D&D 5E [House Rule] Dropping proficiency bonus

[Crimson Longinus]

That works fine, if you never use skills with different abilities. However, I like to use skills with different abilities. I ask for ability checks rather than skill checks, and players can add their proficiency bonus if they have proficiency in a relevant skill or tool.

I rather feel that this is unnecessary complexity if you have players who have hard time adding a few small numbers together...

 

[FrogReaver]

I think you really need to do some probability calculations comparing the new way and old ways before you proceed.

Your new method leaves most non proficient characters unable to pass a DC 15 check as an example. Currently they have about a 20-40% chance. (-1 to +3 mod)

It also means an expertise character still has a 13.3% chance of failing a dc 10 check, even with max stat mod.

If that’s what you what you want then go for it. Just be aware of what the change is actually doing.

 

[TwoSix]

I rather feel that this is unnecessary complexity if you have players who have hard time adding a few small numbers together...

It isn't a massive problem, it's more of a few second delay. I'm just curious if using different dice feels different during play.

Ideally, I'd like to boil down the system so that the die roll IS the final result, no addition needed, but I'm not quite there yet.

 

[Charlaquin]

I rather feel that this is unnecessary complexity if you have players who have hard time adding a few small numbers together...

It’s a small amount of complexity that adds a large amount of depth, and it’s not something most players can’t handle. But, some players do find it easier when it’s two dice and one bonus instead of one die and two bonuses.

 

[TwoSix]

Your new method leaves most non proficient characters unable to pass a DC 15 check as an example. Currently they have about a 20-40% chance. (-1 to +3 mod)

Fine with that. I gate a lot of checks as "proficient only" already, this just adds a separate numerical filter if desired.

It also means an expertise character still has a 13.3% chance of failing a dc 10 check, even with max stat mod.

Yea, I'm OK with that. Higher ceiling of results, but more botch chance. Players that really want reliability can invest in Reliable Talent as well.

 

[FrogReaver]

Fine with that. I gate a lot of checks as "proficient only" already, this just adds a separate numerical filter if desired.


Yea, I'm OK with that. Higher ceiling of results, but more botch chance. Players that really want reliability can invest in Reliable Talent as well.

Awesome! Then the final question. Do you think they players will like these changes?

 

[TwoSix]

Awesome! Then the final question. Do you think they players will like these changes?

This is for my group that changes systems with regularity, so I don't think this will be a major issue.

They're the same group I subjected to my classless game experiments the first time, and their feedback was "We loved it, and it would be great if you did it again."

 

[FrogReaver]

One strange thing this rule does is make you crit more often with non proficient weapons. Not a huge deal, but it’s kind of odd.

 

[FrogReaver]

This is for my group that changes systems with regularity, so I don't think this will be a major issue.

They're the same group I subjected to my classless game experiments the first time, and their feedback was "We loved it, and it would be great if you did it again."

Awesome! Then let us know how it goes

 

[TwoSix]

Awesome! Then let us know how it goes

I will, although it will probably be a few months to a year before my next turn comes up. Another player is running Dolmenwood next.