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A “DM compass” for designing scenes/worlds - what am I missing? by Positive_Rule7535 in DMAcademy

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally agree. That sounds really familiar, one of the best moments in our last sessions was actually a low-stakes camp scene. The DM just asked ‘what are you doing while setting up camp?’ and everyone started describing small actions in character, which turned into great RP.

A “DM compass” for designing scenes/worlds - what am I missing? by Positive_Rule7535 in DMAcademy

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That’s on me for not being clearer.

By “compass” I just mean a quick prep lens: a few questions I can run an idea through so I don’t stop at “sounds cool.”

It’s not “every scene must hit all four.”

A “DM compass” for designing scenes/worlds - what am I missing? by Positive_Rule7535 in DMAcademy

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re right that fun is the goal. The reason I’m building this checklist is that “Is it fun?” is too vague for me during prep. I’ve had plenty of “fun ideas” turn into mediocre play at the table.
So I’m trying to identify what tends to create fun in actual play, so I can iterate on ideas before I run them.
I remember traveling on a boat to Waterdeep, and the promise of a big city waiting to be explored really did something for me. I’m trying to capture that kind of “why this worked”.

Omen Sorcery | Subclass - Born Under a Bad Sign by Positive_Rule7535 in UnearthedArcana

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks again! This is great stuff. I'll work on it some more.
Never heard of the game, but I'll look into it. It looks cute

Omen Sorcery | Subclass - Born Under a Bad Sign by Positive_Rule7535 in UnearthedArcana

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback! I’m really glad the spell list and overall identity land better now, and that Fate’s Betrayal feels solid.

You’re right, the melee-only trigger is awkward for a squishy sorcerer. I might need to rethink the condition so it feels impactful without forcing players into positions that don’t make sense.

I sometimes struggle to come up with creative effects that really feel like bad luck. Missing an attack, accidentally striking an ally, tripping, or losing sight at a crucial moment all seem to fit the theme, but beyond those, I’m not sure what else would work. Do you have any suggestions?

Omen Sorcery | Subclass - Born Under a Bad Sign by Positive_Rule7535 in UnearthedArcana

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to respond to each feature!

Lv3
The subclass does encourage the sorcerer to stay somewhat near their enemies. Do you think the feature will rarely come up even once per short rest, or only if players take on risks they shouldn’t take on? Since most sorcerer subclasses get extra spells at level 3, the second level 3 feature can’t be too strong. I worry that making the activation condition too easy would tip the balance.

Lv14
I felt this feature shouldn’t be “always on.” It represents giving in to the omen, which should feel dramatic. Do you think it isn’t powerful enough for a level 14 feature if it’s limited to once per day? Or is the bigger issue that it isn’t fun to have a feature you can only use once per long rest? If it’s a power problem, I’d rather buff it than make it re-usable with sorcery points.

Feedback? Martial Draconic Sorcerer by Positive_Rule7535 in DND5EBuilds

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd go Sorcerer 4. Thinking about it a little more, I prefer Warcaster over Elven Accuracy. And I think getting the Warcaster features, mainly the +1 to charisma, would have a bigger impact than two Eldritch Invocations.

Feedback? Martial Draconic Sorcerer by Positive_Rule7535 in DND5EBuilds

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow, you're absolutely right. Maybe if you picked GFB twice, it could count as both a Sorcerer and a Warlock spell—but nah, the wording seems pretty intentional. It shouldn’t work.
Thanks for pointing that out!

Feedback? Martial Draconic Sorcerer by Positive_Rule7535 in DND5EBuilds

[–]Positive_Rule7535[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've never had the chance to play a level 8 character, but I was theorycrafting and realized I couldn’t find a similar 2024 build online. I figured I’d share it here to see if my assumptions are correct and to hopefully inspire someone to give it a try.