All Questions
Tagged with optional-rules dnd-5e-2014
103 questions
1
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Can a creature with reach flank without being directly next to the enemy? [duplicate]
This is something one of my players asked me recently and I'm not 100% sure how to handle it. I'm leaning towards "no, this does not work" but I am not certain and don't want to be unfair to ...
- 11.5k
2
votes
1
answer
243
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How does the Beast Transformation optional rule for the Beastlands work?
I'm a little confused about how to handle the Beast Transformation optional rule for the Beastlands (DMG, pg. 60).
What happens when a creature drops to 0 hp before the spell becomes permanent (i.e., ...
- 23
17
votes
9
answers
6k
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Does the DM need to declare a Natural 20?
I see a lot of D&D content out there and when combat starts eventually someone gets a roll of 20, a so-called Natural 20, shouts out "Nat 20" and everyone cheers. The DM then does some ...
- 1,503
9
votes
3
answers
2k
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With the optional Disarm rule, what happens if the target wins the contest?
The optional Disarm rule in the DMG says:
A creature can use a weapon attack to knock a weapon or another item from a target's grasp. The attacker makes an attack roll contested by the target's ...
- 4,138
8
votes
4
answers
964
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Would the Disarm optional rule let a monk use Stunning Strike with it?
I'm playing a monk in a Tomb of Annihilation campaign. My game plan has been to keep our party alive as much as possible through debuffs, body-blocking opponents, and the like.
I recently saw the ...
7
votes
1
answer
761
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When should Death Saves be rolled under the rules for Speed Factor Initiative?
In my new campaign I am using the Speed Factor variant for Initiative (DMG pp. 270-271). We like this a lot but it is confusing concerning unconscious PCs.
This question says that taking Actions while ...
- 16.6k
7
votes
3
answers
3k
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Is there a RAW or optional rule for how a player could discover what type of skill check needs to be made?
I have a specific example, but while I was thinking of how to do it, I had this realization. I, as a DM, always tell my players what checks to make for every interaction, usually resulting in a ...
- 403
13
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2
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3k
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Is "The GM's Book of Legendary Dragons" a valid D&D 5e rulebook?
True to the holiday season, I recently received an RPG rulebook titled "The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons."
At first glance, there was no doubt in my mind that it was meant to be ...
- 547
8
votes
4
answers
691
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Is there a measure on most commonly included Optional Rules?
Context
A player amidst one of the groups decided to try his hand at DM'ing for the first time. It's going relatively well despite teething trouble (primarily from a mismatch of expected ideas after ...
- 1,931
8
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1
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2k
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Can a druid use Wild Companion and Wild Shape simultaneously?
The context for this is that a PC druid that is not yet level 8, wants to achieve flight by using the Wild Companion feature from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything to summon a familiar with a fly speed ...
- 343
2
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0
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79
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When are the monk's Slow Fall feature and similar features applied if I use the optional rule for falling onto another creature? [duplicate]
The monk's Slow Fall feature description states:
Beginning at 4th level, you can use your reaction when you fall to
reduce any falling damage you take by an amount equal to five times
your monk level....
- 37
11
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Is it "RAW-Legal" to combine TCE and SCAG Bladesingers?
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything updated Bladesinger wizards (originally from Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide) in a few key ways. For one, it expanded the Extra Attack feature to allow casting a cantrip ...
- 4,103
15
votes
6
answers
6k
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How to manage exhaustion when using Gritty Realism?
In my exploration-based game I am using a variant on the Gritty Realism optional rules. I have a good handle on most of the implications of this, however I have some concerns about my handling of the ...
- 31.1k
2
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0
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319
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How does a creature counter the Frightened condition? [closed]
Some conditions have obvious counters—-for example, if prone, a creature can stand. But how does a creature counter being frightened of another who has successfully intimidated it into being ...
- 143
7
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1
answer
2k
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Can I change the cantrip I get from my Pact Boon with Eldritch Versatility?
I need to check with my GM first whether this is allowed but I'm considering retraining one of my fourth level Warlock's cantrips she learnt from her Pact of the Tome. Looking at the optional class ...
- 13.7k
9
votes
4
answers
1k
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Potion Miscibility: growth and fire breath
Since our session zero we've included the Potion Miscibility variant rule but never used it 'til now.
The party (lvl 5 now) has hoarded quite a few potions - all common or uncommon level - and only ...
- 4,444
8
votes
1
answer
2k
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When using the Mixing Potions variant rule, if a 100 is rolled on the Potion Miscibility table, does the DM choose the permanent effect?
When using the Mixing Potions variant rule, if a 100 is rolled on the Potion Miscibility table, is the choice of permanent effects up to the DM?
The rules for rolling 100 on mixing potions is:
Only ...
