D&D 5E New game for me. Is this acceptable?

[Minsc]

Hey guys.

I'm just beginning play with a new group.

Rules are standard point buy, campaign begins at 5th level. I can choose one uncommon magic item to start. Suggested items are: Wand of Magic Detection, Ring of Evasion, Ring of Fire Resistance, Headband of Intellect, Keoghtom’s Ointment, Cloak of Elvenkind, +1 Weapon, Ring of Protection, Boots of Striding & Springing, and Gauntlets of Ogre Power.

That being said, I was thinking about playing a hand crossbow wielding Eldritch Knight. Do you think a self-loading hand crossbow +1 is too much to ask for?

I intend on taking the crossbow mastery feat, but I hate the rules as they are written (which could effectively allow one to dual wield hand crossbows and reload them both).

If I can get this item, I'd opt to use a shield instead. I think it looks cooler and is more fun.

 

[KarinsDad]

A +0 self loading hand crossbow might seem ok, but a +1 version is probably stronger than an uncommon item.

 

[transtemporal]

If you're getting a self-loading crossbow (which would be a house rule as it doesn't exist in 5e) and you have no intention of using a second crossbow, theres no point getting the crossbow expertise feat.

 

[Jeff Albertson]

Hey guys.

I'm just beginning play with a new group.

Rules are standard point buy, campaign begins at 5th level. I can choose one uncommon magic item to start.

Be careful with magic items in this edition, they are not assumed. Put in, what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Capn Charlie]

If I were DMing, I'd allow a +0 self loading hand crossbow for a fifth level character. But then again, I still hand out bonus xp for written and submitted character backstories.

 

[Riley37]

A player in my group went variant human, crossbow feat, dual hand crossbows. I *hate* the question of how one insta-reloads two hand crossbows while having both hands full of crossbow. I persuaded him to instead wield a clip-fed crossbow, mechanically identical but doesn't offend my aesthetics nearly so badly. (He can attack and then bonus attack; damage is same as a hand crossbow, because the draw is weaker than a standard crossbow.)

http://www.atarn.org/chinese/rept_xbow.htm

 

[Leatherhead]

I was thinking about playing a hand crossbow wielding Eldritch Knight. Do you think a self-loading hand crossbow +1 is too much to ask for?

Yes.

I intend on taking the crossbow mastery feat, but I hate the rules as they are written (which could effectively allow one to dual wield hand crossbows and reload them both).

I think that was intended. Out of all the popular interpretations, I find this one to be the most mechanically balanced.

If I can get this item, I'd opt to use a shield instead. I think it looks cooler and is more fun.

Using a shield and a hand-crossbow is undoubtedly the cheesiest!

 

[Capn Charlie]

A player in my group went variant human, crossbow feat, dual hand crossbows. I *hate* the question of how one insta-reloads two hand crossbows while having both hands full of crossbow. I persuaded him to instead wield a clip-fed crossbow, mechanically identical but doesn't offend my aesthetics nearly so badly. (He can attack and then bonus attack; damage is same as a hand crossbow, because the draw is weaker than a standard crossbow.)

http://www.atarn.org/chinese/rept_xbow.htm

That is an elegant solution. I approve heartily.

 

[Tony Vargas]

A player in my group went variant human, crossbow feat, dual hand crossbows. I *hate* the question of how one insta-reloads two hand crossbows while having both hands full of crossbow. I persuaded him to instead wield a clip-fed crossbow, mechanically identical but doesn't offend my aesthetics nearly so badly. (He can attack and then bonus attack; damage is same as a hand crossbow, because the draw is weaker than a standard crossbow.)

Re-skinning can be a very handy tool, that way. Just change the fluff to eliminate any sort of mechanic-narrative disagreement or 'dissonance' like that.

I guess the player wanted the game-mechanic rate of fire, not the image of a two-gun crossbowman?

 

[Mercule]

I wouldn't allow a self-loading crossbow, ever, without it being considered a legendary, unique magic item. Even playing Diablo, the idea makes me cringe if I think too much. I'd be willing to compromise with the Chinese repeater, though.

Shorter answer: Depends on your GM and group.