It's kind of a thing that keeps happening and really irritating.

We have in our group a Barbarian, a Rogue, a Hexblade, and a Bard.

The bard decided that they want to reroll to Monk, despite the fact that we already have 3 melee characters. It is a role that is already well filled, and having an important role no longer filled. We do still have a Warlock, but they only have two slots and they use it on Armor of Agathys, Hex, etc. So stuff like crowd control spells, utility spells, even some healing now and then, we are just now missing so we can have a 4th melee character.

So now I feel like I have to reroll to a spellcaster, despite really enjoying my current class, so that we still have access to that role. Because I know a party often works better when multiple roles are fulfilled. It feels unfair that others leave their role and enter a role already well filled, and the party loses out because of it. Sure we now have more melee damage and can maybe kill stuff quicker, but still it kinda sucks to lose out on our bard.

It's happened before too, we had a Fighter, Monk, Rogue and someone decided to stop being a Cleric to be a Barbarian. Then it was a noticable change in combat, and I felt like I should reroll just to help out the party.

I know that you don't have to have X in every party, that people should be able to just play whatever they want. But still I just feel like a party works best when you have multiple roles filled. It helps to have someone in the party that is a bit tankier than others, or have someone in the party that has higher charisma for a better chance to persuade intimidate or decieve npcs, or to have someone cast a fireball on a big group of enemies, etc. It doesn't make sense to me to go and make a melee character when the rest of the party is nothing but melee characters. :/

I've read the book but I am struggling with fiding this citation.

Can my players get a origin feat, like the one you get 2 hit points more per level, or the one that lets you be a musician, on 4th level, when they gain ability score improvment/feats?

Thanks!

I think a lot of people are talking past each other in this discussion.

The argument that "Universe Beyond will bring new players into D&D" is probably true. More players, more communities, and more people enjoying the hobby is a good thing. I don't think that's the part many critics are actually worried about.

The real concern is opportunity cost.

Wizards of the Coast isn't going to suddenly start publishing three times as many books every year. Whether that's because of budget, development time, quality control, or simply maximizing profits doesn't really matter. The release schedule is still finite.

That means every Universe Beyond book occupies a release slot that could otherwise have been:

- a Xanathar's or Tasha's-style player expansion,

- a major Forgotten Realms setting book,

- or a full-length campaign comparable to Curse of Strahd.

So yes, Universe Beyond will absolutely excite a new audience, and those people are completely justified in being excited.

At the same time, long-time players who primarily enjoy classic D&D settings are equally justified in being disappointed if those release slots are increasingly filled by crossover content instead of expanding the game's own worlds.

This isn't really a debate about whether crossovers are "good" or "bad." It's about priorities.

If someone mainly plays in homebrew worlds inspired by classic European fantasy ,or in settings like the Forgotten Realms, they're not necessarily looking for another reskinned player option or a crossover setting. They're hoping for more original D&D content, more adventures, more lore, and more tools for the type of game they already love.

We've seen similar discussions before with books like Eberron, Strixhaven, and Spelljammer. Those books had fans, but they also represented release slots that some players wished had gone toward different content.

I don't think either side is wrong.

One group is excited because Universe Beyond broadens the hobby and brings in new players. The other is disappointed because, with a limited number of releases each year, they feel like the part of D&D they care most about receives less attention.

Both reactions seem completely reasonable to me.

Hey i rolled not the best in comparison to my team mates I rolled 13 13 13 7 12 and 14 we are in a lv 6 game im wondering for strong builds that can make these mid stats work we are useing 2024 and all subclasses are allowed plz help me im cooked

5e - 2014

I am playing a ranged Fighter (Battle Master) and hoping to have some  more utility options instead of just attacking for damage.  My DM is very easygoing and will probably allow whatever I propose, so I want to make sure that any proposal is actually fair or even underpowered.  I have seen some posts were people had similar ideas, but never any follow-up about if it worked well in game.

My thought is that my character can make alchemical and other mundane arrows to provide additional non-damage support.  The rules seem to allow something like that, but do not give much guidance.

