homebrew

[hexed solar]

I'll just say 3 times per long rest I guess

[umbral dust]

Yeah that works, alternatively you could lower the damage and give them more uses. It's up to you how many times per day you want your player to deal 2d8 damage as a reaction

[hexed solar]

3 or 4 maybe, depends. I haven't given it to them yet

[plush portal]

Hi, I'm using Beyond for the first time to make a magical amulet. It has the ability to allow someone to use Dodge as a bonus action, do I just put this ability in the description?

[polar galleon]

Is this too strong for a 1st level class feat? It cant be spammed because it uses a resource tied to the class.
"When used, select a spot within a 20 FT dome around yourself to place an Eye of Fear. All creatures that have line of sight with the eye gain the frightened status until they can no longer see it. This Eye lasts 2 turns, or is destroyed when attacked successfully"

[plush portal]

What are they frightened of, the player? Because this would also give all the PCs the same status which could work out interestingly, not being able to move towards their ally

[polar galleon]

theyre frightened by the eye. Should i write that allies are not affected? or would the downside make it more balanced

[plush portal]

No i think it'd be interesting if everyone gets disadvantage in my opinion. Would make it as an ability of last resort to run away. Could place it inbetween you and the enemy and everyone including the caster is frightened

Only because it's first level

If it was like 7th or higher I'd say all enemies are frightened#

[polar galleon]

ill leave it as is but the caster is unaffected, because they are the one creating it and therefore are not scared, because they have an indept knowledge of it

[plush portal]

yeah fairs

[native grove]

https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDHomebrew/comments/1mo70p5/monster_rune_conclave_ranger_subclass/

This is a link to a homebrew ranger subclass i made. How does it look?

[cold rock]

It's very cool, but I fear that at higher levels some of the runes, like the beast one, would lose reason to be used, maybe add a power scaling with the level up, but this would make the lvl 15 feature op

Something like you did with the dragon one

[native grove]

the beast rune isnt meant for direct combat its more so for exploration and utility

[cold rock]

I see, if you put it in this way it's really well made in my opinion

[sly ruin]

Hi all !!
I'm making my own dnd class inspired by a mechanic in my favorite video game. I was wondering if anyone would want to look over the first rough draft. Also looking for some help testing it out to make sure it's balanced.
« LINK »

[boreal rover]

The first thing I see is classes don't have 2 of the strong saves as a default, so choose one of either CON, WIS or DEX and one of either STR, CHA or INT, not CON and WIS, as they are both considered "strong" saves

And the first feature is already super strong. Making you single attribute dependant (SAD) is way too powerful at level 1

[sly ruin]

ooh ok thank you I'll move that feature up

[sly ruin]

what level do you suggest I add this feature?

[boreal rover]

Do not ping, thanks, and I would not add this feature, it makes characters able to just increase CON and ignore all other stats (it also makes it a super strong 1 level dip on all casters)

Bloodtithe as described is super wordy and not understandable

There is no limit to party size, for example

Nor limit to distance

For the Heart and Soul feature, there is no con bonus to AC either way, so not sure what that refers to

[sly ruin]

Oh i meant dex, thanks for pointing that out

[boreal rover]

Archery as a Fighting Style is completely out of flavor for what I've read so far. Interception, Defense, Protection... All feel much more in line

Lower guard is just "lower your AC by 2 as a bonus action"? So just make yourself weaker AND it costs a bonus action?

[sly ruin]

yes, i was trying to think of a feature that could allow you to "taunt" the enemy and lower your ac

[boreal rover]

I can't keep going through this right now, but it all feels very contrived, and unnecesarily complex

[boreal rover]

You can just make yourself prone, giving everyone advantage in melee, you can also just stab yourself xD

[sly ruin]

thank you so much for your input, it means a lot. this is my first time making a class

[lament coyote]

one thing ive been thinking about doing for my own games is removing a lot of big enemies' most noteworthy/powerful actions (such as a dragon's fire breath) and replacing them with a "tell" bonus action that uses the action on their next turn to do an equivalent effect

so rather than; the dragon inhales and breathes fire, roll dex saves, it becomes; after striking at you with its tail, the dragon rises its head up and inhales. embers pool around her maw as she ends her turn.

would this open up counterplay and work to make certain fights easier? yeah, inevitably, but i kind of like that. i want PCs realizing "oh shit she's gonna do fire breath we need to get to cover" so that there's a mechanical impetus to switch up their tactics

[hollow siren]

contemplating making a feature for clockwork sorcerer (intended to interact with a seperate feature/two features for sorcerous burst) which lets you increase the damage die size to d10 but it loses the exploding dice feature.

these are the other features i plan to include in the write up:

Level 1 (Potent Sorcery):
this feature grants Sorcerous Burst and it gets a 1d8+Cha mod bonus (the 1d8 would not count towards exploding die total).

Level 7: Potent Sorcery improves to let you add your Cha mod as many times as d8s rolled (max 4 times total, all sources and features that grant any cha mod bonus. May limit this so no other mod bonus feature benefits SB, but i feel like the cantrip was designed to work with elemental affinity from draconic so i am mixed on this.). Potent Sorcery’s one time mod bonus extends to all sorcerer cantrips and spells at this point. I might move the spells to level 15, but unsure because im playing with a signature metamagic feature for level 15 already.

clockwork would get the “treat d8s as d10s but lose the exploding die” feature at 3rd level.

I am also playing around with a level 14 feature that lets you treat all damage dealt through SB as a 5 instead of rolling (increasing the cap of cha mod bonuses to 5 instead of 4). When in your trance of order, which is also being rewritten to work with innate sorcery, you just treat it as a 10

[glad veldt]

Idea for a 7th level spell: Peasant Railgun: takes 30 minutes to cast and requires concentration. As an action on your turn you can fire the rail gun dealing 2d6 piercing for each Peasant (max 20) the attack roll has a -3 penalty but reduces immunity to resistance and resistance to nothing. If the attack was made against something without resistance or immunity then it crits automatically. The rail gun can be fired once before the peasants (and you) start taking levels of exhaustion, 2 per shot (for the peasants, 1 for you). The spell can fire an additional shot before levels of exhaustion start for each level upcast.

[hollow wind]

Hey y'all i am trying to make a Magic Initiate (Bard) feat in the format of the 2024 ones. meaning i can choose the modifier used for the spells. Any help will be great as it is not working as of now

[frank leaf]

Tbh, this is smth you can add to people with high Passive Insight to reward choosing that over the incredibly popular Perception skill, since that's described as being able to read intentions (basically vibe checks).

Noticing smth is happening isn't the same as realizing why it's happening

[umbral dust]

try #ddb-support if that's what you mean you're having issues with

[glad veldt]

Thoughts?

[violet beacon]

Hi everyone! 👋I’m new here and I’m looking for an experienced DM to chat with privately. I want to discuss an idea I have about mixing Destiny 2 with D&D and need some guidance on how to start: creating a world, building bosses, encounters, and knowing which books or resources I should focus on.

If you’re willing to help, please add me and DM me directly — I’d really appreciate your advice!

Thanks!

[tough compass]

Here's a current copy of the doc for my card based spellcaster I'm making. Feel free to leave comments on it if you have any thoughts! It's very incomplete, but it should be somewhat clear what parts are finished. Remember to use the sidebar to access all the pages.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b7DLdKSk_GJtrlrThNscjAGsYCYPnlmERuEFx_ZSH9U/edit?usp=sharing

For clarity, I am currently working to make functional base mechanics and build it up to level 5 with the Cheater subclass before playtesting.

[plush portal]

??

[tough compass]

I don't use DnD beyond but that's usually where you describe what things are yeah

[plush portal]

Well it's because it has options to add the effects such as gaining advantage

[tough compass]

If you can add it there, do it. If you can't, I'd assume the description is there for it.

[hybrid breach]

Anyone know of a D&D group that tries out any homebrew? I am asking because I have a bunch of spells and a cleric subclass I created that needs to be tested. The Dungeon Master of the current D&D group I am in does not allow untested homebrew in her campaign. The cleric subclass that needs to be tested however I can't publish it, because it uses things from different subclasses of the cleric subclasses in order to make the cleric more like a combat medic class.

And the spells are mainly remade cantrip versions of current spells but with some spells that are taken from traits of the cleric class and inspiration about abilities of other classes.

[coral delta]

The most likely group to test out your content is the one you run.

[hybrid breach]

But what if you can't afford to buy the books and d&d doesn't accept your money in buying the books?

How do you run a campaign to test those things I mentioned?

[coral delta]

I don't understand what owning the books has to do with your homebrew

[hybrid breach]

Is it necessary to pay for any book to run a partial campaign in order to test the homebrew?

[coral delta]

I don't quite understand what's going on. Are you running the official content, or are you running homebrew?

[misty trellis]

Sorry to interrupt, but I made a funny little creature that needs peer review. I'll DM the link to the statblock if anyone wants to read it, and kudos to anyone who can identify what it's most certainly inspired by and definitely not practically ripped from.

[uncut schooner]

Feel free to send it over. I'll give feedback if you'd like.

And I'm now very curious to try and guess the identity.

[hybrid breach]

@coral delta I mean is it nessessary to pay for any d&d book to run a campaign in order to test homebrew content I made?

[coral delta]

You don't need to pay for anything to make homebrew. You don't need to pay for anything to run a campaign.

A campaign can be run entirely using the free Basic Rules.

[hybrid breach]

@coral delta okay, then I will ask my fellow d&d campaign group may want to help me test my homebrew stuff I made while the campaign we are on is going on.

[coral delta]

I will warn you ahead of time, though: the Cleric class isn't built to be a combat medic not because of an issue with the class, but because the 'Healer' role that most RPGs have just doesn't work in DnD at all.

[hybrid breach]

Okay.

And thank you for the tip.

Also, I do have a 9th level spell I created that is called Lesser Wish, it is a toned down version of the spell Wish.

It is published on D&D beyond.

[fast portal]

In our campaign I'm being given an ability that allows me to change the type of any damage done to Fire, but I have a question of how you think this would interact with the Enhanced Bond feature and damaging spells that last more than one turn like Crown of Stars. Would one hit be boosted every turn, or just the first hit of the cast?

[coral delta]

I'm not sure how we would know what your DM has made the ability to do. Is your DM asking us for advice through you?

[fast portal]

More just getting a feel for how others might do it. All it does is change the damage type of what you're doing to fire. Wildfire Druid has an ability that adds 1d8 to one hit of anything that does fire, but I just wasn't sure how this would interact under the condition of spells that can deal hits over more than one turn.

[coral delta]

If you're comparing it to something that already exists, like the Great Old One Warlock psychic damage replacement effect, then it'll affect all damage rolls the spell does, even on later turns. Abilities like the one I mentioned are worded to swap the damage type of the entire spell for the casting.

[fast portal]

Yeah, that's about what I was looking for. I know ultimately it'd probably be something that needed to be talked out but I figured using the standard rule interactions as a backbone would be helpful there. It's good to have examples.

[polar galleon]

Hey yall, just finished a rewrite of my homebrew class, i scrapped a subclass in exchange for the new one, the Mender, a debuffer/healer. If yall could give me any opinions on that i would love it so much. PS: Void Stars are the classes unique resource and the Void weapon is described in the feat Void Star Forge if you need more context.
https://www.worldanvil.com/w/world-1-fpan15/a/abyssal-warrior-article

[zealous sun]

Who here

wants to be a really nice person and look over a lot of stuff

[fiery flume]

I can look at it :D

I've got nothing better to do

[zealous sun]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JjuY57EXqTtSNuYQBCUBKzYQVdcK7DO9AM4moOAu0Xc/edit?usp=sharing

It's alot

[fiery flume]

I literally have a 40 page doc of magic items bro

[zealous sun]

its 50 pages

[fiery flume]

Sppoky

[zealous sun]

but its bullitin

so its not all just walls of text

its sceneflow, dialogue etc.

[fiery flume]

Mine are straight walls of text

[zealous sun]

ahhh ok

[distant crescent]

@pearl river
Waiting for you

[pearl river]

(He’s asking for help on a feat for a HB subclass/race build)

[restive tusk]

Quite a few of the features are incongruent with 5e design language and math that leave weird decimals or weird interactions with the standard 5' x 5' grid format.

Also the first level feature is already unbalanced, granting an extra 25% damage for free ontop of scaling. Side note, they don't start with a weapon so they can't even make an abyssal weapon until they acquire one. I assume by "feat" you actually mean that Void Star Forge is a "class feature", which you should clear up since those are distinct terms with different meanings.

The main resource, Void Stars, runs into a more extreme version of the bag of rats problem. The subclass also mentions features that need a base formula (e.g. DEX saves) but lack one.

As a small last note, the 3rd and 9th level features are formatted in the "wrong" way so to speak. They're clearly subclass dependent features but have the features baked into the class ability instead of the subclass itself granting it. Which means future subclasses, if any are made, will need the base class to be rewritten to add extra features.

Oh, Abyssal Actions are also not defined in terms of action economy. I think the implication is that most take your Action unless otherwise stated, but they should be defined since they're a distinct set of powers.

(Also noticed this class has no special reactions)

[polar galleon]

Thanks for this this is the most clear advice I have seen from this channel. To “counter” a few of these.

Void star forge grants the player a void weapon, no need for a prior weapon.

Is editing the base class to add new subclasses a major problem? I couldn’t think of many features. This is a very trimmed version of the original so the features are very like barebones

[polar galleon]

Yes unless stated they take an action.

[polar galleon]

I forgot they existed

[restive tusk]

These are things that would need to be explicitly stated yeah.

[polar galleon]

I mean in the initial description it says they are a type of action no? Or do I have to be more direct

[restive tusk]

You would need to be direct. 5e tends to like to be exact with its language.

[hexed solar]

Hello, can anyone help balance check my homebrew boss, before I implement it in a campaign

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XDNr4gsdwEW6rBrk_thslQkT9Wey0SUgw8zRgPEx5SU/edit?usp=drivesdk

[distant crescent]

Well, blue oniborne's (the one i use) only special abilites are giving extra HP to person he uses "Help" action on by spending one of his hit dices and jaws attack which deals 1d6+str dmg and can be used as counterattack several times before long rest with crit on 18-20.

Living nightmare's (lvl3-6) abilities are:
AC = 11+Con+Dex (18 in my case) while you don't use armor
Can't use heavy armor and shields
Can turn limbs into: sting (1d8 dmg + if you attacked you can turn another limb into sting and make additional attack with it as bonus action), hammers (2d6 + you can push enemy 5 feet away from you), whip (1d4, 15ft range, can make enemy fall off his feet if he fails saving throw with difficulty 8+mastery+con) and shield (+2 to AC.
Also can absorb magical weapon and use it's abilities (rapiers, hammers, whips and shields). It gets destroyed when replaced

[zealous sun]

why is it two bonuses?

[polar galleon]

What do you mean in reference to the void stars? I tried to make it so you didn’t have to deal too much damage at high levels to gain one

[distant crescent]

Bc it's like a monk now

Which i pretend to be in the campaign btw

Who else doesn't wear armor and uses only punches as weapon?

