D&D 5E Will we see a DMG option to cap hitpoints?

[MarkB]

My only word of caution is that by 20th level a great weapon fighter can output an average damage of around 240 for two rounds using action surge. If you limit HPs too much for monsters you'll kill stuff much faster than you might expect.

Actually, that is pretty much in line with my expectations. From the playtests, my impression is that 5e combat only lasts a handful of rounds in any case. Any measure to reduce hitpoints at high levels will almost certainly reduce that figure down to about 1-2 rounds, with monsters going down in a couple of hits and PCs not faring much better. Whether that satisfies the OP's definition of 'gritty' I'm not sure.

 

[Blackbrrd]

I don't think we will see a DMG option to cap hitpoints, because as noted several times here, the damage would continue growing until just about every monster one-shots the PCs.

I really hope they release a variation of the E6 that's popular in 3e. I am guessing it would be a E10 though, stopping normal progression at level 10. Instead you would gain feats, ability boosts or spell slots (of no higher spell level than you already have).

I would probably really like a E10 mod to 5e, as it lengthens the level range I enjoy DM-ing the most.

 

[Beleriphon]

Could you breakdown the 240? (or the 120 you're repeating with action surge, whatever)

A Giant in the Playground post.

With no magic vs AC 20 (60% of attacks hitting) and 15% crit? 73.98. (13.33 * 0.45 + 21.66 * 0.15) * 8.

With a +3 defender greatsword, a girdle of storm giant strength (Str 29), and playtest boots of speed vs AC 20 (95% of attacks hitting)? 246.756. (20.33 * 0.80 + 28.66 * 0.15) * 12. With a playtest Bard in the party? 320.856. (26.83 * 0.80 + 35.16 * 0.15) * 12.

This assumes a number of things, not the least of which is how specific magic items works (think the +3 greatsword should be fairly obvious).

 

[keterys]

Okay, thanks. It was off in one key area, an item I hope to never ever see

 

[Sadras]

For example, like earlier editions where you only got +1/+2 after 9th level. Do you expect to see any options like that in the DMG?
...(snip)....For my sensibilities (and not necessarily anything to do with good design) these are too high. I might let characters get HPs until level 3, then every second level after that. I do like making things *hard* for the PCs...

What we have done, and we are still using the playtest rules is base Hit Dice on the Size of the Creature (works for PCs and Monsters)...

Size
Tiny - 1HD
Small - 3HD
Medium - 6HD (PCs stop here)
Large - 10HD...etc
Constitution bonus also stops at the relevant HD.

But your idea of gaining HD every second level is pretty neat.

One thing that worked very well for 3e (making a more gritty game) - don't allow consecutive caster levels. For example a level of wizard must be followed by a level of fighter, rogue or other noncaster. This really tended to tone down the power level, quite appropriate for lower magic settings.

Thanks for this, quite a novel idea. Like Lots!