For my own games, I'm considering introducing "masterwork" weapons or something similar, with the idea that such a weapon counts as a magical weapon, but does not have a +1 or any other effect. I haven't quite figured out how that will work yet, so I don't want to derail the thread. (Similarly, there are some other changes I would like to make, such as trying the idea of giving more feat choices at various levels.)
back into the game.
I've mused about that myself. I've considered rerolling damage or rerolling 1s. Or a +1 to damage but not attacks.
Though, what's the default assumption of the game? As said, I'm rather inexperienced at running the game. I would like to homebrew content, but I'm admittedly struggling to see what the baseline assumptions are intended to be.
It can be tricky. I've listened to some design podcasts and read the books a bunch, and have been homebrewing for years.
It's just a learning process. Trying something, seeing if it works, and being willing to tweak the balance periodically.
Like any skill, the more you do and the more you practice the better you get.
To be fair, it's not difficult to achieve high AC without being a warforged. The way the race was presented in UA simply highlights the ability to achieve such a score.
The warforged made it exceptionally easy. It started with the best armour of each type, which generally needed a few sessions to save up an acquire. They didn't need 1,500gp for that plate armour. And it just got even higher as it added their full proficiency bonus. (At the time, I thought having it's AC only add half its proficiency bonus was probably more than enough. And the final print version is even better since you can at least benefit from finding magic armour.)
I'm using the book warforged in a game right now, and between a shield and
shield of faith I basically can't be hit by attacks. Which takes some of the fun away from the DM who can only hit me 10% of the time.
In a game with "bounded accuracy" as a stated goal, I'm noticing a lot more +1 bonuses starting to creep back into the game.
Bonuses have always existed in 5e.
Bounded accuracy doesn't mean there are never any bonuses. It means the DC doesn't go up arbitrarily based on level. You get better and can acquire items or cast spells that make you better, increasing your odds of success.
This is opposed to 3e/4e and PF1&2 where you get constant bonuses to your attacks, AC, skills, and saves that largely keep pace with the increasing DCs of the world so your odds of success remain static.
