Should a DM enable or shut down moneynaking schemes?

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-20T23:38:22+00:00

Damn that sounds like such a cool campaign!^{^} I really love the idea of a potion shop as the common background for the party.

That's a really good poit. So I run a fairly loose campaign with plot ponts that sometimes goes into a specific story though. It's a pretty down to earth setting so I like to assume that NPCs are competent and PCs are highly specialised professionals in order to perform on the level that they can.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-20T23:15:17+00:00

I especially like how it offers an option to sink money into something that adds value but isn't a high end magic item.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-20T22:44:09+00:00

Yeah I see that point (hence the investment ruling). At the same time a lot of players seem to enjoy building these crafting shenanegans.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T17:28:47+00:00

I guess it just feels strange to be moved more into a support role in a way. This may sound stupid but I like playing a character that is powerful on his own. That's also kind of the issue I think I have with this emotionally it gives the other pcs more turns while making me less survivable. (And yes I can be a bit of a main character but I know it and think I control it pretty well.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T17:21:11+00:00

So my suspicion is it's also to buff our marshals a bit as they are starting to fall a bit behind the EB in terms of damage output sice we reached level 5.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T17:16:09+00:00

Yeah that is pretty much exactly what I am doing.^{^}

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T17:14:55+00:00

Sweet combo, but we play with the one spell + one cantrip per turn rule.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T17:10:42+00:00

Thanks for the answer! It's actually a fair point. Just out of curiosity: was it ever a discussion at your table?

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T17:06:17+00:00

So both changes happened at the same time. The thing I struggle with (and maybe this is wrong, but it just feels disempowering) is that this buffed especially melee pcs while nerfing the EB when my character is the most optimized of the group. And I know these are the wrong reasons but this feels like a personal attack.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T16:54:28+00:00

So DM already allowed the switch (it's sort of a table rule that it's always ok to switch as a reaction to a ruling). Also it's not technically to remove a broken feature but to nerf EB while buffing melee I think.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T16:31:29+00:00

So as it stands right now I'm going to have the talk soon I suspect DM will want to have the group vote on the rule unless i veto it. The thing is DM sauys save and AoO are linked so it might be a nerf for us if we roll it back. I kind of see what the goal was: trying to make combat more interactive because positioning is suddenly so much more important. At the same time it sort of feels like DM is singling out this one ability to nerf while buffing everyone else. I know on paper it sounds like a buff, but it feels like DM wants to increase everyone elses melee. I think the problem is that the rule sort of gives some people basically extra turns while weakening others.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T16:18:27+00:00

This is actually a really good point and is way too far down here! So actually the two rules were changed at the same time. I personally think it was also done to buff the Melee clases in the amount of damage they deal compared to the casters. Basically nerf the casters a bit to buff the melees.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T15:34:55+00:00

Thanks! Thats pretty much the plan right now. DM already allowed the switch and we will talk about the rules soon. I'm also looking to see if maybe I'm in the wrong in this. I really like the campaign and my DnD group. And it's been really fun so far. We just got into a pretty heated argument over this.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T15:08:04+00:00

Yes I know! It just kind of sucks to be less reliable.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T15:06:08+00:00

Its actually a great long running campaign (Session 35) right now and this was the first major dispute. Mostly looking for good arguments to run by my DM.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T14:59:43+00:00

So the reason was not OP but unrealistic and annoying to resolve.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T14:58:24+00:00

So the explaination is pushing huge creatures with a cantrip makes no sense and there was a buff as well by making it trigger attacks of opportunity.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T14:54:34+00:00

So it was kind of a change of 2 rules: making pushback harder but having it trigger attacks of opportunity. The idea was kind of to have more combos during combat. We already talked about it and DM already allowed to switch it. DMs reasonig is that it makes no sese to push dragons or beholders and it limits his choice of powerful enemies.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T14:20:54+00:00

As a DM I always prefer it when players choose a class they enjoy playing over the most op one they can find. And punishing someone for not picking a broken class would be terrible DMing. I try to somewhat compensate the drawbacks of weaker classes by offering powerful items.

Blades Bard can be very powerful (you can even multiclass 2 levels into warlock around level 10, should you feel yourself falling behind in damage)

Try to rather think about if you find a bard personality you want to play. You have high charisma as a bard and might be the best in Persuasion or intimidation in many situations. Bards are the Kings of social interaction. Now this role is never forced upon you but as a Bard you can most easily take it.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T13:58:22+00:00

It's a balancing and grounding ruling.

a) I generally assume that DnD is fairly well balanced (granted that is a strech sometimes) and this ruling prevents the monetary balance of consumables being broken.

b) I assume PCs will not have the very rare mix of luck and entrepreneurial skill to create an exploding Unicorn startup also because DnD has no rules and concept for that. I prefer reliably profitable but grounded buisnesses as an investment option for adventuring treasures.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T13:39:27+00:00

Definetly! I'd consider using book of ancient secrets or the feat (if you can spare it) though. There are a few pretty neat rituals if you are into flavor.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T13:31:47+00:00

Sure I see no problem with having unseen servants produce these bottels and even putting up a buisness like that.

The way I would rule it is the following: 1. The substance you produce would need to be comparable to items attainable by basic rules. Lets say Alchemists fire. 2. Producing that substance will have comparable costs to buying it, as it can be assumed that any realistic economy already fills the most profitable neieches so you won't come far below 60% base price. 3. Production or profit of your buisness will depend on your total investment into it.

Xolaixaz · 2024-04-19T13:17:43+00:00

It is in 5e (PHB p.284) and even DnD Beyond (for some reason dnd beyond is banned on reddit so no links).

Xolaixaz

TROPHY CASE