[zealous sun]

hmmm idk. I feel like 18 ac w/o armor is a bit op. The highes tyou can get in a class is 16 and thats without ashield.

[distant crescent]

I just got lucky

[restive tusk]

And for Void Star Forge specifically, here's some things that aren't stated that would lead to exploits:

• There is no resource cost, action economy, nor time required to make a weapon
• There is also no limit to the amount of Void Weapons that can be made
• The damage is linked to the weapon and not the class, so you can pass around Void Weapons to other creatures

[zealous sun]

hm...

[pearl river]

I’d say sentinel, of the four feats you presented

[distant crescent]

Also it's lvl 5

[polar galleon]

Big catch thanks for this

[zealous sun]

fair

[distant crescent]

Okay. Next lvl I'll take sentinel

[pearl river]

Maybe alert. It’s hard to tell with the class being paraphrased out of dnd language

[polar galleon]

The weapon is made once when they make their character and that’s it. I haven’t gotten too far into the polishing phase so that text was omitted likely due to me forgetting it

[distant crescent]

Wut?

[pearl river]

Without the exact wording of the class on the document it’s hard to give a certain answer

5e is very specifically worded

[restive tusk]

It's an extreme version of the Bag of Rats problem. There are no limits on:

• How many Void Stars one can have
• How long Void Stars last
• The source of damage, except for party members specifically (not all allies) and familiars. More importantly, the damage against objects counts, so you can literally just whack rocks all day to farm Void Stars.

[polar galleon]

Again tysm for your help. If I could trouble you a tiny bit more, could you please look at the mender subclass (right at the end) it’s the one I am very concerned about balance wise

[distant crescent]

Ig i found it.

https://www.worldanvil.com/block/1584987

[pearl river]

You might consider Dual Weilder as a feat. I’m pretty sure these weapons are all one handed, could in theory have to different weapons

But also I’d very strongly reccomend using your level for your stats. With you needing CON, DEX, and STR

[hexed solar]

Hello, can anyone help me balance check my hombrew boss before I implement it in my campaign

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XDNr4gsdwEW6rBrk_thslQkT9Wey0SUgw8zRgPEx5SU/edit?usp=drivesdk

[pearl river]

I’d put +2 CON myself since that’s what your weapon’s DC is scaled on

[unique parrot]

#ddb-support would be the best place to ask

[distant crescent]

Well, I mostly use hammers since I wear gloves and it looks like I just have hardened arms

[indigo jetty]

Oh shit, I thought thats were I was lol thanks

[distant crescent]

And master decided to count this as one-handed weapon

[pearl river]

Looks good to me, but I didn’t crunch any numbers and don’t have the time to.
I could suggest trying to open a mock battle with yourself to see it in action

[hexed solar]

Alr thx

[pearl river]

I’d probably still take the stat boost to get a better AC.
Unfortunately dual weilder specifies you must be holding the weapons. Maybe talk with your DM to see if he’d count these natural weapons

[restive tusk]

Alright some things that I noticed:

• 9th Level mentions Mender enhances "Twisted Healing," a feature that is not detailed anywhere
• Malice stacks do not matter since the only feature that expends it expends all of them, and having Malice stacks does not have an effect.
• Cursed Healing doesn't have a minimum Malice stack needed to be used
• Most of the features are extremely overpowered. Cursed Healing at 10th level is effectively an unlimited upcasted Cure Wounds and at 17th level is effectively an unlimited Heal (6th-level spell). Void Star Explosion's condition application is independent of the saving throw. The entirety of Power Word Inflict (and it is resourceless and effectively unlimited range)

[distant crescent]

As I remember these count as simple weapons

[pearl river]

Yes, but you aren’t holding them

[restive tusk]

Overall the whole subclass needs to be overhauled. It's very unbalanced and frankly doesn't seem made with experience in the 5e system.

[distant crescent]

Technically they're attached to me and i'm using them

[pearl river]

Yes. My point is that they aren’t being gripped in your hands as you would a regular sword. I suggest talking to your DM about seeing if he would qualify them as being held for the feat

But again, I would say to skip the feat and take your +2

[distant crescent]

He does, but I use dueling style (+2 to hit if in one hand)

[distant crescent]

Ok

[polar galleon]

Twisted healing refers to the action that consumes malice

Malice is used as a limiting factor independent to the void stars cost

Cursed healing does, its detailed in the feat that introduces malice

How would I balance the healing? I didn’t know how to make it justifiable to pic those over a cleric with Pwh and other stuff

Wdym with the explosion stuff? I tried to copy the fireball description

PWI is very overpowered but isn’t PWK and PWH also very op?

[zealous sun]

YAY

IM HAPPY someone gave good review of my campaign story

[grim siren]

Woohoo!!

[zealous sun]

ty @fiery flume

[grim siren]

What did they like about it?

[zealous sun]

LMAOO ask them. They said they might steal some of the mechanics i implemented.

[fiery flume]

You cooked so hard gang

[zealous sun]

LMAOO 🙂

I think i did well

[fiery flume]

You did great man :D

Happy to help you out :D

[zealous sun]

it took me like ~24 hours to full come up wtih the idea

[polar galleon]

I added the 20 upper limit for malice late so the skill description for cursed healing does consume all, mb

[faint sonnet]

I do agree with the above that there's just a LOT of stuff in this class that breaks the mold, but in a way that would practically require the class to be coded into a tool so everything is automatic.

From a brief review of the main class:

• You introduce a new damage type at level 1.
• You introduce a resource at level 1.
• You introduce an action type at level 1.
• You introduce a formula to calculate when the resource is gained at level 1.
• You introduce a type of HP at level 5 that is THP but not THP.
• You introduce another resource at 9th level.

From a brief review of the subclasses:

• Voidtouched Ravager introduces a new resource at level 3.
• Voidtouched Mender introduces a new resource at level 3.

Most people could not keep track of those things in any reasonable capability and maintain quick play without digital assistance.

[polar galleon]

Yeah I have an excel spreadsheet for all this, I’m gonna do a few balance one shots before I introduce it to my players

[faint sonnet]

Does the spreadsheet include VBA so that the players can automatically keep track of those things dynamically?

[grim siren]

I think the main issue is that a class doesn’t need to be better than another. Players should pick it because it does something completely different than clerics and the style of play is altered. Stat wise, a fighter in 5e is poor, but its strength comes from the playstyle/group dynamic. If I have an abyssal warrior, what is the point of any other players. This is fine if it is intended for solo play but the dynamic is "abyssal warrior does melee, abyssal warrior does magic, abyssal warrior does support, abyssal warrior heals." My personal opinion is that a class should be limited so the table can work together and resolve battle as a team who relies on each other, or is limited without their party.

[polar galleon]

Vba? Sorry I’m blanking rn

[faint sonnet]

VBA is the code used in Excel to do functions based on stuff like opening the sheet, pressing a button, etc.

My primary concern, everything else aside, is that the majority of the player's time playing this class will just be trying to keep track of resources.

[polar galleon]

I was just creating a normal spreadsheet tbh, with every possible scenario

[restive tusk]

Twisted Healing
They're named different things so therefore they're distinct features. The naming would need to be consistent to be applied/interact.

Malice
There is no limiting factor since again, having Malice does nothing except be expended upon casting Cursed Healing. Additionally, there is no explicit minimum stacks of Malice required to cast Cursed Healing. Compare this to other features that have a minimum (e.g. Artificer's Flash of Genius).

Healing
It may be just easier to allow a limited expenditure to cast said spells (Cure Wounds, Greater Restoration, Heal, etc). I think the Void Star costs are arbitrarily high anyway (as in, the resource gain & drain could be significantly reduced) so it may be best to overhaul the Void Star mechanic and adjust cost numbers based off of that (especially with the issues pointed out earlier)

Fireball
I'm not referring to the damage. The status infliction as written is independent of the save being made; a creature will get a "Tier 2" status regardless of if they save or not. See features that have rider effects to see how they handle damage, saves, and conditions mixing together (e.g. the spell Psychic Lance)

PWI
It is very overpowered. It lacks a resource cost and range limit. It inflicts pretty much every bad condition in addition to reducing maximum HP. It's instakill effect does not have an HP limiter and is made easier to fail by the poisoned and exhaustion (assumed level 1) conditions).

[polar galleon]

This is fair, I’m guilty of self inflicting this because I love resource management

[faint sonnet]

I don't inherently think that resource management is bad, it's just that analog games such as 5e really struggle with doing that during active play when you want the player engaged in the game as opposed to engaged with a calculator.

[polar galleon]

Omg did I not include a VS cost on pwi?? That’s such a silly mistake

[restive tusk]

That's honestly a non-factor considering it's unlimited range and unlimtied uses

[polar galleon]

It has a maximum usage

1 per long rest and another after using 17th level feat

[grim siren]

Even harder is the teammates keeping track/not forgetting the powers of an abyssal warrior/their position in combat.

[faint sonnet]

Thinking about it, I feel like the player of the class is going to be the most confused.

[polar galleon]

Okay thank you all so much for the help, I genuinely needed this so much. I will implement all of the advice that has been given, and I will re share this when I have either playtested or had another rewrite

[restive tusk]

Again is it a feat or a (sub)class feature? Since those are distinct things.

In any case the 1/LR limit you mention in the document specifically refers to replacing a use of Cursed Healing with Power Word Inflict. Which doesn't make a lot of sense anyway since you gain access to it normally at the same level, so "replacing it" is the same thing as just using PWI instead of Cursed Healing on your turn.

[grim siren]

Probably, but I’m saying even if the player is able to keep track, that doesn’t mean everyone else understands what is happening

[grim siren]

It’s an awesome concept, I can’t wait to see how you develop it

[polar galleon]

It’s really tied into the world I’m creating so I just wanted my players to be able to play such a massive part of the world of they wanted

[faint sonnet]

My main advice is imagining how the player is piloting this during active game time in combat and how the features would affect their turn duration, how easy it is for them to keep caught up, and so on and so forth.

[polar galleon]

Like this class is representative of the catalyst of the adventure, so I’m excited to see if anyone takes up the mantle

[polar galleon]

This is something I struggle with when creating stuff like this. So if they do choose this class I will have a presentation for them lol so they can be prepared

[grim siren]

I do have an idea (it’s very separate, but reading it did remind of a balancing thing I’ve seen). I think maybe having stamina/health drain on abilities might help. To give an actionable cost to the very op abilities and helping team play/orienting the style around using op abilities when necessary/cost benefit analysis that makes the options less in play. This is a very different idea and I do not expect you to like it much less consider it.

[polar galleon]

This could be perfect for the mender

Sacrifice their own max hp to curse enemies and heal allies

That’s so thematic why didn’t I think of that

[frank leaf]

Piping up here because I've done smth similar

[grim siren]

I’m so glad I was able to help!

[frank leaf]

Try expending hit dice

Less punishing and means you can deal with consequences later and not in a crucial fight

Now it becomes a problem solving feature and not a way to accidentally brick yourself in the middle of a fight

[polar galleon]

Could you give more info for this this seems cool but I don’t think I understand fully

[frank leaf]

As in making the cost be expending hit dice instead of HP drain. Same feel of draining vitality, as they have a UA spell that tinkers with it, but not literally hurting yourself.

Cautious players wanted to avoid using the features, and reckless ones actually overextended with it by accident constantly when I used HP drain

[polar galleon]

I was thinking more like you reduce your maximum go by a small to medium amount and it reverses when the encounter is finished

[grim siren]

Also maybe a way to simplify the mechanics could be using the piety mechanic for the abyssal warrior. Perhaps, the abyssal order could use divine reputation mechanic as void star so the player has to maintain their favor of the abyssal order or they run out of magic.

[frank leaf]

So, the biggest issue with this is overkill. If a player takes their Max HP in damage but negative past 0, they die. No saves, nada. Reducing max HP would make that frustrating mechanic more common.

[grim siren]

My favorite method for balance is connecting things together so minmaxing is harder

[polar galleon]

I tried making it so they all have a linear gameplay loop of that makes sense

So that if you read the abilities you would know what you should do first

If i say they must make a dex saving throw, do i have to list a dc or something similar?

[unique parrot]

For what? Spell, magic item, subclass feature, monster, etc

[polar galleon]

reskinned fireball as a class action

subclass feature to be specific

[unique parrot]

Yes, you’ll need to list it somewhere
If there are other saves in the same subclass, you just list it once

[polar galleon]

what should it be?

im not too sure how it scales and such

[unique parrot]

Actually scratch that
Depends on the class

[polar galleon]

I also have a CON save in the same subclass

[unique parrot]

I’d say find an existing subclass with a save for the class you’re making it for, and base it off the wording that subclass uses

[polar galleon]

could i put in the appendix?

[lament coyote]

I do like that a lot, though I still would probably want to systematize it as its own action on the creature stat block.

There's a common problem where if PCs can read intentions, they'll respond to that intention and then as the DM it would often make more tactical sense to diverge from the course the PCs read, if that makes sense.

Making it a bonus action the creature has to take on their prior turn gives the PCs the opportunity to counterplay and be rewarded for doing so. But then how would one describe the "wind up" in a way that doesn't consistently give away the vibe for those with lower perception/insight?

I've always thought of Insight more as a social skill and not really designed for combat application

[cerulean seal]

Spellcasters you can just usually say like "your spell save DC"
If martial or the effect isn't based off a spell or some sort of magical effect or must provide a DC. That said, as Herambe said, if another feature of yours uses the same saving throw or same DC, you can just state... "The target must succeed the same DC as your X feature" But its usually "cleaner" and easier for readers to just write the DC there if needed

[tough compass]

Is "+2 to your AC until you take damage or rest" as an ability that will likely get use up to once per short rest or up to like thrice max per long rest super broken at level five?

[sterile shadow]

Just inquiring about something - if one would want to share a longer form of homebrew (subclass in my case) for feedback without publishing it somewhere like DnD beyond, what media form/site would be best to use?

[tough compass]

I've seen a lot of people post google docs in this channel in the few days since I joined this server

[faint sonnet]

Google Docs if you don't want to have to learn how to format much. Homebrewery if you want it pretty.

[sterile shadow]

I'll stick with google docs while I still balance it out

[polar galleon]

Whats a good DC to use, im very confused with this specific concept for some reason

[cerulean seal]

DC's are typically 8+PB+an ability modifier

Or if you don't want the DC to scale you can just make it a flat number

[stuck raptor]

Your class will explain on how to calculate your DCs

[cerulean seal]

If you read over spellcasters/half casters in the PHB. The spellcasting feature for all casters has a section for their DC which is usually the DC that gets used for a majority of their features and spells

Martials often have the explination of DC written into the feature that causes the saving throw itself

[polar galleon]

can strength be the ability mod

[cerulean seal]

All abilities scores have ability modifiers

Thats what the +X number is

Strength is often the ability modifer used for strength based weapons and stuff like grapples or athletics checks

[polar galleon]

its different for every one?

okok

[cerulean seal]

What do you mean?

[polar galleon]

like pushing someone could be 8+prof+STR and throwing a ball of energy could be 8+prof+DEX ?

