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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KesselZero" data-source="post: 5870575" data-attributes="member: 6689976">I agree with you in theory, but I think for some of the aspects wrecan outlined, the system can take control away from the DM. Optimization is the clear example. Compare 1e with its randomly rolled stats to 4e with its tactical combat focus. Optimization is far more of a focus in 4e, going so far as to have very specific combat math that assumes a particular score in each class's key ability. If I as a 4e DM wanted to disincentivize optimization or shift focus away from it, I'd have to then scale down all my combat encounters to account for the players' lower-than-expected stats. This can be done, of course, but my point is that I'd be working outside the rules as written; in other words, the system itself necessitates a certain level of optimization. My point, overall, is just to say that outside of a totally modular build-your-own system I don't think we can really have a system that has no priorities whatsoever regarding these various aspects of play. We'll just have to wait and see how strong a core 5e has, or if it's so totally modular that the DM really can make any kind of game s/he likes.</blockquote>