D&D 5E How to balance a flaw?

[trentonjoe]

I am playing a thief that because of his backstory, I can’t use metal equipment. That seems like a pretty big penalty to me. Is it “balanced” to just get a free feat at 1st level?

 

[EzekielRaiden]

I am playing a thief that because of his backstory, I can’t use metal equipment. That seems like a pretty big penalty to me. Is it “balanced” to just get a free feat at 1st level?

Honestly, it somewhat depends on the feat--there's some pretty wide spread in the power of feats in 5e. Ritual Caster or almost any of the half-feats would seem reasonable. Lucky or Crossbow Expert might be too strong. If you're an Elf or Half-Elf, Elven Accuracy would definitely be too strong.

 

[Swarmkeeper]

Bone shortsword and dagger?

 

[jgsugden]

You don't need compensation. Having an unusual story element and a challenge are rewards that make your PC more fun to play.

 

[NotAYakk]

Leather armor is 1 AC under studded.

A short or long bow is a non-metal weapon and perfectly usable with a thief.

Looks like a flavor thing to me.

 

[Krachek]

Make an advantage look like a flaw. DC 15 deception check.

 

[Charlaquin]

I’d just let you use normal equipment and describe it as being made from a non-metal material. Unless you specifically want the handicap of not being able to use most weapons and armor, I guess.

 

[TwoSix]

Free feat seems fine, since you're getting locked out of a lot of magic items a rogue would want. I'm assuming the no metal weapon constraint means you're limited in your weapon selection; if the DM gives out special material weapons (like a bone rapier or something) then a whole feat might not be warranted. If you're stuck with clubs and whips, then you definitely deserve a feat.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

I am playing a thief that because of his backstory, I can’t use metal equipment. That seems like a pretty big penalty to me. Is it “balanced” to just get a free feat at 1st level?

No.

You chose the backstory, live with it.

It sounds like a not-so-cunning ploy to try and get a free feat, then work round the restrictions by using bone tools, a bow and a club.

 

[Li Shenron]

I am playing a thief that because of his backstory, I can’t use metal equipment. That seems like a pretty big penalty to me. Is it “balanced” to just get a free feat at 1st level?

I would make sure the character gets plenty of non-metal replacements for daily tasks, and grant inspiration whenever the character makes a decision because of this restriction that leads to an immediate cost.