And for the next post regarding 5th edition D&D and transitioning from 2nd, I’m going to discuss things I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes … they seem okay. Other times, I’m just not sure. But again, the more I play, the more used to it I get.
Things I Have Mixed Feelings About
Increasing Stats
I have a couple issues with how they did stats. I like the idea that you can increase stats – in fact, I’ve developed systems with that feature years before 5th edition ever existed (and I think my method was actually better – but we’re not getting into that today). What I don’t like is how much you can increase the stat: a full two points. Going from 16 to 18 in a single level is a huge jump. But I guess, in the context of the whole system, it works and I’m getting used to it.
What I’m not getting used to are the stat increases that don’t give any reward. Namely, the odd numbered stats. For all intents and purposes, an 18 Strength is pretty much the same thing as a 19 Strength. Back in 2nd edition, there were real concrete gaming differences between any two stats that differed – excepting, of course, the “normal” stats (9-11) and individual percentile quantities for Strengths over 18. Of course, that required more note-keeping, as each stat had its own table delineating the effects it had on whatever aspect of game play was pertinent at the time. Anyway, I just really think there should be some advantage of a 19 Strength over an 18 Strength. Without such, why not just have stats ranging from 1 to 10 instead of 1 to 20?
Bonus Dice To Rolls
Another thing I get mixed feelings over is the practice of adding dice rolls instead of set bonuses. In 2nd edition, for example, I think a bless spell gave you a +1 bonus or something, whereas in 5th edition, it gives you a +1d4. It adds variability, but I find it a little odd. However,. I am acclimating to it, and it doesn’t bother me as much as when I first started playing.
Rest (Types and Effects)
Another thing I have mixed feelings about is how resting is handled. I like that there are such things as short rests in addition to long rests. I just find long rests a bit too powerful and unrealistic. If I get really injured in a battle in real life, a single night of rest isn’t going to fix me up much. At least in 2nd edition, the clerics regained their spells in the morning and you could heal that way – which seems a little more “realistic” for lack of a better word. Now, you don’t have to do squat. Just sit there and instantly regenerate all your hit points in a single night. It certainly make some aspects of the game easier to deal with. I mean, game flow is definitely improved. Still, it strikes me as odd.
Conclusion
Well, those are three aspects of the game I’m up in the air about. I have four more, but those will wait until next week. Until then, ta-ta.
The Wizard's Inkwell 