I am an old school dm from back in the day. I have implemented the following changes to my games: Cantrips may be cast once per minute without consequence. If you cast the same cantrip within one miniute, the caster must make a DC 10 con save or gain a level of exhaustion. If cast a seco d time within one minute, the DC becomes 12. Add +2 to the DC each time the character spams the cantrip. The only exception is the Warlock with Eldritch Blast. The Warlock may cast Eldritch Blast to their hearts content. Stats are standard point buy only. You get the character that you want to play but you are limited to stats less than 17, when starting out. Average Hit Points. As per the PHB. It actually keeps everything in check. A player who rolls well for stats and HP can throw a wrench into the works and dominate encounters. No skill dogpiling. The first character to attemt a skill check in a situtation does so normally. Anyone else after that makes the check with disadvantage. Most times I simply allow a skill check to pass if it is not a life-or-death situation. However it may take a long time to pick a complex lock, or decipher Arcane runes... I use the Lingering Injuries table in the DMG, each time a creature or character recieves a Critical Hit. My players are much more cautious now.
I very much agree with the 3d6 for stats and the 8h short rest, one week long rest, but not with the no con mod for hitpoint. Removing the con modifier makes the con stat a dump stat. To reduce the hit point bloat I would suggest to drop every one by one dice size. Those who would roll d6 are back to d4, d8 back to d6, etc. Having cantrirps use a level 1 slot (but you always have them prepared) works. I like to raise every spell level by 1, but this is unfair to magic-users (but I have a biased against magic-users, sorry Mage's). I never thought of offering a choice between multiclassing and having feats; that's a good idea (although, I often forbid multi-classing).
For certain, there are many different approaches. When I started playtesting these ideas, one player said the exact same thing - Con will just be a dump stat, and subsequently went that route. He's the one who's died the most. Those initial hit points are important, but also Constitution saves are super common, and that's where he got bit the hardest... so it does all work out well. I like your idea of reducing the hit die by one factor, that's an interesting one.
I actually like these ideas. I agree with Reactionaryprinciple about cutting the hit point CON. You could also do the old rules and at level 9 or 10 players no longer roll hit points and only get their CON bonus. Early heavy hit points for sure but couple that with Grim Rest system and I think you have a winner for players on long adventures. Forcing them to be more tactful about combat. Also, love the cantrip limitation. Thanks for the great ideas. I'll never get to use them in my current group as some are the power players you mention. But hearing them whine about the possibility of these being implemented (because I'm sadistic) would be fun.
love the finger too! your humor with info is what brings me back. wish I could get my regular 5E players handle with these mods. as an old ADnDer I have always thought characters are too strong. I say learn to run sometimes and use what's between your ears not what's on the sheet!
I couldn't resist... even if I did risk a little backlash from people expecting my usual family friendly content. But it doesn't hurt to push the envelope just a little once in a while. 😁
Good vid I think if you really want something to also feel like an OSR game. You should also use the Speed Factor initiative variant. Found on page 270/271 of the DMG.
Yeah, this list is by no means comprehensive. There are many things to do that can spice up the 5e experience... but I wanted to keep it to 5 as a starting point.
I have been using 'Healer's Kit Dependency' - to gain the benefits of healing during a short rest, someone must expend one use of a healer's kit to bandage, tend to wounds. This adds a nice gritty touch to the game, and makes short rest a lot less cheesy.
I like most of these. Just starting a 5e keep on the borderlands campaign so I’m trying for old school. I did ask players to roll in order, but allow for a single swap of 2 scores which gives them the ability to play a specific class. I didn’t think 3d6 would fly with my group or I’d do that. Surprised you didn’t tackle death saves, that’s one of the biggest 5e problems imo. I play with a single death save, rolled the 2nd turn after the pc goes down effectively giving the entire party at least a turn to help. For Hp rather than nerfing con, I put each class at one lower hit die (so wizards are a d4 instead of d6, fighters are a d8 instead of d10 etc)
My 5e game actually uses a few more house rules, including stuff for death saves, but for the video I wanted to keep it tight. I may do another video expanding on options, if I ever catch up on the other videos and recaps I am way behind on!
I'm currently (if not super frequently) DMing 5e and Dragon of Icespire Peak after a couple of years break and drive into other systems. I thought hard about altering the rest mechanic and other aspects but settled on going pretty close to RAW for this expedition. It's been fun i must admit and we actually had a character death. First ever in 5e. She was reincarnated which was a fun mini adventure in itself. I don't think I would use rolling abilities on 5e, at least not with 3d6 as the system leans so heavily on ability modifiers. In OSR style systems I prefer 4d6, drop lowest and switch one score work another (only once). Switching rest mechanic and dropping con mods could be fun try at some point. It might take a while before trying another 5e game as there are so many great systems and my homebrew OSR system is beckoning as well.
