D&D 5E Saving Throws design choice

[MechaPilot]

I think they legitimately attempted to implement a six save system then started looking at the spell list and realized "Holy crap! Most of this stuff relies on the target getting out of the way, enduring the effect, or keeping their wits about them!"

The three saves felt natural because it is natural to think of threats in terms of evading or enduring them (Will was the mental equivalent of both).

If the DMG presents a F/R/W variant, I think a lot of people will use it.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

Fortitude, Reflex, and Will strike me as much simpler, especially when Fort = better of STR or CON, Ref = better of DEX or INT, and Will = better of WIS or CHA (which is how I applied the saves for Mages & Monsters). That gives the benefit of an attribute save with the simplicity of a three-save basis.

I've also decided this is going into my house rules.

 

[keterys]

I think they legitimately attempted to implement a six save system then started looking at the spell list and realized "Holy crap! Most of this stuff relies on the target getting out of the way, enduring the effect, or keeping their wits about them!"

Certainly in terms of grandfathering it's less work on them, but hardly true under examination.

Strength to shrug off bonds and hindrances.
Intelligence and Charisma are as good (and often better) than Wisdom to represent resisting all sorts of mental effects.

In truth, I don't feel that there need to be 6 saves (4e's FRW works fine for me), but I feel that _if there are 6 saves_, then by golly they should have done it right. Especially since it was an excellent way to triage the stat unbalance.

But oh well.

 

[jodyjohnson]

There are a number of spells involving ability checks or skills. I would consider allowing the Save proficiency to help in those cases if you don't have proficiency already.

Basically on ability checks against those effects it counts as a save or skill.