Is decision of method of ability score gen a house rule?

[glass]

Well, since no one else can agree, I'm going to be the DM and say what it is: anything that isn't CORE is a house rule. We can put all the fancy words on it we want "optional rule" "table rule" "variant rule" whatever. Unless they're core, they're house rules.

Ah, but the variant ability socre methods are core: They are in the DMG. They are still optional variants though.

EDIT: And not houserules by my definition, although I doubt the game police are going to be breaking you door down because you definition is different from mine.


glass.

 

[Knight Otu]

Published: Variant Rule

Just to throw a curveball - some of the published "variant rules" In Unearthed Arcana are clearly labeled house rules. The house rules of some of the writers, sure, but they're published.

Another one - if you post something on the forums, you effectively "publish" it. If you post your house rules in our house rules forum...

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Just to throw a curveball - some of the published "variant rules" In Unearthed Arcana are clearly labeled house rules. The house rules of some of the writers, sure, but they're published.

Another one - if you post something on the forums, you effectively "publish" it. If you post your house rules in our house rules forum...

While true ...

But seriously, how hard are we going to poke holes in definitions? You can poke a hole in any definition. While your point on the "house Rules" published in UA is legitimate, I think the internet is a bit of a stretch. I don't typically consider Internet stuff published. Merely produced. But like I said ... how nit-picky are we going to be?

I think if you say published the average person is going to think "in a book written by people who should know." In a WotC only game, published clearly gets defined even more to been that which WotC put into print. I understand that WotC isn't part of the original example. I was just merely saying.

 

[Knight Otu]

I think the internet is a bit of a stretch. I don't typically consider Internet stuff published. Merely produced. But like I said ... how nit-picky are we going to be?

That bit was just me having a bit fun, really. I do consider using written variants a house rule, though I'm not sure where I picked that up.

 

[Emirikol]

Another one - if you post something on the forums, you effectively "publish" it. If you post your house rules in our house rules forum...

I think they're variant house rules of the table (VaHoRuotT's) no matter what



jh

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

You can get nitpicky and follow strict definitions but really it's a more a matter of practicality and common sense. House rules are effectively being used anytime you add to, or alter the core rules and codify them for long term use rather than one-time arbitrary decisions. That means that even if you're using paper-published WotC sources, if it's outside of the Core Rules, the decision to use it, adjust it, or whatever is a house rule.

Some of what's in the DMG, even being Core Rules, is still effectively going to be house-rule material. Choosing the character generation method for example. This is a choice made by the DM, not by the players. The assumption in the PH is that the players will use the default method of 4d6. The DMG presents "optional" methods, but even while being published in the DMG their use or denial is a DM decision - effectively a house rule. Doubly so for prestige classes. The DMG clearly specifies that they are optional and their use is strictly a call for the DM. Thus even though they are presented in the Core Rules their inclusion in any campaign IS house rules territory.

 

[blargney the second]

I put a private D&D forum for our group on my website. I stickied a thread that lists the specifics of the house rules, the variant rules that we decided to use, and our homebrew XP system.

 

[diaglo]

3d6 in order. str, int, wis, con, dex, cha

as the referee i also rolled some pregens the players can choose.

 

[Arnwyn]

if a DM has to make any decision outside of the FAQ, then you have house rules right? So is it better if he writes them down for all the players or just have the players guessing and wondering what 'whim' he will use that day?

No - but the players can do so when it comes up.

I contend that everyone uses house rules and they should be writing them down for their players, whether it be a House Rule List of Non-Core books allowed, or any variation to ability score generation from what is presented in the PHB.

As above.