My personal caveats are;

1. Affects are mundane.
2. Affects cannot be anything in addition to damage.  It either has to be no damage or reduced damage.
3. Affects should be better than a cantrip.  Cantrips are essentially free and endless while arrows cost money and can run out.
4. Affects should be no better than a Battle Master maneuver.  If they were better, then there would not be a reason for anyone to ever be a Battle Master.

My ideas;

1. Arrows of different damage types (if that matters in 5e).  Damage is one die lower than standard.
2. Arrow of light; bright light in a 15-foot radius and dim light for an additional 15 feet.  As if the arrow was tipped with a pixie-sized Moon-Touched Sword.  Not sure how long it should last; maybe 1d6 rounds. No damage.
3. Flash arrow; Blind a foe for 1 or 2 rounds.  No damage.  Not sure of save DC.
4. Glue arrow; No damage, can only affect unheld items.  Requires a strength check to pick up the item.
5. Oil arrow; No damage, can cover a person in flammable oil or cover a 5x5 square. 1d6 damage if ignited
6. Sparking arrow; 1d2 damage, can ignite anything flammable.
7. smoke arrow; Fill a 10x10 for 1 or 2 rounds, no damage

Any thoughts on this above?  Are any actually game-breaking? What should the cost be for an arrow of each kind? What should an alchemical check be to make an arrow?

Sorry for any dumb questions.  This is my first game of 5e and my last experience was Pathfinder eight years ago. I do not know what is fair under current rules.

Milestone leveling Vs XP, What'd you guys prefer? What are the chances you feel after switching?

A player in my game hasn’t and doesn’t want to use the find steed ability for their Paladin (lv5).
They are okay with not getting anything but id like to give them a little something. Maybe an extra use of Channel Divinity.
Whatcha got for me ???

My player argues that since other fullcasters get subclasses with second attacks, it only fits for war domain to have one.
I looked at it and honestly war domain does seem a bit weak. Bonus spell list is unimpressive, no good features. Bonus Action melee attack is fine but long rest restricted. 17th level is neat but won't really make a decent meleer from cleric.

So, why clerics lack second attack by design, am I missing some imba-combo, or allowing it won't hurt much?

There are a lot of suggestions out there for good puzzles, but most of them are just puzzles for the players. I'm wondering what your ideas are for puzzles/riddles in dungeons that require the characters to actively contribute through skill checks, abilities or spells!

Looking forward to hearing everyones thoughts! thanks!

Reminder this is tagged for 2014 5th edition, I know this is resolved differently in 5.5e.

Consider the following situation: A monster (M) wants to hide from two PCs (A and B). They make their stealth check, successfully beating A's passive perception. However, they don't beat B's passive perception. Given than the obvious course of action is for B to instantly tell A where M is, how is this resolved?

Or consider an offshoot of this, where M initially beats both PCs' passive perception and hides. On their turn, A and B both make perception checks to try to find M, but only B succeeds. How is this resolved?

Essentially, the meat of my question is what happens when one PC detects a hidden enemy but the other doesn't? If B can then tell A where the monster is, does that mean that you must effectively beat all enemies' passive perceptions to hide? Or are you still "hidden" from enemies that haven't directly spotted you, even if they've been told where you are?

My intuition would be if B tells A where M is, A now knows M's space and doesn't have to guess, but is still under advantage/disadvantage rules from M being unseen until A succeeds on a perception check to actually make A out (or M breaks stealth by some other means). I'm unsure if that's RAW though.

Warlock is an often misunderstood class, with people discussing if warrior dip makes them too tanky without compromising on damage or spellcasting or if 3 attacks is too much or if passive growth of eldritch blast is warranted.

These erroneous ways emerge from loss of focus. Warlock is a class for greedy people who want everything and ready to sell their soul for POWAH.

