D&D 5E Is 5e the Least-Challenging Edition of D&D?

[dave2008]

Sure it works great for a very specific type of game, but the system itself begins to fight the gm as soon as they start to edge even one toe outside the lines of that specific type of game

That seems more than a bit hyperbolic. We have some houserules that make our games more grim/gritty (and a bit more heroic too) and I don't feel the system is fighting me. There are lots of other people on these forums that don't share that extreme viewpoint (and a few that do). Because you have difficulty with something doesn't mean everyone does.

 

[Chaosmancer]

I'd like to add that the knock-on effects of adding or changing rules are really not that extreme in most cases, when it comes to combat rules.

For a random example, I grabbed an equipment supplement a few years ago and started adding some weapon traits. One of them was "Cruel" weapons which are designed to shatter in wounds and leave behind bits of shrapnel. I don't remember the rule exactly without looking at it, but I believe each shard reduced maximum hp by 1, and there was a Medicine check to remove the shards, increasing in difficulty for every shard in the wound. Also, there were degrees of success, allowing some shards to be removed but not all of them. A failure by enough could leave scarring (permanent hp loss) or aggravate the wound (now you are bleeding)

It is a little much to keep track of, but it is there and adds some extra danger to a fight.

I even have played around with something called Baatorian Green Steel, which would increase all of the Cruel numbers by 1 (increasing hp loss, DC to remove, ect) and giving a character the poisoned condition if they have shards in their body, maybe based on a Con save vs how many shards you have.

It is minor, but I didn't want it to be a big thing. And it wasn't hard to put together.

 

[Lem23]

The problem is that the dial is set wrong. Using video games as an example, OSR might be hard/nightmare & medium difficulty but 5e is unlimited lives and various other console codes in easy difficulty. Too many dials were adjusted with that goal you note & it results in the system binding a gm's hands by trivializing too many things. Sure it works great for a very specific type of game, but the system itself begins to fight the gm as soon as they start to edge even one toe outside the lines of that specific type of game

Sounds like 5e isn't the game for you then. Luckily, there are still thousands of other games out there, so you're sure to be able to find one that is right for you, which you can then spend your time playing as a constructive endeavour rather than waste your time on the 5e threads complaining. Everybody wins!

 

[Oofta]

Sounds like 5e isn't the game for you then. Luckily, there are still thousands of other games out there, so you're sure to be able to find one that is right for you, which you can then spend your time playing as a constructive endeavour rather than waste your time on the 5e threads complaining. Everybody wins!

Well complaining on these thread seems to be kind of a hobby for them.

On a related note I've never understood why, but acknowledging that no edition of any game can ever be the best fit for every player seems to just engender more complaints.

I have zero problem with people saying "I have a problem with X, any suggestions?" because that's an honest question even if I do not agree that X is an issue.

But some people don't want help or suggestions, they just want to complain.

 

[tetrasodium]

Sounds like 5e isn't the game for you then. Luckily, there are still thousands of other games out there, so you're sure to be able to find one that is right for you, which you can then spend your time playing as a constructive endeavour rather than waste your time on the 5e threads complaining. Everybody wins!

Aww... it sounds like you are frustrated that there are people who don't think 5e is perfect & are willing to voice their complaint in a way that wotc regularly claims they pay attention to. Luckily for us both those complaints can ensure that there are improvements u the future for 5e or later versions. You're welcome.

 

[fearsomepirate]

Aww... it sounds like you are frustrated that there are people who don't think 5e is perfect & are willing to voice their complaint in a way that wotc regularly claims they pay attention to. Luckily for us both those complaints can ensure that there are improvements u the future for 5e or later versions. You're welcome.

IDK, the way sales keep increasing ever year suggest that they're probably not going to listen to people who say they should go back to doing things the way that was on death's door after just a couple years.

 

[Lem23]

Aww... it sounds like you are frustrated that there are people who don't think 5e is perfect & are willing to voice their complaint in a way that wotc regularly claims they pay attention to. Luckily for us both those complaints can ensure that there are improvements u the future for 5e or later versions. You're welcome.

No, it doesn't affect my games one iota whether or not you enjoy it. I just thought that you might get some happiness out fo playing something you enjoy instead of whining. If you're happier doing that tthan enjoying yourself, then go for it, I guess. I also never said that it was remotely perfect, so you might want to work on your reading comprehension with all that spare time you'd have instead of spending hours here complaining.

 

[Umbran]

Aww...

Mod Note:
Please tone down the snark and condescension @tetrasodium .

 

[Don Durito]

I don't have an adversarial relationship with my players. On the other hand I don't hide behind dice. I discuss level of lethality with my players and try to read them and their reactions when we play. Then I DM accordingly. They know I will play the monsters the way I think they would act.

For the most part I don't rely on dice to decide what monsters do or do not do or what shows up when unless it's to resolve uncertainty like when the specter shows up. Wild animals don't fight to the death unless there are extenuating circumstances. Orcs aren't particularly bright but hobgoblins are a bit more intelligent and militaristic so are more likely to double tap. Higher level monsters are more likely to have previously encountered healing magic and are also more likely to make sure someone is going to stay down.

If a ghoul kills off Bob's character I'm not going to say "Sorry Bob, the dice made me do it." I'm going to own up to the fact that the ghoul ate Bob's PC's face because I decided it was ravenously hungry. On the other hand, it's just as likely that the ghoul will try to drag the unconscious PC off to be eaten because it tends to be more dramatic and gives fellow players more choices and options. Death is pretty rare in my campaigns because I've chosen to make it relatively rare and it's what my players enjoy.

Why are you justifying why don't want/need to use my idea?

Just don't use it. Simple.

 

[Oofta]

Why are you justifying why don't want/need to use my idea?

Just don't use it. Simple.

You accused me of trying to start an argument because I explained a different approach. You seem to be trying to bait me into arguing.

Stop doing that. Simple.