Limiting cantrips has always been a sticking point with me I mean a fight don,t run out of sword swings and a thift isn,t going have a limit on the amount of locks he can pick here,s some food for thought maybe give said magic user has one cantrip that he can use over and over again and every few level they gain one new permanent cantrip until they hit the max amount of said class
If I ever play 5e again my thoughts have been leading towards this. No feats. Multiclassing? I would have to work out just what it is I would allow, but definitely no Barbarian and now I'd like to be a wizard kind of stuff. Healing Word and Counterspell gone. Roll for hit points beyond level 1. 3 d6, 6 times, put them where you want. Whatever your hit die is, is how far below zero hit points you can go before you die. Slower leveling and only to level 10 or 12. Might let the first 3 levels slide as per normal 5e. Fireball doesn't ever ignore a few of your party members. It hits everyone. Skills are gone, but you can add your prof bonus to two attributes as per the DMG optional rule. No darkvision for any player race. Torches matter, as well as how long they last. Encumbrance used. Carcass Crawler #1 from OSE has a good Encumbrance system or maybe even the 10 item limit from Shadowdark is slso fine. Anyway, just some stuff I've considered. There's more but you get the idea. Love the channel.
I definitely feel that 5e at its core isn't a bad chassis for a system... lots can be done with it if you're willing to tweak and pare things back a little. I find I don't mind running a pared back 5e game, I even look forward to it. It doesn't hold the same place as AD&D 1e or OSE for me, but it's still enjoyable on many levels.
For 5e, yes, I would just keep that baseline as-is. Of course, if you're itching to try it by all means let me know how it all works out in the wash, I'm always curious about experiments.
Tip #1: Throw your 5E books in the trash. Step 2# Stop using the roleplay session to tell your LAME story, in your LAME world and actually encourage ROLEPLAY. Now you're "Old School".
I am an old school dm from back in the day. I have implemented the following changes to my games:
Cantrips may be cast once per minute without consequence. If you cast the same cantrip within one miniute, the caster must make a DC 10 con save or gain a level of exhaustion. If cast a seco d time within one minute, the DC becomes 12. Add +2 to the DC each time the character spams the cantrip. The only exception is the Warlock with Eldritch Blast. The Warlock may cast Eldritch Blast to their hearts content.
Stats are standard point buy only. You get the character that you want to play but you are limited to stats less than 17, when starting out.
Average Hit Points. As per the PHB. It actually keeps everything in check. A player who rolls well for stats and HP can throw a wrench into the works and dominate encounters.
No skill dogpiling. The first character to attemt a skill check in a situtation does so normally. Anyone else after that makes the check with disadvantage. Most times I simply allow a skill check to pass if it is not a life-or-death situation. However it may take a long time to pick a complex lock, or decipher Arcane runes...
I use the Lingering Injuries table in the DMG, each time a creature or character recieves a Critical Hit.
My players are much more cautious now.
I very much agree with the 3d6 for stats and the 8h short rest, one week long rest, but not with the no con mod for hitpoint. Removing the con modifier makes the con stat a dump stat. To reduce the hit point bloat I would suggest to drop every one by one dice size. Those who would roll d6 are back to d4, d8 back to d6, etc.
Having cantrirps use a level 1 slot (but you always have them prepared) works. I like to raise every spell level by 1, but this is unfair to magic-users (but I have a biased against magic-users, sorry Mage's).
I never thought of offering a choice between multiclassing and having feats; that's a good idea (although, I often forbid multi-classing).
For certain, there are many different approaches. When I started playtesting these ideas, one player said the exact same thing - Con will just be a dump stat, and subsequently went that route. He's the one who's died the most. Those initial hit points are important, but also Constitution saves are super common, and that's where he got bit the hardest... so it does all work out well.
I like your idea of reducing the hit die by one factor, that's an interesting one.
I actually like these ideas. I agree with Reactionaryprinciple about cutting the hit point CON. You could also do the old rules and at level 9 or 10 players no longer roll hit points and only get their CON bonus. Early heavy hit points for sure but couple that with Grim Rest system and I think you have a winner for players on long adventures. Forcing them to be more tactful about combat. Also, love the cantrip limitation. Thanks for the great ideas. I'll never get to use them in my current group as some are the power players you mention. But hearing them whine about the possibility of these being implemented (because I'm sadistic) would be fun.
love the finger too! your humor with info is what brings me back.
wish I could get my regular 5E players handle with these mods.
as an old ADnDer I have always thought characters are too strong. I say learn to run sometimes and use what's between your ears not what's on the sheet!
LOL the finger
It's good to see Merlinstergandaldore again!
He's glad to be seen! (If not heard.) 🤐
Silent screams of joy!
🍻
Very clever, entertaining, and helpful.
Sign language. You went there and I love it.