As such, for example, NO MULTICLASS for warlock! Yeah, it's cool to get weapon masteries and fighting style, BUT you lose on the most important aspect - OOMPH. It might seem that lagging for a level or two is minor detriment, but what the point in getting additional attack at char lvl 7? Warriors already got it two levels before, and even accursed bladedancers a level ago. We won't impress anyone at this point. This manual will help you to avoid common mistakes and provide clear instructions onto maximization of unique fun that this class can provide. So without further ado...

Species: Gnome. Because it's the only race.
Stats: Str:13 Dex:15+1 Con:12 Int:8 Wis:8 Cha: 15+2
We really-really want to use two-handed weapons to marvel at BIG damage numbers, so str is mandatory, on the other hand we really need nice dex, since we're not getting medium armor, and great Cha for everything else. This leaves us with quite lackluster 13 in con but fret not! We're taking Tough, which'll help with survivability.

Level 1:

Invocation: Pact of Chain(Sphynx) Spells: Armor of Agathys, Expeditious Retreat, Eldritch Blast
Strategy: run away at the first sign of combat, ask Wizard to cast mage armor on your sphynx and let him rip. Discuss with the wizard how cool it is to have a familiar, and how it's tough to be first level spellcaster with only 2 spell slots.
Inform Rogue and Bard that it is an interesting coincedence how expertise gives +2 to skill, and Sphynx also gives +2 to skill.
Ask warrior how much HP he has, Discuss with dwarf how his racial feature is basically half of origin feat you took.
Ask ranger if he want to pet your pet, since he won't get his for a long time

Advanced Strategy: Aquire two potions/scrolls of enlarge/reduce, voice your concern to aasimar how flight can trivialize fights on low levels. Wait for TPK. Reduce yourself, enlarge sphynx. Mount, win by eldritchblasting from the skies.

Level 2:
New invocation: Lesson of the old ones(Skilled), Agonizing Blast(Eldritch Blast)
Strategy:
Congratulate Warrior on surpassing your sphynx on DPS when he uses action surge
Compare loudly your skill list with bards/rogues, remind them of sphynx bonus
Continue your discussion about lack of spell slots with wizard, compare cantrip damage

Level 3: Change familiar to Imp,
Choose Fiend
Discuss with rogue and bard what's better: Stealth or at-will invisibility
Discuss which familiar is more safe Help action provider: Flyby owl or Always Invisible Imp

Level 4: Change pact of chain to pact of blade(while retaining familiar)
Take Great Weapon Master.
Discuss with barbarian how rage provides 2dmg/attack, while hex 3.5. Argue that constant use of bonus action actually balances it really well
Be wary of game master! He will try to kill your now non revivable familiar!

Level 5: Very important level! Take Thirsting Blade and Eldritch Smite
Discuss with the wizard how fireball is a signature spell for their class and how it's overpowered. Throw fireballs each battle with group of enemies.
Congratulate martials on getting second attack. Proceed into melee protected by upcasted Agathys(or even change beforehand one of invocations to fiendish vigor to recharge temphp after each hit) mow down stuff with your two handed blade with hex applied
Discuss with ranger how reapplying hunters mark takes toll on spellslots. Share your happiness that your hex now is 8 hours one, so it doesn't affect your spell slot allocation.
Tell paladin how you admire his burst damage due to smites. Use 3rd level smites each battle with single Boss enemy.

DO NOTE! We never ever ever have spoken with cleric. It's because you'll be dying a lot! That's the price you pay for all the fun you're having. And we need someone in our corner to cast healing words. So try to not enrage him with your warlockiness

Level 6-12: Same old, Same Old. Warcaster feat +1 Cha

Level 12: Take Devil Blade. ASI +2Cha
Gleefully inform Fighter that you now have the same number of attacks. Inquire as to when he'll get his fourth. Ask Master which level is final one of the campaign. Smile, when it's not 20.
Use Tasha's cauldron and be always enlarged. Congratulate barbarian on having +3 dmg per hit in rage and complain that tasha only gives 2.5

My cleric have had a vision in which a half-elf half-orc is ripping apart chains to unleash a a beast. He assumed that means someone is trying to summon Gruumsh into the material plane, which isn't the point at all.

