D&D 5E [+] Ways to fix the caster / non-caster gap

[Micah Sweet]

I'm not sure I understand the distinction. Are you as a player expecting proof that my NPCs backstory actually happened the way I said it did?

I am requesting the DM be honest, and if that stuff wasn't part of the NPC's backstory before the PC asked, then it isn't there now.

 

[TwoSix]

I am requesting the DM be honest, and if that stuff wasn't part of the NPC's backstory before the PC asked, then it isn't there now.

I literally couldn't DM with those requirements. 90% of my stuff is made up on the spot.

 

[bert1001 fka bert1000]

Would be interested to see any of that in the actual book. Show me the passage, then we'll talk.

Sure, but that is why I keep a sliver of hope that we might see the Mythic Martial as an official separate optional class at some point.

It's just trivial to add this mythic origin to the general D&D worldbuilding without any changes to anything else. Some people manifest these abilities, everyone else doesn't and carries on like usual.

To me this is just a question of will. Unlike the nerfing spellcasting which would change the nature of the current game, a separate optional Mythic Martial class that is no more versatile and powerful than the Wizard is simply another option within the existing playground.

They probably won't do it now for whatever reason. But someone gets fired and another managements team comes in with different views maybe they will. And it really wouldn't be that hard or disruptive to do it if the will was there (unlike some of the other options discussed).

 

[Tony Vargas]

If they're both Human then they're both Fighters. (1e got this wrong IMO, having the playable species written up both in the PH and in the MM, as all it did was create confusion and inconsistencies like the one you just brought up)

I just can't agree. There's nothing less sensible about using a detailed chargen system for the PC and a more expedient one, even just fixed monster-style stat for NPCs DMs have enough to do, and there's no harm to the imaginary perceptions of the PCs & NPCs 'in the fiction.
For that matter, there's nothing too wrong with giving NPCs abilities PCs can't have (for instance, because PCs need to be contributing members of ensemble parties, while NPCs can be lone villains....)

 

[Neonchameleon]

It totally does though...

Interesting. So if two people enter a death pact or a pact to get married if both are single when they turn 30 do they get Eldritch Blast as well?

 

[bert1001 fka bert1000]

Yes, we must assume that in the world the chracter always was descended from the dragons. But the player can make the decision that it "always was so" years after the chracter creation when they multiclass. The exact same thing than with 4e's demigod epic destiny.

I'm not sure I like this, but that's how it works.

I mean it's the PLAYER doing this though through their out of game world choice though, right? The character just realizes it later in life.

I don't see this as problematic as it is a very, very common fantasy trope to discover you are special in some way later in life, start manifesting powers later, etc.

 

[Tony Vargas]

Interesting. So if two people enter a death pact or a pact to get married if both are single when they turn 30 do they get Eldritch Blast as well?

finally, a "True Love" mechanic

True Love conquers all - with EBARB

 

[Cadence]

It could. I don't want it be offered as an excuse because the DM wants to restrict the PCs abilities.

"Was that shop always in the city or did you forget to draw one in and decide any reasonable city would have one only when asked?"

If it's a super powerful NPC I prepped in advance it was probably part of its backstory. I may well have come up with the power first and the backstory second.

 

[Gammadoodler]

Interesting. So if two people enter a death pact or a pact to get married if both are single when they turn 30 do they get Eldritch Blast as well?

Talk about agonizing blasts..

 

[Micah Sweet]

I literally couldn't DM with those requirements. 90% of my stuff is made up on the spot.

Well, you and I play differently.