D&D 5E (2024) Rate D&D 2024

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Except that that is not what happened here?

You stated this as a hard and fast rule. Do you only dig in your heels this way when it's about D&D?

 

[kermit4karate]

You stated this as a hard and fast rule. Do you only dig in your heels this way when it's about D&D?

No. I only dig in my heels when I'm correct, or until I'm convinced otherwise.

 

[Reynard]

I.wpuld like 6E to present species and cultures as a bunch of options that get chosen for inclusion in specific settings. Like,if you are running 1st Age Middle Earth, Elves are superhuman bastiches, full stop. We aren't trying to balance humans or dwarves with them. They are what they are.

 

[Rainbow Scissors]

I was one of those folks who didn't like the shift away from racial stat boosts, at first. I didn't like the optional flexibility rule when it came out in Tasha's, and had to be convinced by my players to allow it in my most recent 2014 game. I felt the same way that others have posted here, that it seemed to rob the races of their distinctiveness. And at most we're talking about a +1/-1 change to a modifier, which hardly breaks the game.

But now that I've had a chance to think about it a bit more, I see where they're coming from and endorse the change. I was never the target audience for these kinds of changes; I'm an older (50s) white male, who started D&D when it was an almost 100% white and male game (at least in my area). In recent years I have seen a massive increase in diversity amongst the player base, including a large influx of female players, more ethnic diversity, and a very significant LGBTQ+ component. I followed the pushback threads here where folks were highly critical of how orcs, drow, and other "bad" races were presented in 2024 (apparently the "vaquero"-style orcs pictured in the new PHB offended a lot of folks somehow?), but I have come around to the view that a more inclusive presentation is good for the hobby. And tying innate abilities/traits/behaviors to one's "race," like it or not, is something that holds a very loaded meaning for a lot of people in both history and in contemporary society.

I am happy to hear that, for some people, the changes have made them feel more welcome.

For me, I do fall into the demographics that are supposed to (I'm told) feel more welcomed by the changes. But I have not felt that way.

I completely understanding some of the changes. There are some styles of artwork and some specific choices of phrasing in older products that I do feel were an issue. But I personally have not felt that the approach to making those things "better" has done so for me personally. In some cases, like effectively eliminating the half-races/species, there are members of my usual group who feel that is more offensive than the game was before.

So, yeah, I am happy that you have noticed more diversity since the 2024 changes. I am very happy to hear that you feel more people are welcome to play in your area. I can't say that has been my own experience as someone that the changes were allegedly made for.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

I don't think rating a thing needs to be in comparison to anything else. I liked Superman 2025. Great fun movie. I don't need to rate it in comparison to any of the other Superman things.

I agree with you regarding comparing one like thing to another - for example, as I Comic Guy, I am constantly asked who my favorite character is. I don't have one. I like different ones for different reasons.

My above point was more along the lines of: What is a 10? A 9? An 8? What do they mean?

 

[Reynard]

I agree with you regarding comparing one like thing to another - for example, as I Comic Guy, I am constantly asked who my favorite character is. I don't have one. I like different ones for different reasons.

My above point was more along the lines of: What is a 10? A 9? An 8? What do they mean?

Whatever you want them to.

 

[VHawkwinter]

On a scale of 1-10. EDIT: where 1 is the worst and 10 is the best.

Just a simple, non-scientific poll.

Of course, if you have more nuanced opinions, that's what the thread is for!

EDIT: Also, I made sure you can change your vote, for the wishy washy among us.

I put no opinion (I have an opinion from reading it, but I don't think it should count in the polls). I was just interested in seeing the results. I haven't played D&D 5.2024, because from what I saw reading the PHB it was very similar to D&D 5.2014, and 5.2014 I would rate at around a ~3.5/10: among the best of the games I would rather not play or run ever again. It still has 5e math and too many ill-defined GM-fiat mechanics and too much lack of setting-continuity back to the beginning of the Forgotten Realms publications for me. If I find the gameplay and setting both thoroughly unsatisfying, it's just not checking any of the 'what I want from a TTRPG' boxes. Anyways. My thought was that if you actually like 5.2014, you probably won't hate it. If you strongly disliked 5.2014, you'll probably strongly dislike 5.2024 as well.

 

[Reynard]

Anyways. My thought was that if you actually like 5.2014, you probably won't hate it.

This is... not true.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Whatever you want them to.

I don't see how that doesn't make using a scale at all completely meaningless.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

I don't see how that doesn't make using a scale at all completely meaningless.

I agree. What's the point, then?