D&D 5E So, I kind of want to stay with 2014 rules. What are my longterm options?

[Clint_L]

Does every player need their own copy of the PHB? I don’t think I’ve ever played in (or DMed for) a group where that was the case. My current group has 3 full sets of the core books between the 5 of us, and that’s been a luxury compared to some groups I’ve been in. Back in the day we used to all share one PHB between the whole group and it made character creation slow but otherwise worked fine.

My 15 players in beginner campaigns last year owned exactly one PHB between them.

But they all used mine off DDB. Which should work for the OP, though it would mean maintaining a Master Tier subscription.

 

[Emerikol]

Now, I know that my books aren't going anywhere (At least for as long as I lay low enough to dodge wandering Pinkertons n_n), but I worry about the long term. Obviously no new books will be printed which will be a problem when trying to introduce new players in the future. And at some point my books will need replacing due to aging/use (or if I run into the aforementioned wandering Pinkertons) So what are my options longterm?

My 1e PHB and DMG are still fully serviceable. So I don't think it would be that hard to keep your books and use them the rest of your life. Now if those wandering Pinkertons grab them, might I suggest grabbing a digital copy of the rules.

To clarify, I'm not married to the 2014 rules; I just don't like the 2024 ones. I'm open to experiment with sideclones as long as they preserve what I like or don't follow the changes from the new rules. In short, things I like from OG 5e/don't like in v24:

• Some classes getting their subclass at first level. Character suddenly changing at later levels just don't do it for me. Moving the choice to higher levels ruins the customizability of classes and screws with party formation dynamics. If anything I'd like more classes to choose subclass at first.
• I like feats as optional.
• I don't like the way backgrounds are turned from an almost purely thematic construct to a very mechanical and optimizable element.
• I prefer backgrounds being customizable by default.
• I'm salty at the removal of half-elf and half-orc.
• I prefer attribute bonuses as a free choice. (Tasha's rules)
• I feel as if 2024 rules are more codified and jargonified for the sake of being more jargonified.

So far, I don't think the SRD has enough content, and Levelup is a bit more rules-heavy than I'd like. I've looked at Black Flag, but it makes some of the same changes I don't like in the 2024 rules. So any ideas?

I glanced at Black Flag and I agree. I would say most of your list are easy houserules to 5e 2024.

 

[jayoungr]

I would say most of your list are easy houserules to 5e 2024.

Why houserule 2024 instead of just keeping 2014, as the OP plans to do?

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

Why houserule 2024 instead of just keeping 2014, as the OP plans to do?

Best option yet.

I treat 5e24 as another supplement I can pick apart to add to my 2014 if I feel the need to.

 

[SpellObjectEnthusiast]

I fully intend to stick with my 2014 books. That's my long-term solution.

 

[MichaelSomething]

Isn't the longer term issue finding people willing to stick with the 2014 rules???

Shouldn't you create a Discord, subreddit, or some other community?

 

[UngainlyTitan]

Ok, let me explain myself. I've seen enough of the rule changes, and while I like some of the changes, I don't like the rest of the changes and don't like the changes I don't like more than I like the changes I like. I'm not exactly boycotting the new not-edition, for example I plan on buying the DMG, and I may shift to DM games with the new rules if I find enough demand for them, at which time I will likely buy a Monster Manual. However, personally and as a player, I prefer the original 5e rules, and will only look and will mainly DM with them. (And well, I don't see myself ever buying the new PHB)

Now, I know that my books aren't going anywhere (At least for as long as I lay low enough to dodge wandering Pinkertons n_n), but I worry about the long term. Obviously no new books will be printed which will be a problem when trying to introduce new players in the future. And at some point my books will need replacing due to aging/use (or if I run into the aforementioned wandering Pinkertons) So what are my options longterm?

To clarify, I'm not married to the 2014 rules; I just don't like the 2024 ones. I'm open to experiment with sideclones as long as they preserve what I like or don't follow the changes from the new rules. In short, things I like from OG 5e/don't like in v24:

• Some classes getting their subclass at first level. Character suddenly changing at later levels just don't do it for me. Moving the choice to higher levels ruins the customizability of classes and screws with party formation dynamics. If anything I'd like more classes to choose subclass at first.
• I like feats as optional.
• I don't like the way backgrounds are turned from an almost purely thematic construct to a very mechanical and optimizable element.
• I prefer backgrounds being customizable by default.
• I'm salty at the removal of half-elf and half-orc.
• I prefer attribute bonuses as a free choice. (Tasha's rules)
• I feel as if 2024 rules are more codified and jargonified for the sake of being more jargonified.

So far, I don't think the SRD has enough content, and Levelup is a bit more rules-heavy than I'd like. I've looked at Black Flag, but it makes some of the same changes I don't like in the 2024 rules. So any ideas?

Stick with 2014, a lot of the advice I would give has been given. Your biggest problem going forward will be players, retain those you have, if possible. If playing online either use a VTT with the automation for 2014 already locked in or stick with ones that do not need automation.

I think you should consider buying the new DMG, or at least cribbing the encounter guidelines. I believe that they are better than the 2014 ones, even for 2014 monsters.
I believe that 2024 adventures, or even Tales of the Valiant/Level Up adventures will probably work with 2014 characters with minimal conversion.

I would not run 2024 classes with 2014 rules but would happily allow 2014 classes in a 2024 game. I think that they would mostly work but they would grind the gears in places.
As for this list:

• Some classes getting their subclass at first level. Character suddenly changing at later levels just don't do it for me. Moving the choice to higher levels ruins the customizability of classes and screws with party formation dynamics. If anything I'd like more classes to choose subclass at first.
• I like feats as optional.

I think 2024 could work with feats as optionable.

• I don't like the way backgrounds are turned from an almost purely thematic construct to a very mechanical and optimizable element.
• I prefer backgrounds being customizable by default.

In my opinion, 2024 would work fine with the old background rules as long as one also included the starting attribute bonus rules from Tasha. If using feats then allow a free origin feat and if feats are banned then not.

• I'm salty at the removal of half-elf and half-orc.

Why not grandfather them in?

• I prefer attribute bonuses as a free choice. (Tasha's rules)
• I feel as if 2024 rules are more codified and jargonified for the sake of being more jargonified

I find utility in the jargon but if you don't like it, you don't like it.

In short, I see no reason, other than player retention not to continue playing with the old rules, if that is your preference.
As a DM one can run any game one wants, it may be more difficult as a player. If you already know players that will stick with the existing rules that may not be an immediate issue.

 

[Clint_L]

In the long run, I think it might be a bit problematic with new players since 2014 and 2024 are so close that the differences will stand out. Like, “why does my monk have to suck in this campaign?”

 

[Chaltab]

I feel like Black Flag is the best option if you want to maintain the feel of 5E14. Even with the changes to subclass schedules it doesn't add the overwhelming complexity of A5E or the power creep of 2024.

 

[Retros_x]

Well you keep your books and if they should fall apart you go on ebay/craigslist/amazon market whatever. With the popularity of 5e I highly doubt it will be hard to get a rulebook in the next 15 years.