B S (VIII)

[Quonundrum]

Yes, identical XP levels annoys me about 5E, too. It implies that every class is inherently equal in power scale, which is ludicrous at the face of it. Innumerable Internet arguments about balance support this. To me, it feels like lazy design.

[Jernau35]

It's obvious that they've reduced the amount of math to make it easy and more fun. Which is fair enough, they've sold plenty of copies that way. But it seems to me that making it easier has made it blander.

[Paladin]

There is definitely a point at which streamlining the game removes wrinkles that I like and detracts from my enjoyment of the game. 5e has some wonderful ideas, but I don't know how much I like the implementation.

[OGRE MAGE]

I love the civility of this group so much!

I like the 5E advantage/disadvantage roll and the spell slot system. Otherwise I agree with everything mentioned.

[Rex]

Those are the 2 best parts of 5E for sure.

[Urson]

I see and agree with your point, Jernau. I get a little boggled sometimes, looking at this table and that chart and Paragraph 2a... but it does help my investment in the character.

[Karaunios]

There are many things that 5e has made more logical than the older versions. The underlying structure makes a lot of sense to me. I don't like the amount of powers and abilities granted to each character class though. It makes for a version of a game that doesn't resonate with me (I'm more for the old sword and sorcery type of setting). But, despite the logic in 5e, I enjoy descending AC and using different dice for different stuff like surprise, hide in shadows, initiative, detecting secret doors, etc. It's just a matter of flavour and, also, the fact that I'm used to it.

[Quonundrum]

That's a good point about different dice instead of a (mostly) unified d20 mechanic. The advantage of using different dice, and by extension multiple dice per roll, is a more granular control of the probabilities. I never liked using d20 + modifier for skill checks as it's a flat distribution (no curve) - especially with a 1 always indicating failure.

[Karaunios]

I also like that the use of different dice and the fact that some times you have to roll high, sometimes you have to roll low, is puzzling for the players. Although I understand the logic of knowing the number you have to roll, because that brings excitement when you get to roll it, I prefer my players to not know the rules. I run AD&D, but I like the Arnesonian approach of "Just roll, and I'll tell you what happens." I don't like my players saying "I roll charisma." (I've seen it so many times...). I say to them, "Just tell me what you do and/or say, and I'll tell if/what you have to roll."

[SirOwen]

I must admit, other than a very quick glance through the Players Handbook, I know almost nothing about 5E. I haven't invested any real time in a new edition since 3.5, and I really hated that. Chalk it up to me being an old grognard who just loves his 1st edition and has for decades. I guess my point is to explain why I am staying out of the comments about 5E, cause I just don't feel qualified.

[Jernau35]

I wasn't really interested in 5e either. Then the DM of the tabletop game I play in got a case of burnout. Another player volunteered to step up and run Lost Mines of Phandelver. So we thought we'd give it a chance.

It's been fine, though it hasn't gripped me. 5e comes across as an okay system. There have been a couple of other factors that might have influenced my opinion. I've had to attend a few sessions by Skype, which is always a bit bland. And the DM seems to be running it straight out of the box, so he's not selling it as well as he could do. (I don't want to criticize him too much. I could have volunteered to run something and didn't).

However, our regular dm and the rest of the group like 5e. So we've decided to end our 2e campaign in his world and begin again with 5e characters. I'm wondering if the change of DM and further exposure to the system will change my mind. Right now our characters have reached 4th level. Maybe if we play up to 9th- 10th something will jump out at me.

[Paladin]

Same, Karaunios. D&D in person is loads more fun for me to run when players don't know or care much about the rules. They just explain what they want and I call for rolls when required. And you don't always know the target number or if high or low is best.

[Urson]

I'm with you, Paladin- and anyone who's GMed in a game I'm in will tell you as much. I started gaming after being exposed to acting- especially improv- and I actively ignore as much of the crunchy bits as I can.

On a totally unrelated note: Making up Halfling slang for Daisy can be a real headache.

[Monsieur Rose]

Sorry about holding up some conversations, everyone. I've been working early voting and election day. It was more tiring than expected. I'm getting back into things.

[SirOwen]

On a totally unrelated note: Making up Halfling slang for Daisy can be a real headache.

I believe it!! I'm constantly trying to come up with insect analogies for Jaxsen.

[Darklin2]

Well I have played 1st edition since it came out in 1978 as AD&D. Tried Boxed editions and used to play 2nd edition while I was stationed in Germany before the Berlin wall came down. Spent many a Saturday and friday nights playing marathon games in the dorms. Pizza and beer deliveries were awesome back then. Didn't have to stop just call it in and they brought it straight to your room. Beer included. Tried 3rd and 3.5, and Pathfinder. Looked at 4th and just shook my head. I have tried 5th but it just doesn't seem like the kids now days have any attention span. Some play for a month and drop out. Some popped in once in a while and posted but the game always fizzled out. So I stick to 1st and 2nd with all the Grognard loyalists.

[Jernau35]

On a totally unrelated note: Making up Halfling slang for Daisy can be a real headache.

I believe it!! I'm constantly trying to come up with insect analogies for Jaxsen.

Typing up Maag's dialog is a minor chore. Trying to stay consistent with his style (e.g. no contractions). Sometimes I have to go back and rewrite stuff because he just wouldn't phrase it the short, direct way.

I went back to re-read something he said once, months before. At that point I realized how hard it is to understand what he's saying unless you have his voice in your head.

[Rex]

Maag sometimes confuses me for sure, I just roll with it and hope I am close.

[Urson]

Maag is hilarious! In my head, he sounds like Hagrid.

[OGRE MAGE]

I appreciate all the extra effort you guys put into these characters to make them so great!

(I know, shut up and get back to posting)