[cerulean seal]

You usually want the ability score to make sense with the check. You can make the ability score whatever you want though

The energy ball example you use might make more sense as either Cha, Int or Wisdom

Unless the flavor makes sense for why it would be dex

[polar galleon]

they dodge the ball

[cerulean seal]

Ah then yes

[polar galleon]

thats how i imagined it

[cerulean seal]

Well correction

hold on

[polar galleon]

ok so it should just be their strongest stat?

[cerulean seal]

So the ability score YOU use for your DC that others have to pass needs to usually "make sense" for why that ability would be doing what it does.

The enemy then would make a saving throw that makes the most sense for how they overcome the DC. For example...
If a Wizard casts fireball. The spell save Dc is 8+PB+their INT mod.

The targeted enemy must then make a DEX save in order to avoid/limit the damage

[polar galleon]

ohh okay

[cerulean seal]

Yes two different things you factor into an ability

What you are using to make it difficult to others to overcome it.

What kind of ability check the enemy has to make to overcome it. Some are better than others

I would refer to the players handbook for this

[cerulean seal]

You just make it whatever ability score makes the most sense. If the class/subclass is a caster or halfcaster you are probably gonna use Cha, Int or Wis every time. Whatever their spell casting modifier is

Martials use an option of different things depending on the context

[polar galleon]

theyre a STR martial class with one attack where they throw energy

[cerulean seal]

Depending on the context of this "energy" you can make it different things.
If this is like, the martial channeling magical or spectral energy from somewhere to do the blast, you probably would use Cha, Wis or Int.

If the martial is doing something like... The force of their swing is so powerful that it sends a shockwave, then you can make it their STR for the modifier

A features DC/modifiers and the saving throw being forced on the target helps add to the narritive of the feature.

[polar galleon]

could i just do a flat like 16

its a reskined fireball

[cerulean seal]

You can but flat DC's are usually pretty weak for a class/subclass

You usually want things to naturally scale over time as the character improves

[cerulean seal]

In 2024 most things like usages of abilities and DC's are fully tied to an ability modifer to give a player more control of how invested they want to be in specific features and options

[polar galleon]

also is a power word heal/fortify/stun too powerful for a lvl 17 subclass feature. It costs a large amount of class resources. A single one per long rest

[polar galleon]

okok makes sense

[cerulean seal]

Depends on the context

Higher level play like level 17 and higher usually gets some freedom as far as power level and such

[polar galleon]

I also made a Power Word action that is kinda op but im not too sure on high level play

This may only be used once per long rest, unless otherwise stated. When used, a single creature you can see within 60 FT will have their maximum HP reduced by 75% (up to a maximum of 125 HP can be reduced in this manner), they are inflicted with charmed, deafened, blinded, and Greater Decay. The creature will have to succeed a CON saving throw with a Dc of 8 + your proficiency bonus + Your STR modifier to rid themselves of the status. The maximum HP reduction is not dispelled by this.

greater decay is 2d10 necrotic damage every turn + 2 random vulnerabilities to a damage type

[cerulean seal]

what level is this?

[polar galleon]

17, costs a lot of class resources and consumes subclass resource as well

i didnt include them for simplicity

[cerulean seal]

I'm assuming Greater Decay is a custom condition you are making?

[polar galleon]

yes

the subclass is all about inflicting status and healing

[cerulean seal]

You don't want to ever make an ability just flat out say "creature loses 75% of their hit points" usually. DnD tends to avoid percentages especially for stuff like this. I would just make it a large amount of damage die if you want it to do a bunch of damage

I also don't think strength makes sense in this scenario for the DC

Also you usually force the creature make the saving throw before the effect is applied

So you would write it as...

[polar galleon]

it ties into the subclass, its main feature is reducing max hp so i just wanted it to be intertwined if that makes sense

[cerulean seal]

Getting to freely reduce a creatures HP in this way is a lot. I wouldn't do that.

[elder hollow]

Random thought: Magic Item: Boot of Holding, for the adventurer who likes to travel with a foot in a different dimension; or the rogue with dexterous toes; slight chance something in the other dimension pulling the rest of you into the boot

[cerulean seal]

"As a magic action, you can target a creature within 60 feet of you and force them to make a Constitution saving throw against a DC of 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Ability modifier. On a failed save, the creature takes X amount of damage and is inflicted with the charmed, deafned, blinded and greater decay conditions. Or only half as much damage on a successful save. A creature can reroll this saving throw at the start of each of their turns to end the conditions.
You can only use this feature once per long rest"

For the record that probably is too many conditions to apply at once too

[polar galleon]

Even for a Power Word?

[cerulean seal]

The only thing Power Word Kill does in a crap ton of damage and that's a 9th level spell

Or kills them auto if they are bellow 100 hitpoints

but that's a 9th level spell

Power word Heals does a full healing and recovers conditions

[polar galleon]

PWF gives 120 Temp Hp iirc

[cerulean seal]

Yes but that's all it does and is a 7th level spell

[polar galleon]

Would a better way be

"As an action, you can target a creature within 60 FT of you and force them to make a CON saving throw against a DC of 8 + Proficiency Bonus + your Ability modifier. On a failed save, the creature has their maximum HP reduced by 100 and is inflicted with the deafened, blinded and greater decay conditions. Or only half as much HP reduction on a successful save. A creature can reroll this daving throw at the start of each of their turns to end the conditions."

would the saving throw balance out the fact that it does more than pwk?

[cerulean seal]

I again would probably cut some of the conditions you are applying. Pick 1 or 2 conditions to apply imo.
Also the ability modifier should probably be either Cha, Int or Wis

[polar galleon]

ok

[cerulean seal]

Yes, saving throws gives you more power budget to work with.

I would still only make this once per LR though

[polar galleon]

i do have a feature that gives another use per long rest

should i cut it or nah

[cerulean seal]

Cut. There are no Feats in DnD that just are specifically to buff a single feature for only 1 class. Remember that a player only gets so many Feats in their characters campaign. You want Feats to be more generally applicable to different classes

[polar galleon]

Feature sorry

i abbriaviate it its a bad habbit sorry

[cerulean seal]

In the same class? Isn't this a level 17 feature?

The capstone gives another usage or something? Because I wouldn't do that

[polar galleon]

let me just send it here rq

As an action, once per long rest, you may choose to cast Power Word Heal, Power Word Stun, or Power Word Fortify. This costs 25 Void Stars and grants 10 stacks of Malice, your next use of Abyssal Action: Cursed Healing is then replaced with Abyssal Action: Power Word Inflict. This will not count towards the maximum uses of Abyssal Action: Power Word Inflict.

[frank leaf]

It applies to anything that has intention behind it, so monsters, people, even rooms and traps could have a sinister intention you can read. Tiles rattling subtly could be noticed by perception, but Insight might let you realize the shape is aerodynamic for a reason and you might be Abt to get shot full of tiles

[cerulean seal]

Is this a capstone level 20 feature?

[polar galleon]

17 subclass feature

[cerulean seal]

You said this was the level 17 feature

[polar galleon]

capstone is pretty mild tbh

[polar galleon]

they both are

[cerulean seal]

Cut

[polar galleon]

fair

[cerulean seal]

Cut one or the other

That's way way too powerful for a single level to get both of those things

[polar galleon]

could i send you the class so you could gloss over it?

[cerulean seal]

Dm it to me

[frank leaf]

Simple way to do is to make it so PCs who don't have the insight to succeed simply know the tell, but Insight heavy characters get the meat and potatoes of what is being told

[sterile shadow]

Well, I was told that Google Docs was most convenient way to share homebrew-

I want to preface this with two things:

This is my first homebrew, but I've tried to take into account the general power of other classes and ran this by a few friends. Not sure if this wider community will have the same consensus about power levels.

As I said at the start of the doc, names are very much just a placehorder atm. I am bad with names.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10fe9vEH10xQjVibK5vuBQB5e4o8LWCiQhYF7Sf1kjSY/edit?usp=sharing

[zealous sun]

TLDR: Google doc is easier than walls fo text

[sterile shadow]

yup, everything about the subclass is in the linked doc - anyone should be able to view that. I am open to and looking for feedback

[patent wasp]

Thoughts on the pugilist homebrew class? It makes me wanna make a character based on a gritty detective that has to solve several crimes with fists as his only weapons

[glass glade]

It's awesome, I've run games with it for 2+ years and haven't had issues with it, but you might wanna adjust the monk's damage table to the Pugilist one if you don't want Monk fomo

If you're planning on buying it, the Ultimate Adventurer's Handbook has the most updated version in it, and has some banger species/feats too! Definitely one of my top 3 HB purchases

[pastel mirage]

was trying to come up with a unique spell and wanted some thoughts if anyone has any would love to hear:

Celegon's Spectral Shroud
5th-level Abjuration/Evocation

Casting Time: 1 Action
Range: 30ft
Components: V, S, M (a snowflake and a silver thread)
Duration: Instant
Classes: Wizard
Choose a creature you can see within range to momentarily sever their connection to the leylines that carry the flow of magic. Instantly overwhelm the arcane energy surrounding the target. All creatures within 10ft of the creature, excluding the creature themselves, must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 7d8 force damage and is repelled 5ft away from the point of origin and knocked prone. On a successful save, a creature takes half damage, and suffers no additional effects.

it will be a sphere 10ft btw forgot to add that

[glass glade]

Some super technical stuff, but 5e does specify that the point of origin is included in Spheres, so instead of saying "A 10-foot-radius sphere" make sure to say "Each creature within a 10-foot radius of that creature (excluding the target creature)"

Otherwise I think it's solid! Less damage and Area effected than Cone of Cold which is the same level, but better damage type and has decent secondary effects. If you were worried about it being too strong, you could say:

"On a failed save, a creature takes 7d8 force damage, and is treated as though they were successfully shoved by the target creature (regardless of size category). The target may choose for each creature that fails whether it is moved or knocked Prone."

That's kinda like a "They take one effect or the other" type thing, but I don't personally think it's necessary!

[zealous sun]

Can i have someone review my plot? I just need to make sure that everything seems reasonable?

It's quite abig plot

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JjuY57EXqTtSNuYQBCUBKzYQVdcK7DO9AM4moOAu0Xc/edit?usp=sharing

[pastel mirage]

thank you very much! it was hard to balance a 5th level with things like steel wind strike and cone of cold in the same level so im happy you see the value

[bright terrace]

Very cool homebrew I made that I’m posting here cause my dm doesn’t want to use it, I recommmend not to change anything about it to keep it balanced: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vHaY0B-Ve7IUOoBMvQd6-ivMAFe28nhz/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107772842740771398430&rtpof=true&sd=true

First homebrew btw

[south wasp]

Made a story ability from the feywild

Name Stealer
When you defeat a creature, you may steal its name. It must be a creature CR equal to your level or lower, and i will provide the sheet. You may steal 1 feature. You may only have 1 name at a time

this ability was obtained by stealing the Name Stealer's Name in a game

[dreamy basin]

I’m not sure if I’m allowed to ask this (and I apologize if I’m not), but can I get help creating a Sorcerer subclass? I want it to be based on Sirens/Kelpies (it’ll be called the Beauty of the Deep), but I’m stuck on determining the best way to lay out abilities and find spells to give the subclass

[bright terrace]

Check ur DMs

[frank berry]

Okay, so I can definitely understand your DM not wanting to use this
And before even getting to balance, when a magic item has this much text and features, that's gonna be bigger issue than whether it actually is balanced or not. This is so overloaded with features that it's gonna be difficult to keep track of it all, almost a whole class or subclass by itself

[true forge]

looks like AI so idk if its even worth looking at

[frank berry]

Huh, didn't even consider that
But yeah reading it with that in mind, lot of the ways things are explained sound like written by an AI, and really shows why AI is a terrible tool for D&D. It does not know or understand the rules, just spews a bunch of "cool" text

[true forge]

i mean

AI tends to use bullet points and lines alot

that was the dead giveaway for me at least

[formal glade]

yo yo

[quiet falcon]

Its filled with ai and way bloated

[candid jasper]

For a new Player Species in my setting. Still writing it up. Art will be done later.

Misfit Ventruvioid
Creature Type: You are a Construct.
Size: Your size is Medium or Small.
Speed: Your walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision: You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Encyclopedic Knowledge. When making an Intelligence based knowledge check, (arcana, history, investigation, nature, religion) you can’t roll a result that’s less than 12 + your proficiency bonus as long as you spend 2 (1d4) minutes processing the information while staying still and silent.

Mechanical Nature. You have resistance to poison damage and immunity to disease, and you have advantage on saving throws against being paralyzed or poisoned. You don't need to eat, drink, or breathe.
Pre-Installed Weaponry: You are proficient with a melee and ranged weapon of your choice. The weapons you choose using this trait are now a part of your body and can’t be dropped. When stowed, they are hidden from view and can only be seen when drawn. You can stow or draw these weapons as a free action.
Ventruvioid Magic: You learn the ‘light’ and ‘message’ cantrips. At 3rd level you learn to cast ‘detect evil and good’ as a 1st level spell. Once you cast this spell with this trait, you can't cast that spell again until after you finish a long rest. You can also cast this spell using spell slots you have of the appropriate level.
Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell when you cast them, (Choose one when you select this species).
(Optional) Self-Destruct Mechanism: If you drop to 0 hit points from a critical hit or fail 3 death saving throws in a row you immediately explode. Each creature within a 15 foot radius of you makes a Dexterity Saving Throw against a DC of 8 + Your Proficiency Bonus + Your Constitution modifier and takes a number of d6s of force damage equal to your total level and half the damage on a success. If you die at level 10 or higher the radius of the explosion becomes 30 feet.

[quiet falcon]

See autognome for fixing healing

Realistically in a game encyclopedic knowledge wont have any downsides as knowledge checks aren’t usually time sensitive. Id perhaps put that on a charge and require proficiency in the skill.

Id have self destruct be a may choose to.

[candid jasper]

🤔 I will consider , (and am still considering myself) some changes.

[formal glade]

not me trying to make every class have a psionics based subclass

[quiet falcon]

See the newest 2024 ua might be of use

Maybe not the newest

There was a psionic subclass set recently

[south wasp]

Cant wait for chatgpt to use ads

[formal glade]

well, do they got UA for anything elemental/primordial? As that's not explored nearly as much as it should, also im using 2014 so i would need to tone it down a tad bit

[candid jasper]

Arguably, this can't be used during battles of course or during skill checks under duress. (ie: the King awaits your answer or the sand fills the room while the sphinx asks his riddle)

[quiet falcon]

Barely comes up in the average campaign most of the time its some player asking a random question or would i know this etc etc

[formal glade]

oh, i forgot to make one for paladins and bloodhunters, bc i know they don't got a psionic based

[quiet falcon]

I dont think ive ever had to make a time constrained knowledge check

[candid jasper]

I'm imagining an innkeeper watch a party leave but they keep waiting 1-2 minutes after each step. 😂

[candid jasper]

You should! Especially if someone is casting 'guidance' before it. Makes for a strange social encounters if the party is actively taking too long to do something. Also I think it's important that a player can't "build a bridge in 6 seconds" or something.
Not an arguement for my trait in this case btw, I'm still considering changes.

[zealous sun]

Before I start my campaign

can someoen look over the premise of ACT 1 and 2? (i start the campaign tmw)

[next gust]

Have been home brewing a new take on the Dragonborn species tonight. Reflavored to Dragon Spawn.

