So 5e is getting to a point where it will be redesigned before it get a new setting built around the ideas and mechanics of 5e. Now One D&D will b a thing and by continuing of the 5e, it will be too long in the tooth to not have a setting with its ideals.
So as of the September Playtest...
How does a setting look with Ardlings as a base assumption in the world?
How does a setting look with Dragonborns as a common occurrence and global power player?
How does Dwarves and Halflings having no origin based differences alter their role in a setting? What new kinds of Dwarves and Halflings might emerge?
How does all Elves and Gnomes having magic in their lineage alter their image in a setting?
How does Orcs being a base player option equal in importance as dwarves and elves alter this setting?
What does Tieflings having 2 more core legacies mean for the setting?
How does a world look if aspects found in 1st level feats are common enough to be found in adventurers?
To me the biggest new aspect that would differentiate a De D&D setting is 1st level feats. Other editions had 1st level feats but 5e does them so much differently. The magic one being Magic Initiate as a 1st level feat and part of a background. This really is huge. A first level feat is something everyone could get. Before you had to be level 4 or some super ambitious human to get magic that low level. Magic as a background as simple as an acolyte or guide means that magic is widespread enough that everyone could have some but not enough that its everywhere. Some random farmer might cast magic missile on some wild beasts because a wizard spent a week resting at their home and taught him a spell as a thank you. That and a possible normalization of ardlings, dragonborn, orcs, and tieflings means the perceptions of the setting's people would be different. A common peasant would not bat an eye to the sight of a dragonborn soldier or a town guard casting 1st level spells of a cutpurse.
"Well, my lord sent you all to see me? I'm just a cook. Oh. that. Well Do you remember when that Cult for that Fish Goddess swept through the Western Duchies? I kind of got brush up in that too. I'm not proud of it but they teach me a few things. So I know that spell. Bring your captive in. I'll do it since my lord sent you. Just stop eating the apples."
Another factor is Bounded Accuracy. 5e and One D&D will be built with the idea that AC and ACs only get so high so amost anyone can hit anyone else. That with a heavy desire for the return of the 4e minion rules by many could mean a heavy push of "Big monster with 3-5 henchman/handlers" play. One big monster to be the focus of play and a few minor threats to divert attention. With One D&D likely having celestial, fiend, and fey elements in the origins and having a push for formarly monstrous races on both sides of the screen, a setting can really run with "cultists summon/call/create a monster" play.
With the different styles of fantasy of the base 5e and possible One D&D playtest rules and the popularity of certain types of fiction, I could see a good base for an official magic intrigue setting where different factions compete for the loyalty and attention of adventuring parties. Dungeons in this setting would be the bases of opposing factions and manned with the officiers, henchmen, and monsters following the factions theme.
So what are your thoughts on a possible new setting for One D&D using its design goals and 5e design?
So as of the September Playtest...
How does a setting look with Ardlings as a base assumption in the world?
How does a setting look with Dragonborns as a common occurrence and global power player?
How does Dwarves and Halflings having no origin based differences alter their role in a setting? What new kinds of Dwarves and Halflings might emerge?
How does all Elves and Gnomes having magic in their lineage alter their image in a setting?
How does Orcs being a base player option equal in importance as dwarves and elves alter this setting?
What does Tieflings having 2 more core legacies mean for the setting?
How does a world look if aspects found in 1st level feats are common enough to be found in adventurers?
To me the biggest new aspect that would differentiate a De D&D setting is 1st level feats. Other editions had 1st level feats but 5e does them so much differently. The magic one being Magic Initiate as a 1st level feat and part of a background. This really is huge. A first level feat is something everyone could get. Before you had to be level 4 or some super ambitious human to get magic that low level. Magic as a background as simple as an acolyte or guide means that magic is widespread enough that everyone could have some but not enough that its everywhere. Some random farmer might cast magic missile on some wild beasts because a wizard spent a week resting at their home and taught him a spell as a thank you. That and a possible normalization of ardlings, dragonborn, orcs, and tieflings means the perceptions of the setting's people would be different. A common peasant would not bat an eye to the sight of a dragonborn soldier or a town guard casting 1st level spells of a cutpurse.
"Well, my lord sent you all to see me? I'm just a cook. Oh. that. Well Do you remember when that Cult for that Fish Goddess swept through the Western Duchies? I kind of got brush up in that too. I'm not proud of it but they teach me a few things. So I know that spell. Bring your captive in. I'll do it since my lord sent you. Just stop eating the apples."
Another factor is Bounded Accuracy. 5e and One D&D will be built with the idea that AC and ACs only get so high so amost anyone can hit anyone else. That with a heavy desire for the return of the 4e minion rules by many could mean a heavy push of "Big monster with 3-5 henchman/handlers" play. One big monster to be the focus of play and a few minor threats to divert attention. With One D&D likely having celestial, fiend, and fey elements in the origins and having a push for formarly monstrous races on both sides of the screen, a setting can really run with "cultists summon/call/create a monster" play.
With the different styles of fantasy of the base 5e and possible One D&D playtest rules and the popularity of certain types of fiction, I could see a good base for an official magic intrigue setting where different factions compete for the loyalty and attention of adventuring parties. Dungeons in this setting would be the bases of opposing factions and manned with the officiers, henchmen, and monsters following the factions theme.
So what are your thoughts on a possible new setting for One D&D using its design goals and 5e design?
