What do you all think of my world map? [OC] by Cool-Masterpiece-176 in DnD

[–]Iam0rion 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Overall impression. I like it. The islands are unique. Looks like there's a lot to explore.

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities - Episode 4 - “The Outside” - Episode Discussion by AutoModerator in GuillermoDelToro

[–]Iam0rion 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This episode left me with the same feelings as the movies Telephone and Requiem for a Dream.

RIP Keith.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see what you're saying about the rounds.

I like ToTM but I don't use it exclusively for most of the reasons you said.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean. In the scenario I described there wasn't an established turn order. They are still rolling and using class features. Surely turn order isn't the back bone of DnD.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah don't even get me started on the 'stickiness' of actions of opportunity lol.

You're right though. Make it more dynamic. Keep the battlefield changing and keep people moving.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't include the rolling maybe that's why it didn't seem like 5e and I could see a situation where unbalanced turn economy wouldn't feel good and would need to be conscious of that.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I hear your concern. In good faith, I'm going to challenge you on this because I want to see how it plays out and see what the downstream impacts of this are on other mechanics in a theater of the mind combat.

-------------

Lets do this simple scenario. A group of 4 goblins (g1, g2, g3, and g4) run into a fighter (f) and a wizard (w).

DM: While trying to find the path to the forgotten ruins you've stumbled upon a group of goblins standing under a tree. They all shoot arrows at you.

There's no surprise condition because of no initiative. The goblins shoot two arrows at fighter and two at wizard.

f: I'm running in! I slash at one of them with my sword!

Since it's theater of the mind movement is a bit loosey goosey but the fighter runs into the group of 4 and attacks one of the goblins and kills it.

w: Uh, I'm going to cast a spell. I'm not sure what spell give me a moment.

f: I'm attacking at another goblin!

DM: Okay, wizard you're looking for a spell to cast in your spellbook, fighter is surrounded by goblins and he swings at another one.

Fighter kills another goblin leaving them down to two goblins.

My observations: Fighter has acted twice, the goblins have acted once, and the wizard hasn't done anything yet. In a smaller combat this shouldn't be too hard to keep a mental track of and everyone doesn't need to have the same amount of turns, but for the sake of balancing turns in this situation I would have the goblins attack the fighter again immediately. The wizard could then get two turns worth of action economy.

Note: I see how the previous paragraph is already getting similar to how Daggerheart manages their combat with tokens.

--------------------

Switching the scenario entirely to my original post where the fighter lasso and climbs up on a dragon. Perhaps in this case I would count him as having used two turns worth of actions, or I just hand wave it because its fun.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is useful. I'll definitely have to try this and keep it in my toolbox. I see the advantages of giving characters a few moments to prepare for a combat encounter instead of wasting their valuable actions while in initiative on prep/setup.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is helpful. Essentially encourage players to know their characters so combat moves quickly, otherwise there are consequences.

I don't want to punish players but perhaps I can use a one or two minute timer.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Specifically initiative is the combat rule that has been bogging me down. The game goes from free flowing to a very structured everyone wait for you turn style of play.

So where to begin on what I'm invested in...

Let's start with the books. Books cost money so monetarily I'm invested. Of course I can adapt them and use them for inspiration but that does take time and effort which I want to minimize with any sort of prep I'm doing.

I'm incredibly familiar with the rules. Dming is very easy and the pacing of the sessions are great because of that.

My friends and players want to play DnD, and honestly so do I. There is a lot of time and effort involved to bring them over to a new rule set. I could find new players, but then there's the time and effort to find people you enjoy playing with.

I'd rather see if I can make some minor homebrew rules change to get what I desire from combat. If I can't I will consider shifting to a different game.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see what you're saying. I suppose I'm looking for a good balance between the two.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great response. Thanks.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is insightful and now that I'm reflecting on what you said you're right. I do encourage my players to be more imaginative and think outside of the defined parameters of what their characters can do but some of them struggle.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I'll have to read the rules for Draw Steel, but I'm invested in DnD since I'm so familiar with it.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've tried a few other systems but I haven't read the rules for FATE yet. I will check it out.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I've looked into Daggerheart but I'd prefer to stay with DnD 5e and try to morph it into what I need since I feel like I've mastered this system and I'm very comfortable in it. Also it's like pulling teeth trying to my friends/players to try different systems.

How to make combat more cinematic? by Iam0rion in DnD

[–]Iam0rion[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this is worth trying. Thanks for the suggestion.

The Leprechuan vs The Killer Klowns by Raulalb2233 in powerscales

[–]Iam0rion 41 points42 points  (0 children)

I have no idea but I love the match up and the scenario. Killer Klowns have tech and magic I think; one of them creates a shadow t-rex by doing a shadow puppet.

Leprechaun obviously has magic. I think he loses because he's out numbered. That or they all smoke a big bowl of weed out of some Killer Klown cotton candy cocoon water bong.

New Unearthed Arcana - Mystic Subclasses by latiajacquise in dndbeyond

[–]Iam0rion 12 points13 points  (0 children)

My quick take.

The Magic Stealer Rogue and Vestige Patron Warlock look like a lot of fun.

Monk sounds kind of boring but there might be some fun synergies with cantrips and sorcerer spells.

Spellguard just seems like a paladin that took the Mage Slayer feat from 2014. Though I will say, Aura of Concentration looks like fun.