What do y’all think? What can I do to make it more interesting?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16UtAWg5401idDyFuuTCwBfmGO7W0Po00K-7GT_IvBzk/edit?usp=drivesdk

Some lore ideas would also be great. I was thinking they could have been created by chromatic dragons to counter the good adventuring dragon born hero’s. We all know how prevalent they are becoming. Would make good villains or player/parties who are more aligned with anti-hero roles or stories.

[halcyon violet]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C9VjscUGLMgCrjdJROwSviTkBzYtjZdMNh7wvl7B29E/edit?tab=t.0

This is an NPC that I made, may only stay a concept but it's cool and I want to share it with people
(Formatting messed up because I did it on word)

[bright terrace]

u need to give us access

[halcyon violet]

oh mb

I think that works now

[hexed solar]

Can anyone help balance check my homebrew boss?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XDNr4gsdwEW6rBrk_thslQkT9Wey0SUgw8zRgPEx5SU/edit?usp=drivesdk

[halcyon violet]

Try to see how its abiliteis interact with the party's, if the resistinces are those that the party normally does, then don't use them. The best advice I can give is you gotta circulate it around the party

[hexed solar]

The party has many options like cold, psychic, acid, and poison damage... Not just fire, lightning, and necrotic.
Mostly because there are 2 casters

[halcyon violet]

Oh and aciton economy is a huge one, some multiattack or sometbing like it would also be good

[hexed solar]

On the boss or minions?

[halcyon violet]

oh I didn't see the minions my mistake XD

[hexed solar]

Honest mistake

[topaz crater]

multiattack is a must for this statblock, this boss as it is, is vastly weaker than other CR 8 bosses such as Spirit Naga. Spirit Naga hits 3 times while your boss only hits once

[hexed solar]

Noted, Thx

[topaz crater]

I also wanna share an experience I recently had about the action economy

I changed the stat block of a spirit naga for my 3level 6 players group

there were 4 minions let's say together with this naga

I changed the multiattack from 3 attacks to become 1 spell + 1 attack

and it was still underwhelming for my players who were only 3 levels

(Underwhelming as a final boss)

they struggled a lot more with 5 crocodiles + 1 giant crocodile which I didn't nerf

(they were also lucky with the dice against the naga, so please consider that since my story won't make sense without that info)

[hexed solar]

I just gave my boss a multi attack, it can attack twice now

Is it better?

[topaz crater]

I read through the whole stat block and it seems like a very interesting combat

Even though it is a little rule-heavy, I really like that your boss is feeling like a boss

[hexed solar]

Thx, I put a lot of thought into it

[olive yew]

Hey so does anyone know why I can’t add my homebrew subclass to my character?

[patent wasp]

Has anyone seen the new Warrior of mystic arts monk UA? I was kinda thinking of homebrewing the level 17 feature and I need some input on it

[worthy cipher]

Anyone know why my dndbeyond homebrew tokens are blurry?

[rancid basalt]

probably a question for #ddb-support

[rancid basalt]

Sounds like an issue with whatever character sheet tool you're using, if it's DnD Beyond then I would suggest you ask in #ddb-support as well

[cerulean seal]

Check #ddb-support

[patent wasp]

What do yall think of a level 17 feature that allows a 1/3rd caster (subclasses that get up to level 4 spells) to use a huge amount of their resources to cast a 6th level spell once per long rest

Orrr, would it be better that they can do it more than once per long rest, but the second time they do it, they gain a level of exhaustion?

[whole adder]

Can you all give a second opinion on the following light armor I doodled on:

Talos' Bastion
Light Armor (Very rare, requires attunement)

• Your AC is 16 while you wear this armor. It has no effect on you if your AC is already 16 or higher.
• Advantage on constitution saving throws

[frank berry]

More of a nitpick, or maybe I'm missing some specific rule, but I don't think the wording "Has no effect on you if your AC is already 16 or higher" is doing anything here. I can't think of many ways to get that high of an AC without armor, mage armor, or tortle feature, and you couldn't use any of these options with the light armor anyways, so is there something specific this is meant to prevent? And is the intent to also stop the con save to be included in the armort's effects to not have effect?
But yeah again, mainly a nitpick unless I'm missing anything.

Other than that, most classes that use light armor either have a good Dex to benefit from the Dex bonus, or is the only armor they probably get, so with this they kinda lose one of their dexterity uses (not that they're gonna hate getting better armor lol), but it just kinda gives me the feeling of, why is this light armor when it works so different from other light armor. Though this is also more of a minor thing that just strikes me as weird, but overall is not an issue.

Overall as a Very Rare Armor comparing to a +2 Armor (same rarity), feels like good armor for any spellcaster able to don light armor and wants to keep their concentration better, or as an alternative to using a +2 Light Armor for someone who has a lower dexterity who can't really get it higher

[unique parrot]

I’d use the wording from the spell Barkskin
Is the 16AC meant to be on top of being a specific type of light armor, or is it just 16AC? It’s strange to have light armor that doesn’t scale with dex

[whole adder]

Just 16 AC

And good thinking, could change the wording up -- My idea is really just a reverse light armor that kind of works like heavy armor, which probably benefits spellcasters more than genuine dex stacking classes

[brave patrol]

What would be a good name for a magical combination of an axe beak and a horse? best i have so far is axe beak horse but seems a bit too dumb and obvious, anyone got anything better?

[stuck raptor]

axe hoof? axecolt?

[cerulean seal]

UniAxe?

[deft mist]

I have this magic item which is glasses that allow you to see magic, almost as if the detect magic spell is always being used, what would be a good downside so that the player isnt always wearing them?

[brave patrol]

someone in another server was able to help me settle on a fun latin way of basically saying axe horse, so gunna go with Sequus

[queen egret]

they have a slight degree that none of the players in the party have the specific eye flaw for, and cause disadvantage on perception checks?

[cerulean seal]

Have it only work for X amount of time per day. Anymore and they are affected by blinded condition

[deft mist]

Going off of that, I think if they were only able to see magic and nothing else

[cerulean seal]

Yeah, you see only magical effects and such

[deft mist]

Thanks!

[next gust]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16UtAWg5401idDyFuuTCwBfmGO7W0Po00K-7GT_IvBzk/edit?usp=sharing

Shared this earlier. A reflavor and expansion on dragonborn. If anyone has any lore suggestions, ideas for draconic attacks, or finds any errors please share.

I would love to update it, this is the first version, planning to expand and improve.

[frank berry]

No red dragonborns?

Once per long rest is kind of low number of uses. Even the normal dragonborn get multiple breath weapon uses

The Draconic Attack -feature mentiones you replace one of your attacks with an attack enhanced with draconic energy with the options below, but most of them seem like they don't really work with attacks at all. Like is the Caustic Spit meant to be an attack, or just spitting a ball of acid at a target location within 60 feet with no attack roll included?

[bright terrace]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vHaY0B-Ve7IUOoBMvQd6-ivMAFe28nhz/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107772842740771398430&rtpof=true&sd=true

my homebrew item for dnd 5e. Google Docs

[sturdy knoll]

Make sure to explain your links when posting (part of server rules)

[simple tinsel]

bro has 13000 characters on a single homebrew item

[rugged olive]

Heyo, trying to make an item launcher for ball bearings, caltrops, and the like

[faint sonnet]

I would look into the syntax of 5e and precedent, in the sense that this item would largely be seen as "the juice not being worth the squeeze" due to how many abilities it has, how many conditionals it has, and how much time would need to be spent to understand it prior to use.

[next gust]

good points, maybe caustic spit can be a dex save for half damage.

Yea I plan on adding the other chromatic dragons, but it'll come with time. Red dragon may just be a normal fire breathe, but if you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

hmmm, maybe ill up the Draconic Attack to every short or long rest. I feel as if some of them could be annoying, example would be the green dragon, I dont want someone to be able to cast poison vaper over the entire battlefield.

[frank berry]

My point wasn't requiring a save, it's that all but the Blue one don't seem to have attack rolls, or aren't very clear how the enhanced attack works

[next gust]

It takes your attack action, it’s the same with the dragon breath for Dragonborn.

I’ll make sure to clarify that

[frank berry]

Okay to clarify, an "Attack" in D&D means something with an attack roll. Dragonborn breath weapon for example is never referred to as an attack, as it isn't one. Yes, it replaces an attack, but it actually isn't an attack

[next gust]

Yea ik

[frank berry]

So you need to be careful about using that word 😛

[grim siren]

I unironically love how long this is. I think the level of freedom and detail is inspiring

[bright terrace]

thanks

[fleet robin]

Is this too much?

Dwarven Holdfast Ring
Ring, Uncommon (Requires Attunement)
This silver band is made of thick triangular plates. Each is etched with dwarven runes that lend the wearer the strength of clan and kin.

While wearing this ring, whenever you regain hit points or gain temporary hit points, you may invoke the ring's magic as a bonus action before the end of your next turn. When you do, one other creature of your choice that you can see within 30 feet gains 1d4 temporary hit points. The ring's magic may only be invoked once per round.

[frank berry]

Doesn't seem too strong, basically a bit of extra tep. health for someone when you get healed. Only slight abuse I can see is goodberries or lay on hands to give full party temporary hit points as a preparation since there isn't an use limit
Another thing I'd say is that this feels more like a Reaction effect than a bonus action thing

[fleet robin]

I had it as a reaction, but I felt like that was too strong

Plenty of other things to use a bonus action for that you're giving up

Good point about goodberries though

It's only 1d4 temp hp, I think that's fine

[night fable]

Ye prob, if want to add more hit point could prehaps adding '' consumptional healings has no effect, such as Goodberries. ''

[surreal kettle]

Any ideas for environmental effects?

[fallow gulch]

idk

[cerulean seal]

Gonna need more context

[surreal kettle]

Something like when you enter this area you start burning and take 1d4 damage every round

[barren sand]

Character concept

Telekinetic bard that can play multiplayer instruments at the same time

[fleet dew]

hey im working on an aasimar subrace based off the idea of a constant reincarnating being basically the avatar from atla any ideas for abilities, traits and features?

[golden temple]

okayyy,,

oh we have slowmode now,, that sucks,,

anyhow, i'm working on tenth level of a class, and i;m between two options,,

[zealous sun]

hey so im doing a whole lot of homebrew in a mostly made storyline but im curious what should i be doing if I wanna branch it out a lot? I dont know how to explain it In text, would anyone wanna vc and help me figure out how to make the plot longer? (Like broaden the story after the "finished" quest

[golden temple]

#dm-discussion

[zealous sun]

It's homebrew though?

Or does that still go in #dm-discussion \

[nova basin]

Homebrew is custom mechanics

[golden temple]

homebrew is for the numbers and data side of the game,,,

[nova basin]

Custom settings and story can be done with base emchanics

[zealous sun]

okay ty

[golden temple]

punctuate: spend a reaction to force a creature within five feet to make one less attack action than usual on its turn after targeting you,,
or
provoke interruption: spend a reaction to make an attack roll on a creature during its attack, if it hits, the attacks are both cancelled out,,

iiii just need a second opinion 😭

[ivory steppe]

I'm a pretty new DM, just have a few one-shots under my belt, but I'm working on a homebrew right now. Does anyone have any tips for making artifacts/magic weapons?

[next gust]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16UtAWg5401idDyFuuTCwBfmGO7W0Po00K-7GT_IvBzk/edit?usp=drivesdk

updated my Dragon Spawn race (Dragonborn Reflavor)

If you have any cool lore ideas or see any mistakes please point them out.

[next gust]

Homebrew is anything not within the official rule books. That includes lore and world building. Although, plot lines and dm planning would be in dm-discussion.

[zealous sun]

okay ty

[sinful vessel]

Hello, as a 9th level feature for a support rogue 5E, would it be to overpowered if as a reaction when a creature is hit with an attack, within 5 feet of you, you can reduce the damage by an equal to your sneak attack die?

Since its only 5 feet it shouldn't be too flexible?

[frank berry]

As an unlimited use? Yeah feels potentially a bit strong. Also you are a creature within 5 feet of yourself, so maybe changing it to "another creature" just in case.

[cold crown]

Is there a better way to word the following?

Shashara’s Dream
Wondrous item, uncommon

This black and gold scabbard feels laden by solem promise. The throat’s engraving reads: “Prince Sergei, until our work shalt cleave light’s blight, conceal night’s bane from umbral sight.”

This magic scabbard reshapes itself to fit any sword that is placed into it.

Once a blade is fully sheathed it becomes pristine and any magical properties the sword has are suppressed until drawn.

It is part of a trail of hints on how to get an Artifact I have added to the Curse of Strahd game I’m running: https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/9843085-nightbane

[cinder obsidian]

Guys, can you check out my artefact. I cant give the party a bag of holding, and my fighter is a hoarder, so I want to give the party this:
Grimoire of a Thousand Steels
10,000 gp
A worn grimoire with an image of a five-leaf clover allows you to store up to five weapons each morning that could fit completely within the pages of the book, after which a user with a +1 modifier to wisdom or intellect can retrieve the stored weapons as a bonus action, otherwise, the user spends an action to turn the page and retrieve the desired item. If the user who has attuned to the grimoire is holding a weapon, the grimoire will levitate 1-2 feet away from them and automatically catch weapons dropped from their hands. The grimoire does not change in weight regardless of the number of weapons. An hour before dawn, the grimoire throws all accumulated weapons 5 feet around itself. When the grimoire is opened, it has 20 hit points and is vulnerable to radiation and fire damage. When it reaches 0 hits, it requires 1 week to recover. The user can only retrieve up to 2 weapons at a time.

[cold crown]

Reminds me of the Scabbard of Many Blades: https://www.5esrd.com/database/magicitem/scabbard-of-many-blades/

[cinder obsidian]

Interesting, but I want mine to be something like a hot swap

[cold crown]

If you want a hot swap without the bonus action being taxed, just call it a free action.

As a player I would be frustrated with the amount of work the Grimoire asks of me.

Why not just let is store up to five weapons and let you swap whichever one you are holding at will?

[cinder obsidian]

thanks for the idea

[cinder obsidian]

The fighter is a hoarder, and I also want to integrate a dragon slayer from Berserk type of sword later

[limber robin]

Does any one have made a supernatural region table ( like the ones from Tasha's) for a place filled with Wild Magic?

[frank berry]

I'm looking for one more idea to fill a small "paradox" table, for a player who's planning on going for a time wizard, and I have an idea for a little additional boon for later levels they might like, but due to the mechanics of it will have some consequences if abused 😏
Going for a nice even d4, and so far only got 3:

• Turning into a baby until the next dawn (Basically a Tiny, 1 hit point, 8 AC creature that can only crawl 5 feet a turn)
• Immediately aging
• Immediately taking massive force and psychic damage from timeline and memories clashing together

So, could use one more that fits the theme of punishing a time paradox, or few more to make it a d6 🤔
(And these are meant to be dangerous, as the player has full knowledge and control of the risks)

[limber robin]

Race change ( you can use the Reincarnate table) for the PC and all their family.

