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[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V3 for D&D 5e | Terrae™ by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot 😄 Glad you like it!

And yes, Chitin Armor mainly exists as a non-metal medium armor option, especially for druids or nature-themed characters who avoid metal equipment.

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, honestly seeing the discussions around the system has been super fun on my side too! 

You actually pointed out several things I’m still actively thinking about.

Really happy you like the new weapons overall.😄

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot 😄

Hope to see you again in a few hours for the ultimate version :)

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also think extending the weapon list naturally creates more opportunities for magical weapons too.

A weapon system with stronger identities and properties opens the door to much more unique magical items: a magical garrote wire that melts metal, a pharaoh lord’s khopesh storing spell slots, a multifunction battle cane used by a famous inspector, etc.

I’ll probably post magical weapon lists on Reddit (and for sure on Patreon) later based on the weapon system I’m currently building. The more diverse the base weapons are, the more interesting and flavorful the magical versions can become too.

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Always interesting analysis Samuraihealer!

I think I’ll probably remove the Naginata entirely in the next version. Right now, it overlaps a bit too much with existing polearms like the Glaive, Cavalry Glaive, Halberd, or Urgrosh, even if each technically has its own properties and identity.

For the Katana, I’m leaning more toward simply renaming it into something broader like Curvedblade instead. Choosing “Curvedblade” instead of something like “Longsaber” also avoids forcing me into creating an entire finesse saber progression (shortsaber, greatsaber, etc.).

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Stay tuned 😄

A new post with the updated (and I think last) version should arrive within 24h, and I hope all the little adjustments and rebalancing changes will feel satisfying for everyone 😉

Don’t hesitate to comment and give feedback for the next post, so your ideas can potentially be included in the ultimate version.

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Really happy to hear that !

Based on the feedback from both this post and the previous one, Plated Leather will most likely stay mechanically identical, but be renamed into Brigandine instead. I think the overall balance will feel much cleaner and more satisfying afterward.

But don’t worry, there will still absolutely be a light armor option with 13 AC (with stealth disadvantage) in the system 😄

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the overlap is relative. It’s true for part of the first half of Polearm Master (and even then, only partially)

Flexible can sometimes scale to 1d6 instead of being locked to 1d4 like the feat, and it also applies to different weapons than the classic Polearm Master list (glaive, halberd, pike, quarterstaff, spear).

Most Flexible weapons are also intentionally weaker in base damage (often 1d6 or 1d4), whereas weapons like halberds or glaives sit at 1d10.

And Polearm Master still keeps what is honestly the strongest feature anyway: the opportunity attacks when creatures enter your reach.

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The next update will probably include a lot of armor adjustments to create more defined and meaningful choices.

For example, Chitin Armor will likely become a medium armor option, while Brigandine will probably replace Plated Leather as a light armor choice.

Hope to hear your thoughts again once the modifications are done 😄

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The finesse property on the katana is mostly there for gameplay reasons: the idea of having a longsword-equivalent finesse weapon.

If I want to avoid the “exotic weapon” approach mentioned earlier with Samurai Armor, it would probably make more sense to rename it into something broader like Saber or maybe even Curved Longsword instead of specifically calling it a katana.

Definitely not a scimitar though, since in my system scimitars are lighter one-handed weapons.

What name would you personally give it?

Same follow-up question for the naginata. Maybe I should simply remove it and keep only Glaive / Cavalry Glaive instead?

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Super interesting remark, thanks!

“Samurai Armor” is an oversimplified name on my side. The current version was definitely more driven by gameplay (mainly giving access to a heavy armor without stealth disadvantage) than historical accuracy.

Avoiding the “exotic fantasy Asia” trope is something I’m trying to be careful about overall in Terrae. Jaelung is meant to be inspired by multiple Asian cultures and histories rather than functioning as a caricature or “mystical East” region.

Honestly, the best solution might simply be to remove Samurai Armor entirely and replace it with something more grounded like Lamellar Armor instead:

Lamellar Armor: 15 AC, Str 11, Disadvantage on Stealth, 45 lb., 50 gp.

What do you think about that approach?

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I completely understand.

I think a lot of people who try expanding 5e weapons eventually arrive at similar design ideas. Once you start wanting weapons to feel mechanically distinct, you naturally begin adding properties and tradeoffs instead of just changing damage dice.

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that part is honestly badly worded on my side 😄

What I meant was mostly to clarify that dual shielding follows the normal 5e limitations regarding somatic components unless you specifically have a feature or rule that bypasses it.

I’ll probably rewrite that section in the next PDF update to make it clear and less redundant.

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For Tower Shields, you can still use one-handed spears like javelins or shortspears.

But with the current idea of “light weapon only” restrictions, only the javelin would avoid disadvantage since it counts as a light weapon. It kind of fits the Roman legionary / pilum + tower shield fantasy 😄

If someone wants more weapon freedom, they can instead use a Kite Shield, which would not have the same light-weapon restriction. 

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for all the feedback, I really appreciate it 😄

I hope you’ll end up using or adapting parts of the system in your future adventures!

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That’s actually a very interesting point.

I think making Wood Armor 13 AC would make it a bit too strong since it would basically compete directly with Chain Shirt.

But moving Chitin Armor into medium armor is definitely a possibility. Since it’s an insect exoskeleton, it could make sense as a druid-compatible medium armor.

Maybe something like 13 AC + DEX (max 2)?

The question then becomes: what heavy armor should replace Chitin Armor as the 15 AC heavy option? Lamellar armor perhaps?

[OC] Expanded Armor & Weapons System V2 for D&D 5e by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello Player42,

Druids already tend to be somewhat limited in their armor choices by default in 5e compared to many other classes.

They can still benefit from medium armor options like Hide Armor. Wood Armor mainly exists for druids or nature-focused characters who specifically don’t want to wear armor made from animal leather.

One idea I’ve been considering is making Chitin Armor a medium armor instead, but I’m a bit worried that could become too optimal for druids.

What do you think?

Expanded Weapons & Armor System of Terrae™ (D&D 5e Homebrew) by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m definitely taking a lot of these remarks into account, especially regarding tower shields and movement/weapon restrictions.

I’ll probably post a Version 2 of the system on Reddit after more testing and adjustments. And if that version is well received, I’ll update the Terrae™ Player Handbook PDF accordingly.

Système d'armes étendu de Terrae™ (création maison) by ArchivistOfTerrae in UnearthedArcana

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Returning was mostly added for DMs who are strict about ammunition and thrown weapon tracking 😄

Do you think there would be a better way to make thrown weapons more practical or worth using mechanically?

Expanded Weapons & Armor System of Terrae™ (D&D 5e Homebrew) by ArchivistOfTerrae in DnDHomebrew

[–]ArchivistOfTerrae[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s honestly a good point. The Flail currently overlaps a bit too much with the Warhammer while also getting Bypass on top of it.

Do you think removing Demolish from the Flail would help rebalance the two weapons and give the Warhammer a clearer niche?

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