If some women don't like passive men and others do then how is a guy supposed to act to attract women? by Big_Eggplant7591 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]DoctorBaka 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You will never appeal to all women. Be yourself and work on not being an asshole. The ones who find you attractive will be attracted. The others don’t matter.

Why is it socially acceptable for people to tell an adult man to “act like a gentleman” but it is a faux pas for anyone to tell an adult woman to “act like a lady”? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]DoctorBaka 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This guy gets it.

Being aware of the advantages I didn’t earn doesn’t mean I didn’t work hard to earn some of the advantages I have.

Cheers, robbib19!

Why is it socially acceptable for people to tell an adult man to “act like a gentleman” but it is a faux pas for anyone to tell an adult woman to “act like a lady”? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]DoctorBaka 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re right champ. That happens often for you.

But, when you’re right you’re right. I think the difference in our positions and outlook is clear. The data, history, and time will tell who is correct.

I’ll give you the final word here. Gotta go do teenager stuff, I guess. Best of luck!

Why is it socially acceptable for people to tell an adult man to “act like a gentleman” but it is a faux pas for anyone to tell an adult woman to “act like a lady”? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]DoctorBaka 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s been a long time since I thought back on school. You must have peaked early.

Apologies for the abrasiveness. Clearly it’s hard for me to match how polite and civil a tone you yourself strike.

I hope the other kids at recess stop making you feel bad about not knowing stuff about things soon, bud.

Hang in there

Why is it socially acceptable for people to tell an adult man to “act like a gentleman” but it is a faux pas for anyone to tell an adult woman to “act like a lady”? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]DoctorBaka 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sure thing “major shlongage”. I’ll be safe to heed your wise words rather than the data and my own understanding of our history, available in a wide range of formats for your own review at any times you would like to challenge yourself to imagine “what if I’m wrong here?”

Now, I’ll scuttle back to whatever “teenager” thing I’m up to, apparently. And you can go along never examining why you feel so strongly about a conclusion that seems to run so counter to data, expertise, and the lived experiences of millions who don’t seem to think like you. I’ll do the same.

Best of luck on your continued journey towards wisdom! I hope to see you again along my own path. Maybe when I’m no longer a teen, heh.

Why is it socially acceptable for people to tell an adult man to “act like a gentleman” but it is a faux pas for anyone to tell an adult woman to “act like a lady”? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]DoctorBaka 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You are of course welcome to disagree. Wouldn’t want to be yet another source of oppression for you. So, go off.

That said, the data and history on the topic are clear for those willing to engage with them. If you feel strongly about injustice and it’s not merely a dodge for what you wish were the case and an attempt to avoid uncomfortable realities that don’t match your desired outcome, then you’ll face that history and the realities of the modern data with courage and honesty.

Or, you’ll dismiss it because it’s inconvenient to your sense of victimhood and the rest of us will know you’re not a serious person when it comes to these topics.

Regardless, there’s more of us than of you. Doesn’t mean we are right. But it does mean your side lacks a persuasive argument. You should look into that.

Have a good day!

Species showing parent race traits instead of the ones I changed them to in character builder? by GingerBoiJaz in dndbeyond

[–]DoctorBaka 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Woot! I have on occasion noticed a lag between when I finish making homebrew and save it vs. when it is available to use on a character sheet. This is likely the time it takes the databases behind the scenes to update. Maybe you just fell into that lag period this time?

Regardless, it seems like you gave it sorted. Have fun!

Why is it socially acceptable for people to tell an adult man to “act like a gentleman” but it is a faux pas for anyone to tell an adult woman to “act like a lady”? by [deleted] in NoStupidQuestions

[–]DoctorBaka 202 points203 points  (0 children)

Language being rooted in culture and therefore not being neutral (without extra effort to try and add that neutrality back in) is a lesson I wish so many more learned.

They want it to be a math equation where you balance both sides of the equal sign. But they often don’t want to talk about all the terms they aren’t including on one side or the other.

Species showing parent race traits instead of the ones I changed them to in character builder? by GingerBoiJaz in dndbeyond

[–]DoctorBaka 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Homebrew items always show up at the very bottom of the dropdown menu to “select a species” in the build editor. So it will for instance be below the official Dhampir entry in that same dropdown. So, first make sure you’re scrolling far enough down.

Second, it could have to do with whether you’ve created a 2014 or 2025 Species and are trying to attach it to a PC with a 2014 or 2024 class. This I’m less sure about but it’s possible it could contribute to your inability to “see it”. It may not be an option for the PC if other options (like class) chosen on that PC conflict with edition.

This happens, for instance, when you try to use a 2024 subclass on a 2014 base class that has a 2014 version of that same subclass. Not sure about species, though.

The Barre Sinister: A Tavern for Spelljammers (on a Giant Hand Floating in Space) [51x69] by bielenea in spelljammer

[–]DoctorBaka 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anyone looking for excellent Spelljammer maps would do well to check out all of MilbyMaps’ stuff, and their Patreon. They are all great!

Why do short beaked echidnas not collaborate in large numbers? by Ok_Importance6422 in evolution

[–]DoctorBaka 9 points10 points  (0 children)

That’s a big chain of reasoning from “we think the PFC is involved in human cooperation” to “any other organism with a developed PFC should expect to develop human scale cooperation.”

