I followed the Next playtest only briefly and I don't remember that, or maybe I stopped following at the point it was added. I did read the 2014 DMG but don't recall that variant rule either, I'll have to look at it again. I was really hoping that when One D&D was announced that it would have been a redesign rather than a revision, but life goes on.
I don't remember what packets it was in, but I think it was around the last few. I've posted the variant rule from the DMG in the post just above yours.
I saw it, and yes that is pretty much what I was getting at. I agree with you, and the designers, that unless it's hard wired into the mechanics of the game it's probably not a good option to use as a variant rule. It really pains me sometimes watching a player pour over their character sheet for every last modifier they have or remembering a spell or magical item modifier during combat.
And rolling lots of dice is fun! I believe one of the designers, possible Mearls, said that's why the kept the proficiency dice as an optional rule in the final game - because they knew that some people just like rolling more dice.
Yes its fun and easier to add up dice than modifiers IMO.
I missed this when I read the variant rule. I've noticed sometimes when I click on push notifications it doesn't always show the whole quote. More dice would most likely make for more random results but if NPC's and monsters use the same rules then it shouldn't make a difference. As far as whether the die size should go up vs the number of dice IDK. I didn't do very well in statistics in college but on the face of it, it would seem adding up less dice would be easier, but may give greater variation then rolling more of the same dice. Overall I'd prefer fun over balance. I really wish that game balance hadn't become such a dominating force in game design. I do miss AD&Ds random character generation aspects. Some classes were better than others but you had have good rolls to earn those classes.
rituals i agree with, cantrips i don't think wouldn't be half as bad if they didn't auto scale like they do, i'd rather the wizard be dealing d10 fire damage with fire bolt a turn than d8+dex piercing with a crossbow, IMO casters should be bringing elemental coverage with their attacks, even if they're reduced to their weakest capabilities.
how is that easier, you did not get rid of the addition and have to roll more dice
I mean you are already turning it into this discussion by complaining about my ‘solution’, so all you do now is chicken out from having to provide one yourself. Put up or shut up, I am ok with either one.
so what about all the spell slots they have now left over for combat, somehow they are not eager to spend those, outshining combat even more (while supposedly gracefully stepping aside outside of combat, only reminding people every once in a while how much easier the party would have it if they were allowed to do their thing outside combat as well)?
Interestingly, I use a proficiency die and it actually makes things LESS swingy, rather than more. Rolling two dice (even different dice) makes it more likely that the total is close to the average.
Don't destroy our illusions.
