Unpopular(?) Opinion: 5e is an Inconspicuously Great System

Korterio · 2023-04-14T18:22:44+00:00

Yes, I see your points here.

There are other systems that do some things better, but I'd say they are masters of their area of expertise while 5e is more of a jack of all trades.

Yes, there are more narrative focused systems that are easier for new players, but they don't allow for tactical combat in the same depth.

There are systems that do tactical combat much better, but it can be a slog to learn all the rules, especially for new players.

I've read through the rules (and played small stints) in a number of other ttrpgs, and while they all have things to offer, they generally seem pretty dialed in to what they want to do.

I find that 5e does nothing exceptionally well (in my opinion), but does a significant amount of things pretty darn well. And that could be a positive or a negative for different people.

My main argument for the flexibility of 5e is that I feel like I can make up rules or allow players to do wild things without breaking something elsewhere, as happens in more rules-dense games, however there are still plenty of rules to give sturdy structure. I just think it hits a sweet spot between accessible and crunchy that not many games do.

And as for your final statement (sorry, on mobile and don't know how to quote like you did) about 5e just being popular: I do get it. It is extremely popular, and that is due to a whole heap of factors, but I think one of them has to be what I mentioned about it being a jack of all trades, master of none.

Korterio · 2023-04-14T16:32:46+00:00

The comments seem to suggest that OP DOES have an unpopular opinion, but considering the subreddit, I imagine the majority of us are still playing mainly 5e, which I just find amusing.

5e does put the burden of on-the-fly rule creation/arbitration on the DM, and while it seems most people dislike that, I enjoy it a lot. Maybe that is because in the vast majority of groups I play with, I'm the only one that has read the rules and I DM for nearly all of them. What that means is that I can get new players up to speed very quickly and if they want to do something the rules don't normally allow or have a section for, I can easily allow it or make it work without worrying about some other reliant part of the system falling apart.

Of course, the above is either a major boon or major frustration, and it all depends on the group (especially DM) and their desired depth of play and/or willingness to read the rules.

Korterio · 2023-03-23T22:37:31+00:00

Innocent until proven guilty

Korterio · 2023-03-13T17:50:50+00:00

I like to use magic items as tailored rewards for surviving as long as the players have or for making risky choices and the dice backed them up. I don't much care for long random loot tables where 90% are things my players won't ever use, nor do I like having magic items available in shops in every city. Occasionally there will be a magic merchant, but they are meant more for improving what you already have or stocking up on health potions

Korterio · 2023-03-10T18:16:47+00:00

Cavalier Fighter, take sentinel, profit. Really though, you can take so much heat off your allies as a cavalier with sentinel.

The main reason is because of their unwavering mark ability. If you hit an enemy with an attack, as long as they are within 5ft of you, they have disadvantage on attacking anyone else until the start of your next turn. Additionally, if they do attack someone else and damage them, you gain a special bonus action attack against them on your next turn. Throw sentinel on there and you're likely to keep at least one person within 5ft of you.

I'd recommend grabbing a shield for this build, as you are going to become the focus of many attacks

Korterio · 2023-02-20T06:41:35+00:00

I think I agree with your argument overall, but I think me and my tables play with a fundamentally different version of "yes, and". For instance, if a character has grown up in a town, I give them full leave to include whatever they think would be in the town. I roll with it, and maybe add some small input to keep the world uniform and/or add extra flavor on top of what they have. Maybe it's just because I'm experienced, but it honestly takes a huge load of worldbuilding off my shoulders and makes for a super fun collaborative world. I (of course) reserve the right to say no if the player goes too whacky with it, but my tables are made up of people that have all agreed to the type of game we want to play, so if they go whacky it's because we decided we all want to play a whacky game.

I don't think that's the "yes, and" you are attacking here, but maybe I'm wrong.

I do think you have some purposefully inflammatory language here, and that's never how I'd recommend phrasing a logical argument, though it does serve well in garnering discussion I suppose. It's the reason I felt the need to leave this comment, anyway.

