The Normal Personplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Normal Person
In the standard D&D 3.x rules, an average person has levels in NPC classes such as Commoner and Expert. These work reasonably well in most campaigns, but they also pose some problems. For example, let's say the best chef in the world has a +30 modifier in Profession(chef). Even with Skill Focus and an 18 wisdom, this must be a level 20 character. As such, besides being a genius with a stock pot, this character is an even match for a trained platoon of soldiers in combat. (D&D 3.5): I got tired of the idea that the king's master chef also had to be able to take on half an army single-handed, so I wrote up this new set of rules for NPCs.
Starting before level 1plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigStarting before level 1
Here's an idea for a campaign that begins before the characters are adventurers. It starts way down at level -2, leaving a long way to go before the great powers of level 1. Naturally, in a world where this takes place, encounters will have to be adjusted. (D&D 3.x): Rules for an extraordinarily low-powered adventure.
Identifying Items Without a Spellplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigIdentifying Items Without a Spell
In a low-magic campaign, identifying magic items can be difficult and expensive. These alternate rules allow anyone with the proper skills to identify items, given enough time and expertise. The process can be long and difficult, however. (D&D 3.x): Alternative rules for identifying magic items.
Abstract Magic System (2E)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAbstract Magic System (2E)
This FidoNet post contains an alternate magic system for 2nd edition AD&D, by Michelle Bottorff. Area GA, Msg#154, Dec-19-97 03:24:00PM From: Mbottorff@sprintmail.Com To: All Subject: To Patrick Burton re Lloy
From: mbottorff@sprintmail.com (Michelle Bottorff) Subject: To Patrick Burton re Lloyal (AD&D 2E): An interesting magic system, where mages have a limited amount of magical energy with which they can try to create any effect they want.
Living Magicplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigLiving Magic
Summarized from a message by rasgon@aol.comvex (Rip Van Wormer)
Spells are semi-sentient entities. Describe how it feels for the alien energy to crawl out of the ancient tome and worm its way into the caster's brain, nestling deep within and feeding off of random neuron pulses. Describe how, as it's being cast, it takes control over the caster's hands and vocal apparatus, describing itself into existence with words and gestures. Show the unfortunate aftereffects of a casting a spe… (General)
Magical Combat (2E)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMagical Combat (2E)
From: bardvalerian@cs.com (BardValerian) Subject: Crazy Mage Idea ! Date: 27 Jul 2000 03:39:16 GMT Ok, most of you are very comfortable with how Mages are portrayed in D&D. For those of you who may not be, or those of you who are open to new ideas, try this on for size (AD&D 2E): An interesting idea on making mages more 'magical' in the way they fight.
The Psionics Handbook (2E)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Psionics Handbook (2E)
I wrote this in 1995-1996 for AD&D 2nd Edition, having never read TSR's Psionics Handbook. Be amused. This was reformatted for the web in 2011.
This is release 5.0 of the Psionics Handbook, based on WotC/TSR's Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd edition role-playing game. Feel free to comment on this document by emailing (AD&D 2E): Having never seen the official Psionics Handbook, I wrote this up in 1995-96.
Mass Combatplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMass Combat
Reformatted for the web. From: The Sigil
Custom featsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigCustom Feats
feat index (D&D 3.x)
The NetBook of Featsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigNetbook of Feats
Netbook of Feats (D&D 3.x)
5th Edition D&D advantage/disadvantage analysisplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_big5th Edition D&D advantage/disadvantage analysis
What effect do advantage and disadvantage actually have in D&D 5th edition?
Conclusion
While the average implies that advantage doesn't make a huge difference, in practice, you're going to see much better rolls. It's highly weighted towards high numbers, which means you'll be rolling almost twice as many critical hits, and critical misses become extremely unlikely, at only one in 400.
D&D 5: Masters of Skillsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigD&D 5: Masters of Skills
By the DM, 2017-10-18
Skills were one of my favorite parts of D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder. They remain one of my favorite parts of D&D 5. Like in every edition of D&D, rogues and bards are the skill masters, but who is better?