[native grove]

https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDHomebrew/comments/1mo70p5/monster_rune_conclave_ranger_subclass/

This is a link to a homebrew ranger subclass i made. Do you think i should increase the amount of runes they learn?

[lament coyote]

drafting a quick house/table rule and I'm interested in thoughts

Narrative Actions

A Narrative Action is a special type of action intended to resolve the tension between making meaningful skill checks in combat and the standard action economy of D&D.

Once per encounter, a creature may take a Narrative Action on their turn. When they do so, they may take the Influence, Search or Study action without using an action or bonus action. Depending on the circumstance, the DM may allow a creature to take another kind of action as a Narrative Action, such as taking the Utilize action to steer a ship or throw a rock down a pit. A Narrative Action should never deal damage, impose or resolve conditions, grant advantage or disadvantage, or restore hit points.

A creature with Heroic Inspiration who has already used their Narrative Action for this encounter may choose to expend their Heroic Inspiration to take another Narrative Action on subsequent turns.

[peak island]

This is super cool!

[south wasp]

I’m just a little confused- where would you use this

I understand the idea

But isn’t object interaction mostly what this is?

[lament coyote]

no, the most consistent and impactful Narrative Action choices here would be Influence and maybe Study
Utilize is described here as being allowed as a DM-dependent edge case, not the core of the design

[south wasp]

I see

[vivid trail]

How can I make a orc look more "human" than orc?

[cold crown]

Anyone happy to do a proof-read?

[lament coyote]

i suppose you'd just describe them as such. Maybe say something like "a pale individual with tapered ears who might almost pass for an elf were it not for the heft of their jaw, their forward posture and leathery skin with large calloused hands."

[south wasp]

Critical role fyord

Fjord*

[lament coyote]

Fjord is a great example. the only obviously orcish physical trait is that he's green, if he had reddish or grayish skin he could be mistaken for an especially built half elf pretty easy

[vivid trail]

Thanks! I'm working on a homebrew species where they are basically a mix of a human + [insert species] because their creator (a false deity) could not perfect species creation and souls well enough, compared to actual gods.

So he has to use preexisting human souls and manipulate them with another soul in order to actually have life exist in his own way (and the other soul depends on a multitude of factors, but mostly originates from necromacy).

[frank marten]

Is there a way to add a homebrew race into dnd beyond?

[halcyon patrol]

is anyone here familiar with the homebrew options on dnd beyond. I am trying to make a weapon that does an additional 2d6 cold damage, but only on crit. is there a way to chose that option?

[lament coyote]

Couldn't you just add a damage modifier and in the Restriction box type On Critical hit?

That would make it roll the Cold damage whenever you rolled your damage in general, but it'll have the (On Critical hit) text attached and thus your DM can ignore it when applying damage

[peak inlet]

how is this looking?

Apprentice of the Hunt

Origin Feat

• Hunter’s Mark. You have Hunter’s Mark prepared. You can cast this spell once without expending a spell slot. You regain the free casting of this feature when you finish a Long Rest.
• Call for Assistance. Immediately making an attack against a creature marked by your Hunter’s Mark, you may use your Bonus Action for the Help Action to give an ally advantage on an attack against the target.
• Weapon Mastery. You can use the mastery property of one kind of weapon of your choice with which you have proficiency. The chosen weapon can be swapped out when you finish a Long Rest.

———
the thought process around these is that they’re kinda like Magic Adept, but you don’t get to choose the spell, so instead, the spell gets an extra effect.
Also, instead of cantrips, you get a weapon mastery. This necessarily assumes that the Weapon Mastery feat is underpowered which I do personally believe

[halcyon patrol]

hmmm @lament coyote that may work

[polar timber]

If you're also buffing the Weapon Mastery feat along with this, I think its pretty good

[peak inlet]

I do add proficiency onto Weapon Master (either shield, armor, or specific weapon)

[lament coyote]

Weapon Master is a level 4+ general half-feat that gives mastery with one kind of weapon at a time.
Are the 1/day castings of Hunter's Mark and accompanying Call for Assistance a good substitute for a +1 to an ability score? I don't think so, but then that also means you shouldn't hear cries of it being overpowered.

[polar timber]

It is quite powerful for an origin feat, but not overwhelmingly so

[lament coyote]

Call for Assistance seems really spammable, but it competes with casting or moving hunter's mark for your bonus action, which I think Rangers are also contesting their bonus action with some other common spell choices?

I also think abilities that are designed to give bonuses to allies rather than oneself should be proportionally on the higher end of the power curve as a matter of good game design

[peak inlet]

I do feel like it might need a PB/rest limit, but I don’t really want it to require tracking. You can use it on non-Rangers as well, but you do require the concentration on Hunter’s Mark to get the BA help and you can’t use PAM/DW/Cunning Action/whatever

it also requires you to use your Attack Action and to set up on round 1

[lament coyote]

Yeah, this feat is clearly designed for Rangers and will generally be weaker on non-Rangers. iirc there are some subclasses that give non-rangers HM, and you give one casting here which makes sure it's not a dead feature on other classes, but nobody can benefit from HM the way a ranger can

[peak inlet]

yeah, that’s kind of the area I’m looking to target

you could cast it in general with a spell slot, but if you have a lot of spell slots you probably don’t wanna use your concentration on HM

[lament coyote]

honestly i wouldn't bother putting a usage limit on here. It requires enough setup to use and is competing with a bunch of other useful things such that it probably wont get spammed

and if it does get spammed, that's for the benefit of the party members and not necessarily the user themselves, which again, i think should always justify an ability being on the higher end of the power curve. i think it's good TTRPG design for mechanics to encourage more explicitly collaborative play

maybe put an explicit range limit on CfA and tighten the wording? Something like "Immediately after making a successful attack against a creature marked by your Hunter’s Mark, you may use your Bonus Action to give one creature of your choice within 30 feet who can hear you advantage on their next attack roll against the marked creature before the start of your next turn."

[peak inlet]

it’s currently the Help Action which means it depends on the enemy being able to see or hear you instead of the ally

[lament coyote]

I'm not as partial on having the Help action do the heavy lifting, since it feels rules-clunky here. You're granting advantage to a potential future attack, that's what you're doing, why fall back on referencing another rule which is a bit confusingly worded in its own right?

[peak inlet]

but it also means that it works with something like Emerald Enclave Fledgling or Harper Teamwork if you manage to grab multiple Origin feats to make a Help-oriented build

limiting the range of CfA 100% makes sense though

[lament coyote]

I'd at least maybe phrase it then as something like; "you may take the Help Action as a Bonus Action to give one creature of your choice within 30 feet advantage on their next attack roll against the marked creature before the start of your next turn." vs "You may use your Bonus Action to take the Help Action to" because the former clarifies that you're turning Help into a bonus action rather than spending an action to then take another action

this way still kind of circumvents having to go reference the text of the Help action. The feature itself is doing the mechanical lifting, so there's no breaking out the PHB to double check edge cases

[peak inlet]

yeah, it’s still not properly written up, but you’ve got a good point

I might also just use the range of Help itself, which kinda makes it a melee action unless you grab Harper Agent

but then Harper Agent is no longer completely outclassed by this

[lament coyote]

I kinda like the flavor of having it be usable at some kind of range. It feels to me conceptually like the ranger calling out a specific weakness or opening on their marked target, and I can't really think of a reason why that would only be possible in melee.

[peak inlet]

I know, I’m just kinda screwed over by Harper Agent being subpar

the Help Action itself is distracting the enemy

[lament coyote]

Maybe if you changed it from "Call for Assistance" to something like "Force an Opening" or something else that implies you're actively creating the advantage rather than spotting a potential advantage to call out.

[tough compass]

Is this insane or is it just me?

"As an action, choose a living target within 60 feet to make a constitution saving throw. If the target fails their save, they suffer a penalty of -2 to their AC, and this Tarot becomes active. This effect lasts until the target is incapacitated, or until you take damage."

This effect is not going to be constantly usable to be clear

[peak inlet]

it seems completely fine to me

-2 AC for 1 hit isn’t insane

[tough compass]

Wonderful, I don't see many effects about reducing AC so I don't know what standards for strength there are.

[lament coyote]

-2 AC until the user takes damage, not the target

[tough compass]

Oh no, it's until the CASTER takes damage

[peak inlet]

oh wait what?

why would it end if the target is Incapacitated?

[lament coyote]

Honestly considering it sounds like it's both an action and class resource being used up, it doesn't sound too bad to me. At the same time, probably good to avoid damaging AC as a mechanic.

[peak inlet]

but when the caster takes damage?

that seems like it’s flipped

[tough compass]

That's for mechanical consistency with the form this ability takes

[peak inlet]

do you mean when the target dies/falls to 0 Hit Points?

[tough compass]

To provide risk and a way for opposition to force things'

[peak inlet]

the Incapacitated condition generally ends the user’s own effects rather than stuff targeting them

[tough compass]

It has to do with the mechanics of "this Tarot becomes active"

[lament coyote]

Yeah they could be incapacitated by a variety of things, like a Monk's Stunning Fist, which doesn't feel like it should end an ally's weird tarot spell thing

[tough compass]

I should probably replace incapacitation with a timer though yeah

Ohhhh I mixed up what incapacitated means

[peak inlet]

I think it should be limited to armored or shielded creatures unless you can’t choose between different options

[tough compass]

See, that's a great idea, but also is that an easy thing to define?

[peak inlet]

monsters have their equipment listed

[tough compass]

Like mage armor isn't technically armor, and is a dragon's hide considered armor?

[peak inlet]

both aren’t armor

[tough compass]

Gotcha, so you intended to mean that

[peak inlet]

armor is physical equipment

[peak inlet]

it’s a defined game term

[lament coyote]

Here's a feature I'm working on which I worry is maybe overtuned but feel soothed because it's more of an ally buff than a self buff

Reactive Concoction.
When you learn this concoction, choose one of the following elemental damage types; Fire, Cold, Lightning, Radiant and Necrotic.
You can use a Utilize action to coat a weapon or up to 10 pieces of ammunition with this Concoction, after which it lasts for 1 minute. During this time, a creature struck with the weapon or ammunition loses Resistance to the chosen damage type until the start of your next turn, or gains Vulnerability to it if they don’t already have resistance, as the chemicals in the Reactive Concoction amplify the effects of the chosen damage type.
This concoction can be learned multiple times, choosing a different damage type each time.

(Note: This subclass gains a general ability to Utilize potions, poisons and their own concoctions as bonus actions after a bit)

[tough compass]

You know what, that would be a good limiting factor to be honest. My last concern would be that most heavily armored opponents would also have really high con making the only use case for this incredibly hard to trigger

[tough compass]

This is me being uneducated but is there anything that would be coatable that could hit an AOE? If so, this could really easily just mitigate the concern of a full fight with an AOE elemental spell and that

[lament coyote]

Not that I'm aware of; Even if there were an ammunition type that created an AoE like some kind of incendiary bolt, I would argue that the AoE being created isn't representative of the creature being "struck" by the ammunition

[peak inlet]

this is definitely very overtuned, it’s stronger than one of the better Channeled Divinities

I think you should definitely tone it down still

mainly the Vulnerability part

[tough compass]

I was gonna say, a simple attack roll to give vulnerability is a bit wild

I would say that even a higher level spell to do so should at least have a saving throw

[peak inlet]

Resistance removal is also overtuned because you can do it to multiple enemies, imo that part should be 1 application to an enemy and lasts a minute then the coating is gone

[tough compass]

The hardest part of my work rn is figuring out what major arcana thematically fits the effect I posted here lmao

[peak inlet]

are you using real life tarot arcana or Deck of Many Things arcana?

Euryale could easily fit

[lament coyote]

so you'd think something more like;

"You can use a Utilize action to coat a weapon or a piece of ammunition with this Concoction, after which it lasts for 1 minute. The first creature struck by the weapon or piece of ammunition during this time"

[tough compass]

For this effect, real life major tarot. I have a physical copy of The Pictoral Key to Tarot by Waite on my lap lmao

Also for clarification I am specifically referring to the Waite-Smith (or Rider-Waite ig fine) tarot deck

[peak inlet]

yeah, closer to that, you can use the wording from the Poisoner feat

[tough compass]

There are also Minor Arcana being used, but this one specifically has to be a Major Arcana

It'd be easy if I could just call it Reversed Fortitude/Strength but I did away with reverse tarot because I had a reverse system that was more complicated than I'd like

[peak inlet]

Tower/Hierophant?

[tough compass]

Maybe I just do Tower until I develop the later levels and use it later, I only wasn't because Tower is too signifciant for a weaker power but yeah you right

Why the hierophant tho?

[peak inlet]

I was thinking it depends on your flavor, Hierophant could be like the classic Lawful Good Paladin purging evil

Hierophant is more you’re the arcana while Tower is more they’re being inflicted by it

[tough compass]

Ahhhh I see

The FortuneTeller/TarotReader/Cartomancer (I need to just pick one) subclass is kinda about minor divination bonuses or debuffing others by giving them bad fortunes.

The "or" is depending on your choices.

But yeah actually Hierophant makes a ton of sense in that context

[lament coyote]

I'd suggest not calling it Cartomancer as there is already a 1st party feat with that name

[peak inlet]

I guess Hanged Man is also a choice, and it’s probably less intense than Tower

[tough compass]

Oh thanks for letting me know

[peak inlet]

yeah, Book of Many Things has a lot of things in this area

[lament coyote]

one of my favorite feats as a player since it gives spells known casters limited Wizardly versatility

[tough compass]

Scared to use that one cause Waite is so obsessed with it I want to really do more attentive research on it before using it cause I feel like I don't get it lol

[tough compass]

Gonna read the whole thing yeah

I'm always surprised by how many of y'all dnd fans are also fans of Eric Carle ngl

So many people love the book of many things

OH YEAH I SAW THE CARTOMANCER but it was at 3 am cause I've been staying up all night for a while working on this subclass so I forgot it lmao

[lament coyote]

though it shouldn't be bending the action economy the way it does lol

[peak inlet]

it’s really cool, I was hoping for a 2024 version but it seems like that’s probably a bit further off since they pushed the 2014 version recently

[peak inlet]

I think a large part of why it’s good is because of the action economy

[tough compass]

Also the cartomancy feat isn't even cartomancy but I can't blame them or I'd be a hypocrite lmao, I am realizing though that I could use it's basic idea for the Magician subclass I've been struggling to get off the ground in concept since my sibling wanted me to do something that confused me but that could be a great basis for it

[tough compass]

wdym it's from 2019

[peak inlet]

it uses the 2014 system

[tough compass]

ok I need to let this joke die cause nobody is ever gonna get it

[lament coyote]

i have a whole homebrew class I was working on that was focused on being like a magical investigator who uses Rituals and magical effects but doesn't have normal combat spellcasting, relying more on esoterica and tricks relating to their subclass

[tough compass]

Eric Carle is the guy who made The Very Hungry Caterpillar and he also made a book in 2019 called Book of Many Things and it's a picture book where you learn a bunch of things are

But in all seriousness I'm going to read the dnd 5e BMT

I will be getting the Eric Carle BMT as a prank for my brother though

[lament coyote]

Is this maybe a tighter read?