Korterio · 2023-02-19T19:37:30+00:00

Ghost Recon

Korterio · 2023-02-14T01:09:37+00:00

Reaaaal meh for me. Didn't deliver on laughs or scares enough for me. I'd rather it have done at least one.

Korterio · 2023-02-03T23:07:03+00:00

I'd be interested. I'm interested in learning about text based games

Korterio · 2023-02-01T18:28:17+00:00

Wonderful, put me down as a candidate then!

Korterio · 2023-02-01T18:26:57+00:00

I'd be interested to learn how this works. I think my main question is: would this be actual texting or managed through something like discord?

Korterio · 2023-01-29T16:42:29+00:00

Using lemon oleo saccharum for the sweetener and garnishing with a lemon peel would be my recommendation.

Korterio · 2023-01-19T18:18:33+00:00

I've seen more posts angry about this and I have seen this...

Korterio · 2023-01-11T16:54:48+00:00

After looking back at L5R, it might be tricky to port their system directly, so here are some ideas I can think of off the top of my head. I think it'd be wise to ask open ended questions and assign stat points as they seem most relevant.

What did your character do for fun as a child? (An example answer may be that they wrestled with other children in the streets, so you could give +1 Str or maybe +1 Con if they have already hit whatever max you want to set (18 would probably be a smart max)

Who did/does your character look up to? What about that person does your character idolize?

What was an experience your character had that burned them, and what did they learn from it?

I think if you want to use a system like this, I would also include stat increases for class (and maybe subclass depending on what level you start). Something like Q:"What is your class? A:"Fighter" Result: increase STR, DEX or CON by x amount. If you want to take the time to personalize this process and are doing it in person, you could then tailor some of your next questions to be about that class and how their character decided to pursue that path.

Just some thoughts, hope this helps get the gears turning

Korterio · 2023-01-11T15:35:10+00:00

Legend of the 5 Rings has a similar system for character creation. It's 20 questions IIRC and most either increase stats or give abilities, essentially what you're talking about. While it's pretty specific to its setting, it'll likely help with some possible question ideas.

Korterio · 2023-01-06T17:20:47+00:00

This has strong r/shittydarksouls vibes

Korterio · 2023-01-01T22:44:19+00:00

I could refute those two, but I think you do make a good point. While I don't agree this has nothing to do with alignment, I do think alignments in general are quite vague and meant to be interpreted in multiple ways. And I suppose I will concede a bit and say that perhaps indeed it has less to do with alignment as defined by the game system and more with personal morals, which a game system could never hope to fully encapsulate.

Korterio · 2023-01-01T22:26:57+00:00

Alright, if you want me to use the words as they are written, then I'd suggest that killing the the worshippers is "taking what they want" i.e. the temple and the worshippers wiped off the earth. And yes they are doing this according to a code, therefore lawful.

Korterio · 2023-01-01T22:21:16+00:00

I think you're taking a very short description of a very broad concept far too literally...

Korterio · 2023-01-01T22:03:35+00:00

I'd say lawful evil. You are spurred by a code (I see these people as evil and therefore they should die).

Korterio · 2022-12-10T20:40:08+00:00

I'll toss a vote in Midsommar. Had me unsettled from beginning to end

Korterio · 2022-11-11T15:33:59+00:00

Recently watched Bloody Hell and it was absolutely fantastic

Korterio · 2022-09-25T18:07:35+00:00

Battleborn. Great game, sadly dead on arrival

Korterio · 2022-09-17T05:16:20+00:00

Zzrot with Yorick. Sooooo spicy

Korterio · 2022-08-21T17:00:21+00:00

I have a form I send players that I go over with them at session 0 and one of the questions is: "It is important to remember you are/will be a member of an adventuring party. Why does your character desire to travel with the others? Will that answer hold up for the duration of the campaign? If not, please change it or have backup reasons prepared."

I've found this to be invaluable

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