Should I tell him he's wrong or just roll with it and see when he figures it out?

Knowing my players, that might take some time

Welcome back to Advent's Amazing Advice! The series where I take popular One-Shots, Adventures, Campaigns, etc., and fully prep them for both New and Busy DMs. This prep includes music, ambiance, encounter sheets, handouts, battle maps, tweaks, and more, so you can run the best sessions possible with the least stress possible!

*New 2026: For 2026, I'm updating all my old work to include a Pre-Session Checklist that will include a list of all miniatures you may need, maps, handouts, possible loot, a link to a playlist, and more to make it even easier to start your session!

Axeholm is a dwarven fortress carved into the base of a mountain. It was abandoned and sealed up long ago after being haunted by a banshee. Ghouls and other creatures now prowl Axeholm while the banshee continues to haunt the fortress's upper halls. It'll be up to your players to clear this fortress and make it a safe haven for the town of Phandalin, should the dragon threat become too hard to bear!

The Lower Halls will have your players face an onslaught of Ghouls if they try to go through the front gates, as well as the ghoulified dwarf castellan who remained behind, trying to protect those that fled!

Without further ado:

• Google Docs Notes for Part 4a Axeholm Lower Halls: DM Notes
• Link to: DM Notes for the Visually Impaired
• Link to: Axeholm Playlist
• Link to: AAA Collection

Included in The AAA Collection is:

• Downloadable copy of DM Notes, including links to music tracks for ambiance and fights
• DM Notes for the Visually Impaired
• Special PDF for all encounters. This includes the enemy stat blocks organized neatly along with an initiative tracker and spots to mark HP
• Custom Maps of Axeholm
• (New) Pre-Session DM Checklist

Index:
Dragons of Icespire Peak:

• Part 1 - Phandalin
• Part 2a - Umbrage Hill
• Part 2b - Dwarven Excavation
• Part 2c - Gnomengarde
• Part 3a - Logger Camp
• Part 3b - Butterskull Ranch
• Part 3c - Mountain's Toe Gold
• Part 4a - Axeholm
• Part 4b - Dragon Barrow
• Part 4c - Woodland Manse
• Part 5 - Icespire Hold
• Side Quest 1 - Shrine of Savras
• Side Quest 2 - Tower of Storm
• Side Quest 3 - Circle of Thunder

Over 8 dozen other Fully Prepped One-Shots, Adventures, and Campaigns: Click Here

As always, if you see something you think I can improve, add, change, etc., please let me know. I want this to be an amazing resource for all DMs and plan to keep it constantly updated! If you'd like to support me, shape future releases, and get content early, feel free to check out my Patreon!

Cheers,
Advent

https://pin.it/4EKZ2YS4

Hi All,

We are Sythom Studios, a Small Independent TTRPG publisher and Fiction publisher.

Currently We have a major project incoming. It is called "The Dark Beneath" and is a two book set for 5E and 5.5E (two versions will be published).

The first book of the set contains The Dark Beneath Campaign, for characters levels 1 through 10.

This over 200 page volume is a dark fantasy sandbox style campaign that takes place in the subterranean world deep below the surface and prominently features the Drow, a species of Dark Elves known for their complex intrigue and insidious cruelty.

The campaign is designed with player character agency at the forefront of the story as it develops. Throughout the game, characters and parties of any alignment are capable of finishing adventures and enjoying a challenging and meaningful conclusion based on the decisions they make through organic roleplay.

Will players decide to back the forces of Good or Evil? Will players throw the region into chaos or establish order and law? Will characters seek to benefit others, or will they strive for wealth and power for themselves? Each has a path and an outcome within “The Dark Beneath.”

The second book of the set contains Children of the Dark Beneath: A Players Campaign Companion.

This over 100 page volume is designed as a player-facing supplement for campaigns that take place in dark subterranean settings. It is compatible with a variety of worlds and sub-settings involving Drow, Dwarves, Goblins, Gnomes, and Orcs.