Reactive Concoction.
When you learn this concoction, choose one of the following elemental damage types; Fire, Cold, Lightning, Radiant and Necrotic.
As a Bonus Action, you can apply this concoction to a weapon or piece of ammunition. Once applied, the Concoction retains its potency for 1 minute or until you deal damage with the coated item, whichever is shorter. After a creature takes damage from the coated item, the creature loses resistance to the chosen damage type, or if they don’t already have it gains vulnerability to the damage type, until the start of your next turn.
A weapon that deals the chosen damage type cannot benefit from the effect of Reactive Concoction, as applying the chosen damage type to the attack’s damage evaporates the concoction prematurely.

A note is that the subclass can only have Wis number of concoctions and regains them one at a time on short rests, so these are very limited use abilities. I kind of liken them to Arcane Shots or Maneuvers, except these are prepared, kind of Vancian style, and more limited in use.

[tough compass]

Do you want like mechanical input or grammar and formatting input like a peer edit

[lament coyote]

More balance thoughts, though if you have ideas about the former go ahead.

[tough compass]

Balance wise it all makes sense to me. I'm going to quickly open google docs for easier format suggesting and I'll send you an image in DMs of my thoughts

Suggestion sent

[empty vine]

looking for ideas for mechanics for PC werewolf
could be things in beast form. in hybrid form and also things he always have, as in regular form

[tough compass]

It did just occur to me I can just apply the suggestions and paste them here -_-

Here we go

When you learn this concoction, choose one of the following elemental damage types; Fire, Cold, Lightning, Radiant and Necrotic. As a Bonus Action, you can apply this concoction to a weapon or piece of ammunition. Once applied, the Concoction retains its potency for 1 minute or until you deal damage with the coated item. After a creature takes damage from the coated item, it gains vulnerability or loses resistance to the damage type until the start of your next turn. The concoction will evaporate if applied to a weapon that already deals the chosen damage type.

[nova basin]

The lycanthropy curse already exists in official content

[tough compass]

Oh it did just occur to me, the capitalization on this does need to be standardized as well.

[tough compass]

I would just tweak druid beast subclasses ngl, it seems a bit clear for that one

[empty vine]

at the moment i am looking less for the hybrid form. mainly for the normal form/content
my thoughts is about things in cleric style or around the pack (this is for high CHA and CON)

[empty vine]

it not very good, exsept very high level of STR that it is to OP for this PC that have very low normal STR it not give much

[empty vine]

how would u do it? as in numbers

mental stat of the PC and phiscal of the type of wolf?
what abut the duriation/hp/number of uses

[tough compass]

I haven't seen it in ages but there's like the moon druid with bears right

Oh yeah druids already wild shape into wolves

[cerulean seal]

Normal Druids can already Wildshape into bears and wolves

[tough compass]

"Your game statistics are replaced by the statistics of the beast, but you retain your alignment, personality, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores"

I think the bear focus is specifically a bg3 thing that I'm remembering.

Also that's from the 2014 phb for clarity

[cerulean seal]

Bg3 giving us owl bear was so nice

[empty vine]

what do u think about resistance/immunity to none silvered none magical weapons and the other way around if it is silvered like for example in regular form none silver cuse 50% and silver cuse 150% and in the other forms none silver 0% and silvered 200%
magical but nor silver cuse 100% as normal
i addition touching i silver like a coin cuse for save and them damage
u think it balanced? maybe even a bit weak? the tuching siver is to much?

[empty vine]

beat foucus?

[frank berry]

This could use a bit of clarification, I have no idea what this is about other than something abour immunities / resistances to silver 😅

[tough compass]

bg3 having the druid be specifically about bears I believe was a result of the limitations of not allowing you to choose " a beast with a challenge rating as high as 1 " since that'd suck to code in

[tough compass]

Same, I don't know what we're supposed to be balancing for at all

[empty vine]

in hybrid and beast forms u have Immunity and Vulnerability depending id it silvered or not, and in regular form it resistance and "half Vulnerability "
i also though to do something regrading silver things that are not weapons, for out of combat

i hope it more clear now

[frank berry]

It... really isn't
Is this a homebrew race? A monster? Some item? Spell?

Well I guess not the latter two

[empty vine]

it to give to a PC as part of him being a werwolf

[cerulean seal]

Why not just have them go Beast barbarian?

[frank berry]

yeah giving a player an immunity to non-magical attacks that aren't silvered it gonna be very strong

[cerulean seal]

Beast barbarian is basically the werewolf subclass

[frank berry]

And a shifter is basically a lycanthrope race, if you need one

[empty vine]

bcs this already exsisitng PC this is for somthing in additon to the class and race

[cerulean seal]

To add to this. Giving a player immunity to all non-silvered attacks all the time is just stronger than anything a Barbarian gets

Stronger than rage

Don’t do that

[empty vine]

but u gave me an idea to try to do it like the Lineages, so sort of a race

[empty vine]

that why in regular form it resistance

[cerulean seal]

Where are you reading this at?

Resistance is fine generally. Immunity is not

[empty vine]

and that anther reason not to take the option form the MM of 2014

[empty vine]

? i worte it here
#homebrew message
#homebrew message

[tough compass]

At most I'd say remove non-silvered piercing ranged physical attacks as an incredibly high leveled feature or something but ALL is INSANE.

Like not even bludgeoning? Cause I'm now picturing a group of bandits who literally can't hit you crushing you with a tree only for you to walk away unscathed, unless you mean only non-silvered weapon attacks but that introduces some logical contradictions

[cerulean seal]

I mean, the trade off usually is that your this player character is going to go wild at some point and attack the party

and if the party doesn't have any silvered weapons they are going to be a huge issue for the party

Is there updated lycanthropy in 2024 MM?

[empty vine]

i didnt domplitly undrstood u, but i think i undrstood the thing with the bludgeoning, i want it to be only for wopeons and actoal attaks, like to not inclode things lke fall damge

[cerulean seal]

There is updated rules in 2024

[empty vine]

not exsacly but i do things about things like that, negetive traits like something with maddenss and control

[tough compass]

But then how do you solve the contradiction of "A gian'ts 1 ton warhammer doesn't hurt me but a fall from 20 feet does"

[empty vine]

about lycanthropy ? not that i saw

[tough compass]

Ultimately it's the same physics with different flavor

[cerulean seal]

Werewolf in 2024 just says if they curse a target and the target falls to 0 HP, they become a werewolf that the DM gets to control

[cerulean seal]

I'll show you

[empty vine]

so it have nothing abut the mechanics?

[cerulean seal]

DM'd you the stat block

They got rid of the immunity to non-silvered weapons in 2024

[misty trellis]

Hate to interrupt ongoing conversation, but I finished a creature I made: The Viscerleech. I'd like one last peer review before I officially call it finished, both in terms of mechanics and descriptive bits. If anyone's interested, lemme know and I'll DM you the link to the statblock.

[tough compass]

I can't really help with that as I have no experience with creatures but I just want to point out that for about half an hour now wolf has been typing and then stops typing and the suspense is going to put me in the ER lmao

Whatever is sent next is going to be a generational work of literature:

[cerulean seal]

You can link it here if you want

someone will happily read over it

[empty vine]

let me clear a few things
A. it relatively common to get things beyond the normal things of the class and race. my DM did it to other players as well in many forms (some of them i don't know how, and it likely there also cases i don't know about at all)
B. i play the PC, he is now 10th level hexblade pact of the blade metallic (lighting) dragonborn
he is WW from the start of the game, the DM gave me a mechanic that is form a book i believe is 3rd party (Corpus% Malicious), but we didn't took it as it is (for most of the game we didn't track when it is full moon and we also very fast puts aside the raw meat things).
C. the stats form Corpus Malicious are nice but bcs i have 10 STR and 12 DEX the attacks there mid at max. also the DM told me that in hybrid form i cant cast spells and use weapons
later i had to choose a pack between 3 options that in addition to the plot would effect the mechanics in some way. i choose the pack that is druid like. at this time regardless to what pack i choose i got that my beast form is now of the Dire Wolf. the things i got form the pack was and still not much clear, if i remember right it was supposed to be pack tactic in beast form but i already got that from the Dire Wolf
D. i got to be a Alpha (sort of) to a pack of kids humans and ww alike after event in the game, so i thought maybe to add to the mechanics something around that, but i lost the pack, at lest for now

**SO, until now in my normal form i only got keen sense that i rarely got to use, and i very rarely have a reason to shapechange. **
So i am looking form mechanics/traits/features/abilities (but also weakness) that give me reasons to shapechange to the hybrid form and the beast from, and also for the regular form/always. both for mechanics and roleplay

i want to come to my dm with prepered ideas so he could approved or not

regarding flaws/weakness i have a bonch that i found that i only need to choose and adjust deepened on the traits
in general i am going to the direction of the druidic vibe(like nature spell/spell like) and to the charisma side bcs this is my stat so to the leader of alpha an intimidation
i also thought to take inspiration from/adjust the warlock invitations and/or the dragon/drgonborn feats.and like the beast form is based on the druid Wild Shape i thought to make the hybrid form based on the Barbadian rage

one of the ideas i had is to have one or both Dream and Scrying spells but only for the pack, which is not so relvent at the moment. maybe dream is

[tough compass]

If you all play an inherently less balanced game that's completely fine, though it does make it a little bit harder to talk about what "makes sense" since most people will be homebrewing on the basis of standards from the base game before fitting them into specific campaign scenarios

[cerulean seal]

Can you summon wolves currently?

Becuase I feel like you should be able to summon wolves to fight along side you

[empty vine]

i dont know if to call it inherently less balanced, but the dm potentially will but , well i have a term in my head and i lost it
but for exsaple the problem with differentiate btween a hammer to a fall is something i see as a problematic, although i am not sure if the dm will fine it a problem
but regarding silver. it known that there WW at the area of the game, at least for some, and there also organisation that is aginst WW, so silver is not that rare, and among our enmies magical wepons as well

[empty vine]

no. ii cant, and that could be a nice idea, but i need to think how to prsent it, bcs like the spell i think it be to much/not fit well
PS i do have the spell flock of familiars

for the moment lets say it 50% when not silvered and 150% when it is silvered ( the thought behind it that the 2 ceases together is like 2 full attacks to someone that is not effected by silver

but what do u think about the things of damage (with save) around simply touching silver? is it to much? pointless? nice? to harmful?

now in hybrid form i already get resistance to non silver and my con **score **& str/dex **score **get +2
in my best form in addition to all what is Dire Wolf i also have Blood Trail. __You can trace the smell of blood within 60 feet of you. __
and in all forms i have Keen Hearing and Smell. You have an advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
this is form the mechanics form Corpus Malicious

in what forms to have Pack Tactics.__ You have advantage on your attack roll against a creature if at least one of your allies is within 5 feet of the creature and that ally isn’t incapacitated.__ ? all? just not regular one?

and my big problem: someone have an idea what would be the base mechanic for the hybrid form? if like rage, how Should/can i do it?

[paper belfry]

I made my first subclass 😁

It's for barbarian that gives it spells and attacks

[empty vine]

sound nice

[paper belfry]

Yep gives it thunder spells cause it's a dragon slayer and the theme of this campaign is ds1 based

And gives resistance to 1 dragon breath damage type

I made the spell casting ability strength

[empty rock]

Hi @empty vine !

So for fun, flavorful add ons and mechanics, here are some suggestions. (I have played a homebrew werewolf for the past three years.) I hope these help generate ideas! (I will thread the rest of this or something... I'm at my character limit.)

ABOUT SILIVER

• Yes to silver sensitivity. I play so that i can't wear magic items made of silver (amulets, rings, holy symbols, etc), and I have issues in some social situations. Silver itches and burns the skin, but I treat it more like an allergy, so it's very slow damage over time (like 1d4/hour or something).
• I do get resistance (not immunity) to non-silvered, non-magical bludgeoning/piercing/slashing damage in all forms.
• I am also Vulnerable (2x damage) to silvered weapons in all forms.

OTHER SENSES, STATS AND SKILLS

• Speed increases to 35' in hybrid form, 40' in wolf form (I'm a regular wolf, not a dire wolf. The size tradeoff was too unbalanced for my party).
• Hybrid form - advantage on Strength saving throws, and advantage on Athletics checks. (I did this in lieu of stat bumps, again, for party balance.)
• Pack tactics - Limited this to Wolf form only. It balances out the advantages you have in hybrid form where you can still speak and use weapons.
• Wolf form does get a Trip attack (or a slam attack, probably, if you are a Dire Wolf)
• Claw and Bite attacks count as magical weapons for purposes of overcoming DR.
• Whenever you make a Wisdom (Perception) check that relies on smell or hearing, you have advantage in all forms.
• Whenever you make a Wisdom (Survival) check to track a creature using scent, you have advantage in all forms.

[empty rock]

SHIFTING PARAMETERS

• Shifting limits - I can shift to either hybrid or wolf form (using a Bonus Action) a number of times up to my proficiency bonus per day.
• Time limit - I can only hold Hybrid form for ten minutes.
• Trying to hold your Hybrid form longer than 10 minutes is possible, but difficult to control. For each minute beyond this limit, you must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 10 + minutes past the limit) or gain 1 level of exhaustion for each additional minute until you finish a long rest.

DRAWBACKS

• I have disadvantage on animal handling checks in all forms. Just because people can't figure out what I am doesn't mean animals can't. This is a pain in the butt when it comes to horses and creates a lot of comedy.
• During a full moon, when you take heavy damage in a single attack or are under extreme stress, the DM may call for a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, you involuntarily transform into Hybrid or Wolf form (DM’s choice) and remain so until the triggering scene ends. The DM can opt to control you at this point.
• "Blood frenzy" in which If you reduce a creature to 0 HP in Hybrid or Wolf form, you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw (DC = 8 + PB + STR or DEX modifier) or you must attack the nearest creature on your next turn, whether it's a friend or an enemy.

[empty vine]

wow, i was wondering what are u writing so long

[empty rock]

I've had a looooong time to think about this particular problem. LOL

[empty vine]

TNX so much, i am going to read it rhigt a way

[empty rock]

awesome -- lmk if you have questions!

[empty vine]

3 Q for now
a. did u have resistance also to things like fall damge?
b, i dont undrstend the brackets about the hybrid, what is lieu of stat bumps?
c. what race & class u paly as ww? what was/is the range of levels? u still paly with this pc?

[empty vine]

what is trip attack and slam attack?
DR means difrent resistaces or something like that?

[empty rock]

1. I went back-and-forth on that one. Yes. I was unlikely to break my leg in a fall, and I couldn’t get a tattoo. 😆
2. You mentioned that you increased your strength, and con (I think) as part of becoming a werewolf. I did not. Instead, I have advantage on some things.
3. I actually have this built as a species, not an add on. So I am playing as what I called a “lycanborn“ – a werewolf from birth. So it’s a little bit different than your situation. I’m an artificer/fighter multiclass, and have played this character from levels 6 to 15. I do still play the character, yes.

[empty vine]

what limit the wolf form?
waht is heavy damge and what is opt?😅

[empty rock]

I didn’t set a time limit on the wolf form because it was so much more about scouting and mobility. It didn’t have the same advantages in combat. I might have changed that if there was a druid or another shape shifter in the party who is dealing with limitations.

