D&D 5E Why I think we don't need rules for exploration, just tools.

[XunValdorl_of_Kilsek]

Now in this thread I am lumping exploration and non-combat together. Also, this is of course my pure opinion.

I feel like actual rules for this are a waste of time. I feel like having tools and letting players decide what to do with them would be better. I know in my games the players like to come up with uses for what they have on hand whether it's skills, spells, or items. I find things like Skill Challenges from 4th edition to be an aweful attempt at this. Sometimes players will create instances that the DM didn't even plan just by using what they have and a little imagination.

 

[Iosue]

OD&D, AD&D, and Expert D&D basically have rules for three things: character generation, combat, and exploration. I absolutely want the latter. One of my major gripes with 3e and 4e is the abandonment of turn-based exploration, and one of things I love about 5e is the return of the same.

 

[billd91]

What is the difference between a rule and a tool, in this case? Are DCs for climbing or using a grappling hook and rope rules? Or are they tools for the GM to use as guidelines? Is a spell that enables the PC to find secret doors with a bonus to their search check rules or tools?

 

[The Human Target]

I don't know what that means, or what it has to do with skill challenges other than you taking a dump on 4e again.

 

[XunValdorl_of_Kilsek]

I don't know what that means, or what it has to do with skill challenges other than you taking a dump on 4e again.

Tell you what?

How about you figure out something constructive to actually say instead of using your default setting of edition warring.

 

[XunValdorl_of_Kilsek]

OD&D, AD&D, and Expert D&D basically have rules for three things: character generation, combat, and exploration. I absolutely want the latter. One of my major gripes with 3e and 4e is the abandonment of turn-based exploration, and one of things I love about 5e is the return of the same.

Why do we need turn based exploration?

What exactly does turned based bring back to the game?

 

[XunValdorl_of_Kilsek]

OD&D, AD&D, and Expert D&D basically have rules for three things: character generation, combat, and exploration. I absolutely want the latter. One of my major gripes with 3e and 4e is the abandonment of turn-based exploration, and one of things I love about 5e is the return of the same.

Skill Challenges were turn based exploration.

 

[Ahnehnois]

Aren't all rules just tools?

 

[Halivar]

Rules can be tools. They should have rules, with a suggestion for how to ignore them.

 

[1of3]

The OP's distinction is meaningful. I would usually use word method or technique but whatever. A tool or technique therefore is something you do during play to achieve a certain end. A tool becomes a rule when you always employ it under certain conditions.

Skill Challenges were turn based exploration.

That is a very interesting take on the word "exploration".