D&D 5E [Let's Read] 5e: HARDCORE MODE

GlassJaw · May 8, 2020

Yeah not a fan.

For "hardcore" mode, you'll get a LOT more use out of Giffyglyph's stuff.

His stuff is definitely mechanics-heavy but his design is top notch. If you are tired of solo monsters getting stomped in 5E, definitely take a look at Monster Maker!

Ruin Explorer · May 8, 2020

Oofta said:
Meh. I have a hardcore mode. It's called "I'm DMing and nobody brought snacks."

Right? That said prior to the lockdown my players were remarkably reliable in their snack/soft drink/beer-bringing. Now I just have to plan days ahead and OH GOD I HAVE D&D TONIGHT AND NO SNAAAAAAACKS!

Keen to see the 5 Torches Deep review.

Libertad · May 8, 2020

not-so-newguy said:
Do you plan to review Into The Unknown? It's another OSR/5E hybrid

Not at the moment. For one, I don't own it and haven't read it. Additionally, it's not one convenient book but spread over a half-dozen 40-60 page products. Unless it does something truly notable or unique (which I'm more than happy to hear about) I may just review 5TD as the extent of my O5R analysis.

Weiley31 · May 8, 2020

Fenris-77 said:
Huh, well, that saves me buying Hardcore mode. I'm not a fan of those rules at all.

I'm stealing the candle though.

Dausuul · May 8, 2020

Libertad said:
That a few are counterproductive to said “Hardcore” vibe shows that this book could use a second pass.

I will happily give this book a pass.

And have some XP for the review!

not-so-newguy · May 8, 2020

Libertad said:
Not at the moment. For one, I don't own it and haven't read it. Additionally, it's not one convenient book but spread over a half-dozen 40-60 page products. Unless it does something truly notable or unique (which I'm more than happy to hear about) I may just review 5TD as the extent of my O5R analysis.

thanks for responding. I'm not savvy enough to make an argument, but the author did compare 5TD and Into the Unknown. Perhaps that might pique your interest. I was curious to read an in-depth critique of the product from somebody other than the author.

Comparison: Five Torches Deep vs Into the Unknown

My OSR Blog about fantasy world building and rules analysis for D&D. Also home of the B/X inspired 5e-clone "Into the Unknown."

mythlands-erce.blogspot.com

Regardless, I appreciate the reviews!

Fenris-77 · May 8, 2020

Weiley31 said:
I'm stealing the candle though.

Prestidigitation - you instantly snuff or light a candle. Oops!

Weiley31 · May 8, 2020

Fenris-77 said:
Prestidigitation - you instantly snuff or light a candle. Oops!

Classic BBEG move.

Tales and Chronicles · May 9, 2020

Honestly, the candles could be a nice ( and pricey) consumable.

Candles of Glory, very rare, consumable
Those candles are crafted by the disciples of the first god of death and time, working in the deepest reach of the Shadowfell. They are made from the corpse fat of a hanged criminal and liquid time. Once lit, they remained stationary, frozen in time, unable to be moved, for 1d6 days. Strong winds and rain have a 50% chance per day of snuffing the candle if it is exposed. If the creature that lit the candle dies while the candle is still lit, he awakes hanged to the closest three or pillar next to candle. An hourglass-bodied raven cuts the rope with its astral diamond-plated beak, and the character's body falls to the ground at 0 hp but stabilized. If the candle was extinguished and the character dies, the raven never comes and the character suffocate at the end of its rope.