I couldn't resist... even if I did risk a little backlash from people expecting my usual family friendly content. But it doesn't hurt to push the envelope just a little once in a while. 😁
Good vid
I think if you really want something to also feel like an OSR game. You should also use the Speed Factor initiative variant. Found on page 270/271 of the DMG.
Yeah, this list is by no means comprehensive. There are many things to do that can spice up the 5e experience... but I wanted to keep it to 5 as a starting point.
I have been using 'Healer's Kit Dependency' - to gain the benefits of healing during a short rest, someone must expend one use of a healer's kit to bandage, tend to wounds.
This adds a nice gritty touch to the game, and makes short rest a lot less cheesy.
I like most of these. Just starting a 5e keep on the borderlands campaign so I’m trying for old school. I did ask players to roll in order, but allow for a single swap of 2 scores which gives them the ability to play a specific class. I didn’t think 3d6 would fly with my group or I’d do that. Surprised you didn’t tackle death saves, that’s one of the biggest 5e problems imo. I play with a single death save, rolled the 2nd turn after the pc goes down effectively giving the entire party at least a turn to help. For Hp rather than nerfing con, I put each class at one lower hit die (so wizards are a d4 instead of d6, fighters are a d8 instead of d10 etc)
My 5e game actually uses a few more house rules, including stuff for death saves, but for the video I wanted to keep it tight. I may do another video expanding on options, if I ever catch up on the other videos and recaps I am way behind on!
This is fantastic advice. Totally stealing this!
I'm currently (if not super frequently) DMing 5e and Dragon of Icespire Peak after a couple of years break and drive into other systems. I thought hard about altering the rest mechanic and other aspects but settled on going pretty close to RAW for this expedition. It's been fun i must admit and we actually had a character death. First ever in 5e. She was reincarnated which was a fun mini adventure in itself.
I don't think I would use rolling abilities on 5e, at least not with 3d6 as the system leans so heavily on ability modifiers. In OSR style systems I prefer 4d6, drop lowest and switch one score work another (only once). Switching rest mechanic and dropping con mods could be fun try at some point. It might take a while before trying another 5e game as there are so many great systems and my homebrew OSR system is beckoning as well.
Limiting cantrips has always been a sticking point with me I mean a fight don,t run out of sword swings and a thift isn,t going have a limit on the amount of locks he can pick here,s some food for thought maybe give said magic user has one cantrip that he can use over and over again and every few level they gain one new permanent cantrip until they hit the max amount of said class
I wish i could convince my players to play ad&d but this might be a good compromise. Good suggestions!
We DID miss you, but better you let yourself rest and let your voice return.
The worst is behind, ol' Merle is back!
If I ever play 5e again my thoughts have been leading towards this. No feats. Multiclassing? I would have to work out just what it is I would allow, but definitely no Barbarian and now I'd like to be a wizard kind of stuff. Healing Word and Counterspell gone. Roll for hit points beyond level 1. 3 d6, 6 times, put them where you want. Whatever your hit die is, is how far below zero hit points you can go before you die. Slower leveling and only to level 10 or 12. Might let the first 3 levels slide as per normal 5e. Fireball doesn't ever ignore a few of your party members. It hits everyone. Skills are gone, but you can add your prof bonus to two attributes as per the DMG optional rule. No darkvision for any player race. Torches matter, as well as how long they last. Encumbrance used. Carcass Crawler #1 from OSE has a good Encumbrance system or maybe even the 10 item limit from Shadowdark is slso fine.
Anyway, just some stuff I've considered. There's more but you get the idea. Love the channel.
I definitely feel that 5e at its core isn't a bad chassis for a system... lots can be done with it if you're willing to tweak and pare things back a little. I find I don't mind running a pared back 5e game, I even look forward to it. It doesn't hold the same place as AD&D 1e or OSE for me, but it's still enjoyable on many levels.
Good video buddy
Thanks Hungar! Did your move go well?
@@Merlinstergandaldore doing good so far
hahaha I love the tips but seems to me that old Merlinstergandaldore isn't at all thrilled with them hehe
I don't think he likes anything where Ace-Erik is involved... 🤔
Those are some good ideas.
Most 5e players would not play that way.
Many would not, most likely, but it doesn't hurt to put alternatives out there to see who bites.
Love your vids!!
Thanks as always for your support, Tunka!
Hey, I recognise the cantrips restriction!!!
Yeah, great minds and all that.... 😁
Regarding the HP Bloat: Are we allowing hit dice rolled at levels higher than 10?
For 5e, yes, I would just keep that baseline as-is. Of course, if you're itching to try it by all means let me know how it all works out in the wash, I'm always curious about experiments.
Done with 5e since DCC has all I want from 5e and more and no vancian magic
Tip #1: Throw your 5E books in the trash. Step 2# Stop using the roleplay session to tell your LAME story, in your LAME world and actually encourage ROLEPLAY. Now you're "Old School".
Pining for a crossover featuring DM Zoff from @AgranakStudios
Will check them out!