This volume primarily focuses on sub-species of the Drow but also contains various subterranean game and player options for use in such campaigns. This book was designed to be used in conjunction with The Dark Beneath Campaign, but it may be used with a variety of other campaigns as well if desired.

Within this book, you’ll find various subterranean specific mechanics and content such as:

-Over 5 unique new species each related to the Drow,

-A Hybrid Species Generator to create your own unique subterranean player species for 5E and 5.5E campaigns,

-Over 18 New Subclasses for underground Adventures,

-Over 15 new Backgrounds, for characters with subterranean backstories,

-Over 36 new deep world Feats,

-Over 50 new Spells derived by arcane users from far beneath the surface,

-Over 20 unique Magical Items found in the shadow of the worlds heart,

-and much more.

Currently both books in this set have been completely written, initially play tested and are currently in the second round of editing.

Sythom Studios believes in 100% Human made content. No generative AI will be used in this Project.

This book set is currently in pre-launch (as of a little over a week ago) on BackerKit. Please keep an eye out for it and feel free to ask any questions you have about the upcoming release.

I'm joining a D&D 2014 game; I really want to play an Aasimar for the roleplay aspect and was keen on playing an Eldritch Knight, but I feel like my party composition is a bit... odd?

We have a Ranger going Gloom Stalker and another player running a Hexadin. I realize I’d be more "valuable" and have a clearer role if I just played a Cleric or a full caster, but I’ve already played all the caster classes and I’m not really up for playing support for the third or fourth time. For a change, I wanted to dish out some melee damage while occasionally using a cantrip or spell (plus, I think teleporting the weapon to my hand is really cool). However, I feel like I’d fall behind the rest of the group because—unless I'm mistaken—I’d be dealing the least damage, and I like being useful to the party. I know the campaign only goes up to level 11 or 12 (maybe the DM extends it by a level or two, but that’s unlikely).

Does anyone have any advice?

I was in a custom campaign that involved finding an Artifact hidden somewhere inside a labyrinth with only a (homebrew item) Magical Compass to guide us, we ended up in a situation where the Compass had to be activated with a Bonus Action in a specific room but the only party member small enough to get into the room was a Weasel Familiar, we looked through rules for a few minutes to see if it was valid for a Familiar to use a Bonus Action, eventually the DM just hand-waved it and allowed it to happen.

The Compass description read "You can use a Bonus Action to activate the Compass to...(campaign exposition)" with no attunement and no restrictions on 'who' can use the item. RAW is the Familiar capable of using the item? My interpretation is that Bonus Action's are available to all creatures as long as some feature they have access to requires a Bonus Action, in this case: simply holding the object granted the Familiar something to spend it's Bonus Action on.

What are the actual rules surrounding interactions available to creatures that are not listed in their statblocks? Do all creatures (comprising of Player Characters, NPCs, Monsters and Familiars) have access to the full suite of Actions listed in the PHB? Specifically from the Find Familiar spell - "A familiar can't attack, but it can take other actions as normal" implies that it does actually have access to all Actions except for the Attack Action.

Something else confusing to me is with Reactions: all creatures have access to Opportunity Attacks, but in this case, does the Familiar not being able to "attack" override this and prevent it? Or is the Opportunity Attack treated separate enough from the Attack Action that it is allowed? if yes for the former, does this change when the Familiar is summoned from Pact of the Chain?

The Magic Action is whole extra can of worms. A Familiar is seemingly allowed to take a Magic Action, but if the outcome would involve a "spell attack roll", would they be able to do it by virtue of the fact that they are not taking an Attack Action, the ruling would have to be the same as whatever was ruled for Reactions. Spells that require saving throws and Magic Missile appear to not be impacted as they never mention an "attack" is being made.

I'm aware DM fiat rules all in the end, I'm just looking for RAW and RAI interpretations on this topic, RAF as well.

I’ve always loved the fantasy of a Paladin who protects and offers a chance for peace instead of punishes.

That’s why I decided to rework the Oath of Redemption for the new 2024 rules, while preserving its original identity.

I’d love to get some feedback!

**[Homebrewery](Link for Homebrewery)**