D&D General Why Enworld should liberate D&D from Hasbro

[UngainlyTitan]

I'm not ranting. But D&D is by far the most popular RPG. You think everyone playing 5.5 is doing so because it's their favorite RPG and they wouldn't play any other game or version if it was entirely up to them? People on this forum have said otherwise. People play the games they do for all sorts of reasons.

I believe that in the modern world anyone willing to be a referee is probably running a system they like. There are always exceptions and locations and circumstances where it is hard to organise a game.
For players the matter is not as clearcut, but to be honest, it they are not willing to run a game I have less sympathy for their plight.
It may be less true for some online games but in my experience, players will go along with the referee's preference, particularly younger players (especially if they do not have to buy the rules). Once players are facing 60 plus, they may be less willing to learn a new set of rules.

 

[Autumnal]

The official Dungeons and Dragons YouTube channel posted this. Apparently it’s a playmat they’re selling.

That’s altogether delightful. Now I want a matching one of a bunch of dungeon dwellers partying in some big chamber.

 

[Zardnaar]

My question still applies if they talked their way through most encounters.

Usually charisma checks or 2d6 reaction tables if BECMI.

 

[cranberry]

The official Dungeons and Dragons YouTube channel posted this. Apparently it’s a playmat they’re selling.

Dungeons & Dragons - Fall 2025 Pride Playmat

This playmat for Dungeons & Dragons features vibrant, full-color artwork by Ricardo Bessa. Made with a soft fabric top, playmats provide a safe gameplay surface, and a non-slip rubber backing keeps the playmat in place. With dimensions of approximately 24 in. x 13.5 in., a playmat also makes an...

ultrapro.com

@GothmogIV, it’s a product they’re selling. There is a lot of money you can make selling products to the LGBTQ+ community. The fact that bigots online will post about it in outrage, giving WotC free marketing, is just a bonus.

The only thing that bothers me about this illustration is the smiling beholder. It is just So wrong.

But I guess it's a trend now - Minecraft recently added friendly ghast.

 

[cranberry]

Usually charisma checks or 2d6 reaction tables if BECMI.

Yes, if the monster understood your language, which I pretty sure was a requirement.

 

[Zardnaar]

Yes, if the monster understood your language, which I pretty sure was a requirement.

If they didnt you mime it out. Or roll initiative. Assuming no magic.

 

[Umbran]

I know what 'cannot stand the mere existence of another in the space' means.
I don't know what 'cannot stand the mere existence of another being recognized in the space' means.

Can you elaborate on the difference?

"Cannot stand someone being in the space" is when you get in a twist because there's a trans person in the convention gaming hall.

"Cannot stand the existence of another being recognized.." is getting riled up because WotC recognized that the market has lgbtq+ folks in it, by depicting some of them in art and trying to sell stuff to aid them.

 

[Wolfram stout]

A serious question -

For those of you who indicated that you talked your way through every single encounter in 1E - exactly how did you do it?

Did your DM handwave languages?
Did the DM just assume every monster and his uncle spoke Common?
Did you ensure that at least a few PC's had Comprehend Language prepared?
With 5 players, you could probably get up to 10 languages on average, but that wouldn't cover every monster you'd come across.

So how did you communicate with every single monster?

Yep. for myself I have wondered how a party would handle the most house in hommlet or get the weapons from plume with minimal combat.

 

[Remathilis]

I'm not ranting. But D&D is by far the most popular RPG. You think everyone playing 5.5 is doing so because it's their favorite RPG and they wouldn't play any other game or version if it was entirely up to them? People on this forum have said otherwise. People play the games they do for all sorts of reasons.

I mean, are you assuming that there is a majority of players who have a metaphorical gun-to-their-head and are being forced to play 5.5 against their will?

I don't believe that. First, I think the buy in level for 5.5 is far greater than the number of people who frequent Enworld or Reddit or other forums. But even so, I've been told on MULTIPLE occasions that mismatches between DM and player expectations can and should end in one or the other leaving. I mean, if the DM won't let me play a dragonborn or is running Dark Sun or is rolling 3d6 in order and I don't like it as a player, I'm expected to acquiesce to the DM or find another group (because the DM can always replace me with someone who will). Yet, when it comes to finding a game that isn't 5.5, those tyrannical DMs are just not being fair and forcing you to play an edition you don't want! Won't somebody think of the grognards!

I was told on this very board that No D&D is better than Bad D&D. If you think 5.5 is Bad D&D, your choices are the same as mine when the DM won't let me play my Dragonborn Paladin in Athas: acquiesce or don't play.

 

[Zardnaar]

I mean, are you assuming that there is a majority of players who have a metaphorical gun-to-their-head and are being forced to play 5.5 against their will?

I don't believe that. First, I think the buy in level for 5.5 is far greater than the number of people who frequent Enworld or Reddit or other forums. But even so, I've been told on MULTIPLE occasions that mismatches between DM and player expectations can and should end in one or the other leaving. I mean, if the DM won't let me play a dragonborn or is running Dark Sun or is rolling 3d6 in order and I don't like it as a player, I'm expected to acquiesce to the DM or find another group (because the DM can always replace me with someone who will). Yet, when it comes to finding a game that isn't 5.5, those tyrannical DMs are just not being fair and forcing you to play an edition you don't want! Won't somebody think of the grognards!

I was told on this very board that No D&D is better than Bad D&D. If you think 5.5 is Bad D&D, your choices are the same as mine when the DM won't let me play my Dragonborn Paladin in Athas: acquiesce or don't play.

This.

I run mine fairly sandbox. I ban the worst offenders.

If you dont compromise on wanting to play those worst offenders I wish you luck in your future endeavors finding a DM. Thoughts and prayers.

Those worst offenders are specifically silvery barbs, twilight cleric and full time flyers (Aasimar is fine).

Broadly its 5.5+ monsters of the multiverse and Xanathars are in. Ask for anything else.