- 4,444
6
votes
1
answer
5k
views
How does variant encumbrance affect monsters like Grells?
I'm running a game with variant encumbrance, and I'm wondering how the monsters would be affected. Obviously, heavily armed and armoured enemies would be hampered, but what about "drug and drag&...
- 67
15
votes
2
answers
1k
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Can a creature with Multiattack use Disarm with one of its attacks?
Noteably a creature with multiattack cannot Grapple or Shove instead of one of its attacks, because these are other types of attacks than those the creature can use multiattack for. However Disarm (...
- 820
14
votes
2
answers
8k
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How do the official firearms affect balance?
At least two other GMs and I will be running a shared game that uses the optional firearms from the DMG (pg 269). Renaissance arms will be available, and we will be deciding whether we will also make ...
- 327
13
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6
answers
16k
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What are the official options for alternate familiars using the Find Familiar spell?
Other than the options listed under the find familiar spell in the PHB, and the Pact of the Chain warlock, what other official options are available for familiars that can be summoned by find familiar?...
- 1,253
5
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1
answer
3k
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Do I need to convert spell points into sorcery points to use them for Metamagic options? If so, how does it work exactly?
I need help understanding how the Spell Points variant rule (DMG, p. 288-289) works with a sorcerer using Metamagic.
I had all my sorcery points and spell slots in spell points, but I just turned ...
- 3,193
3
votes
1
answer
6k
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Does the Wild Companion optional class feature for druids let them use spell slots to cast the Find Familiar spell?
Does the Wild Companion optional class feature for druids grant access to the find familiar spell?
Basically I'd rather hard cast it than waste the Wild Shape on it. The Circle of Stars druid's Starry ...
5
votes
1
answer
2k
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Does Blessed Strikes count as a magical effect?
In Tasha's Cauldron of Everything on page 31 the Optional Class Feature "Blessed Strikes" for Clerics is explained:
8th-level cleric feature, which replaces the Divine Strike or Potent ...
- 565
5
votes
1
answer
11k
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Does the "Changing a Skill" optional rule from Tasha's allow me to change a skill proficiency from the background for one offered by the class?
Does the "Changing a Skill" optional rule from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (p. 8) allow me to replace a skill proficiency from my background with a skill proficiency offered by my class?
...
- 113
14
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3
answers
30k
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Using the optional rule on falling onto a creature, is the fall damage divided between creatures before or after damage resistance/reduction?
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (p. 170) offers the following optional rule on falling onto a creature:
If a creature falls into the space of a second creature and neither of them is Tiny, the second ...
user60913
7
votes
2
answers
2k
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Are there any penalties for fighting in the same 5ft space?
A scenario occurred in my game tonight where the wizard used mold earth to cause a scenario of my barbarian and an opponent to be trapped in a 5x5 ft space that was 15ft down.
We played it as normal, ...
- 4,177
9
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2
answers
2k
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Customizing Your Origin and Reincarnate
The druid spell Reincarnate says "The reincarnated creature recalls its former life and experiences. It retains the capabilities it had in its original form, except it exchanges its original race ...
- 58.2k
5
votes
2
answers
5k
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How do you resolve the damage and effects of Eldritch Claw Tattoo's "Eldritch Maul" ability on a hit that is beyond your weapon's normal melee range?
The Eldritch Maul ability says:
each of your melee attacks with a weapon or an unarmed strike can reach a target up to 15 feet away from you, as inky tendrils launch toward the target. In addition, ...
- 215
4
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1
answer
2k
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Can Steady Aim be used by a rogue aboard a moving ship?
Can the Steady Aim optional class feature for rogues from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything be used when aboard a ship in motion, or other similar moving platform? What about a horse? The Steady Aim ...
- 177
8
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2
answers
9k
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Does the Beast Master ranger's Primal Companion optional class feature allow the beast to take two actions in a single turn?
The description of the Primal Companion optional class feature for Beast Master rangers says, in part (Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, p. 61):
In combat the beast acts during your turn. It can move ...
- 1,959
25
votes
1
answer
13k
views
Is there a reason not to take the optional class features from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything?
Tasha's Cauldron of Everything includes optional class features for every class from the Player's Handbook. Barbarians, for example, can choose to gain an extra skill proficiency at 3rd level, and/or ...
- 353
10
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2
answers
2k
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How does the Variant: Skills with Different Abilities rule affect the game?
The PHB mentions how it is possible to make ability checks based on different abilities, a variant "Skills with Different Abilities" rule.
In some situations, though, your proficiency might ...
- 47k
6
votes
1
answer
683
views
Using Wild Shape to hide (as a parasite)
A question came up in a game recently. Can a Druid use Wild Shape to transform into a parasitic animal and thus occupy the same square as the host, as well as smuggle the Druid into some other place?