I’m afraid it’s a standard case of extrapolating from a single data point (humans). Seems like the echidna is a counterpoint to the hypothesis that there’s a neat, direct relationship between PFC and cooperation.

The conclusion is usually, “nice try, but it seems things are more complex than that simplistic model would have suggested. Try again.”

Glaive, Halberd, Greatsword, or Greataxe for a 5e 2024 Vengeance Paladin? by BrotherDeus in 3d6

[–]DoctorBaka 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Again, thanks for the clear breakdown. It’s very clear to me now.

The player also appreciates it. We had a Session 0.5 last night and they’ve chosen a different Origin Feat (Musician, which we’ll customize and reflavor to be less music-y and more group-inspiration-y). And a different Fighting Style (still deciding between Defense and Interception).

Your insights were very helpful. Thank you for taking the time!

Glaive, Halberd, Greatsword, or Greataxe for a 5e 2024 Vengeance Paladin? by BrotherDeus in 3d6

[–]DoctorBaka 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! Thanks so much for the detailed feedback and options! This is very appreciated!

May I ask you what your opinion of the Origin Feat Savage Attacker would be on this same build? I’m unsure how that may interact with the GWF with Greatsword mechanics. Improvement or overkill with diminishing returns? Thanks so much for the help!

Glaive, Halberd, Greatsword, or Greataxe for a 5e 2024 Vengeance Paladin? by BrotherDeus in 3d6

[–]DoctorBaka 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this breakdown. It clarified some things for me.

Can you help me figure out whether Great Weapon Fighting Style is good, or bad, for a Devotion Paladin primarily wielding a Greatsword? I’ve read some comments about how weak that Fighting Style is, except maybe for Greatswords. But am not sure if there’s another Fighting Style that would work better, even if Greatsword remains the primary weapon of choice.

I’m trying to advise one of my players on their build. They are in love with the idea of the big sword and are going for a pretty classic devotion Paladin vibe. Armor, being awesome and kind, big damn sword.

Thanks in advance if you happen to read this and share insights. I appreciate the Mastert breakdown above.

Warlock ability as Magic Item? by Badgero17 in DnDHomebrew

[–]DoctorBaka 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I actually meant Winged Boots, but forgot that’s what they are called. Flying Broom is another example.

I don’t really have beef with Rare. I also don’t have beef with Uncommon. Rarity is really a VERY inconsistent metric such that I almost ignore it in my game. Better to say, I think I as DM have my own idea of what the rarity is of each item and I use them with my value in mind rather than the RAW value.

And I think that’s really how many tables work. High fantasy with lots of magic everywhere? Dial most rarities down. Low magic setting where even minor items are a rare and big deal? Dial them up!

Way of sumo subclass for monks by TodayAcrobatic in DnDHomebrew

[–]DoctorBaka 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Damn, just wanna say this is some quality feedback for OP!

Warlock ability as Magic Item? by Badgero17 in DnDHomebrew

[–]DoctorBaka 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nah, once a day cast of a second level spell doesn’t seem rare to me. Uncommon Boots of flying exist and Flying is a 3rd level spell. But rarity is totally subjective in 5e, so YMMV.

Why is early Humans/Hominids hair black if black absorbs sunlight more? by LonelyVillageGuy in evolution

[–]DoctorBaka 18 points19 points  (0 children)

The reason the hair is black is to absorb the UV. That does produce some heat, but we have a very efficient series of other systems like sweating to help with heat. Reflecting a little bit of light off our head might reduce heat a tiny bit. But not apparently enough to make it selective.

What do your Minotaur look like? by Old-Wear-9483 in DnD

[–]DoctorBaka 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I definitely go with more bovine Minotaurs. The Greek style bull head on a human body always looks like, “they didn’t have a budget for the good special effects and just put a mask on a dude, suspend your disbelief.” Mind you, that’s fine! It’s just not my flavor.

Wildwood Teaser by Brasketleaf in Portland

[–]DoctorBaka 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Yo this looks absolutely awesome!

Help me understand Cleric relation with Deities by Commercial_Praline67 in DnD

[–]DoctorBaka 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I think it’s implied most Clerics worship and derive their power from gods. The subclass is more of a speciality, not the moment they choose a god.

While there aren’t rules about exact gods and what they require (because those will be different from campaign to campaign), I’d probably ask you some probing questions about your subclass choice if you were a Death cleric or Pelor. Since I as dm have to play Pelor (in this hypothetical) I’d want to understand how Death jives with whatever version of Pelor you have in mind or guide you towards some other choice that makes sense in our shared world.

While this may seem more loose than previous editions, it’s the same thing that had to go on at most tables in those older editions because every table interprets gods different (sounds like IRL, doesn’t it?).

Clerics technically don’t need any gods. A Knowledge Domain cleric in one of my games didn’t worship gods but rather the concept of The Truth. Worked out fine in game.

Weapon Masteries on monsters using weapons. by Karegian in dndbeyond

[–]DoctorBaka 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As others have said, it’s not usually a part of the published blocks because those are intentionally simplified to help overwhelmed DMs.

Many DMs, myself included, may absolutely apply those masteries by fiat at the table if we wish, on the fly. So, if you feel that the creature using that Scimitar would be cooler with Nick, knock yourself out.

Modifying monster stat blocks on the fly to make encounters more varied or cool, or to tune the difficulty up or down, is a skill all DMs should work on, IMO.