and players decide to combine many noncore rulebooks, then they must become responsible for their own quality control.



The Core+1 policy presents some benefits (such as balance and ease of play) and some difficulties (such as redundant content and less customization).

 

[generic]

‘Core+1’ refers to building a player character while using the options in the ‘core’ Players Handbook (with DMs Guide and Monster Manual) ‘plus one’ other rulebook, only.

So far, noncore rulebooks include: Xanathars Guide, Sword Coast Adventurers Guide, Volos Guide, and now Mordenkainens Tome.

Many explain the Core+1 policy as relating to organized play in the Adventurers League. Reducing the number of books helps to avoid overwhelming new players.

However, the motive for Core+1 seems more about quality control. If in addition to core, only one other rulebook enters consideration, then the design and development teams can more reasonably test the possible permutations and better ensure balance.

Imbalance is more likely when unanticipated combinations of options cause break the game. The combos might too frequently trivialize conventional challenges. Thus increasing the number of noncore books increases the risk of fatal combinations of options.

The 5e phenomenon of ‘republishing’ the same content from one rulebook into an other rulebook, has the ostensible purpose of consolidating more options, in order to make that ‘one’ noncore book a more useful choice. Defacto, this seems to be the method for officially certifying those options whose combinations are expected to be safe.

DMs and players can, of course, choose to use many noncore rulebooks to build their characters. The point seems to be, the WotC design and development teams only accept responsibility for gaming balance if subscribing to Core+1. By contrast, if DMs and players decide to combine many noncore rulebooks, then they must become responsible for their own quality control.



The Core+1 policy presents some benefits (such as balance and ease of play) and some difficulties (such as redundant content and less customization).

This subject has been discussed on the forums many times, and three main points arise every time someone brings PHB+1 (also known as Core+1) comes up.

1. Wizards of The Coast created the rule as a way to balance AL characters, as the pressure of being put back at 1st level when you die makes many players min/max in order to survive.

2. The rule is optional, and the combos available to players of 5e, even when all of the books are combined, are far less disruptive than those of other editions. Some may say that WotC is stingy with options, but I say that they are smart. They know that things will become unbalanced if they offer the player-base too many options, as the risk of unintended chaos becomes higher with each book released. Players in private campaigns are rarely aware of Core+1, and its impact on 5e as a whole is minimal.

3. Yes, the rule is controversial, and some say that it can be too restrictive, but the rule exists, and I have seen few imbalances in the game due to ignorance of it, or due to purposely ignoring it.

Finally, you don't really present an argument, you state that it has advantages and disadvantages, both of these things are true. I wish in no way to shout, be rude, or instigate, I honestly do not know what you want to prove. I believe that all WotC products for 5e are tested against all available options, as things have been quite balanced so far.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[Satyrn]

Since we don't use any supplements, my table's effective rule is actually Core+0

 

[Vymair]

I think AL and Wizards are correct in implementing this kind of control. Back in 3e, players could use multiple supplements to create characters with class abilities and feat combinations from multiple products that were extremely powerful/unbalanced due to the way those feats or class abilities meshed.

 

[CapnZapp]

It's called PHB+1 and it's only a thing in tournament play.

For your home game, there is literally nothing to worry about.

 

[jgsugden]

They chose a simple rule to address a potential problem rather than something more elegant. My preference would be that they have a list of "character creation and advancement" features that are considered "exotic" and limit the number you can take while allowing any combination of everything else:

* You can have either an exotic race or an exotic class.
* You can select no more than three exotic spells to add to your character during the life of the character.
* You can select no more than one exotic feat for a character.
* If your character is allowed to start with a magic item, it can't be more than one item.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[jgsugden]

?

Simplicity is the highest form of elegance.

Simple makes sense when it functions well. This is an overly burdensome rule that favors simplicity over making sure that all balanced, fair and fun options are available. It eliminates, or at least greatly limits, a number of concepts that are not offensive in any way.

 

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*