...
- 69
7
votes
1
answer
359
views
Do bonus actions trigger the save from an Internal Injury?
One of the possible injuries from the optional "Lingering Injuries" table in the DMG is Internal Injury:
Internal Injury. Whenever you attempt an action in combat, you must make a DC 15 ...
- 19.4k
1
vote
1
answer
475
views
Could a Paladin use the Divine Smite ability on a disarm attack?
The Oath of Redemption Paladin that I DM for has asked me for clarification on disarming rules. I've decided to use the optional rules from page 271 of the DMG, which state:
Disarm
A creature can use ...
- 2,824
5
votes
1
answer
797
views
Which of the available options for downtime from XGtE would give the most money after one week?
In the "Downtime Revisited" section of Xanathar's Guide to Everything, pages 123-134, it gives you various suggestions with what to do with a week of downtime. My character is being given a ...
- 80.8k
9
votes
2
answers
1k
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Who decides which PHB variant rules are in play?
The rules variants presented in the DMG are clearly there for the DM to decide upon.
Some of the variants in the PHB say that they are the DM's prerogative. For example, "Variant: Customizing ...
- 58.2k
6
votes
1
answer
645
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Does the optional Overrun rule override the creature size requirements on moving through a hostile creature's space?
The standard rule on moving through other creatures' spaces state that in order to move through a hostile creature's space, a creature must be two sizes larger or smaller than the one whose space they ...
- 126k
7
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1
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21k
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How does the Overrun action work?
The action 'Overrun' is described in the DMG p. 272 as:
When a creature tries to move through a hostile creature's space, the mover can try to force its way through by overrunning the hostile ...
- 425
6
votes
1
answer
1k
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How do you use spell points as a Sorlock with the spell point variant rule?
I am currently playing an Elf that is a level 5 Warlock / level 3 Sorcerer. My DM has graciously let me take a few short rests in the morning after my trance and before we start the adventuring day, ...
- 183
3
votes
1
answer
2k
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Flanking with a dancing sword?
If we are using the optional flanking rules, i do not think a player can get advantage from a Dancing Sword, as it is not a character, but will the Dancing Sword get advantage on attacks when flanking ...
- 843
18
votes
1
answer
2k
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Can a lingering injury that requires "magical healing of 6th level or higher" be healed by an upcast lower-level spell?
The Lingering Injuries table in the DMG (p. 272) contains some wounds that can only be fixed by powerful healing magic, for instance:
Horrible Scar. You are disfigured to the extent that the wound ...
- 19.4k
37
votes
1
answer
8k
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Can elves trance in armor without any downsides?
The optional rule on sleeping in armor from Xanathar's Guide to Everything (p. 77-78) states
Sleeping in light armor has no adverse effect on the wearer, but sleeping in medium or heavy armor makes ...
- 605
8
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1
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2k
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How do Sanity saving throws work when resisting an effect conferred by an attack or spell that deals psychic damage?
I am playing with the Sanity ability score option (DMG, p. 265-266). One of the suggestions on Sanity saving throws states:
Sanity Saving Throws. You might call for a Sanity saving throw when a ...
- 2,368
11
votes
2
answers
2k
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Would a flying character fall prone after dashing if they had lost a leg?
Suppose I'm playing a character that has a flying speed (such as a Variant (Winged) Tiefling or an Aarakocra) and get critically hit. The DM rolls on the Lingering Injuries table and after rolling a 3 ...
- 6,392
15
votes
2
answers
5k
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Are there any rules about taking damage whilst holding your breath in combat?
Can't find any official rules about holding breath in combat in 5e. If there's a poisoned gas in the room, and party is fighting against some creature with poison immunity, like golem, and so this ...
- 298
9
votes
3
answers
3k
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Would Epic Heroism be an acceptable rule variant for a small, first-time group playing the Lost Mine of Phandelver adventure?
I'm DMing a group with 4 players. For all of us, this is our first D&D experience. We'll be playing the Lost Mine of Phandelver adventure from the Starter Set.
I'm concerned about the ...
- 426
11
votes
1
answer
784
views
What balance pitfalls result from this house rule modifying the optional Flanking rule?
As much as I enjoy 5e, one design issue sticks in my craw: combat is too static. Once initiative is rolled, everyone tends to move to a single position and stand there whacking enemies until someone ...
- 9,363
19
votes
2
answers
6k
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When using the Proficiency Dice optional rule, how should they be used in determining a character's Spell Save DC?
Previously, I've allowed my players to use the proficiency dice optional rule (DMG, pg. 263). When I was asked how they should calculate their spell save DCs with the proficiency dice, I had them just ...
- 505