Scaling of attacks and defenses.

[B.T.]

How much should they improve via leveling (if at all)? Personally, I'm fine with the 4e method of half level, but I'm not sure how big I am of the not-scaling that has been suggested in 5e.

 

[jadrax]

Low to no scaling is what I really want to see this edition try: It may end up not working but its got to be worth a try compared to the last two editions.

 

[Kunimatyu]

Non-scaling (minus the odd tiny bump here and there) means the math works and avoids the need for minions/solos/etc. Besides, what makes you feel more like you've improved - an increased chance to hit or orc, or wiping it out with one swing?

I actually think they need to be more careful of scaling than they have been so far. A +1 sword should add to damage, not attack.

 

[B.T.]

what makes you feel more like you've improved - an increased chance to hit or orc, or wiping it out with one swing?

Why not both?

 

[YRUSirius]

Slaying 20 orcs instead of just 1 on my own makes me feel much, much, MUCH more improved.

-YRUSirius

 

[Kunimatyu]

Why not both?

Because then you improve to the point where even ridiculous numbers of orcs are not a challenge.

Only (damage/HP) increasing means linear scaling.

(damage/HP) and (attacks/defenses) means quadratic scaling. Quadratic scaling means that only things very close to your own level are an appropriate challenge.

 

[Campbell]

th

From what I've seen so far it looks like hit points and damage will be doing the heavy lifting as far as scaling goes. You can even see this in the spells in the play test documents where sleep, charm person, and hold person are more effective once the target has been worn down. Kind of adds an element of raising tension to fights.

 

[B.T.]

Because then you improve to the point where even ridiculous numbers of orcs are not a challenge.

That statement makes a number of presuppositions that aren't necessarily true.

 

[Kzach]

OMG! I LOVE low to no scaling!

I can't believe I didn't realise the playtest used it until reading this thread

 

[slobster]

Because then you improve to the point where even ridiculous numbers of orcs are not a challenge.

Some people want that. For the very heroic campaign, maybe you should be able to go against an entire orc hoard and emerge triumphant, panting and exhausted on a literal mound of corpses.

I'm not sure where I stand, I could see it going either way. I'd be happy to make it campaign dependent: For a grittier campaign, numbers do not scale as you level up at all (except by magical items, feats, or whatever).

For the heroic campaign, you add half your level to all attacks, ability checks, and defenses. Monsters do the same. Done (though it means monsters need to have levels, like in 4E).