So you weren't talking at all about third-party publishers? I guess my question then is how do you know DIY (which I interpret to mean homebrew) D&D content is used less today than it was in the past?
So you weren't talking at all about third-party publishers? I guess my question then is how do you know DIY (which I interpret to mean homebrew) D&D content is used less today than it was in the past?
All homebrew is no allowed.I wasn't suggesting otherwise, just shuddering at the thought of not running things that way.
"The Egg Elemental takes the Sword of Decks of Many Things out of it's trans-dimensional pocket, that's a void-lord ability..."
Yeah, it's all Gnome Paladins with Vorpal rapiers past that point.
But, that's just base D&D...
I though everyone was supposed to be playing Gnome Paladins...
Vorpal Rapiers! The first time you cut someone's head off with a piercing weapon at my table you get a slap and a time out.
Sword of Many Things could be a great cursed item. It changes form every round, roll on the d100 table to see what you're wielding this turn. A zucchini! Three goldfish in a sock! A Gnome Paladin on a Stick!! Solid gold baby, I'm using it.
I don’t. The words I used were “seems to be”.
Don Durito
Hero
I sometimes wonder why the 3rd party publishers are bothering with additional player material. I bought the Scarred Lands players guide a while ago because I loved the setting back in 3rd edition. I bought it as a GM but it's chock full of players options, almost none of which I would be inclined to encourage players to use (A barbarian with 1/3 druid casting, a Feat for Spiked Chain users - really?) and it really just highlights that there's not really all that much space really for player material.
Where there would be space is if you were able to tie all the options you gave to specific setting elements or organisations. But that doesn't work too well and if it does, it limits broad appeal anyway - (which supposedly is the reason why setting books are chocked full of player stuff).
There's also the fact that official D&D material is easily referenced online whether through D&D Beyond all one of the many other probably non-legal wikis that spring up. This means that I don't actually have to haul my copy of Xanathar's guide along to the game with me just in case I need to check something. Similarly spells - not only is it easy to look them up online you can also get those handy spell card packs which make everything a lot easier. Once you start mixing and matching 3pp material this becomes a lot harder (and really there is NOT a lack of spells in the game alreay).
I think 3pp subclasses and feats need to be setting specific and intensely flavourful. A lot of publishers just seem to look for gaps, many of which exist for a reason, and then fill them. The most useful material for them to publish is probably GM material - there's always space for magic items and monsters.
Where there would be space is if you were able to tie all the options you gave to specific setting elements or organisations. But that doesn't work too well and if it does, it limits broad appeal anyway - (which supposedly is the reason why setting books are chocked full of player stuff).
There's also the fact that official D&D material is easily referenced online whether through D&D Beyond all one of the many other probably non-legal wikis that spring up. This means that I don't actually have to haul my copy of Xanathar's guide along to the game with me just in case I need to check something. Similarly spells - not only is it easy to look them up online you can also get those handy spell card packs which make everything a lot easier. Once you start mixing and matching 3pp material this becomes a lot harder (and really there is NOT a lack of spells in the game alreay).
I think 3pp subclasses and feats need to be setting specific and intensely flavourful. A lot of publishers just seem to look for gaps, many of which exist for a reason, and then fill them. The most useful material for them to publish is probably GM material - there's always space for magic items and monsters.
Stormonu
NeoGrognard
I’d be a case study. I built a lot of my own stuff up through D&D 3E, but at some point it became difficult enough for me just to keep up with “official” options, and while I‘d like to convert my old stuff to 5E or brew some new stuff up, I just don’t have the time to bother - especially playtesting it. It’s plain easier to pick something off a shelf, as long as you feel comfortable someone’s already vetted it.
jmucchiello
Hero
And the audience for that is at least 1/4 of the audience for player material. In a niche market, diving into a niche of a niche is not wise.
MichaelSomething
Legend
Maybe they hang out around here? Where lots of are people are hoping\wanting that WOTC put out more player material? Maybe they saw that and thought, "Maybe I can fill that void?"
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