[empty vine]

as a fighter and with the bite and clew, do u use DEX or STR?

[empty vine]

what about the hp? as in wolf form

[empty rock]

As for what constitutes “a lot of damage“… Well, this is your DM’s “stir up some trouble“ option. It’s up to them.

I kept my hit points the same regardless of form. I could see an argument for temporary hit points in hybrid form, like some barbarians. I was just already juggling enough complexity, so I didn’t mess with it.

[empty vine]

i asked abut the wolf form, bcs i though like druid to have as aimiit a pooll of hp

[empty vine]

heavy damge=a lot of damage?

[empty rock]

Yep!

[empty vine]

i think u missed those Q's😅

[empty rock]

And yeah, your hit point question makes sense. I chose not to follow the Druid model, but I can certainly see an argument for it. Again, there’s not one in my party, so I was less concerned about balancing against the Druid class in my case.

[empty rock]

Trip: Once per turn, when you hit a Large or smaller creature with your bite, it must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + PB + STR modifier) or be knocked prone.

[empty vine]

opt is short for optionly? The DM can opt to control you at this point.

[empty rock]

As a dire wolf, I think your bite already does the same thing as that "Trip" -- as a regular wolf, it was something I added.

I thought there was a separate slam thing ... but I'm not seeing it so never mind. 🙂

[empty vine]

so i think only 2q left
DR means difrent resistaces or something like that?
as a fighter and with the bite and clew, do u use DEX or STR?

[empty rock]

DR = damage resistance. So if you take half damage from non magical weapons, your bite/claw would count as magical -- so you'd deal full damage.

I use STR for my attacks.

[empty vine]

and number of attacks in all form is the same and based on regular nuber of attacks of fighter?

[kindred cypress]

Does anyone have any recommendations on making homebrew classes

[empty rock]

Yeah, I think I left it the same for all three. Hybrid for sure... Wolf form I can't remember. I think I defaulted to the base animal block for that.

(I almost never attack in wolf form .... but knowing me, I would have decided "less is more" and not changed it)

[empty vine]

so that means that as wolf 1 attack
what abut spell? casting and consistring? in hybrid and wolf forms?

[empty rock]

you can cast spells in hybrid. you can't cast as a wolf. as a wolf you cannot speak, cast, or use items (you could make some kind of exception argument here for items, but that's my basic rule).

[empty vine]

what about concentrate?

[empty rock]

Good question. I don’t have a rule around it. So I’d say yes you can concentrate. I will say if you use the “blood frenzy“ drawback and fail, concentration would automatically end. I think as a DM for a hybrid form caster using concentration, I might have them make a check depending on what’s going on. That one is a question for your DM. As a WW, I tend to assume you are just barely in charge of your hybrid form even when you can control your shifting. But that’s just how I handle the storytelling.

[empty vine]

in wolf form u took all it stat? so u have lower INT?

[empty rock]

No. I left all my stats the same. Just put a wolf hat on my own stuff.

[empty rock]

I try for balance, but also simplicity. I’d say, keep your stats the same. Keep your number of attacks the same, and if something seems OP, work on it with your DM.

[empty vine]

i got confuse😅 the same as the regular pc or the same as the wolf monster block stat?

[empty vine]

about blood frenzy, in 2nd reading i dont sure i understand
it when u fall to 0 hp, right? so if u fail the save u do 1 attack to someone nearby and then normally fall unconscious? and if u secseed u just fall unconscious as noramal?

also, did u had/have scaling as ww in any way?

[empty rock]

PC stat block.

No, it’s when you knock something else to zero hit points. If you take out an enemy, and you’re in “the zone” as a predator, you run the risk of turning on the nearest thing, even if it is a friend of yours.

Again, it’s one that’s worth talking about with your DM. I don’t know that I would use it all the time as a DM - we do not - but it’s a nice tool for them to have when it’s dramatically appropriate.

[empty vine]

1. so what did u took from the wold stat block?
2. got it
3. the thing to ask the dm ia complitly get but as an answar to the q, i askke if in the time of the game, like when u reach a certain level did something in your ww mechanics changes? got stornger?

[empty rock]

Wolf block: Damage for the bite attack , movement speed, pack tactics mechanics.

I didn’t scale much. I set it up so that the resistance to non magical non silvered attacks did not kick in until level 5 – but again, remember I’m doing this as a species. I felt it was too overpowered at the lowest levels compared to other player characters.

Beyond that, the only thing I’m scaling is my speed as a wolf (40’/45’/50’ for Tier I/II/III play) and using the proficiency bonus for number of times you can shift naturally scales as well.

Otherwise, no. Since I kept it based on player character stats for all forms, as you level, all hybrid and wolf attacks become more powerful.

If you’re looking for progression, I recommend checking out Matt Mercer’s (Critical Role) Blood Hunter class. It can be hard to get to - I have to use an outside search engine to get to the D&DB page - but the Order of the Lycan scales up and may have some ideas you can use.

A lot of what I did was inspired by it, and by mechanics pulled from shifters and druids.

[empty vine]

tnx so much
i know the blood hunter and today is free in DDB
last thing, in game your charcter is human (her normal form) what her name? can u describe her? after all the effort and the help i might try to add a version of her to my game (as an NPC)

[loud briar]

Can I get some feedback on a magic weapon idea i had for one of my hobgoblin captains that my party is about to fight?
Thinking about calling it the "Sword of Command";
It's a longsword that lets the wielder consume a charge to do a "Commanding Strike" where if it hits, the wielder chooses an ally he sees within range to immediately make a melee weapon attack at advantage

[fair raptor]

I’m currently working on some homebrews called the “Four Seasons”. The premise is four weapons made of the truest and most powerful primordial forms of the four seasons. I currently have the “True Winter” done, and am working on “Scorching Summer” but I need ideas for the names of the other two. does anyone have suggestions?

[cerulean seal]

Fabled Fall

[umbral dust]

I'm trying to think of a benefit that a fighter could gain for composing a haiku at the beginning of each day after 7th level. It's for a custom subclass

Besides gaining a single-time advantage on a wisdom save that day, im not sure

I feel like enough things give you advantage on charmed and frightened, or inspiration

[cerulean seal]

Temp hp

[umbral dust]

Temp hp works

[cerulean seal]

Other option is that maybe they can recite the haiku as a bonus action and charm people who hear it

[umbral dust]

Ooh fairs

[calm rose]

Planning to make a "Deck of Heroes" thing for my oneshot/campaign, based off of Greek Heroes and Gods/Goddesses

example: The Glory (Heracles), The Hearth (Hestia)

It's gonna be like a mostly positive "Deck of Many Things", the only thing I don't know how to do is to balance it so the buffs aren't so miniscule but not too overpowered

like for Zeus, "The King" if I gave thunder resistance that would be unfair if a different card gave only a +1 in an ability score.

[cerulean seal]

Objectively some are going to be better than others and that is generally an intentional part of the design. A deck of many things has some bonkers options.

[loud briar]

For a one shot could be fun to make them busted, like make "The King" actually give you the ability to launch thunderbolts xD

Even a one time charge to smite could be fun

[calm rose]

out of 22 cards in the deck, only 15-16 will be good

[cerulean seal]

Those are good odds

[calm rose]

Which would be the god cards, the other cards will be based off of Greek Heroes

So far Achilles and Odysseus

other than that, I'm tapped out for Greek Heroes that had hubris (unless you count the very extreme versions)

[fair raptor]

Thank you. Do you have one for spring?

[unborn kelp]

Icarus is a good one, and particularly fitting for a deck of many things-like item
You could also do greek titans for negative cards maybe?

[calm rose]

Ooh, Odysseus, Agamnenon, Icarus, and then Greek Titans?

[cerulean seal]

Orpheus?

[unborn kelp]

Less heroic mortals are also an option, like Sisyphus and Tantalus

[calm rose]

The only wrong thing Orpheus really did was look back

[cerulean seal]

Dadelus

Is this supposed to be about hubris specifically?

[calm rose]

Sisyphus is a good one

[unborn kelp]

Sisyphus didn't really do anything wrong either
Poor guy just wanted to live

[calm rose]

Didn't he think he was smarter than the gods?

[cerulean seal]

Heracles

[calm rose]

Not really, but it's easier to give negative effects if they do have hubris

[queen egret]

I would probably take +1 asi over a random resistance tbh

[unborn kelp]

I mean he did outsmart them so he was kinda right in a way

[calm rose]

Heracles is already one of them

[cerulean seal]

Midas

[calm rose]

"the Glory", mostly because he was a God by the end of his story

[calm rose]

Good one

[cerulean seal]

Honestly you can just steal from the Hades games

Just go through the list of characters there

[calm rose]

Hah! Yeah

[unborn kelp]

Some of the cards write themselves too

[calm rose]

If I don't get any ideas for some gods, like Persephone and Hephaestus I will definitely replace them with humans

I don't know how I'd implement "The Maiden" Or "The Forge"

[cerulean seal]

Hephaestus is equipment related 100%

Buffs your equipment in some way

[calm rose]

Definitely!

[cerulean seal]

Persephone goddess of the underworld seems straight forward too. More death related stuff. Undead stuff

[calm rose]

I'm planning this deck of heroes thing to be owned by a fortune teller in some place, players will have the option to draw one card, or they may choose not to

[calm rose]

That's already filled by Hades, but yeah could be, Persephone's Tarot is "The Maiden" For me

[cerulean seal]

Uhh… Harvest Spring

[cerulean seal]

Just rip what Persephone does in Hades then with the pomegranates. Buffs their features or abilities or something l

She’s a goddess of spring

And queen of the underworld

[unborn kelp]

Persephone feels like she should have both a positive and negative effect to me

[calm rose]

For Gods I have the 12 Olympians, then Persephone, Heracles, and Hestia

[calm rose]

Hmm maybe, but the other God cards don't have that feature, feels bad if the player does pull it

[unborn kelp]

Well it's not too late to change that!

[cerulean seal]

I mean, not every card can be amazing

[calm rose]

Also hard to figure out the name for Hermes' tarot, he's the God of so many things so I just named it "The Thief" instead of "The Messenger" To make my life easier

[calm rose]

Y'know what you're right, it's still a gamble

They did choose to draw a card when it wasn't mandatory

[cerulean seal]

Messenger tends to be more identiting for him

[unborn kelp]

Hermes is like a Bethesda game player character if you think about it

He just kinda does side quests

[calm rose]

Yeah

He's like the God of everything else

I did decide to name Poseidon's tarot "The Chariot" (I know it already exists, sue me)

[true forge]

wouldnt the Tower work better as the Tower can mean disaster and destruction?

if you wanted a tarot that is also in real life that is

[calm rose]

The Chariot because Poseidon's the god of horses

[brave flare]

Alright so I made this super cool bossfight and I wanted to share it. It’s a Clay Golem, nothing out of the ordinary, except, the unstable magic inside is able to allow it to shift its stats around. And it has defenses so tough that all damage towards it only does 1/4th of the usual damage. So how does someone stop it? Well they must use a Magical Artifact which will drop its defenses, but with a cost. The party will have their stats swapped around as well.

So how this works mechanically is: When the party uses the Magic Item their stats jumble around, I roll a D6 for how many stats must get swapped. And then that many D6s to see what stats get swapped between party members (STR = 1 DEX = 2 etc) Then they can attack.

I think it provides a fun challenge for the party to adapt on the fly

[south wasp]

Counter argument

[south wasp]

If im a wizard and my int gets swapped with the barbarian, im useless now

I’d rather do 1/4 the damage than my spells have 1/8th the chance to work

[tired spruce]

What if you let the players roll the dice and have them pick what gets swapped, so it gives them the ability to fix stats and such?

[brave flare]

Hmm, I guess this really isn’t a problem with the current party, though I can see where this would be a problem for parties with more variety

[meager geyser]

Do I come here to see if I can get help with a homebrew?

[brave flare]

Yeah I think so

[meager geyser]

ok I was hoping to get help designing these 5 bosses I want to add to my campaign but I don't know how to implement them

[brave flare]

I think this is definitely the right way to go about it. But I do want some bit of randomness to it. So I’m thinking 1 of 2 paths

1. Each party member can refuse a stat swap once per encounter
2. Allow them to pick, but a stat can be chosen twice in a row

So you couldn’t just continually swap a stat you both aren’t using

[brave flare]

Tell me and I’ll see if I can help you

[meager geyser]

Ok so I'm hoping to have one of them appear every 3 levels each of these bosses have a special feat giving it some unique feature the campaign is kinda influenced by 7 deadly sins

[brave flare]

I’m probably going the sleep soon so I can help you if the first one right now

[meager geyser]

ok so the first one is supposed to have the blessing of resilience that halves damage

[brave flare]

Yeah sorry man, I’m too tired to try to help

[meager geyser]

its all good

[brave flare]

Maybe tomorrow

[meager geyser]

ok

[final lotus]

I feel like it would be really funny to make a homebrew adventure/campaign based on one of the jokes we have in our group [the fact that when testing the vtt we got tpk-ed by 4 skeletons], but i don't have a lot of experience with the dm side of things, so I want to ask what are the things I should try to include and prepare during the writing stage to make sure that it's properly usable, mostly stays on track, so that i don't get lost when running it, etc?

[spring tusk]

What do y'all think is better in terms of making players feel epic in combat

Higher AC, lower HP?
Or Lower AC, higher HP?

[kindred cypress]

Def lower ac and higher hp cuz then they’ll feel unkillable (my opinion)

[solar goblet]

I have a question if someone can help me balance my homebrew a bit

[true forge]

Both work, if you want the unstoppable feel go high ac, if you want the "grits though pain" juggernaut fell go the other

[true forge]

Send it and somebody will come help

[crisp horizon]

So this is an item my dm made for me i just wanted to know what other people's thoughts are on it

Weapon (Palm Pistol (Exandria)), Uncommon
In Equipment

Proficient: Yes
Attack Type: Ranged
Range: 40ft./160ft.
Damage: 1d8+2
Damage Type: Piercing
Weight: 1lb.
Cost:--
Properties: light, Reload (1), Misfire (1)
Version: chips

As modern practices expand the capabilities of personalized weaponry, occasionally someone takes an unexpected sidestep that turns out to be a stroke of genius. In binding the essence of an air elemental to the lower barrel of this heavy crossbow, the inventor responsible has pioneered a way to effectively send larger objects further away. It was first thought that this would be the perfect way to deliver explosive black powder concoctions, but it was soon found that the air elemental’s magic had an unexpected side effect.

You can use a bonus action on your turn to load any potion, poison, or throwable alchemical concoction like alchemist’s fire into the lower barrel of this crossbow. When this barrel is loaded, you can use an action to pull the second trigger causing the air elemental’s magic within to discharge launching the item to a range of 100 ft.

When an item fired from this barrel smashes on impact, the contents of it are aerosolized into a fine mist by the air elemental’s essence that spreads in a 10 foot radius sphere from the point of impact. All creatures and objects within that area come under the effects of the potion, poison, or alchemical concoction that was loaded into the barrel. This mist dissipates at the end of your turn.

