D&D (2024) Damage Threshold, the new "need a magic weapon"?

[TwoSix]

I think this mechanic works well to create monsters that can't be easily defeated by a mass of peasant archers.

What monsters such an effect SHOULD apply to is a very different question.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

By itself, this is a fine mechanic. It just has to not be overused, like the many fine mechanics in 3E were.

 

[tetrasodium]

A return of flat per attack DR in the new monster manual as described would be a good thing.

 

[bedir than]

I have no issues with 100+ peasant killing a dragon. Armies should be scary, and dragons should have to have their own minions.

Viva La Revolution

that's what kobolds and cultists are for!

 

[ezo]

that's what kobolds and cultists are for!

Really? I thought they were for snacking... huh.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

I don't want pesants to fish for crits. If it was 10 and they delt 1d6, 2d6 on a crit that would take thousands of peasants. Not to mention leave the monk sad.

But if it was like 4 or 5 vs 1d6, then sure. A few hundred peasants.

The best use of thresholds on creatures is MCDM's Flee Mortals where they use it for minions. It is set pretty low but basically the minions die if the threshold is met and live otherwise.

 

[Stalker0]

Dave2008s monster compendium has tried a number of such mechanics for dragons: D&D 5E - 5e Updates: Monstrous Compendium

The most recent concept, is that damage is halved against attacks from 150+ feet. So this means the ranged army does a lot less damage than PCs tbst get close and personal. The larger dragons also have damage thresholds

 

[darjr]

Hmmmm. Neat idea. I’ll have to try it.

 

[Zaukrie]

I am conflicted....on the one had, GREAT. I love the need for heroes. OTOH, an army of first level archers should be terrifying for any (one/thing) out there. My brain rattles when I try to imagine how any village exists in a world filled with demons/devils/powerful monsters.....otoh, I try not to worry about "realism" like that if I can help it. Sigh. Unsure.

 

[Maxperson]

Agree with @mellored - all this does is steepen the power curve and make major foes essentially immune to anything a commoner - or an army of commoners - can do. It also makes small weapons e.g. daggers much less attractive for PCs.

Backward step, IMO.

A compromise might be that the 10-point threshold is cumulative per round, such that if the target only takes 7 points total in a round it shrugs it off but if it takes 3 then 4 then 1 then 1 then 2 in the same round (thus a total of 12), it all applies.

On the flip side, a dagger shouldn't be able to hurt something like a dragon, no matter who you are. 6 inches or a foot of steel won't even penetrate some of the scales, let alone scales + skin, and then enough past scales and skin to be able to hit something vital.