D&D 5E (2014) Random Starter Set Teaser from Google+

[GravyFingerz]

This was posted on the D&D google+ account, but I couldn't find an article on the wizards website.

 

[GravyFingerz]

Ooooooooooooh! Splint Armor says that if your Strength is less than 15 is reduced by 10 feet, rather than the standard 5 I assume is on the armor table.

 

[GX.Sigma]

Ugh, the weapon list.

Okay, so, Real Talk for a second. I'm an alpha tester. The weapon list is the only part of the game that I ever thought was legitimately, objectively broken. I told them it was broken as often as I was allowed to. And it's still broken in the release version of the game.

First of all, similar weapons have different costs. Why in the world would anyone buy a greatsword when they could get a maul for cheaper?

Second of all, the greataxe is useless. Look at it. 1d12. The maul and greatsword (which are otherwise similar to the greataxe) have 2d6. Just think about that for a second. The greataxe can deal 1-12 damage. The maul can deal 2-12 damage. In fact, if you do the math, 2d6 averages one point higher than 1d12. So why in the world would anyone use the greataxe?

 

[Nagol]

Because they want slashing instead of bludgeoning, but don't want to pay the extra 20 gp for a greatsword?

OK, I got nothing. Though 2d6 is only half a point extra damage on average.

 

[TarionzCousin]

What does "versatile" mean? Can we finally accurately throw longswords like they do in the movies?

 

[Agamon]

For the people that down't niggle over DPR and drool over optimization options, use what you like. I'm a greataxe wielding barbarian! Fear me!

For the rest, use the thing that will get you another point per hit. I do 18.73 damage every 2.5 rounds! Fear me!

Best of both worlds!

 

[GravyFingerz]

What does "versatile" mean? Can we finally accurately throw longswords like they do in the movies?

Not sure if you're legit asking what versatile means, but in the last playtest document, it means that if you use this weapon two handed, you use the damage die indicated.

 

[Agamon]

What does "versatile" mean? Can we finally accurately throw longswords like they do in the movies?

Versatile means the weapon can be used two-handed for the upgrade in damage.

 

[Shiroiken]

I'm mostly annoyed at the failure of the Trident (martial) being identical (except higher cost) than the common Spear (simple). The Handaxe is also wrong, as it's by far the best simple weapon at 1d6 damage.

 

[Morrus]

Do all weapons have to be exactly equal? Why can't some be better than others? I'm fine with it. I'm not a fan of balance just for it's own sake - it's a tool, not a goal.