This weapon also has a misfire of 3. This also applies to potions, poisons, and alchemical concoctions pelted and shattered this way.

[solar goblet]

Ok. Basically in my homebrew i have a bunch of custom classes and races in my game to fit with lore and make the game more diverse. However, my player is abusing game mechanics to make himself OP. And i dont wanna ruin his character because i like the concept hes just very OP for level one.

[solar goblet]

I like it

Makes the game fun and also unpredictable which can make for epic or unexpected moments

[crisp horizon]

i woud like so ideas on possible dumb ideas I could pull off with this item

[solar goblet]

It also has quite good background for a single item may i add

[solar goblet]

But uhm, may anyone help with my predicament.

[languid stump]

i’m listening

[solar goblet]

Basically my player is level one but abusing game logic to make himself OP. I dont wanna ruin his fun, but hes so OP.

Its homebrew classes and characters which is why im here

[languid stump]

explain wym by “op” how does the class/subclass work and what are they abusing?

[solar goblet]

So i made custom races and classes to make the game more diverse since i have around 7 players and they like creativity. And hes almost immortal. Almost instant regen. Hes super fast and strong, and hes a healer so he can heal everyone almost immedietly. It also gets worse because of his multiclass as he levels up.

The class is called biomechanic. Its basically an artificer who uses flesh material and take damage in exchange for high damage output.

Because of his races hes super tanky and he can heal himself using a different class

[languid stump]

honestly, you could make multiclass requirements through story, or you could change the scaling of the healing/damage.
or make it to where certain levels can use different levels of flesh material.

for example:
level 1-6 (his own flesh)
level 6-13 (others flesh)
level 13-20(dead flesh)

that’s just an idea, i don’t exactly know how you have it worked out, but i hope this helps at all

[solar goblet]

Actually good thinking. In retrospect i can also nerf his base damage without mana because tbh hes mana reliant but doesnt have a lot

He gets more as he levels

[languid stump]

awesome, sounds really cool

[solar goblet]

Alr thanka

Thanks*

[cinder obsidian]

Yo, does anybody have a ready antimagic sword artefact?

[spring tusk]

elaborate

[cinder obsidian]

like Asta's big sword from Black Clover

basically, a sword that can cut through and repel magic

[cerulean seal]

No but probably pretty easy to write up

Just something along the lines of like... The weapon when it hits a creature, object, or spell it automatically ends any active magical effects or spells.
As a reaction when you are targeted by a spell, you can repel the spell back at the caster.

[calm rose]

Howdy, I'm back with my Deck of Heroes!

So far I've got Icarus, Odysseus, Midas, and Agamemnon as the bad cards, I need more greek heroes to fill in the void

[cerulean seal]

Check #ddb-support They should be able to help you out

[cerulean seal]

Achilles? Orpheus? Daedalus? Perseus? Theseus? Jason?

[calm rose]

Perseus was pretty alright as a greek hero, not as bad as the rest, and yeah, Achilles is included I just forgot about him

[calm rose]

Would this be a bit too rough of a punish for drawing from "the deck of heroes"?

The Greed (Midas)

All of your gold that you are carrying on your person turns to ash, you will not be able to carry any more coins on your person without it turning to ash.

[cerulean seal]

Yeah that's pretty bad. Especially if its all of it

Also not very representitive of Midas since he turned things to gold

[calm rose]

His obsession with wealth caused him to lose everything

[cerulean seal]

I would instead maybe do like... When the creature holds something for longer than a minute it turns to gold and loses all monetary value but retains all its ingame statistics

[calm rose]

Ah, that'd be cool a little, golden sword, etc.

[cerulean seal]

Yeah, then someone else can just hold their valuble loot for them

[calm rose]

Right then I'll do that

What about...

The Breaker (Achilles)

Enemies will gain a +2 to their attack roll against you.

[cerulean seal]

Are all these effects permanent?

Can they be removed with the Remove Curse spell?

Or some other cure?

[calm rose]

at the end of it, they will encounter the fortune teller once more, they may choose to draw another card, in exchange for losing the effects of what they drew at the start

[cerulean seal]

Oh you said this is for a one shot right?

shouldn't matter too much then

[calm rose]

potentially a three shot but that's wishful thinking

just gotta work on my old lady voice so they don't think I'm a murderer

[near perch]

Hello?

[vale crescent]

Hey guys! I was wondering. I am gonna start my new campaign with a carnaval. I was thinking about making games with tickets and a prize shop! I just lack a bit of imagination with the games and dnd mechanics.

Is this the right channel for this question?

[cerulean seal]

Probably more #dm-discussion unless you are needing help homebrewing custom items and such

Would someone mind giving me some feedback on this 2024 Ranger subclass I designed?
Its based off treasure hunts and the likes. The idea is someone who has conquered the vaults of genies and stolen their treasures. Very Aladdin and Sinbad inspired. Genie Raider
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WDm6ah-Ja0N0nypptw38ABvksDrT2vyabtTCVvzu8sQ/edit?usp=sharing

[near perch]

If y'all would like some help or assistance I'd be happy to oblige

Lemme set up my laptop rq

[cerulean seal]

You don't need anyone's permission. Just hop into giving feedback. 🙂

[near perch]

im looking at it now

[near perch]

so far its really cool, i would like to say that for the level 3 feature '' genie treasures'' . Make it so that the user has to take a short rest to swap the item and a long rest if destroyed.

that way they have to play a little smarter. and they dont abuse what could be considered a leveled spell as a cantrip. this way its a little more balanced for whoever dms

[cerulean seal]

Made the destroyed tressure LR.
Currently you can already swap out on a SR and LR

[near perch]

ah okay, thats my bad i read past it

the treasure themselves look good

[cerulean seal]

I appreciate that. Trying to make sure they are balanced enough against one another

[near perch]

for raiders sense, because it looks like a buffed hunters mark. its great but have the user require line of sight on the target/creature that is holding the item for the identify spell. the hunters mark is fine as is

[cerulean seal]

I'll make a note of that

[near perch]

honestly the magical collector feat is really good as is

really cool

yeah that's a really dope subclass, id use it if it was available. Great work

everything else on the sheet looks fine so far

lemme know if you expand it, id love to look into it further

@cerulean seal

[cerulean seal]

Thank you for the feedback!

I did get input previously that MAgical Collector might be DM dependant due to wether or not you get magic items or not.
Should I give the feature 1 free spell from the wizard spell list from one of the feature too?

[near perch]

i like how it is personally. if you were to change anything id say make it so that they cant learn the spell from a MAGIC ITEM but the rest is fine. and thats a huge if either way

[near perch]

what questions did you have in particular

[glad veldt]

Anyone willing to help me with an environmental hazard I'm working on?

[umbral dust]

sure, what's your idea?

[near perch]

sure whats up

[glad veldt]

Mechanically I have a mist that lingers in an area and for every (insert time here) your constitution and charisma drops by one point (temporarily) to a max of 3 points lost. If you take a long/short rest you roll a charisma or constitution saving throw (haven't decided), on a success nothing happens, on a failure you can lose 3 more points.

Probably awful way of describing that, but still. If you leave the Mist the effects fade after the same amount of long/short rests(points increase by one to a max of three, long/short rest allows it to increase by another three till you hit the original value).

[umbral dust]

that makes sense

what's your issue with it?

[glad veldt]

I just need a good timeframe for the effects and advice on how debilitating/how aggressive the effect is.

[umbral dust]

to decide how dangerous the mist is, you first should consider what it's protecting

what is beyond the mist that whoever set this trap up didn't want stolen/entered?

[glad veldt]

It's invading, and it wasn't intentionally set up.

[umbral dust]

alright

how common is it?

[glad veldt]

Not very. It's very common on one set of islands that few go to, and when it leaves it's this whole huge problem for everyone involved.

[umbral dust]

is it the inhalation that causes the stats to drop or just being in this mist

[glad veldt]

Being in the mist.

[near perch]

thats really cool, i made a system for a gaseous chemical thats similar.

[glad veldt]

It eats away at vitality, hollowing you out until you drop dead, or your sense of self is so weak something else can take over.

(Hit 0 Con and you die, hit 0 Cha and you get possessed)

One idea I had was allow the Mist to get stronger, spreading to your dexterity, strength, wisdom, and intelligence. Or increasing the amount of points that can be lost at any one time, or decreasing the time between points lost.

[umbral dust]

When entering the mist, a creature must make a DC5-10-15-20 *(depending how difficult you actually want to make it to save against) *Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature's Constitution and Charisma scores decrease by 1, to a maximum of -3 points lost. On a successful save, they are immune to the effects of the mist for an hour (up to you if you want this but i know some DoT effects include it) A creature remakes this save for each minute they spend in contact with the mist.

The creature's affected ability scores increase by 1 for each short or long rests (you can decide) they take until they reach their original score.

[umbral dust]

another option could be cumulative yeah, either the save DC increases or if you want it to affect everything, they just gain a level of exhaustion per minute they spend in the mist

as exhaustion affects all scores and is removed on long rests

[glad veldt]

I was actually thinking of a cool side effect of making the Mist only get worse after each long rest. Technically if you don't take a long or short rest the upper limit of what the Mist can take is -3, so if you don't rest the Mist is bad, but not debilitating.

But that brings exhaustion.

[umbral dust]

also if your plan is to have players die at some point as a result of the mist, a -3 penalty is not gonna do that

[calm rose]

Hey y'all, I'm almost done with my "deck of heroes", do y'all mind if I send it? it's a pretty long list and I don't want to accidentally bury a discussion

[umbral dust]

a character only dies to an ability score decrease after that ability score is 0

[glad veldt]

-3 per long/short rest taken in the mist.

[coral delta]

For particularly long posts, we usually recommend a doc link or something similar.

[umbral dust]

if you're worried about a wall of text you could put it in a google doc?

[calm rose]

oh yeah!

[glad veldt]

So 3 long/short rests = -9 to con/cha

[coral delta]

Reduction of Constitution scores is a really rough idea though, because then you have to start reducing maximum health temporarily, which is a nightmare to keep track of

[umbral dust]

ohhh that makes more sense

[calm rose]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vNakCW3ofmISQpRGIz3yipPNwGAT_52UyWiA4qUu35o/edit?tab=t.0

here it is, I just need about 3 more Greek Heroes

[umbral dust]

i suppose it depends on what you're basing travel on, but if your characters are travelling for long periods of time you could consider requiring an hourly check in addition to your long/short rest thing

[calm rose]

Deck of Heroes' ratio of good cards to bad cards is 15:7

[umbral dust]

Hades seems a little underpowered as toll the dead is a cantrip afaik

same with aphrodite

and persephone

however if it's meant to be low power levels it works fine

[glad veldt]

I don't like the idea of an hourly check, it's why I tied the check to every long/short rest.

[calm rose]

yeah it ranges from ASI to Cantrip-Level 2 spells

[umbral dust]

fair enough, it that does imply your players could power through a patch of mist for 24 hours straight as long as they don't sleep

[umbral dust]

it looks good then, i like the theming

[glad veldt]

Yes, gaining a level or two of exhaustion in the process.

[calm rose]

yeah just some of the titles that worry me, other than that I just need 3 more greek heroes

[umbral dust]

Achilles, Theseus, Perseus?

killed ankles, minotaurs and medusas respectively

[calm rose]

The Breaker (Achilles) Enemies will gain a +2 to their attack roll against you. (Not damage roll, attack roll) is already there

Theseus is a work in progress, and Perseus is pretty decent for a greek hero, I don't know of a hubris he's made

[misty trellis]

What about that one soldier who held an entire army on a bridge? Or was that guy a roman?

[tough compass]

Napoleon?

Oh I misread that nvm

[calm rose]

like Perseus is the best greek hero I'm tempted to make him a good card, but I can't

[umbral dust]

that was a viking berserker during the battle of hastings iirc

[misty trellis]

yea that sounds right

[umbral dust]

i remember his myth being he used a mirrored shield against the medusa, turning her to stone? counterspell maybe? may not fit with your power scaling

polyphemus the cyclops could be some kind of debuff related to sight

[calm rose]

the theming goes, God Cards = Good, Humans = Bad

[umbral dust]

ah okay no cyclops then

[calm rose]

Polyphemus is a good one, shame he isn't human

know what? the last 3 will be creatures cursed by the gods

[misty trellis]

Oh, hate to interrupt the ongoing conversation, but I made a funny little creature that I need peer reviewed for mechanical strength and especially descriptive writing. Here's the link to the statblock for anyone who wants to give it a read: https://www.worldanvil.com/sheet/1629898/view

[calm rose]

Let's go Medusa, and that lady who Zeus turned into a plant

[umbral dust]

wasn't she a beautiful woman that made aphrodite jealous, so she cursed her to be horrendously ugly?

[misty trellis]

The creature is called a Viscerleech, if that piques anybody's interest

[umbral dust]

there are like a million versions of every myth lol

[calm rose]

Yeah

[umbral dust]

-2 to CHA lol

[calm rose]

there was one myth that says "Aphrodite helped her"

[umbral dust]

strong use of the word help

[calm rose]

Sounds good

we got Medusa... now who else

[misty trellis]

You could go with one of those hundred-armed titan things?

[umbral dust]

sisyphus or the minotaur comes to mind

[misty trellis]

or uhhhh whats the dude with three bodies and one head

[calm rose]

the hecatonkeries? or whatever it's spelled

[umbral dust]

cerberus

[calm rose]

hecatoncheires

[umbral dust]

hecatoncheires had like 100 heads i think

[calm rose]

Sisyphus, good one

[umbral dust]

also prometheus!!

stole fire from the gods, got his liver eaten by a bird for the rest of time

[misty trellis]

They're known specifically as the "hundred-handed ones" iirc

[calm rose]

ah I almost forgot about him

But what to give to the player who pulls it...

[umbral dust]

ahh fairs

[calm rose]

there is a chance my players just each pull one bad card respectively

[misty trellis]

Pulls card "whatever, go my vulture"

[umbral dust]

vulnerability to poison or something? bit of a reach, but it's his liver that gets eaten

though that may be too much

[calm rose]

Poison is very rare is it not? also most creatures are resistant/immune to it anyway

[misty trellis]

Birds of prey go out of their way to attack that player?

wait, is a vulture classed as a BoP or are they just carrion feeders?

[umbral dust]

every vulture on the planet makes an immediate beeline towards the player

[calm rose]

I don't want them to feel like I'm purposefully making the journey difficult for them, imagine they're in mid-combat and an eagle goes down to eat their liver

[misty trellis]

Not like initiate combat level attack, more like "Man these birds just wont leave us alone, minor difficulty increase to traveling or whatever"\

[umbral dust]

more just keeping an eye out for stray livers

[calm rose]

maybe, also in greek mythology it was thought that the liver was the place of emotions, maybe that could help

[misty trellis]

The rogue with seven pristine livers in their bag for no particular reason: nervous sweating

[umbral dust]

local organ harvesters hate him

[misty trellis]

Anywho, i dunno if I posted the link but here it is again: https://www.worldanvil.com/sheet/1629898/view

[umbral dust]

i did read through it - besides the reaction healing it seems quite interesting

[misty trellis]

Inspired by LongLiver from Brutal Orchestra

great game btw